13-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff traveling north to Brecon, Swansea, Tenby, and Betws y Coed

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Photo of Welsh National War Memorial Statue, Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
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Explore the best of Wales on a remarkable 13-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Cardiff, Coelbren, Brecon, Tretower, Swansea, Rhossili, Southgate, St Florence, Tenby, St Davids, Pembroke, Bosherston, Aberystwyth, Goginan, Betws y Coed, Portmeirion, Llandygai, Llanberis, Dinorwig, Beddgelert, Conwy, and Caernarfon.

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 Brecon, 2 nights in Swansea, 2 nights in Tenby, and 3 nights in Betws y Coed. 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, Coelbren, Brecon, Tretower, Swansea, Rhossili, Southgate, St Florence, Tenby, St Davids, Pembroke, Bosherston, Aberystwyth, Goginan, Betws y Coed, Portmeirion, Llandygai, Llanberis, Dinorwig, Beddgelert, Conwy, 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
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Day 1

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.

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 13-day road trip in Wales!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cardiff
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Drive 25 km, 1 hour 6 min

  • Wales Millennium Centre
  • National Museum Wales Main Library
  • St Fagans National Museum of History building
  • Llandaff Cathedral
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You have 1 night 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.

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

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
  • Brecon
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Drive 142 km, 2 hours 25 min

  • Henrhyd Falls
  • Brecon Canal Basin
  • The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum
  • Tretower Court and Castle/ Llys a Chastell Tre-tŵr
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Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Coelbren, Brecon, and Tretower. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Brecon, where you'll spend 2 nights.

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

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Brecon
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Drive 59 km, 1 hour 47 min

  • Sgwd Yr Eira Waterfall
  • Sgwd y Pannwr
  • Brecon Cathedral
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Hirwaun, Ystradfellte, and Brecon. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Brecon, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

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

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 Brecon, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Brecon
  • Swansea
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Drive 64 km, 1 hour 14 min

  • Swansea Museum
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At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Swansea, where you'll 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 Brecon.

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

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 Swansea, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Swansea
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Drive 58 km, 1 hour 45 min

  • National Trust - Rhosili and South Gower Coast
  • Three Cliffs
  • Pennard Castle
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Wake up to day 6 of your road trip in Wales. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Rhossili and Southgate. With 1 night to stay in Swansea, 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 Swansea.

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

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Swansea
  • Tenby
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Drive 92 km, 1 hour 40 min

  • Dinosaur Park
  • National Trust - Tudor Merchant's House
  • Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
  • Tenby Castle
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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 2 places, which are St Florence and Tenby. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Tenby, where will spend 2 nights.

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

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

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Wales!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Tenby
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Drive 163 km, 3 hours 19 min

  • St David's Cathedral
  • Manor Wildlife Park
  • Pembroke Castle
  • Saint Govan's Chapel
  • St Govans Head
  • More

Greet day 8 of your road trip in Wales with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Tenby, 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 St Davids, St Florence, Pembroke, Bosherston, and Stackpole.

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

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

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Tenby
  • Betws y Coed
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Drive 325 km, 5 hours 46 min

  • Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
  • The Magic of Life Butterfly House
  • Pont-y-Pair Bridge
  • Portmeirion North Wales
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On day 9 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Aberystwyth, Goginan, Betws y Coed, and Portmeirion. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Betws y Coed, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

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

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 10

Day 10

  • Betws y Coed
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Drive 103 km, 2 hours 9 min

  • National Trust - Penrhyn Castle & Garden
  • Llanberis Lake Railway
  • National Slate Museum
  • Gelert's Grave
  • More

On day 10 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Betws y Coed, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the village. Since you still have 2 nights to spend in Betws y Coed, there’s no need to rush. Experience Llandygai, Llanberis, Dinorwig, and Beddgelert to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

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

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.

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

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Betws y Coed
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Drive 105 km, 2 hours 3 min

  • Conwy Castle
  • Plas Mawr
  • Caernarfon Castle
  • Ceunant Mawr Waterfall
  • Conwy Quay
  • Mostyn Street
  • More

On day 11 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Betws y Coed, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate village, including Conwy, Caernarfon, and Llanberis.

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 12

Day 12

  • Betws y Coed
  • Cardiff
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Drive 317 km, 5 hours 12 min

  • Elan Valley Waterfall Trail
  • Craig Goch Dam
  • Gilfach Nature Reserve
  • More

On day 12 of your road trip in Wales, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Rhayader and St Harmon are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cardiff, where you will stay for 1 night.

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

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

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

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Day 13

Day 13

  • Cardiff - Departure day
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  • Cardiff Castle
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Day 13 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.

Discover boutiques offering an array of stylish fashion choices.

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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