Why This 5-Day Wales Itinerary is Your Perfect Adventure
Five days is the perfect amount of time to capture the diverse spirit of Wales, the 'Land of Castles and Song.' This Wales 5-day itinerary is designed as a classic road trip loop, taking you from a vibrant capital city to wild coastlines and epic mountain ranges.
This plan balances historic sites like Cardiff Castle with the natural wonders of the Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia National Park. Our AI planner has structured a logical and scenic route to ensure you experience the very best of Wales in a short time.
Your Complete Wales 5-Day Itinerary
This travel guide provides a perfectly balanced road trip plan for your 5 days in Wales, covering the country's diverse highlights.
Day 1: Arrival in Cardiff & Castle Exploration
Begin your Wales 5-day itinerary in the nation's vibrant capital, Cardiff. Today is about exploring the city's centerpiece, a castle with 2,000 years of history, and its modern, regenerated waterfront.
Cardiff Castle
A Journey Through Time
Located in the heart of the city, this site has been a Roman fort, a Norman keep, and a lavish Victorian Gothic fantasy palace.
Why You Should Visit:
The opulent castle apartments, decorated by architect William Burges, are unlike anything you'll see elsewhere. The Norman Keep offers great city views.
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Walk
3-4 hours
How to Reach:
Centrally located and an easy walk from Cardiff Central station or any city center hotel.
Insider Travel Tip:
Pay the extra for the House Tour to see the most spectacular, richly decorated rooms which are not accessible with a standard ticket.
Cardiff Bay
Europe's Largest Waterfront Development
The modern, regenerated docklands area is now a hub of arts, entertainment, and dining, home to the Senedd (Welsh Parliament).
Why You Should Visit:
It's a beautiful area for a walk, with striking modern architecture, boat trips, and a lively atmosphere in the evenings.
All day
Bus or Boat from Centre
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
A 30-minute walk from the city centre, or take a local bus or a water taxi from Bute Park.
Insider Travel Tip:
Visit the Wales Millennium Centre, even if you're not seeing a show, to admire its stunning architecture and free foyer performances.
Day 1 Dining: A Taste of Modern Wales
Cardiff's food scene is booming. Start with some Welsh classics and modern cuisine.
The Potted Pig
A modern British restaurant in a former bank vault, known for its gin selection and creative dishes.
Cardiff Market
For a casual lunch, grab some traditional Welsh Cakes, hot from the griddle.
Day 2: Pembrokeshire Coast & Britain's Smallest City
Drive west to the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, known for its world-class coastal path, sandy beaches, and the tiny cathedral city of St Davids.
St Davids Cathedral & Bishop's Palace
A Spiritual Oasis
A magnificent cathedral and the atmospheric ruins of a medieval Bishop's Palace, nestled in a valley in Britain's smallest city.
Why You Should Visit:
The cathedral is a breathtaking piece of architecture, and its setting is incredibly peaceful. The ruined palace adds to the sense of history.
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Car (2-hour drive)
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
Drive west from Cardiff on the M4 and A40. Park in the city's car park and walk down.
Insider Travel Tip:
Walk down the path behind the cathedral to the river for a beautiful, tranquil view looking back at the buildings.
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
Walk on the Wild Side
A 186-mile National Trail that twists and turns its way through some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Britain.
Why You Should Visit:
You don't need to walk it all! A short walk along any section will reward you with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and abundant wildlife.
All day
Walk from St Davids
1-3 hours
How to Reach:
Access the path easily from nearby beaches like Whitesands Bay or Caerfai Bay.
Insider Travel Tip:
The stretch from St Justinian's to Whitesands Bay is relatively easy and offers fantastic views of Ramsey Island.
Day 2 Dining: Fresh Coastal Fare
Pembrokeshire is renowned for its fresh seafood and cozy pubs.
The Sloop Inn, Porthgain
A classic, historic pub in a tiny harbour village, serving fantastic fish and chips.
Cwtch, St Davids
A small, intimate restaurant offering modern Welsh cuisine with a focus on local Pembrokeshire produce. Booking is essential.
