Relaxed 7-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil

1 / 24

Photo of Welsh National War Memorial Statue, Alexandra Gardens, Cathays Park, Cardiff, Wales, UK.

Perfect travel plans

Everything included

Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights

Hotel

Select dates

Car rental

Select dates

Tours & tickets

Select dates

Travel plan

From A to Z

Travel agent

24/7 fast service

Description

Set out on this 7-day relaxed road trip in Wales, where Cardiff, Barry, Penarth, Ogmore Village, Merthyr Tydfil, Abercanaid, Pant, Ystrad Mynach, Crosskeys, and Caerphilly offer rich culture, beautiful views, and memorable experiences at every stop!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Wales, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Cardiff and 2 nights in Merthyr Tydfil, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Wales.

Your journey starts in Cardiff, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 7-day relaxed road trip in Wales to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Wales already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Cardiff Castle and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent St Fagans National Museum Of History.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Wales road trip itinerary for 7 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Wales.

If you want to make your 7-day relaxed self-drive tour in Wales even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Wales includes 6 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 7 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 7-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Wales today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to Cardiff

Include flights

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

Driver’s age is 30 - 65

I live in

Pick-up: 10:00

Drop-off: 10:00

Include car

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Cardiff - Arrival day
More

Sophia Gardens
More

Your relaxed road trip through Wales starts when you reach the incredible city of Cardiff, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Cardiff and begin your adventure in Wales.

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.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Cardiff. The bars in Cardiff make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Wales. Enjoy your first taste of Cardiff as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2

Cardiff
More

Drive 7 km, 44 min

Roath Park
Roath Pleasure Gardens
Roath Recreation Ground
National Museum Wales Main Library
Cardiff Castle
More

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Wales. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Wales and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Cardiff, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Cardiff.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Wales!

Day 3

Cardiff
More

Drive 26 km, 1 hour

Insole Court
St Fagans National Museum of History building
Techniquest
Roald Dahl Plass
Wales Millennium Centre
More

Wales makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Wales also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Cardiff’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Wales.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Cardiff as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Wales!

Day 4

Cardiff
Merthyr Tydfil
More

Drive 133 km, 2 hours 37 min

Cold Knap beach
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village
Penarth Pier Pavilion
National Trust - Dyffryn Gardens
Ogmore Castle
More

Day 4 of your self-drive tour in Wales offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Merthyr Tydfil for 2 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Wales.

You'll be staying in Merthyr Tydfil on this laid-back road trip through Wales. You'll stay here for 2 nights.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the town for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Merthyr Tydfil and unwind at the coolest bars in the town.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Wales. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Wales tomorrow with new energy.

Day 5

Merthyr Tydfil
More

Drive 26 km, 48 min

BikePark Wales
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery
Brecon Mountain Railway
Morlais Castle
More

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip across Wales, you’ll explore the area around Merthyr Tydfil, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Merthyr Tydfil will make you fall even more in love with the town and uniqueness of Wales.

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

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Wales. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Merthyr Tydfil, explore the town like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Merthyr Tydfil. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Wales.

Day 6

Merthyr Tydfil
Cardiff
More

Drive 74 km, 2 hours 2 min

Parc Cwm Darran
Llancaiach Fawr Manor
Waunfawr Park
Morgan Jones Park
Caerphilly Castle
More

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip in Wales will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Wales, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Cardiff. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Wales.

Day 7

Cardiff - Departure day
More

Bute Park
More

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Wales is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Take one last moment to soak in Wales, and unwind with tea or coffee at a cozy cafe.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Wales is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

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.

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in the United Kingdom

From 0

Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.