9-Day Wales Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Cardiff to Builth Wells, Rhyl, Bangor, and Merthyr Tydfil
Description
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Description
Experience the freedom of the open road in Wales as you embark on an unforgettable 9-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Cardiff, Caldicot, Chepstow, Tintern, Abergavenny, Raglan, Builth Wells, Welshpool, Chirk, Trevor, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llandudno, Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Portmeirion, Trawsfynydd, Merthyr Tydfil, Ystrad Mynach, Crosskeys, and Caerphilly.
This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Wales takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 4 nights in Cardiff, 1 night in Builth Wells, 1 night in Rhyl, 1 night in Bangor, and 1 night in Merthyr Tydfil. 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 got 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. Eryri National Park (snowdonia) and Cardiff Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Conwy Castle, learn more about the unique Caernarfon Castle, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of St Fagans National Museum Of History.
As you hit the open road and drive through Cardiff, Caldicot, Chepstow, Tintern, Abergavenny, Raglan, Builth Wells, Welshpool, Chirk, Trevor, Rhyl, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llandudno, Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Portmeirion, Trawsfynydd, Merthyr Tydfil, Ystrad Mynach, Crosskeys, and Caerphilly, 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, accommodation, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Cardiff - Arrival day
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Say hello to Cardiff! Your exciting road trip through Wales is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Cardiff for 3 nights before you continue your adventure!
Cardiff is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. 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.
Enjoy a delicious meal at The Botanist Bar & Restaurant Cardiff, a highly-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're eager to try something different, consider Elevens Bar And Grill, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Old Arcade. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Pennyroyal, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Borough Arms offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cardiff. The Libertine Cocktail Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.
Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Wales!
Day 2
- Cardiff
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Drive 7 km, 44 min
- National Museum Wales Main Library
- Cardiff Castle
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Cardiff for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Today's adventure in Cardiff promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at National Museum Cardiff. This standout museum is a highlight of any visit in the city. Then, enjoy Cardiff Castle, another awe-inspiring attraction that never fails to captivate visitors.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Wales is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Cardiff's best restaurants.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cafe Citta, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Clayton Hotel Cardiff? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre, an IHG Hotel as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Cardiff.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Great Western - Jd Wetherspoon. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Rum & Fizz, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Kongs Cardiff provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Wales!
Day 3
- Cardiff
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Drive 26 km, 1 hour
Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Cardiff has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Cardiff by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Wales is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
Experience shopping bliss at Cardiff as you explore St. David's Dewi Sant. Take a leisurely stroll through unique and shops, where local treasures are waiting to be found. Beyond shopping, St. David's Dewi Sant offers more options, including restaurants, cafes, unique attractions, key services, and vibrant events.
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.
Don’t miss out on dining at Pasture Restaurant Cardiff, a top-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Pettigrew Tea Rooms - Bute Park, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Prince of Wales - JD Wetherspoon. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Lab 22, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Dead Canary offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Cardiff.
Head back to your accommodation in Cardiff and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Wales!
Day 4
- Cardiff
- Caldicot
- Chepstow
- Tintern
- Builth Wells
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Drive 185 km, 3 hours 15 min
- Caldicot Castle
- Chepstow Castle / Castell Cas-gwent
- Tintern Abbey / Abaty Tyndryn
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On day 4 of your road trip in Wales, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Caldicot, Chepstow, Tintern, Abergavenny, and Raglan. In the evening, you’ll end up in Builth Wells, where you will stay for 1 night.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Caldicot, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Cardiff to Caldicot may take around 43 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Caldicot, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Take your self-guided tour to Caldicot Castle, an up-and-coming castle that everyone visiting Caldicot should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Caldicot and set your GPS to Chepstow. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 15 min. Upon reaching Chepstow, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Savor the rest of your day by heading to Castell Cas-gwent / Chepstow Castle, a locally appreciated castle that draws visitors from near and far.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Tintern. This drive usually takes around 14 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Head to Abaty Tyndyrn / Tintern Abbey, an intriguing monastery in Tintern. Explore its visually striking features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Builth Wells, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Builth Wells. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Builth Wells.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Wales!
