Totally customisable 
Local guide 
Hotel pickup & dropoff This day tour takes you through the mountains and valleys of Snowdonia, past lakes and forests where we learn about the stories that have inspired generations. We begin the tour by travelling down the Nant Ffrancon pass, stopping to visit Llyn Ogwen with its Arthurian connections, and then continuing to Ty Hyll, the mysterious Ugly House. We turn back to travel along the South of Snowdon, to see and learn about the sites associated with King Arthur on the slopes of the mountain. The legend tells us that he and his knights lie sleeping in a hidden cave, awaiting the call to defend Wales in a time of peril.
We continue into Nant Gwynant, that most beautiful of valleys, where two lakes reflect the woods and sky above them. The hidden fortress of Dinas Emrys is nearby - the home of the legend of the Red Dragon of Wales, revealed by the wizard Merlin. Close at hand is Beddgelert, where we will hear the heart-breaking story of a prince who slew his faithful hound, after mistakenly blaming him for attacking his baby son.
We next drive up and then descend through the Llanberis pass to visit Dolbadarn Castle, built to defend his territory by a Welsh prince, before visiting the National Slate museum, and learn of more recent legends about a quarry which roofed the world.
Finally, we see the fulfilment of a dream by an English conquering king, whose vision of a castle with golden eagles on its towers, became reality at the end of the thirteenth century. Caernarfon Castle is a World Heritage site, and the greatest of the Iron Ring of fortifications in North West Wales.
Cwm Idwal and Lake Ogwen in the heart of Snowdonia
We can include visits to
- Nant Ffrancon
- Llyn Ogwen
- Llyn Idwal
- Ty Hyll
- Snowdonia National Park
- Beddgelert
- Dinas Emrys
- Castell Dolbadarn
- National Slate Museum Llanberis
- Caernarfon
Some of the main sights
Dolbadarn, near Llanberis
Dolbadarn Castle was built by the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth and stands above Llyn Padarn lake. It is dominated by its great round keep, 40 feet tall and 40 feet in diameter. The castle commands the strategic route from Snowdonia to Caernarfon. It saw fierce fighting as King Edward’s English army fought to subjugate Wales, finally falling in 1282. It saw one further act of defiance during the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr around 1400.
Snowdonia National Park
Snowdonia National Park includes 823 square miles (2132 square Km) of North West Wales, including Mount Snowdon itself, and the mountainous region around it. As well as striking mountain scenery, it is a treasure trove of history, from early warrior Princes through resolute farming stalwarts to early industrial entrepreneurs who plundered the rich resources of the region to roof the world with slate. It is also the home of rare animals, birds, flowers and trees. It is the stage for a host of stories to be discovered, not least those of King Arthur and his fabled knights who, legend has it, sleep in a cave on the slopes of the mountain, awaiting the call to come to the aid of Wales its its hour of danger.
Llanberis slate quarry
The National Slate Museum at Llanberis is one of the most alluring assets of this beautiful region. Visitors expecting dusty displays or worthy walkabouts are delighted to find a treasure trove of human stories and engaging activities, where craftsmen show the art of splitting slate and dramatic landscapes are magnets for exploration. Visitors are astonished at the sheer scale of this manmade gash in the mountain and inspired by the human stories of courage and devotion to belief and community.
Dinas Emrys, near Beddgelert
Beneath this mountain-top ruined tower, lies the site of one of Wales enduring legends - where Merlin the young wizard told Vortigern the Prince to release the two entombed dragons - red and white - who fought a bloody contest until the brave and resolute red dragon was victorious. Needless to say, this red dragon was adopted as a founding myth and emblem of Wales.
Llyn Idwal
Llyn Idwal is a beautiful hidden lake in Snowdonia. According to ancient legend, this was the scene of a tragic murder arising from jealousy and spite. This act tainted the beautiful spot forever, and to this day, no birds ever fly across the lake.
