Day 1 Morning departure for the journey to Wales and into the Rhondda Valley and the hotel for a four night stay.
Day 2 This morning, you head north for a 6 mile return train journey from Pant to Torpantau on the Brecon Mountain Railway. You journey along the Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau high in the Brecon Beacons. The 90 minute trip includes a 35 minute stop at Pontsticill station where there is a Lakeside cafeĢ and Steam Museum. You will have free time for lunch back at Pant Station’s Tearoom and time to visit the locomotive workshop before heading to the famous and award-winning Penderyn Distillery where you will enjoy a guided tour and tasting. The tour and tasting will teach you about the founding of Penderyn and what makes the different whiskies taste as they do.
Day 3 You will start the day with a Welsh coal mining experience at Rhondda Heritage Park. The tour will last up to 90 minutes and led by guides who all worked the mines in the Valleys when they were boys.
The tour will end with a simulated ride on DRAM, a virtual coal dram which has a few surprises. Free time to explore the interactive exhibition, grab a coffee and visit the gift shop. In the afternoon you will travel to Nantgarw China Works and Museum. On arrival you will have tea/coffee and cake, an introductory talk about the history of Nantgarw and a guided tour of the site.
Day 4 Today you will have a taste of Cardiff, and first enjoy a 45 minute cruise around Cardiff Bay, before having free time to explore. Visit the castle in the heart of the city with over 2000 years of history and perhaps visit one of the museums. Time for lunch before heading to St Fagans National Museum of History, the peoples museum, where you will explore the history together through people’s everyday lives.
Day 5 After breakfast, depart the hotel and commence the homeward journey.