When Brian’s annual tradeshow in Paris circled around, we decided to add on a weekend in Monaco before his work events, and a week after for our own exploration. We’ve both spent quite a bit of time in Europe so I started brainstorming a new country we could sneak in (Andorra, Liechtenstein, and San Marino all came to mind).

One morning I had the brilliant idea of heading north from France via the Eurostar / Chunnel. I’ve been itching to visit Wales so I could squarely check the United Kingdom off the list of places I’ve visited. Brian and I would love to head to Scotland soon – it would be his first time, and it’s been almost 20 years since I was last there! – and I assumed we’d make that into a bigger trip that would include England and Wales, allowing me to achieve my goal.

Instead, I built out a one-week itinerary focused primarily on exploring Wales so we could do this relatively small country justice.

It ended up being a great decision – I was so pleasantly surprised with our time in Wales! The people were friendly, all three national parks were incredible, we learned a great deal about Welsh history and present politics, and the overall pace was so refreshing after Brian’s hectic week of work.

Put Wales on your travel bucket list, and don’t miss these incredible experiences while you’re there!

One-Week Itinerary for Exploring Wales

• Explore the Dee Valley and take a narrow boat ride across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
• Check out Conwy Castle and take a funicular ride at seaside Llandudno
• Hike to the summit of Mount Snowden in Snowdonia National Park
• Visit Caernarfon Castle and enjoy a drive along the Cambrian Coast
• Stop in Saint David’s Cathedral and walk the coastline of Pembrokshire Coast National Park
• Take a boat ride to Skomer Island to see the puffins
• Taste Welsh whiskey at Penderyn Distillery
• Hike to the summit of Pen y Fan in Brecon Beacons National Park
• Tour Cardiff Castle
• Spend a morning at Tintern Abbey

Even with one week there was a ton we missed. What should we put on our list for next time?