Your Host: Camille Ostler

April 17 

Depart for the United Kingdom on an overnight international flight. (non-stop from SLC to London).

 

April 18 

Arrive at London Heathrow and transfer to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Upon arrival in Cardiff, check in and settle into accommodations. The evening is free for rest or independent exploration of the city center, Cardiff Bay, or nearby parks and shops.

 

April 19 

Start the day with a panoramic guided tour of Cardiff, passing key landmarks including the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Bay, the National Museum, and the city’s civic center. Visit Cardiff Castle, a historic fortress with Roman origins and elaborate Victorian interiors. Later, explore St Fagans National Museum of History, an open-air museum that features over forty historical buildings relocated from different parts of Wales. Depart Cardiff and drive through the scenic Black Mountains region, part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, known for its stunning views and rural beauty. Arrive in Rhayader for the evening.

 

April 20 

Begin the morning with a visit to the Elan Valley, a striking area of reservoirs, dams, and woodlands. This peaceful setting offers excellent opportunities for photography and light walking. Continue on to Devil’s Bridge Falls, where participants can choose between the short nature trail to the waterfall or the more challenging Three Bridges Walk, a unique architectural feature with three historic bridges stacked on top of each other. In the afternoon, travel north to visit Caernarfon Castle, one of Wales’s most iconic castles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day in Llandudno, a classic Victorian seaside resort town, where the group will stay for two nights.

 

April 21 

Take a ride on the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway, ascending the highest peak in Wales and offering spectacular views over Snowdonia National Park. Spend some time in Caernarfon with free time to explore the town. Guests who wish can visit Caernarfon Castle independently. Later in the day, visit the whimsical and picturesque Portmeirion Village, designed in Italianate style and set along the coast with gardens, shops, and artful architecture. Make a stop in Beddgelert, a charming village nestled in the mountains, known for its stone cottages and legendary tale of Gelert the dog.

 

April 22 

Start the day with a visit to Conwy Castle, a dramatic medieval fortress with coastal views and well-preserved towers and battlements. Travel to Llangollen, a beautiful town on the River Dee known for its riverside walks, canal boats, and mountain backdrop. Continue east to the historic English city of Chester. Enjoy some guided orientation followed by free time to explore the Roman walls, Tudor-style buildings, and unique shopping galleries known as “The Rows.” Evening arrival in Liverpool.

 

April 23

Spend the morning visiting the Royal Albert Dock and the Beatles Story Museum, which offers an immersive journey through the life and legacy of the Beatles. The remainder of the day is free to explore Liverpool’s museums, shops, and waterfront independently.

 

April 24 

Transfer to the airport for return flights home.