Criccieth & Snowdonia 7 Days - George Iv Hotel
Criccieth lies on the South side of the Llyn Peninsula with splendid views over Cardigan Bay. It is home to a medieval castle, built by the Welsh in the mid-thirteenth century but later taken by Edward I who incorporated it into his ring of castles designed to maintain Norman control. It was captured by Owain Glyndwr in the uprising of 1404 and the scorch marks from that battle can still be seen! The castle headland divides the town into two with a pebbly beach to the West and a lovely sheltered mainly sandy beach to the East. Nearby is the village of Llanystumdwy, which boasts a museum devoted to David Lloyd George, the “Welsh Wizard”, whose family once lived in Criccieth. The countryside around Criccieth is breathtaking with fabulous coastal views over Cardigan Bay, awesome mountain scenery in Snowdonia and delightful gardens and castles at every turn.
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Outward Travel
Day 2 - Caernarfon & Snowdonia
Dominated by the imposing Norman castle, Caernarfon also boasts a museum dedicated to the Royal Welch Fusiliers (entry fees apply)./nThe story of the town is told in an exhibition at Oriel Pendeitsh (entry fee applies). /nAlongside the redeveloped harbour, bustling with sailing boats and motor yachts, is the Galeri arts centre (entry fee may apply)./nThe harbour town of Porthmadog has a long maritime history, which is explored in the town's Maritime Museum (entry fee applies)./nIn the lively mountain town of Llanberis, we find a quarry museum, country park (both free entry), and narrow gauge railway (fares apply)./n
Day 3 - Day at Leisure
Day 4 - Day at Leisure
Day 5 - Ffestiniog & Porthmadog
Discover Blaenau Ffestiniog - once the major centre of the slate mining industry before we visit coastal Porthmadog - a delightful harbour town with a long maritime history. /n
Day 6 - Bala & Betws-y-Coed
Beside Llyn (Lake) Tegid, the resort town of Bala is a haven for dinghy sailors and windsurfers. /nBala Lake Railway provides excellent views of the lake and its surrounding pastoral and woodland scenery (train ride not included)./nThe village has a variety of cafés, an arts centre and a High Street with several independent traditional shops./nThe wooded village and popular mountain resort of Betws-y-Coed is in a picturesque setting where three rivers meet. /nThere is a quirky station with a railway museum attached and an art gallery (entry fees may apply) as well as numerous craft shops. /n
Day 7 - Return Travel
George IV Hotel
Situated on the High Street in the centre of Criccieth with magnificent views towards the sea and castle from many bedrooms. The George IV is an iconic hotel and a popular choice for coach holidays to Criccieth. The hotel now has 76 bedrooms with central heating and bath or shower and WC (most have bath and shower). All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, intercom, hair dryer and television with radio channels. Extensive public areas include a delightful intimate bar, attractive large restaurant, entertainment room with additional bar and a cosy lounge.