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Road trips in the United Kingdom

12-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff traveling west to Swansea, Llandudno, and Bangor

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Photo of aerial view of Swansea City Centre, Swansea Bay, The Tower, Swansea Arena, Wales.

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Explore the best of Wales on a remarkable 12-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Cardiff, Brecon, Swansea, Talgarth, Aberystwyth, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Dinorwig, Penrhos Garnedd, Bangor, Llanberis, Llandygai, Y Bontnewydd, Caernarfon, Y Felinheli, Beaumaris, Llandudno Junction, and Conwy.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Wales. You will spend 3 nights in Cardiff, 2 nights in Swansea, 2 nights in Llandudno, and 4 nights in Bangor. 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. Cardiff Castle and Conwy 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, Swansea, Talgarth, Aberystwyth, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay, Dinorwig, Penrhos Garnedd, Bangor, Llanberis, Llandygai, Y Bontnewydd, Caernarfon, Y Felinheli, Beaumaris, Llandudno Junction, and Conwy, 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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Day 1

Cardiff - Arrival day
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Bute Park
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Welcome to Cardiff, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Wales! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Cardiff before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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.

Find your way to your hotel in Cardiff. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Wales. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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!

Day 2

Cardiff
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Drive 26 km, 56 min

St Fagans National Museum of History building
Wales Millennium Centre
National Museum Wales Main Library
Cardiff Castle
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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.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit St. David's Dewi Sant, the top shopping destination in Cardiff. Browse local shops and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what St. David's Dewi Sant has to offer, including restaurants, cafes, attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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

Say good night to Cardiff and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Wales!

Day 3

Cardiff
Swansea
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Drive 142 km, 3 hours 10 min

Torpantau Railway Station - BMR
Brecon Canal Basin
Swansea Botanical Gardens
Parc Singleton Park
Brynmill Park
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Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Wales includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Talybont on Usk and Brecon. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Swansea, 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 Swansea. Swansea offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Swansea 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 Swansea.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Wales!

Day 4

Swansea
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Drive 163 km, 2 hours 58 min

Pwll y Wrach nature reserve
Swansea Museum
Plantasia
Wind Street
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On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Swansea, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Talgarth and Swansea.

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

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

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Wales!

Day 5

Swansea
Llandudno
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Drive 254 km, 5 hours 2 min

Vale of Rheidol Railway
Aberystwyth Castle Grounds
War Memorial
Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Aberystwyth. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Llandudno, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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.

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

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

Day 6

Llandudno
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Drive 21 km, 1 hour

Welsh Mountain Zoo
The Holy Well and Chapel of St Trillo
Venue Cymru
Home Front Experience
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On day 6 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Llandudno, where you have 1 night left to stay.

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

Llandudno 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 Llandudno.

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

Day 7

Llandudno
Bangor
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Drive 112 km, 2 hours 5 min

National Slate Museum
Rhaeadr Ewynnol Swallow Falls Waterfall
Gwydir Forest Park
Pont-y-Pair Bridge
Treborth Botanic Garden
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Wales. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Dinorwig, Betws y Coed, and Penrhos Garnedd. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Bangor, where will spend 4 nights.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Bangor, 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 Bangor's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

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

Day 8

Bangor
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Drive 85 km, 2 hours 16 min

Snowdon
Dolbadarn Castle
Llanberis Lake Railway
Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
National Trust - Penrhyn Castle & Garden
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Greet day 8 of your road trip in Wales with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 3 nights to stay in Bangor, 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 Betws Garmon, Llanberis, and Llandygai.

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

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

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

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.

Day 9

Bangor
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Drive 40 km, 55 min

Gypsy Wood Park
Caernarfon Castle
GreenWood Family Park
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On day 9 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Bangor, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 2 nights to spend in Bangor, there’s no need to rush. Experience Y Bontnewydd, Caernarfon, and Y Felinheli to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

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

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

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

Day 10

Bangor
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Drive 30 km, 53 min

Castell Aberlleiniog
Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Gaol and Court
High Street
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Wake up to day 10 of your road trip in Wales. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Beaumaris. With 1 night to stay in Bangor, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

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

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day 11

Bangor
Cardiff
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Drive 337 km, 4 hours 35 min

RSPB Conwy
Conwy Castle
Smallest House in Great Britain
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On day 11 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, including Llandudno Junction and Conwy. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Cardiff, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

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

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

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

Day 12

Cardiff - Departure day
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Sophia Gardens
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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.

Wrap up your shopping with a drink and some pastries at a cozy cafe.

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!

How it works

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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.

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.

We guarantee

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

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