Day 3: Scenic Drive to Snowdonia National Park
Today is a journey day, taking the scenic A487 coastal route north through Mid-Wales to the epic mountains of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park.
The Scenic A487 Drive
The Coastal Way
This road winds its way up the coast of Cardigan Bay, through charming seaside towns and offering spectacular views.
Why You Should Visit:
The drive itself is the main attraction. It's far more beautiful than taking the main inland roads and showcases a different side of Wales.
Full day drive
Car
5-6 hours driving
How to Reach:
Follow the A487 north from Pembrokeshire towards North Wales.
Insider Travel Tip:
Stop in the colourful Georgian harbour town of Aberaeron for lunch or an ice cream. The town is famous for its honey ice cream.
Betws-y-Coed
Gateway to Snowdonia
An enchanting village nestled in a valley in the Snowdonia Forest Park, known for its alpine feel and surrounding waterfalls.
Why You Should Visit:
It's the perfect base for exploring Snowdonia. The village itself is picturesque, with stone houses, bridges, and walking trails.
Afternoon arrival
Car
Overnight
How to Reach:
Your final destination on the A487/A470 route.
Insider Travel Tip:
Take a short walk to Swallow Falls (Rhaeadr Ewynnol), one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Wales.
Day 3 Dining: A Hearty Welcome to Snowdonia
After a long drive, settle in for a hearty meal in Betws-y-Coed.
The Old Bridge Inn
A popular pub with a great atmosphere, serving excellent food and local ales by the river.
Hangin' Pizzeria
A quirky and highly-rated pizza place with a fun, relaxed vibe.
Day 4: Mountains & Castles of Snowdonia
Spend a full day exploring the dramatic landscapes and mighty castles of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, the heart of your Wales 5-day itinerary.
Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
The Highest Peak in Wales
The highest mountain in Wales and England. You can either hike to the summit or take the historic Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Why You Should Visit:
The views from the summit on a clear day are absolutely breathtaking, stretching across the sea to Ireland.
Varies (full day hike)
Car to Llanberis
3-6 hours
How to Reach:
Drive to Llanberis to start the Llanberis Path hike or to catch the train (book well in advance).
Insider Travel Tip:
If you're not hiking, drive through the stunning Llanberis Pass for incredible mountain scenery without the effort.
Caernarfon Castle
A Royal Fortress-Palace
A brute of a fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built by Edward I as a symbol of English dominance.
Why You Should Visit:
Its sheer scale is immense. You can walk the high walls and explore the eagle-topped towers. It was the site of the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Car
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
A 20-minute drive from Llanberis.
Insider Travel Tip:
Don't just stay inside the walls; the best view of the castle is from across the River Seiont.
Day 4 Dining: A Post-Hike Reward
After a day in the mountains, a warm and welcoming pub is in order.
The Black Boy Inn, Caernarfon
One of the oldest inns in Wales, serving hearty food and local ales within the historic town walls.
Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel
For history buffs, this is the hotel where Hillary and Tenzing trained for Everest. The climbers' bar is a living museum.
Day 5: Brecon Beacons & Return Journey
Drive south through the heart of Wales, taking in the rolling green hills and wide-open spaces of the Brecon Beacons National Park before concluding your trip.
Brecon Beacons National Park
Mountains, Moorland & Dark Skies
A beautiful mountain range in South Wales, known for its grassy moorlands, waterfalls, and status as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Why You Should Visit:
The scenery is completely different from Snowdonia—softer, greener, and more expansive. It's a beautiful final drive for your Wales 5-day itinerary.
All day drive
Car
3-4 hours driving/stops
How to Reach:
Drive south from Snowdonia on the A470, which takes you directly through the park.
Insider Travel Tip:
If you have time for a short, rewarding hike, the walk up Pen y Fan (the highest peak in South Britain) is very popular and offers incredible views.
Day 5 Dining: A Farewell Lunch
Enjoy one last Welsh meal in a classic country setting.
The Felin Fach Griffin
A renowned dining pub between the Brecon Beacons and Hay-on-Wye, known for its superb food.
The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell
A historic coaching inn with a fantastic reputation for its food and atmosphere.