North Wales and Snowdonia 2026
April 17 – 24, 2026
with Bill Schwab
In April of 2025, I did my first guided tour of North Wales, and it was an amazing experience. Being a significant part of my heritage, I’m not sure why I never did it before. It is a magnificent place to visit and photograph and we were able to do so much. Well, this year will be no different, and I can’t wait to get back.
This will be a multifaceted trip, where we will experience several different regions of northern Wales while exploring the beautiful Welsh landscapes, ruins, and sites of historical and cultural significance. Caernarfon, Dolwyddelan, and Aberystwyth Castles are on our list, along with ancient standing stones and burial chambers, and we might even climb (or take the train) to the top of Snowdon, set in an almost unreal mountain setting. Think knights and Dragons and you won’t be far off. It truly is a magical land and we will explore to our heart’s content while photographing along the way. Each participant will have their own Welsh Cadw Pass for the trip that will get us into many of the historic sites for a full year, if you decide to return. I say that with only partial sarcasm, as you will want to return.
We will be basing ourselves in one, spectacular location for the entire time of our stay in the north of Wales. Betws-y-coed is a beautiful and serene mountain town near the entrance of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, and from there we will explore every region of northern Wales. Each day will bring a new adventure with some amazing photographic opportunities, not to mention the experience of being there.
Who Should Come
This will be an immersive photographic exploration like all of my trips and although we are not looking for any specific level of expertise, you should be very serious about your photography and looking to push your boundaries in unfamiliar territory. Not that there is anything wrong with snapshots, but if you’re more of an occasional photographer looking for a tour, this might not be for you. We will be exploring the full extent of our days, scouting and photographing from morning until night, so if you’re looking to challenge and push yourself as a photographer, this trip is for you.
What’s Included
Once you arrive at Manchester Airport (MAN), the adventure begins. Your experience will include all transportation while with the group, a private room with facilities each night, and all breakfast and dinner meals. We will be operating out of our own van, exploring both our immediate surroundings as well as taking day trips to spectacular locations in the area.
Lunch stops on our day trips will consist of small cafes, bars and restaurants, which will be your responsibility. Also, not included in your experience with me are soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
In addition, you will also be responsible for your own travel to and from Manchester, England arriving in the country no later than April 25, 2025. (For research of schedules and fares, use airport code MAN ) Once you have signed on, I will help with details and arrangements to get you. I also advise booking a hotel near the airport on our final day of the 25th. I cannot guarantee getting everyone back to Manchester in time for all flights, so you may wish to book your return travel on the 26th, unless you are satying over longer and have your own plans after the trip.
Registration
You can now register with a deposit of $1500.00. Once registered, you will begin receiving a series of periodic newsletters that will prepare you for the trip as well as set a schedule for the remainder of your payment. The trip is limited to only 7 people, so reserving your space early is encouraged, as there has been a lot of interest in this trip.
Trip cost: $5700.00
Once registered, you will receive a series of newsletters leading up to the trip and a payment schedule. These newsletters will prepare you for what is to come, giving you all the information you will need for a memorable trip.
**Keep in mind that we are seeking committed individuals and couples. Once the trip has the required number of participants (5) and is declared an official go, your deposit will be non-refundable. Before signing on, please read our strict refund policy.