12-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff traveling north to Swansea, St Davids, Aberystwyth, Betws y Coed, and Llandudno

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Photo of Welsh National War Memorial Statue, Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 12-day road trip through Wales. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Wales. You will spend 4 nights in Cardiff, 1 night in Swansea, 2 nights in St Davids, 1 night in Aberystwyth, 2 nights in Betws y Coed, and 1 night in Llandudno. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Wales. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Cardiff, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Wales on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Wales. Llandudno Pier and Cardiff Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cardiff, Brecon, Tretower, Rhossili, Swansea, St Davids, Pembroke, Tenby, Aberystwyth, Devil's Bridge, Llanberis, Dinorwig, Capel Garmon, Portmeirion, Porthmadog, Harlech, Llandanwg, Beddgelert, Conwy, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, and Caernarfon, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Wales. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Wales.

Throughout your road trip in Wales, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Wales.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Wales fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Wales today!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Cardiff - Arrival day
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  • Bute Park
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Your road trip adventure in Wales begins as soon as you reach Cardiff and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 3 nights and explore what to see in Cardiff, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Cardiff is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Cardiff. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Cardiff, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in Wales!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cardiff
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Drive 34 km, 1 hour 6 min

  • Wales Millennium Centre
  • St Fagans National Museum of History building
  • National Museum Wales Main Library
  • Roath Park
  • More

You have 2 nights left in Cardiff. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Wales. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Cardiff. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Wales.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Cardiff
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Drive 158 km, 3 hours 12 min

  • Torpantau Railway Station - BMR
  • The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum
  • Brecon Canal Basin
  • Brecon Cathedral
  • Tretower Court and Castle/ Llys a Chastell Tre-tŵr
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Cardiff, where you have 1 night left to stay.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cardiff and your accommodation.

Cardiff is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Cardiff.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Cardiff
  • Swansea
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Drive 130 km, 2 hours 43 min

  • Swansea Museum
  • National Trust - Rhosili and South Gower Coast
  • Oystermouth Castle
  • Southend Gardens
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip in Wales, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Rhossili are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Swansea, where you will stay for 1 night.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Swansea. Swansea offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Swansea's best restaurants.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Wales!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Swansea
  • St Davids
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Drive 218 km, 4 hours 10 min

  • St Davids Bishop's Palace/ Llys yr Esgob Tyddewi
  • St David's Cathedral
  • Pembroke Castle
  • Blue Lagoon - Abereiddi
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Wales. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are St Davids, Pembroke, and Abereiddy. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in St Davids, where will spend 2 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Swansea.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in St Davids. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the city.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in St Davids. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Wales!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • St Davids
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Drive 115 km, 2 hours 21 min

  • National Trust - Tudor Merchant's House
  • Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
  • Tenby Castle
  • St Mary's Church, Tenby
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Greet day 6 of your road trip in Wales with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in St Davids, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Tenby.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in St Davids.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of St Davids's best restaurants.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Wales!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • St Davids
  • Aberystwyth
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Drive 159 km, 3 hours 23 min

  • Vale of Rheidol Railway
  • Aberystwyth Castle Grounds
  • War Memorial
  • Amgueddfa Ceredigion Museum
  • Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
  • Devil's Bridge Falls
  • More

On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Aberystwyth and Devil's Bridge. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Aberystwyth, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Aberystwyth, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Aberystwyth. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Wales.

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Aberystwyth
  • Betws y Coed
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Drive 158 km, 3 hours 18 min

  • Gorsaf Copa'r Wyddfa Summit Station
  • Llanberis Lake Railway
  • National Slate Museum
  • Rhaeadr Ewynnol Swallow Falls Waterfall
  • Fairy Glen
  • Pont-y-Pair Bridge
  • More

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you'll explore 5 destinations, including Betws Garmon, Llanberis, Dinorwig, Capel Garmon, and Betws y Coed. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Betws y Coed, where you'll spend 2 nights.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Betws y Coed. Betws y Coed offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Betws y Coed is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Betws y Coed.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Wales!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Betws y Coed
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Drive 113 km, 2 hours 34 min

  • Portmeirion North Wales
  • Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
  • Harlech Castle
  • Llanfair Slate Caverns
  • Gelert's Grave
  • Welsh Highland Railway - (Beddgelert, Station)
  • More

On day 9 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Portmeirion, Porthmadog, Harlech, Llandanwg, and Beddgelert. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Betws y Coed, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Betws y Coed and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Betws y Coed's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Head back to your accommodation in Betws y Coed and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Wales.

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Betws y Coed
  • Llandudno
  • More

Drive 47 km, 1 hour 16 min

  • Smallest House in Great Britain
  • Conwy Castle
  • Welsh Mountain Zoo
  • Llandudno Pier
  • Venue Cymru
  • More

Your itinerary for day 10 of your road trip in Wales includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Conwy, Colwyn Bay, and Llandudno. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Llandudno, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Llandudno. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Llandudno, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Wales.

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Llandudno
  • Cardiff
  • More

Drive 333 km, 5 hours 4 min

  • National Trust - Bodnant Garden
  • Caernarfon Castle
  • More

On day 11 of your road trip in Wales, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Graig and Caernarfon are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cardiff, where you will stay for 1 night.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Cardiff, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Cardiff's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Wales!

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Cardiff - Departure day
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  • Cardiff Castle
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Day 12 of your road trip in Wales is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation. Savor your final moments in Wales at a cozy cafe while relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Wales!

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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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