Morning: Arrive at Cardiff Airport and take a taxi to Mermaids Hideaway. After checking‑in, enjoy a light snack at the hotel lounge while settling in.
Afternoon: Stroll along Cardiff Bay, exploring the waterfront promenade and the historic Wales Millennium Centre. Grab a traditional Welsh dish at a nearby bistro.
Evening: Dine at the award‑winning Restaurant Healy’s and enjoy a relaxed walk through St. Mary's Street to soak up the city’s festive lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the majestic Cardiff Castle and join a guided tour of its medieval chambers and Victorian interiors.
Afternoon: Explore the National Museum Cardiff, admiring its impressive art collections and natural history exhibits.
Evening: Remember the excitement of the South Africa vs Wales rugby match at the Principality Stadium on 29 November 2025 while enjoying dinner at the stadium’s Rugby Club Bar (a nostalgic recap of the match).
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short bus ride to St Fagans National Museum of History and wander through recreated Welsh villages.
Afternoon: Head to the nearby Caerphilly Castle for a picturesque walk around its massive stone walls and lake.
Evening: Return to Cardiff for a cozy dinner at Clink Restaurant, followed by a relaxing evening at the hotel’s spa.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for the Brecon Beacons National Park, enjoying a scenic drive through rolling hills.
Afternoon: Hike to the stunning Pen y Fan summit for panoramic views, then visit the charming town of Brecon for lunch.
Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve back in Cardiff with a special dinner at Bar 44 and a fireworks display over the bay.
Find HotelsMorning: Check out of Mermaids Hideaway and board a direct train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington (approximately 2 hours).
Afternoon: Arrive in London, check in to Chapter Portobello, and enjoy a light lunch at the hotel’s rooftop café.
Evening: Take an evening walk along the Southbank, admiring the illuminated London Eye and the Thames.
Find HotelsMorning: Join a guided tour of the iconic Tower of London, seeing the Crown Jewels and historic battlements.
Afternoon: Explore the vast collections of the British Museum, focusing on the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
Evening: Dine in Covent Garden and enjoy a West End musical at the Lyceum Theatre.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, taking time to watch the changing of the guard.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely Thames River cruise to Greenwich, exploring the Royal Observatory and the historic Cutty Sark.
Evening: Savor a farewell dinner at the historic Simpson’s in the Strand, followed by a nightcap at a nearby jazz bar.
Find HotelsMorning: Pack and check out of Chapter Portobello, storing luggage at the hotel concierge.
Afternoon: Enjoy a final stroll through Hyde Park and grab a quick lunch at a local café.
Evening: Transfer to Heathrow Airport for your flight home, reflecting on a memorable journey.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day in the Cotswolds for charming villages or a visit to Oxford before departing. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine the Cardiff Castle and National Museum visits into a single half‑day and replace the full day in Brecon Beacons with a scenic drive through the Vale of Glamorgan, saving both time and travel costs.