Day 1
Start Edinburgh
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Accommodation
Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Welcome to the ultimate Scottish and Irish adventure, where you'll find warm locals, trendy cities and breathtaking scenery everywhere you turn. On this trip you'll see highlands, bagpipes & whisky go head to head with Irish folk songs & Guinness: it's impossible to choose a favourite, which is why you need to do them both. And with heaps of eye-widening travel inclusions like Blarney Castle and a cruise around Loch Ness, there's no better way than this 13-day journey, starting in Edinburgh and finishing off in Dublin.
Locations Visited
Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Stirling, Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Dundreggan, Glasgow, Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Larne, Galway, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher
Countries Visited
Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland
Travel Style
Accommodations
12 nights included
Age Requirements
Travel experiences for 18-35 year olds
Day 1
Accommodation
Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Day 2
Accommodation
Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 3
It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for Inverness.
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.
We make a stop in Stirling, known for its famous Castle nestled right on a hill, and the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeeedom!"
Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in Inverness amped up for mystical tales.
Accommodation
Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
If you like golf, you’ll love St Andrews. But if you think it spoils a nice walk in the park, there’s also Swilcan Bridge.
Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
Day 4
We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness and Glenfinnan Viaduct, 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, mountain 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.
Accommodation
Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.
Day 5
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.
Small pitstop! We'll check out the lush, hilly rewilding centre here to learn about how Scotland's native animal species are reintroduced into the wild. Plus, you have the option afterwards to canoe across the stunning southern end of Scotland's most famous lake and see even more wildlife along the way.
Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique. Plus, you've got the option to dine on a wholesome, home-cooked meal for a truly local Glaswegian experience.
Accommodation
Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Ever wondered how native animal species - like the Scottish Red Squirrel, Lynx and Beavers - are reintroduced into the wild? Come learn about it all from an expert (who'll also tell you how the Caledonian pine forest is being reforested too!). Every penny you spend here will directly support Trees for Life, a TreadRight supported project.
Day 6
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. First fill up on your included group dinner, then end the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar.
Accommodation
Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 7
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.
Wanna break up your coach hangs with some bicycle time? Then choose to join us for a bike ride 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.
Welcome to Clonmel! Opt to sample some of Ireland's famous whiskey at the Jameson's Distillery in Midleton. After we arrive in the evening, we'll tuck into an included dinner and then head off into town together to explore.
Accommodation
Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 8
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 & colourful buildings lining the streets.
Accommodation
Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle.
These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.
Tread the cobbles of this well-loved Irish city with your new Contiki crew. See Lynch’s Castle, Eyre Square and all the best pubs.
Day 9
Accommodation
Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 10
Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy.
This afternoon, we'll drive into Derry/Londonderry - a historical city with 17th century walls. Today, you can opt for an authentic rural Irish experience with sheepdogs, a local shepherd and some homemade lunch. Next, we'll head into town for a guided tour, and you even have the option to tour Bogside - a neighbourhood that used to be underwater! This day is as Irish as it gets.
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.
Day 11
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 an optional trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.
Accommodation
Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Sure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed.
Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history.
Day 12
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. Tonight you can choose to end your week in Ireland at a Free Time Add-On farewell dinner.
Accommodation
Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Meals
Breakfast
Day 13
Meals
Breakfast
Title
You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through border control in the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
You'll cross the Irish Sea aboard a modern, high-speed ferry with comfy facilities. Best part? You’ll be able to leave the coach and explore the ferry and its food court during the 2-hour journey. We’ll hop back on the coach before disembarking.
You’ll be on the road for around 2-3 hours between stops. We’ll check out some cities along the way, so that you can soak up some more of the localities in the British Isles. Either way, get ready for all the beautiful backdrops you’ll see.
Trip Notes:
Terms & Conditions:
Other conditions may apply. TICO #2058256 #2759979
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