Join the UDA team for a guided tour across Wales in a fleet of Land Rover Defender 90s, the ultimate vehicle of choice for this incredible country. Embark on a unique journey from the colourful shores of the south to the mountainous heart of the north. Wales is a place of breathtaking contrasts — from fortified coastal towns and industrial heritage to mythical landscapes and Italian-style villages. This is more than just a drive, it’s a storybook unfolding one chapter at a time.
-
Chapter 1 - The South
Day 1-3
As we leave our London Hotel and head to Wales, our Welsh adventure begins with a two night Spa hotel stay on the south west coast and the town of Tenby...
A postcard-perfect seaside town wrapped in medieval walls. Built by the Normans and later fortified by the English, these ancient defences hint at a past of invasion and resistance. Today, its cobbled streets, pastel harbourside houses, and inviting beaches make it an exciting start to your Welsh adventure.
Walk the medieval town walls, take a boat ride to Caldy Island for chocolate, and explore the fishing harbour. Tenby has it's own bewery, and fresh fish awaits...
Chapter 2 - Black Gold
Day 4.
We start our journey northwards and to the once beating heart of British industry...
We take you down The Big Pit for an experience you will never forget...
From the 19th century onwards, coal mining transformed the Welsh valleys into the powerhouse of the British Empire. Towns grew around deep pits and collieries, drawing workers from across the country. Mining shaped not just the economy but also the identity of Wales.
Our route takes us on some fabulous driving roads as we enter the once thriving 'valleys', Wales' unique housing communities built on steep mountain slopes, now devasted by the pit closures of the 1980s.
Our next Hotel is located in the heart of mid-Wales ideally positioned for our next adventure...
Chapter 3 - Rally Country
Day 5-6
Buckle up for an exhilarating adventure as we whisk you away to a rally driving school*, where you'll master the art of high-speed maneuvers. Adrenaline-fueled excitement awaits.
Mid-Wales isn’t just known for its industrial past — it’s also the spiritual home of UK rallying. With twisting forest roads, gravel trails, and breathtaking countryside, the region has hosted some of the most iconic stages in rally history, including parts of the legendary Wales Rally GB.
*Our rally school experience is an optional extra for those seeking a thrill, while others may prefer to unwind at the hotel spa or enjoy their own scenic drives through the stunning Welsh countryside.
Chapter 4 - Lakes, Dams & Timeless Beauty
Day 6
As we continue northward we take you to the Elan Valley and your very own dam tour. Tucked away in the Cambrian Mountains, the Elan Valley is a peaceful, unspoilt landscape of rolling hills, mirror-like reservoirs, and towering stone dams. Built in the late 1800s to supply water to Birmingham, the engineering here is impressive, but it’s the natural beauty that truly captivates.
In the late 1800s, civil engineer James Mansergh designed a vast network of reservoirs and a gravity-fed pipeline to supply clean water to the rapidly growing city of Birmingham. It was a marvel of its time, over 70 miles of pipeline, transporting water from these quiet Welsh hills all the way to the English Midlands without a single pump.
Nestled alongside this marvel of engineering are our incredible hand-picked driving routes that will blow your mind! Enjoy...
Chapter 5 - Peaks, Legends & Little Italy
Day 7
The magesty of Snowdonia, Wales' famous National Park.
Before we head into the rugged mountains of Snowdonia, we make a stop at the surreal and colourful Portmeirion, a village unlike any other in Wales. Designed in the style of an Italian coastal town by visionary architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, it’s a whimsical blend of art, architecture, and natural beauty. Wander its pastel streets, sip coffee by the estuary, and feel like you’ve stepped into a Mediterranean dream.
Then it’s on to Snowdonia National Park, home to some of the UK’s most dramatic scenery and exhilarating driving roads. Towering peaks, glacial valleys, and twisting routes make this one of the highlights of the tour. And the best part? You’ll experience it from above.
We’ll take you aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a charming steam train that climbs all the way to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales. No hiking boots required. Just sit back, enjoy the views, and take in the incredible panorama from the top of a nation.
Chapter 6 - Piers, Castles & Victorian Seaside
Day 8
As we reach the final leg of our Welsh adventure, the excitement isn’t over just yet. In Llandudno, we’ll kick things off with a bit of fun, taking on the longest outdoor toboggan run in Wales. It's a light-hearted thrill with fantastic views that’s sure to leave everyone smiling.
From there, we’ll enjoy a stunning drive up the Great Orme, a limestone headland that offers panoramic views over the Irish Sea. We’ll park at the summit and then descend into the town on the charming Victorian tramway, a unique and nostalgic way to arrive. Down in the heart of Llandudno, you’ll have time to stroll along the grand promenade, explore its beautiful Victorian architecture, and wander out along the historic pier, a perfect place for an ice cream or a breath of sea air. We’ll enjoy lunch in town, soaking in the relaxed seaside atmosphere.
After lunch, we’ll make our way to nearby Conwy Castle, one of the most breathtaking and well-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. With its towering walls, sea views, and rich history, it’s a truly unforgettable way to end the journey.
Chapter 7 - A Step Back In Time
Day 9
As we begin our journey out of Wales and head toward our final night in London, we have one last surprise in store, a special lunch stop at Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire.
It’s the perfect way to round off our historic journey with a taste of England’s own industrial heritage. Blists Hill is a beautifully recreated 19th-century town where history comes to life. Walk cobbled streets lined with period shops, watch blacksmiths and craftsmen at work, chat with costumed characters, and experience what life was really like in Victorian England. You can even exchange modern money for old shillings to buy sweets from the traditional sweet shop.
Set within the Ironbridge Gorge, often called the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, this open-air museum captures the innovation, grit and charm of the era.
-
Landrover Defender 90
For this special edition of the Wales Grand Tour, we’re excited to announce that your very own tour vehicle will be the Land Rover Defender 90 - a truly iconic choice that perfectly complements the spirit of the Welsh landscape.
With its rugged capability, elevated driving position, and refined comfort, the Defender 90 is built for exploration. It’s equally at home cruising through winding mountain passes as it is navigating narrow country lanes, making it the ideal vehicle to experience the wild beauty of Wales in style and confidence.
The Defender has long been the vehicle of choice for farmers across Wales, trusted for generations to tackle everything from hillside fields to forest trails. Its deep connection to the Welsh countryside makes it more than just transport - it's part of the culture. To travel Wales in a Defender is to embrace a symbol of strength, heritage, and adventure.
Whether you’re winding your way through Snowdonia or discovering hidden coastal roads, this legendary 4x4 ensures your journey feels as authentic as the landscape itself.
*PLEASE NOTE THE MAXIMUM AGE FOR THIS RENTAL IS 74 YEARS. THIS IS A RESTRICTION APPLIED BY OUR RENTAL PARTNERS. IF YOU ARE OLDER AND WISH TO COME ON THIS TOUR, GET IN TOUCH TO SEE WHAT WE CAN DO.
-
Tour price £4,995 per person, based on two people sharing.
