Region Overviews: Europe Travel Guide: Overview
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
Endless comes to mind in southern Wales. A seemingly infinite patchwork of Welsh valleys and fields blazing purple and gold. A castle around every corner. Bountiful layers of history and archaeological wonders. Uninterrupted coastal views. Surprising discoveries of lakes below weather-worn cliffs. The possibilities, it seems, are boundless.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels*
Start/End Cardiff
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
From Cardiff, venture to stunning Brecon Beacons National Park and try your first taste of Welsh scones and tea | Climb into the heart of the mountains along a fern-lined path to the summit of Fan y Big, one of the park's highest peaks | Atop an escarpment, take in sweeping views of emerald-green hills and valleys | Come home to elegant Llangoed Hall, the site of the first Welsh Parliament and former home of fashion icon Laura Ashley | Follow part of Offa's Dyke Path National Trail, tracing an 8th-century earthen ditch built at the command of King Offa of Mercia | Enter the rugged sandstone-dominated Black Mountains, covered in grasses and windswept heather | Grand vistas of the valley below unfold before you: farmland, rural hamlets and perhaps glimpses of soaring birds of prey and Welsh mountain ponies | On the border with England, arrive at charming Hay-on-Wye, the town of books.
Dating back to 1885, this luxurious country house and fishing hotel sits near the Usk River and is surrounded by the Black Mountains and stunning gardens.
Climb to Llyn y Fan Lakeland, enchanting lakes created by ancient glaciers | Journey through a remote valley and ascend impressive hillsides to find stunning views of the Fforest Fawr | Welcome to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Britain's most breathtaking coastline, complete with craggy cliffs, twisting estuaries and secluded coves | Starting at scenic Whitesands Bay beach, a favorite of surfers, head up to an overlook for views of Ramsey Island and perhaps spot porpoises below | Jaunt into small harbors filled with colorful fishing boats | Learn about Pembrokeshire's agricultural and industrial history | Explore the tiny city of St. David's, named after the patron saint of Wales and known for its magnificent 12th-century cathedral and ruins.
Nestled in the heart of the rolling Pembrokeshire countryside, the peaceful and intimate Grove of Narberth is surrounded by ancient oak trees, flowerbeds and emerald meadows and offers views of the Preseli Hills.
Relish views of some of the UK's most beloved beaches, following an undulating path over rolling wildflower-strewn terrain | A shimmering seascape provides the backdrop for impressive rock formations | Rub elbows with locals in the tiny village of Stackpole | Get to know the fabulously colorful, quirky and historic town of Tenby with its medieval walls and picturesque seaside setting | Visit a hillside-perched grand castle and tour the Norman and Tudor fortress' magnificent ruins, gardens and woodland.
A contemporary and cozy hotel set on a cliff overlooking Carmarthen Bay. Enjoy the infinity pool rain or shine and the views from floor-to-ceiling windows. (pool, spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS
An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | +$2,400 for Europe and +$2,900 for North America | Call us to book your Rendezvous
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: The terrain on this trip is mostly rolling, with some moderate and occasionally steep ascents and descents. Many of our hikes are on boggy and uneven trails, pavement and dirt roads that can be wet, muddy and rocky. We also traverse some steep mountain paths. Please note that on several sections of our hikes the van will be unable to intersect the route.
Encapsulating 50 nations and a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity, Europe is a traveler’s playground.
Stay up to date on the latest Backroads news. You’re free to opt out at any time.