One-Week Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff to Llandudno

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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 8-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Cardiff, Brecon, Talgarth, Three Cocks, Hay on Wye, Aberystwyth, Betws y Coed, Llandudno, Conwy, and Colwyn Bay.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Wales. You will spend 6 nights in Cardiff 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. Cardiff Castle and Conwy Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable National Museum Cardiff, learn more about the unique Wales Millennium Centre, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bute Park.

As you hit the open road and drive through Cardiff, Brecon, Talgarth, Three Cocks, Hay on Wye, Aberystwyth, Betws y Coed, Llandudno, Conwy, and Colwyn Bay, 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 5 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. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Bute Park, or just taking a stroll in the city center. 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.

Don’t miss out on dining at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff, a top-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Elevens Bar And Grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Old Arcade. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Pennyroyal, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Borough Arms is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, The Libertine Cocktail Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Wales!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Cardiff
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Drive 15 km, 1 hour 5 min

  • Roald Dahl Plass
  • Wales Millennium Centre
  • Sophia Gardens
  • National Museum Wales Main Library
  • Roath Park
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Day 2 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Cardiff. You’ll stay in Cardiff for 4 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

To truly experience Cardiff, make sure to drop by Roald Dahl Plass. This up-and-coming public square is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique vacation experience. Another sight you shouldn’t miss is Wales Millennium Centre, one of the city’s best highlights.

Next, check out Swalec Stadium, one of the most increasingly popular places to see in Cardiff. This park is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. Enjoy some downtime and refreshments before continuing to your next stop, National Museum Cardiff. Wander around and soak in the visually striking atmosphere this museum offers. Then, head to Roath Park, a top-rated park that adds another dimension to your day.

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.

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.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Cafe Citta, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Clayton Hotel Cardiff offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre, an IHG Hotel is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Cardiff.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Great Western - Jd Wetherspoon, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Rum & Fizz is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Kongs Cardiff is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Cardiff
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Drive 136 km, 2 hours 26 min

  • The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum
  • Brecon Canal Basin
  • Brecon Cathedral
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On day 3 of your road trip in Wales, you’ll start and end your day in Cardiff, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 3 nights to spend in Cardiff, there’s no need to rush. Experience Brecon to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum is must-visit military museum and a great option for a daytime tour of the area. Continue your journey to Brecon Canal Basin, an increasingly popular marina, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Brecon Cathedral, a stunning church, also available for your discovery today.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Pasture Restaurant Cardiff, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Cardiff.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Lab 22 after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to The Dead Canary, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Cardiff
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Drive 191 km, 2 hours 56 min

  • Pwll y Wrach nature reserve
  • Black Mountain Activities
  • Hay Castle
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Wake up to day 4 of your road trip in Wales. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Talgarth, Three Cocks, and Hay on Wye. With 2 nights to stay in Cardiff, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Talgarth is brimming with adventures.

Let Pwll Y Wrach Nature Reserve set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this mesmerizing nature reserve before continuing your journey. Black Mountain Adventure is your next stop. This increasingly popular adventure park is one of the best-rated sights in Cardiff.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Hay Castle. This picture-perfect castle is a sight to behold.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Servini's at The Summerhouse, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) hotel is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Cardiff tonight.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Cardiff
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Drive 321 km, 5 hours 53 min

  • Vale of Rheidol Railway
  • Aberystwyth Castle Grounds
  • War Memorial
  • Aberystwyth Cliff Railway
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip, you'll get the chance to experience Aberystwyth. At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Cardiff, where you still have 1 night left to stay.

Catch Vale Of Rheidol Railway Museum before the crowds roll in. This stunning heritage railway is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the majestic features of Castell Aberystwyth Castle, a must-visit castle in the town.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to War Memorial, a worthwhile war memorial. For a change of scene, check out Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, known for its historic features.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Potted Pig, a popular restaurant in Cardiff. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Cardiff at Mowgli Street Food, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Angel Hotel Cardiff. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Cardiff tonight.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Cardiff
  • Llandudno
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Drive 295 km, 4 hours 43 min

  • Conwy Valley Railway Museum
  • Pont-y-Pair Bridge
  • Rhaeadr Ewynnol Swallow Falls Waterfall
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Your itinerary for day 6 of your road trip in Wales includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Betws y Coed. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Llandudno, where you'll spend 1 night.

One of the most underrated attractions included on the itinerary is Conwy Valley Railway Museum. This respected museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Pont-y-pair Bridge and learn what makes this romantic historical landmark unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the curiosity-inducing Rhaeadr Ewynnol / Swallow Falls Waterfall.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Llandudno, 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 Llandudno. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Llandudno
  • Cardiff
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Drive 319 km, 4 hours 25 min

  • Conwy Castle
  • Smallest House in Great Britain
  • Welsh Mountain Zoo
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Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Conwy and Colwyn Bay. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Cardiff, where you'll spend 1 night.

Enjoy all that Conwy Castle has to offer. This is a popular castle you should not miss. Another must-see is Smallest House In Great Britain, a curiosity-inducing historical landmark in Llandudno.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Welsh Mountain Zoo.

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.

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Bar 44 Cardiff, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The Alchemist Cardiff offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Park Plaza Cardiff. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cardiff.

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

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Cardiff - Departure day
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  • Cardiff Castle
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Day 8 of your road trip in Wales is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Cardiff before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Cardiff Castle. This popular castle is a hotspot among locals.

Make the most of your final day in Wales by visiting Cardiff’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing St. David's Dewi Sant. 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.

Before you conclude your road trip in Wales, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cardiff.

You’ll then say farewell to Cardiff. 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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