Start and end of the tour.  The starting point of the tour is Betws-y-Coed, a large village which has its own rail station on a branch line which connects with the main network at Llandudno Junction.  The train service between the rail stations at Llandudno Junction and Betws-y-Coed is supplemented by a direct bus service.

However a simpler way to reach Betws-y-Coed by public transport is to take the main line train to Bangor (rather than Llandudno Junction), and then a direct bus (approx. once per hour, at least in summer) from Bangor rail station to Betws-y-Coed.

Bus timetables are available at www.traveline.cymru

The tour ends at Beddgelert, from which either a changes of buses in Caernarfon or a direct taxi is required to reach the main line rail station in Bangor.

Train timetable and fares information is on the internet at www.nationalrail.co.uk.  Rail tickets can be bought at station booking offices or online in advance.  Local bus information and timetables are available on the website of Gwynedd Council at https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/en/Residents/Parking-roads-and-travel/Bus-timetables/Bus-timetables.aspx and at www.traveline.cymru

Rail links with major airports. 

The most convenient international airports for this tour are Manchester and Birmingham, which both have their own rail stations on the national network.  The station at Birmingham airport is called Birmingham International.

From Manchester Airport to Betws-y-Coed involves at least one change of train (or train to bus) at Llandudno Junction. However we have found it simpler to take the train to Bangor (some direct trains from Manchester Airport), then bus to Betws-y-Coed.  The journey from Bangor back to Manchester Airport also involves one or two changes.  Journey time is about 3.5 to 4 hours from Manchester Airport to Betws-y-coed and about 2.5 to 3 hours between Bangor and Manchester Airport.

From Birmingham International to Betws-y-Coed also involves at least 1 change of train (or train to bus) at Llandudno Junction.  Between Bangor and Birmingham there are some direct trains, but at some times of day 1 or 2 changes may be required.  Journey time is about 3 to 3.5 hours.

Note: on Sundays and public holidays more changes may be required and services may be less frequent. Engineering work and other factors may cause longer journey times and you should check the connections for the days on which you wish to travel  www.nationalrail.co.uk.  

Tour code Y7E:
7 nights tour: £990. Single room *: £1485

• * Single room = single room price (applicable for one room when 3 or 5 persons book together).
• We do not normally accept solo travellers on this tour.
  
• All rooms have en-suite or private bathroom facilities.
• Extra nights: Up to £90 per person per extra night. Single rooms will cost more.

Prices quoted are per person on basis of two people in double or twin-bedded rooms. Included in the price are bed and breakfast each night, with baggage transfers, maps and route directions. ‘ES’ (en suite) facilities means that there is a private bathroom with shower or tub and toilet within the main door of your room. ‘Private facilities’ means that the private bathroom may be outside the main door of your room. When the booking is made for a party of 3 or 5 customers, a single room supplement is payable. Normally a maximum of one single room per booking.

Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) takes its name from Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), at 1085m the highest peak in Wales and England. The mountain is surrounded by dramatic ridges, deep glacial cwms and lakes such as Llyn Llydaw and Glaslyn, with walking routes to the summit from all directions.

Our tour begins in Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia, before following the River Llugwy past the spectacular Swallow Falls to Capel Curig. From here you may climb Moel Siabod, one of the finest viewpoints in Britain, or explore the surrounding moorlands.

A transfer to Pen-y-Pass leads either to Snowdon itself or a scenic walk through the Nant Gwynant valley to Beddgelert. Based in Beddgelert, there are opportunities to climb Snowdon by quieter routes such as the Snowdon Ranger or Watkin Path, explore the Pass of Aberglaslyn, or ascend the distinctive peak of Cnicht.

There is also time for excursions to the coast, including the Italianate village of Portmeirion or the historic town of Caernarfon with its magnificent medieval castle.