Great Little Trains of North Wales & Portmeirion

We discover the historic railways and meandering tramways of North Wales on this fantastic five-day break, where the lovely Welsh scenery and endless panoramas of the Snowdonia National Park create spectacular and memorable journeys. We're based in Llandudno, the 'Queen of the Welsh Resorts', and enjoy a visit to the unique, Italianate village of Portmeirion. Just imagine hearing the faint lapping of waves and admiring brightly coloured cottages and domed buildings, as you head to an authentic gelateria…no, you're not in Italy, this is Wales!What's Included?
Includes- Return coach travel- 4 nights at a selected hotel in Llandudno (JG2+ or JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Entertainment some evenings- Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion- Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway- Free time in Llandudno

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsCaernarfon & Welsh Highland Railway (full day)We travel to Caernarfon, a charming town with a thriving harbour located on the eastern shore of the Menai Straits. The main landmark of Caernarfon is the mighty castle ordered by Edward I in the 13th century, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.In the afternoon we board the Welsh Highland Railway and enjoy a picturesque trip to the quaint village of Beddgelert, admiring the awe-inspiring scenery of the Snowdonia National Park along the way. Stunning coastlines, ancient woodlands, towering mountains, sparkling rivers and historic castles create an enchanting and memorable journey.Great Orme Tramway & free time in Llandudno (full day)This morning we board the Great Orme Tramway, Britain's only cable-hauled public road tramway which has been delighting visitors since it opened in 1902. We embark on a scenic journey up to the summit of the Great Orme, passing through the Great Orme Country Park and Nature Reserve. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea and mountains as we travel in the original, lovingly-restored Victorian tramcars.Please note: due to its Victorian design, the Great Orme Tramway may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Please visit greatormetramway.co.uk/en/access-statement for some information. There will also be some walking involved from the coach drop off point to the tramway station.Later we enjoy some free time at leisure in our resort. Llandudno is known as the 'Queen of the Welsh Resorts' and is famed for its golden beach flanked by two headlands, the Great and Little Ormes, and its wonderful air of traditional Victorian charm. From strolling along the beautiful coast to exploring the famous Llandudno pier, or perhaps a spot of shopping at the Victoria Centre, there is plenty to do here.Portmeirion & Ffestiniog Railway (full day)Architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis designed and built the Italianate village of Portmeirion after being inspired by visits to the Mediterranean. Its unique atmosphere has seen it featured on camera many times, most famously in the 1960s TV series, The Prisoner. Enjoy browsing the cluster of historic cottages and iconic architecture, admire the glorious views, and indulge in ice cream in the authentic Italian-style gelateria.After a morning here, we travel to the harbour town of Porthmadog to catch the Ffestiniog Railway to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau. The train climbs over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures, magnificent forests, lakes and waterfalls.

Llandudno
Wales' largest resort with the attractions to match - so whether you fancy a ride in the UK's only cable hauled tramway to the top of the Great Orme, standing majestically over Llandudno's bay, or perhaps a stroll down the longest pier in Wales with its traditional stalls and entertainment, Llandudno is the perfect coach trip destination and offers a great time for all ages at any time of year.
Hotel
Grand Hotel, LlandudnoJG2+ ratingThe Grand Hotel is a splendid Victorian building situated on the seafront, beside Llandudno pier. The hotel offers traditional en-suite rooms with TV and tea and coffee-making facilities, a bar and restaurant. It also boasts lovely views of the bay and also has a games room and an elegant ballroom. All meals are buffet style.White Heather Hotel, LlandudnoJG2+ ratingThe traditional White Heather Hotel is situated 100 yards from Llandudno's North Shore beach. Hotel features include en-suite rooms with a flat-screen TV, a bar, terrace and restaurant.County Hotel, LlandudnoJG3 ratingBeautifully located on the Llandudno's promenade, directly overlooking the beach and with views out to sea, the County Hotel, Llandudno offers comfortable and stylish accommodation in a well-maintained Victorian setting. The hotel includes a bar and restaurant, while the en-suite rooms feature a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and tea/coffee-making facilities.Hotel RatingJG2+ ratingJG2+ rated hotels offer a slightly higher standard of hospitality, often with good home cooking plus enhanced décor, facilities and services, which is recognised and welcomed by our customers. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. They may also enjoy an enviable location and/or higher levels of satisfaction on online hotel rating sites and our own customer feedback surveys.JG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.