Optional Extensions
Wales
Pre- or Post-Trip, 7 Days
Get acquainted with the lovely landscapes of Wales during a seven-day pre- or post-trip extension. Explore the picturesque mountains of Cambria and South Wales, discover tiny hamlets, venture into medieval castles and walled towns, and visit some of Great Britain's most exquisite gardens.
The itinerary below describes the pre-trip extension. The post-trip extension, available for the expedition from Bergen to Portsmouth, follows the itinerary in the reverse order, and is six days long as it does not include the day spent in transit from Newark to London.Itinerary - 7 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./London/Llangammarch Wells
Depart the United States, arriving in London the next day and travel by road to Wales. Our first stop is Tintern Abbey, made famous by the poet Wordsworth, followed by afternoon tea. We follow the River Wye towards Llangamarch and settle into the Lake Country House Hotel, our accommodation for the next two nights. Enjoy time to walk in the gardens before gathering for a welcome dinner at the hotel tonight.
Lake Country House (D)
Day 3 — Llangammarch
Today, journey into the beautiful Black Mountains of South Wales, exploring this little-known area. Spend the morning at leisure in the delightful market town of Hay on Wye, famous as the world capital of second-hand books. After lunch, visit the medieval church at Kilpeck and enjoy afternoon tea.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 — Llangammarch/Portmeirion
After breakfast, visit the monument to the last native Prince of Wales at Cilmeri, followed by a scenic drive through the Cambrian Mountains to Snowdonia. Visit the spectacular Harlech Castle before checking into the Portmeirion Hotel, our accommodation for the next two evenings..
Portmeirion Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Portmeirion
This morning, board the narrow gauge steam train at Porthmadog for a ride on the celebrated Ffestiniog Railway to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here, venture underground on a visit to Llechwedd Slate Caverns. After lunch at the Miners' Arms Pub, the afternoon is free for an optional hike or a visit to Portmeirion, where "The Prisoner" was filmed.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 — Conwy
Visit the Bodnant Gardens, one of the most famous in the British and Irish Isles. After lunch, continue to the medieval walled town of Conwy, where we explore Conwy Castle and walk along the medieval town walls. Take a scenic drive through the mountains of Snowdonia, visiting Caernarfon Castle en route to the Castle Hotel, where we spend the night and gather for our farewell dinner.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 — Harlech/Portsmount, England
After breakfast, transfer to Portsmouth, England to join the main group for a tour of the city. Embark the National Geographic Explorer this afternoon.
(B)
