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The sense of the past is ever-present in Cymru (the native name for Wales): it’s the land of the Druids, the bards, and the real home of King Arthur; where Celtic Britain was most successful in repelling foreign invaders; and where her last kings ruled. It also possesses a magical natural beauty, exemplified by remote valleys with picturesque medieval villages where all the homes are built of local natural stone, the Llyn Peninsula’s gentle heather-covered hills that dip to the Irish Sea, and the dramatic and rugged mountains of Snowdonia National Park, where modern climbers have trained for ascents of the world’s great mountains (including Everest!). Our adventure in this much under-appreciated destination is an in-depth discovery of that rich and colorful past: along with invigorating hikes along the country’s historic footpaths and byways, you’ll be immersed in the country’s unique rich culture, highly cherished and a place of pride in the heart of every Welsh national. The bilingual signs are reminders that this is not England!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike ancient pilgrims’ and drovers’ trails on an itinerary exclusive to MTS!
  
• Explore the ruins of ancient abbeys and 13th-century castles, and beautiful medieval villages tucked in rolling hills and valleys
  
• An excellent blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural interest—and great hikes, too!
  

Day 1 - Arrive in Manchester, England, and drive to the picturesque Ceiriog Valley, Wales.. Afternoon walk to the nearby ruins of Dinas Bran Castle. Evening performance by a men’s choir (the Welsh are celebrated for their melodic singing).

Day 2 - Hike along Offa’s Dyke Path to the town of Pontfadog, with a stop at Chirk Castle on the way.

Day 3 - Travel to Snowdonia National Park for a walk in the Ogwen Valley, a climber’s paradise.

Day 4 - Hike past waterfalls and up to the summit of Snowdon (3,560'), the highest peak in Wales. (Sir Edmund Hillary trained for Everest here!) Transfer to Llanbedr.

Day 5 - Visit a traditional Welsh mountain farm, then hike an ancient trail across the mountains to a spectacular 5,000-year-old burial chamber.

Day 6 - Hike a section of the classic Drover’s trail, used by drovers who shepherded their sheep and cattle to the markets in England for hundreds of years.

Day 7 - Transfer to Nefyn, stopping for coffee at the Welsh Language College. From Porth Towyn, hike the coastal path back to town.

Day 8 - Transfer to the picturesque village of Aberdaron for a breathtaking coastal walk along the Pilgrim’s Trail. Overnight in Nefyn.

Day 9 - Visit Caernarfon Castle, built by Edward I to suppress Welsh rebellions against the English, before returning to the Manchester airport for departure.

Photo Credits
©Danita Delimont