Welsh Wonders - Cash, Coal & Gin

Day 1

A morning departure as we head to South Wales and our hotel the luxury Parkway Hotel & Spa, Cwmbran, time to relax and check into our rooms before Dinner in the hotel.

Day 2

This morning, we have a fascinating guided tour of the Royal Mint Experience. We go behind the scenes of coin making to see an exhibition of precious historical coins and rare artefacts which includes the Alfred the Great penny, a staggering 1,100 years old. This afternoon, we head to the Rhondda Heritage Park for a tour of the colliery by ex-coal miners. Providing first hand commentary of life underground, our knowledgeable guides reveal the international story of Welsh coal and the colliery owner who wrote the first one-million-pound cheque! Dinner in the hotel.

Day 3

Today we start with some free time in the welcoming city of Cardiff to explore its wide range of attractions and discover more of its history and culture. This afternoon, we visit Dyffryn House & Gardens. Set in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan and built by coal mine owner, John Cory, the Edwardian gardens have something for everyone from the Internationally themed gardens including the Pompeiian Garden and Exotics Garden, sweeping formal lawns to the kitchen gardens and large arboretum. Dinner in the hotel

Day 4

Our first visit today see's us step aboard the historic Brecon Mountain Railway for a return journey from Pant to Torpantau. Pulled by a vintage Steam Locomotive, our all-weather observation carriage will provide us with the perfect view of the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park. This afternoon, we have a guided tour and gin tasting at the Hensol Castle Distillery. Situated in the Vale of Glamorgan countryside in a 17th century castle, we will be treated to an immersive guided tour of the distillery, craftmanship of gin-making, the historic castle, and most importantly, tutored gin tasting. Final dinner in the hotel

Day 5

We leave our hosts at the Parkway hotel for the return journey home

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner