Experience the rugged beauty and unique culture of South Wales, with nostalgic trips aboard heritage railways, exploring pretty coastal towns and the picturesque Gower Peninsula

Our holiday begins at our hotel in Swansea, where we meet our Tour Manager and group of fellow travellers, checking in to our hotel for the next five nights. After settling in, you're at leisure to start exploring before dinner with the rest of your group this evening. Set amid the rolling hills and golden sands of Swansea Bay, the city is an ideal base for exploring South Wales.

Just a short walk from your hotel is the city centre which has a vibrant atmosphere and historic charm. You could head to the popular Indoor Market, which has over 100 stalls, to sample a variety of local delicacies. Wander past the shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the bustling streets, or maybe enjoy a bracing walk along the seafront.

We meet up again for dinner this evening at our hotel.

This morning, we are introduced to the beautiful countryside of South Wales on the Brecon Mountain Railway. A coach transfers us to the village of Pant to board the heritage railway for a round trip. On the journey through dramatic landscapes, the vintage steam locomotive winds through leafy countryside and alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir. The train continues, climbing to the summit of the original line, Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons, where we can look out at the wild vistas from the observation carriages.

Back in Pant, we board the coach to St Fagans. The museum stands on the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and Gardens, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948. With time at leisure, you are free to explore over 2,000 years of Welsh history on display, and see craftspeople demonstrating their skills in this remarkable living museum. There's time to find some lunch independently, before the coach takes us back to the hotel ahead of dinner this evening.

Today is at leisure to discover Swansea at your own pace. You could find out more about the city's rich cultural history at the fascinating Swansea Museum, or step back to the 1800s at the National Waterfront Museum which celebrates the industrial and maritime history of Wales.

If you're a poetry fan, you could visit the Dylan Thomas Centre which is dedicated to the life and works of the literary giant. Nearby these attractions, the Swansea Bay waterfront has many shops and cafes where you could enjoy lunch and try a traditional Welsh dish like rarebit or laverbread.

Alternatively, you could venture beyond the city centre. The enchanting Clyne Gardens offers a quiet and relaxing day amidst beautiful flora. A collection of magnificent parks, the gardens are blooming with rare and exotic plants - the perfect escape from the city.

This evening we gather back at our hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, we transfer to Abergwili Junction for a journey on the Gwili Steam Railway*. This preserved heritage line takes us on a round trip beside the River Gwili, passing rocky outcrops and the Gwili Falls. Our group is treated to a 'Welsh Elevenses' - tea or coffee, and traditional Welsh cakes.

We continue by coach to the Gower Peninsula's stunning coastline. This scenic headland juts into the Bristol Channel, creating a stretch of rugged cliffs, woodlands and sandy beaches. In 1956, this was the first place in the UK to receive the title of 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.

Along the coast lies Mumbles, a pretty seaside town with a delightful name. With time here at leisure, you could walk up to the 18th-century Lighthouse, stroll along the Victorian Pier, or visit Oystermouth Castle which sits on a hilltop with fabulous views overlooking the sea.

You could try some 'fresh off the boat' seafood, or an ice cream from one of the Welsh-Italian ice cream parlours. The coach takes us back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner.

*Some departures on this journey will be operated by diesel

This morning we visit the tiny city of St David's. Named after the patron saint of Wales, this is Britain's smallest city and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. Here we visit the city's iconic 12th-century cathedral, built from sandstone and set in a wild and beautiful part of St David's - the site of a church since the 6th century.

This afternoon, our coach takes us to the charismatic seaside town of Tenby where there's time to explore at leisure. Surrounded by 13th-century walls and known for its sandy shores, pastel-hued houses, and winding cobbled streets, the town is steeped in history. You could sample some local fish and chips for lunch, the perfect accompaniment to a day spent exploring the magnificent Welsh coast. Later this afternoon, the coach takes your group back to the hotel in time for dinner this evening.

Our South Wales holiday draws to a close this morning. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to our Tour Manager, fellow travellers and new friends.

After checking out, you could make your way home or continue to explore more of wonderful Wales independently. Wherever you head to next, the impressions of this unspoilt region of the British Isles are certain to remain with you.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

The Brecon Mountain Railway in South Wales takes its passengers on a scenic 10-mile round trip through the south side of the dramatic Brecon Beacons mountain range, from Pant to Torpantau. Hauled by a vintage steam locomotive, the heritage train winds through the pretty Welsh countryside and alongside the vast expanse of water at Taf Fechan Reservoir, with all-weather observation carriages meaning passengers can soak up the passing scenery with ease.

Take a step back in time on the Gwili Steam Railway, a preserved heritage line that takes its passengers on a relaxed round trip through the stunning landscapes of South Wales. Harking back to a slower pace of life, the line runs alongside the pretty River Gwili, past rocky outcrops, and by the cascading waters of Gwili Falls - an area rich in wildlife.

The round trip takes passengers between Abergwili Junction and Danycoed Halt, on a scenic 8-mile journey that takes around an hour. The original line here, the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line, opened in 1860. After it was closed, the line was taken over by the Gwili Railway Preservation Company with the aim of preserving the 8-mile stretch used today. The journey is just as scenic as in the 1800s, taking passengers on a nostalgic journey by the river, past open fields and woodland - landscapes virtually unchanged in the last century.

The Grand Hotel in Swansea offers comfortable, 3-Star accommodation in a landmark building in the heart of the city, just moments away from Swansea's main attractions and steps from the railway station. Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious, and all come with complimentary toiletries, a television, and tea & coffee making facilities. On site, guests can enjoy a cosy guest lounge, a Bistro Bar, and a Sports Bar, which serves drinks including local beers.