In just five days, you can still explore the best of south, north, central, and coastal Wales. For a more well-rounded Welsh tour, you can visit up to four destinations, while a more focused vacation allows for time in two areas. Choose between cultural exploration and castle visits from Cardiff to Caernarfon or hiking and good eats from the Brecon Beacons to the Pembrokeshire Coast. There's even time to cross into England for beer tastings and culinary tours.

Itinerary #1: Best of Wales

Enjoy this best-of trip from south to central to north Wales. Tour the most famous castles, explore the prettiest natural landmarks, and ride the best railway in the world.

The extraordinary Tintern Abbey was built by monks in the 12th century
Visit the extraordinary Tintern Abbey, built by Cistercian monks in the 12th century
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cardiff, Tour Tintern Abbey & Transfer to the Brecon Beacons Brecon Beacons
Day 2 Discover the Brecon Beacons Brecon Beacons
Day 3 Explore Central Wales & Castle Visits Llandudno
Day 4 Tour the Northern Coast, Snowdonian Mountain Railway & Caernarfon Llandudno
Day 5 Conwy Tales with a Lady of Wales Trail, Craft Beer Tasting & Depart  


Once you touch down in the capital, head north to tour the ancient Tintern Abbey and take a scenic walk around Monmouthshire, which sits on the beautiful River Wye. Then it's an early rise the following day to tour the highlights of Brecon Beacons National Park and spend some active time in this outdoor playground fishing, paddling, or cycling. 

Next, head to Cental Wales and stop at Wolf's Leap to see the Irish bridges and Devil's Staircase. Drive through the beautiful countryside to Llandovery, tour two castles, and continue through the incredible Snowdonia National Park to Llandudno. On day four, explore Anglesey on the northern coast before riding the Snowdon Mountain Railway for an unforgettable adventure. Take a unique historical tour of Conwy in the morning before heading to Chester, England, for a hoppy farewell toast. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Culinary Tour of Wales 

Bring your appetite to this food and outdoor tour! This getaway has everything from fresh seafood to local whiskey and wine tastings to excellent mountain hikes.  

The enchanting Harlech Castle in North Wales
See the enchanting Harlech Castle in North Wales
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Wye Valley & Brecon Beacons Brecon Beacons
Days 2-3 Pembrokeshire Narberth
Day 4 Cambrian Coast Snowdonia
Day 5 Adventure in Snowdonia Snowdonia


Kick things off with a drive through Wye Valley into the Brecon Beacons, passing the medieval town of Tintern along the way. Stop at Penderyn Whisky Distillery for a behind-the-scenes look, followed by a taste of biodynamic wines at Acre Hills. Spend the next two days exploring the jagged Pembrokeshire Coast, stop at Café Mor for lobster rolls, take a boat to Skomer Island to visit native puffins, and enjoy more fresh seafood overlooking Carmarthen Bay

Day four welcomes you to the Cambrian Coast for spectacular ocean views and stops at sleepy seaside towns, followed by a visit to Harlech, famous for its castle, and time to explore a makeshift Italian village. A special ending awaits in Snowdownia—hike or ride the railway to the top of Mt Snowdon to snap a few last photos, followed by a biking trip in Coed-y-Brenin. Learn more

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Itinerary #3: Hike Wales: the Pembrokeshire Coast 

Experience Wales differently on this unique hiking excursion along the impressive Pembrokeshire Coast. Gear up and explore natural and archaeological wonders, including volcanic cliffs, coastal plateaus, and burial chambers.  

Spend your days hiking among the dramatic Pembrokeshire cliffs
Spend your days hiking among the dramatic Pembrokeshire cliffs
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Fishguard & Bus to Newport, Hike Newport to Fishguard Fishguard
Day 2 Hike Fishguard to Pwll Deri Fishguard
Day 3 Hike Pwll Deri to Trefin Fishguard
Day 4 Hike Trefin to Whitesands & Transfer to St Davids St Davids
Day 5 Hike the Pembroke Coast, Boat Ride & Depart  


Travel by train to the seaside town of Fishguard on the far west of Pembrokeshire. Lace-up for your first hike—take the bus to Newport to visit a neolithic burial chamber and the cliff tops before reaching Dinas Island, with views in all directions, and stop to see the remains of a churchyard and the curved Pwll Gwylog beach. On day two, hike to Pwll Deri with its massive volcanic cliffs and rocky outcrops, check out the port town of Goodwick, and visit the lighthouse at Strumble Head

Next, hike to Trefin to see more cliffs and enjoy fabulous views. Visit a working woolen mill and stop at Abercastle to visit the burial chamber of Carreg Samson. Then, hike to a small village en route to Whitesands and stop at a secluded beach. More high cliffs are had before reaching Abereiddy, and the day winds down with some sightseeing in St Davids. The final hike leads you to Solva with incredible bay views, followed by a boat ride around Ramsey Island before it's time to go home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Wales & England: Coastal Culture, Cuisine & Castles 

From south to north, this coastal adventure blends Welsh eats, outdoor exploration, and castle tours—with a delectable English finale. 

Visit Cardiff City Hall while on a food tour in the capital
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cardiff, Cosmopolitan Cardiff Food Tour Cardiff
Day 2 Tour Tintern Abbey, Self-Guided Tour of Hay-on-Wye Bookshops Hay-on-Wye
Day 3 Brecon Beacons Tour, Gower Coast Boat Trip & Tenby Ghost Walk Tenby
Day 4 Tour Caldey Island, Free Time in Portmeirion & Visit Caernarfon Castle Caernarfon
Day 5 Llangollen Railway & Craft Beer Tasting & Eat the City Tour in England, Depart  


Upon arrival in the capital city of Cardiff, take "The Cosmopolitan Cardiff Food Tour," which features a variety of cuisines and a hefty serving of sightseeing, from Cardiff Castle to City Hall. Next, head north to visit a 12th-century monastery landmark abbey, followed by a tour of the quaint, book lovers' town of Hay-on-Wye

Day three is a tour of the breathtaking Brecon Beacons to take in the stunning panorama of Usk Valley and Carreg Cennen Castle overlooking Black Mountain. Then, get to know the marine wildlife on a boat tour of the Gower Coast and end the day in Tenby on the harbor. Wake up and visit Caldey Island, St Davids, and the Italian-inspired village of Portmeirion, followed by a stop at the magnificent Caernarfon Castle. The finale invites you to board the Llangollen Heritage Railway before crossing into Chester, England, for a craft beer tasting and onward to Manchester for a food tour. Learn more

More Great Wales Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Wales? Check out these other Wales itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

Map

Map of 5 Days in Wales - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Map of 5 Days in Wales - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas