Scotland & Ireland | Winter | 2024/2025

Scotland & Ireland | Winter | 2024/2025

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13 Days From

$3025

$2409

Scotland & Ireland | Winter | 2024/2025

13 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Dublin

Visiting: Edinburgh, St Andrews, Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glasgow, Stirling, Larne, Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

WWEDMA19

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 50

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

From: $3025 $2409 Operator discount: -$616 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 26-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable winter journey through Scotland and Ireland in 2024/2025, starting in the historic city of Edinburgh and ending in the vibrant streets of Dublin. This cultural tour takes you from the iconic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle to the mystical Scottish Highlands, the legendary Loch Ness, and the bustling city of Glasgow. Cross the Irish Sea to explore the charming towns of Kilkenny and Clonmel, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and the lively city of Galway. Discover the rich history of Derry/Londonderry, marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, and delve into Belfast’s Titanic heritage before returning to Dublin for a final taste of Irish hospitality.

Highlights

  • Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh

  • St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf

  • Loch Ness and Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands

  • Live music and gothic cathedral in Glasgow

  • Temple Bar in Dublin

  • Kilkenny Castle and medieval charm

  • Cliffs of Moher

  • Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Museum in Belfast

Places You'll See

Cliffs Of Moher

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West (or similar)

Meals Included: None

Royal mile, old Castle, home of the brave, Edinburgh is going to turn it on from start to end. With days of good times ahead, go out in search of haggis, a whisky bar and join the jolly locals before meeting up with the crew tonight, in anticipation of the good times that are yet to come.

Day 2: Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is yours to roam free - but if you want to get the low down on the history of this city why not join our local guide for an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle (which is resting on an extinct volcano!!) to kickstart your love affair with this city. Or maybe you'll do a spot of tartan shopping on Princes Street or indulge in some whisky tasting.

Day 3: Edinburgh To Scottish Highlands

Location: Edinburgh, St Andrews, Scottish Highlands

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for the Scottish Highlands.
On the way to the main affair of the day we'll stop by St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, would you believe? As well as Scotland’s oldest university town.
Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in the Scottish Highlands amped up for mystical tales.

Day 4: Scottish Highlands To Glasgow

Location: Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glasgow

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness, the mood will only be rising. We'll stop to see lovely Loch Ness, the most voluminous lake in the UK - containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined! It's also rumoured to contain something else, something far more legendary which you're sure to have heard of... We'll also check out Aviemore, a picturesque jewel in the Cairngorms' crown - home to lochs, mountains trails and plenty of panoramic views. With breath-taking scenery still in mind, today's sights will leave you more than content with your day's discoveries.

Day 5: Glasgow

Location: Glasgow, Stirling, Glasgow

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a few days of remote and rugged goodness, a change of pace in Scotland's biggest city is sure to fire things up a notch. Feast your eyes on the railway viaduct – once a calling stop for the magical Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and the breathtaking waters of Loch Shiel, which seems to stretch on endlessly. Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique.

Day 6: Glasgow To Dublin

Location: Glasgow, Larne, Dublin

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Scotland, you've been unreal. If Ireland puts on half the show you did, we have many happy days ahead of us.
We arrive in the port town of Larne, your first steps on Northern Irish soil, but not for long...
So much more than the capital city, Dublin is a place of heritage, character, and more cute pubs than you could crawl in a week.  End the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar.

Day 7: Dublin To Clonmel

Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

That's us done with Dublin…for now. But fear not Dub-lovers, we'll get another taste of this fine place before our trip comes to an end.
Break up your coach hangs with some bicycle time in a city sure to leave you wanting Irish in your blood. Explore the castle, a cathedral and take in all of the medieval charm that Kilkenny has to offer before we hit the road again.
Steeped in gorgeous greenery and hidden history, you won't find many towns cuter than Clonmel. After we arrive in the evening, we'll tuck into an included dinner and then head off into town together to explore. Ancient castles and quirky pubs incoming!

Day 8: Clonmel To Galway

Ethan

Location: Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Clonmel, it's been fun, but we have to leave you now. Next up, we're off to an Irish city that was propelled into the pop culture stratosphere by none other than Ed Sheeran. Anyone wanna guess where?
Irish folklore tells us there's a chunk of limestone built into a castle that grants its kissers the gift of the gab. Pucker up kids, we're paying her a visit!
Whether heights are your cup of Irish Breakfast or not, these impressive cliff faces are not to be missed!
From the moment we arrive in Galway, you'll understand why 2 nights were needed here. Everything you've dreamed Ireland to be is tucked into this small, atmospheric city. Step into a local pub and down Irish stew over live music and chats with locals. Outside will be just as lively, with buskers & colorful buildings lining the streets.

Day 9: Galway

Location: Galway

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Try your tongue at some Gaelic and carry on exploring gorgeous Galway. Head up to Dún Aonghasa (the ruins of a prehistoric fortress) - make sure you take photos, this area is not for the faint-hearted! Irish life, you so sweet.

Day 10: Galway To Derry/Londonderry

Location: Galway, Londonderry

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy.
Here the 17th century walls stand at 8 meters high speaking of times gone by when this area was in battle. Times may have changed, but we're still keen to soak up the history and learn a thing or two from our wise Local Guide.

Day 11: Derry/Londonderry To Belfast

Location: Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast

Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we've got a one way ticket to Belfast and a whole lot more exploration to do.
UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway - also known as those giant rock columns you've probably drooled over on Pinterest, needs to be seen to be believed. Get those hashtags ready, a snap with the group is essential on the mind-blowing natural formation.
Next up - we'll arrive in Belfast. Concluding the day will be a driving tour and a trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.

Day 12: Belfast To Dublin

Location: Belfast, Dublin

Accommodation Name: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

With one night left in Ireland and on tour, we're on the fast track to Dublin where our Irish fairytale first began.
A promise is a promise. Here we are back in the city that started our Ireland infatuations. Use this second stint to do your missed critical activities such as visiting the Guinness Storehouse where you can learn how to pull a pint the Irish way.

Day 13: End Dublin

Location: Dublin

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Ireland today with leprechauns in our hearts and memories in our souls. Say goodbye at breakfast as it will be the last bite our crew has together.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West, Ibis Edinburgh Center South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, Ibis Budget Glasgow, Travelodge Plus Dublin City Center, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Derry.

  • Meals

    Meals are included on various days, including breakfast and dinner options.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between locations is included as part of the tour.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours such as the local guide tour of Edinburgh Castle are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

Mode of Transport

Transportation between locations is included as part of the tour, ensuring a seamless travel experience across Scotland and Ireland.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West, Ibis Edinburgh Center South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, Ibis Budget Glasgow, Travelodge Plus Dublin City Center, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Derry.

  • Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?

    No, personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Are optional tours included in the package?

    No, optional tours such as the local guide tour of Edinburgh Castle are not included.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • What is unique about the visit to the Cliffs of Moher?

    The Cliffs of Moher offer impressive cliff faces that are not to be missed, providing breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

  • What can I expect to see in the Scottish Highlands?

    In the Scottish Highlands, you will visit St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, and enjoy the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery.

  • What historical site will we visit in Derry/Londonderry?

    In Derry/Londonderry, you will visit the 17th-century walls that stand at 8 meters high and learn about the area's history from a local guide.

  • Is transportation between locations included in the tour?

    Yes, transportation between locations is included as part of the tour.

  • What can I expect to see at the Giant’s Causeway?

    The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its giant rock columns. It is a mind-blowing natural formation that is perfect for group photos.

  • What are the highlights of the visit to Glasgow?

    In Glasgow, you can enjoy live music, visit a gothic cathedral, and explore the city's unique character.

  • What activities are available in Edinburgh on Day 2?

    On Day 2 in Edinburgh, you can join an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle, do some tartan shopping on Princes Street, or indulge in some whisky tasting.

  • What is included in the visit to Belfast?

    In Belfast, you will have a driving tour and visit the Titanic Museum, where the world's most famous ship was built.

  • What can I do in Dublin during the tour?

    In Dublin, you can explore the city's heritage, character, and numerous pubs, especially in the Temple Bar area. You can also visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn how to pull a pint the Irish way.

  • Are meals included in the tour?

    Yes, meals are included on various days, including breakfast and dinner options.

  • What is special about the visit to Loch Ness?

    Loch Ness is the most voluminous lake in the UK, containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. It is also rumored to contain the legendary Loch Ness Monster.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.