Day 5
- Builth Wells
- Welshpool
- Chirk
- Rhyl
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Drive 218 km, 3 hours 40 min
- National Trust - Powis Castle and Garden
- National Trust - Chirk Castle
- National Trust - Erddig
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Wales. Today you will explore Welshpool, Chirk, Marchwiel, and Trevor, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Rhyl. You’ll stay here for 1 night.
After soaking in Welshpool’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Chirk. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 50 min. When you arrive in Chirk, it's time to take a break from the road.
Head to National Trust - Powis Castle And Garden, an intriguing castle in Welshpool. Explore its respected features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Welshpool, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Chirk. This drive usually takes around 50 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Take your self-guided tour to National Trust - Chirk Castle, an increasingly popular castle that everyone visiting Chirk should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Marchwiel. This car ride takes around 20 min.
Spend your afternoon discovering Erddig, an underrated museum known for its awe-inspiring features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Rhyl. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Rhyl's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Wales!
Day 6
- Rhyl
- Colwyn Bay
- Conwy
- Llandudno
- Bangor
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Drive 103 km, 2 hours 7 min
- Welsh Mountain Zoo
- Conwy Castle
- Venue Cymru
- More
On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Wales, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Llandudno, and Graig. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Bangor, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Colwyn Bay’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary.
Set your GPS to Colwyn Bay and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 25 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Colwyn Bay beckons with new experiences!
Your self-guided tour starts at Welsh Mountain Zoo, a beloved zoo that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
Set your GPS to Conwy and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 9 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Conwy beckons with new experiences!
Conwy Castle is a well-known castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its breathtaking features before continuing your self-guided tour.
When you’ve had your share of Conwy, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Llandudno. Your travel time is around 9 min.
Take your self-guided tour to Venue Cymru, a curiosity-inducing performing arts theater that everyone visiting Llandudno should see. Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Bangor. Bangor offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Bangor. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Wales.
Day 7
- Bangor
- Caernarfon
- Porthmadog
- Portmeirion
- Merthyr Tydfil
- More
Drive 266 km, 4 hours 22 min
- Caernarfon Castle
- Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
- Portmeirion North Wales
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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 4 vibrant destinations - Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Portmeirion, and Trawsfynydd. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Merthyr Tydfil. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Caernarfon. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await.
Porthmadog’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Caernarfon behind. This drive usually takes around 31 min. Porthmadog welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Caernarfon Castle. Spend some time admiring the respected features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Porthmadog. This drive usually takes around 31 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
Begin your journey at Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and explore the breathtaking features.
Set your GPS to Portmeirion and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 8 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Portmeirion beckons with new experiences!
Your self-guided tour starts at Portmeirion, an underrated village that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring before you continue your journey.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Merthyr Tydfil, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Merthyr Tydfil, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Wales.
Day 8
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Ystrad Mynach
- Crosskeys
- Cardiff
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Drive 74 km, 2 hours 2 min
- Parc Cwm Darran
- Llancaiach Fawr Manor
- Waunfawr Park
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 8 of your road trip in Wales. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Ystrad Mynach, Crosskeys, and Caerphilly. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Cardiff, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Make your way to Parc Cwm Darran, an up-and-coming park that draws attention for its idyllic features.
Crosskeys’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Ystrad Mynach behind. This drive usually takes around 26 min. Crosskeys welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.
Head to Llancaiach Fawr Manor, a beloved museum in Ystrad Mynach. Explore its historic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Ystrad Mynach, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Crosskeys. This drive usually takes around 26 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
Begin your journey at Waunfawr Park and explore the picturesque features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Cardiff. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
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 and reflect on the day's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Servini's at The Summerhouse, a highly-rated dining destination in Cardiff. If you're eager to try something different, consider Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (Queen Street) hotel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Bill's Cardiff Central Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Cardiff this evening.
Relax and reminisce about your day in Wales and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 9
- Cardiff - Departure day
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- Bute Park
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Day 9 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.
On your last day in Wales, take time to indulge in shopping at Cardiff’s popular marketplace, Royal Arcade. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Browse boutiques to find unique and stylish fashion pieces.
Set out on a day brimming with family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at the up-and-coming Bute Park, a detailed park in Cardiff.
Before you conclude your road trip in Wales, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Cardiff.
Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The Potted Pig, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Mowgli Street Food offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Angel Hotel 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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