Explore the best of Wales and Scotland on this 10-day adventure through nature, castles, coasts, and capital cities. Begin in Cardiff and head into the Brecon Beacons to see the stunning mountains, followed by two days exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast. Then, explore spectacular Snowdonia and the Cambrian Coast before crossing into Scotland. Next, go sightseeing in Edinburgh, tour the highlights of the Highlands, and visit the lochs and native wildlife.

Highlights

  • Explore the stunning Welsh mountains of Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia
  • Enjoy the highlights of the Pembrokeshire Coast, from Stackpole to St Davids 
  • Go sightseeing in Edingburgh and discover the best historical stops in Inverness 
  • Visit Trossachs National Park, cruise Loch Lomond and get to know native wildlife 

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive, Explore Cardiff, Welsh Valleys & Brecon Beacons Brecon Beacons
Days 2-3 Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast Narberth
Days 4 Tour the Cambrian Coast & Snowdonia Snowdonia
Days 5-6 Transfer to Edinburgh, Self-Guided Tour Edinburgh
Days 7-8 Explore Inverness Inverness
Day 9 Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park & Wildlife Tours Balquhidder
Day 10 Depart Cardiff  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive, Explore Cardiff, Welsh Valleys & Brecon Beacons

Cardiff Castle Keep
Visit Cardiff Castle, a former Roman fort

Welcome to Wales! Upon arrival, gather your bags and head to the capital city center. Then, it's time to explore Cardiff. Spend time at Cardiff Castle, home of the Marquess of Bute and a former Roman fort, or head to his fairy tale holiday home at Castell Coch. Then, visit the second-largest castle in Britain nestled in the Welsh Valleys at Caerphilly. From here, carry on to explore some of Wales's most beautiful valleys, rich in local history and folklore, with the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains as your backdrop.

Head deep into the Brecon Beacons National Park and take in the wild landscape of high peaks, mountain grasslands, and heather plateaus with glacial lakes, rushing streams, and spectacular Ystradfellte waterfalls. Next, make a trip to Penderyn Whisky Distillery, followed by a stop in the small booklovers' town of Hay-on-Wye. With its two Norman castles and over 20 bookshops, Hay-on-Wye is the secondhand book capital of the world and home to a world-famous literary festival.

Following an active first day, head to your accommodations in the Brecon Beacons and get some rest this evening. 

Days 2-3: Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast

Pembroke Castle
Wander southwest Wales' largest castle, Pembroke Castle

Spend two days discovering the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, world-renowned for its breathtaking seascapes. Stroll the Stackpole estate, complete with sandy beaches, wooded valleys, and its famous lily ponds. Next, visit St Davids, a tiny-but-magical city with its impressive St Davids Cathedral and Bishop's Palace.

Then, it's on to explore the largest castle in southwest Wales, the stunning Pembroke Castle—the birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor Dynasty. Continue to experience the windswept coastal scenery. Warm up with a hot chocolate overlooking the sea, have a snack at a harborside pub, or dine in one of Pembrokeshire's top fish restaurants. The evenings are yours to enjoy in Narbeth.

Days 4: Tour the Cambrian Coast & Snowdonia

Cambrian Coast
Explore the Cambrian Coast today

Get ready to explore the Cambrian Coast today. It's a loosely-defined, mountain-backed strip of land that runs from Cardigan Bay to the Llyn Peninsula in the north. The winding coastal route is full of spectacular coastal views. 

Begin by discovering the legends of Harlech, a pretty village and home to the spectacular Harlech Castle. Next, explore Snowdonia, which evokes tales of magic, giants, and dragons. Find Llyn Llydaw, the lake where King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, was allegedly thrown. If you're not one for hiking Wales's tallest peak of Mount Snowdon, take a ride up the Snowdon Mountain Railway instead.

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Then, visit the medieval Caernarfon Castle, the official residence of Edward I, before touring Conwy, Europe's finest surviving example of a medieval town and home to magnificent Conwy Castle. Next, head to the world-renowned Bodnant Garden, nestled in the hills of Snowdonia. If time permits, head over to the riverside town of Llangollen and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct before retiring for the night in Snowdonia. 

Days 5-6: Transfer to Edinburgh, Self-Guided Tour

Cross into Scotland to tour the best of Edinburgh
Cross into Scotland to tour the best of Edinburgh

Today, cross into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, which offers a charming mix of medieval cobbled alleyways and elegant Georgian design among rocky hills. Spend two days exploring the best of the city. 

Take a tour of the namesake Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the townscape, followed by a visit to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of kings and queens since the 16th century. Next, stroll through Old Town's picturesque Royal Mile and visit the Scottish National Gallery. Then, follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson at the Writer's Museum, or visit the famous 12th-century Lewis Chessmen and many Celtic artifacts on display at the National Museum of Scotland. End the eventful day at Calton Hill to watch the sunset over Edinburgh.

Enjoy dinner in a truly atmospheric restaurant by Edinburgh Castle with a unique and historic feel on one night, and spend the other at a top Scottish chef's relaxed restaurant on the edge of the city.

Days 7-8: Explore Inverness

Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle

It's time to head into the Scottish Highlands. For the next two days, explore Inverness, the historic town that sits on Loch Ness's shores and the Highlands' capital. See the wonderful Cawdor Castle, an impressive structure built around a legendary thorn tree. Then, take a boat trip around Loch Ness to truly appreciate the castles, monuments, wildlife, and scenery. Make sure to stop at the Victorian Market, the nearby Bronze Age Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Fort George, and The Highlanders' Museum.

Day 9: Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park & Wildlife Tours

Arrochar
Arrochar near Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Today, explore Trossachs National Park, which is overflowing with mountains, lochs, forests, and glens—there are breathtaking views wherever you go. It's an excellent base for scenic walks to explore wildlife and nature. Next, take a cruise on Loch Katrine or kayak on Loch Lomond if you prefer something more active. Then, it's on to the Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium and Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre to learn more about the native species. 

Finally, it's time for a toast! Tour Scotland's most picturesque distillery at Glengoyne before finding the Falls of Dochart, which run through the small town of Killin. While there, find out more about the local folklore and clan history. Finally, visit Arrochar, which sits in the high mountains, and Aberfoyle on the banks of the River Forth in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

The last night is at your leisure in Balquhidder.

Day 10: Depart Cardiff

Farewell, Wales!
Farewell, Wales!

Today, make the transfer back to Wales and prepare for your departure flight out of Cardiff. Safe Travels!

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Map

Map of Best of Wales & Scotland: Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, Edinburgh, Inverness & More - 10 Days
Map of Best of Wales & Scotland: Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia, Edinburgh, Inverness & More - 10 Days