Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia – Turkey & Tinsel

After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in.

Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia – Turkey & Tinsel

We depart for the charming and delightful village of Betws-y-Coed, known as the ‘Gateway to Snowdonia’. Set in a beautiful valley in Snowdonia Forest Park, there is much to see including the old 14th-century church of St Michael’s, which is one of the oldest in Wales and the main street which has numerous shops and quaint places of interest. We then visit the medieval walled town of Conwy, home to the imposing Conwy Castle, considered to be among the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. The town is also home to a quaint harbour with traditional pubs and snug cafés.

Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia – Turkey & Tinsel

We travel to Chester, famed for its beautiful black and white Tudor buildings and unique ‘rows’ where the picturesque galleries run above the central shops. The most prominent buildings in the city centre include the town hall and cathedral, formally the church of St Werburgh’s Abbey, dating back to the Norman era.

Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia – Turkey & Tinsel

We head to the village of Llanberis, which enjoys a lovely lakeside location at the foot of mighty Mount Snowdon. Llanberis sits in Snowdonia National Park and you can even catch a train up to the highest mountain in Wales. Other sites of interest include Dolbadarn Castle and the iconic oversized sword, the Blade of Giants, ‘ ‘Llafn y Cewri’ on the shore of Llyn Padarn.

Next, we continue to Caernarfon, a charming town with a thriving and stylish waterfront on the Menai Straits’ eastern shore. The town is home to Wales’s most famous castle, built in the 13th century by Edward I as a royal palace and fortress.

Llandudno, Chester & Snowdonia – Turkey & Tinsel

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and head for home.

On day 3, travel east to Chester, famed for its black-and-white timbered buildings and the two-tier shopfronts of The Rows. With pointers from your Tour Manager, stroll the medieval city walls, view the ornate Eastgate Clock, and browse independent boutiques beneath sheltered galleries. Cobbled lanes, hidden courtyards and café aromas create a leisurely rhythm for exploring.

Founded as the Roman fortress of Deva, Chester’s story spans legionary streets, a Roman amphitheatre, and the former abbey church of Chester Cathedral. Step inside to admire the echoing cathedral nave or simply enjoy a free afternoon people-watching by the Town Hall. Layers of Roman, medieval and Victorian heritage give texture to this compact, walkable city.

One evening, usually on day 3, gather in the Grand Hotel’s restaurant to share a traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner—roast turkey with trimmings, seasonal vegetables and mince pies. Raise a glass during the 2 for 1 bar (6pm–9pm) on selected drinks, and soak in the lakeside atmosphere of Llandudno Bay as lights glint across the water and the pier stretches into the dusk.

Throughout your stay, the ballroom comes alive with live cabaret and dancing. Join in a festive sing-along, mingle with fellow travellers, or watch the show beneath twinkling chandeliers—an echo of the resort’s Victorian heyday. These convivial evenings blend seaside tradition with warm seasonal touches, giving time to unwind and celebrate together.

On day 4, head to Llanberis at the foot of Mount Snowdon, where lakeside paths trace Llyn Padarn. See the Snowdon Mountain Railway station, the lonely keep of Dolbadarn Castle, and the lakeshore sculpture ‘Blade of Giants’ (Llafn y Cewri). Expect misty mountain passes, slate-grey ridges and mirror-calm water when the wind stills.

Continue to Caernarfon, dominated by Caernarfon Castle and its polygonal towers—part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by Edward I to command the Menai Strait. Explore cobbled lanes, waterfront promenades and stout town walls before returning to Llandudno. This excursion is at additional cost (£15pp) and bookable on tour with your Tour Manager.

On day 2, travel inland through the Conwy Valley to the woodland village of Betws-y-Coed, the ‘Gateway to Snowdonia’. Stroll beside the Afon Llugwy past stone bridges, browse outdoor shops, and step into the 14th-century St Michael’s Church. The air smells of pine and peat, and the surrounding Snowdonia Forest Park hillsides make a calm setting to pause for photos and reflection.

Continue to the walled harbour town of Conwy, crowned by Conwy Castle and its medieval town walls—part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site raised for Edward I. Wander the quay to spot the Smallest House in Great Britain, explore snug alleys and traditional pubs, or walk a section of the walls for wide estuary views before returning to Llandudno.