Scotland & Ireland

Scotland & Ireland

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Scotland & Ireland

13 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Dublin

Visiting: Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands, West Highlands, Glasgow, Dublin, Cork, Galway, Londonderry, Belfast

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBEDAMA16

Recommended For:

18-30 somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 50

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Contiki with specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

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.

Highlights

Scottish Highlands to West Highlands

  • See the spectacular Eilean Donan castle

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Arrive Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West (or similar)

Royal mile, old Castle, home of the brave, Edinburgh is going to turn it on from start to end. With days of good time 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: Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West (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. Strictly for the purpose of being cultural, you should probably make time for a traditional deep fried chocolate bar during your day. The things we do for cultural immersion...

Day 3: Edinburgh To Scottish Highlands Via St Andrews
Location: Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands
Accommodation: Columba Hotel Iverness (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Wake from your fried chocolate food coma crazy travellers, 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 and a lake cruise on Loch Ness.

Day 4: Scottish Highlands To West Highlands Via Glenfinnan Viaduct
Location: Scottish Highlands, West Highlands
Accommodation: Regent Hotel Oban (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct, the mood will only be rising. 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.Before the day's out we'll set our eyes on Britain's highest mountain. Whether capped by snow or overflowing with green, it's sure to take your breath away & leave you more than content with your day's discoveries.

Day 5: West Highlands To Glasgow Via Stirling
Location: West Highlands, Glasgow
Accommodation: Ibis Budget Glasgow (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.We make a stop in Stirling, known for it's famous Castle nestled right on a hill, and the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeeedom!"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 Via Larne
Location: Glasgow, Dublin
Accommodation: Travelodge 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 Cork Via Kilkenny
Location: Dublin, Cork
Accommodation: Oriel House Hotel Ballincollig (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 village sure to leave you wanting Irish in your blood. It's a castle, a cathedral & mountains of medieval charm before we hit the road again for Cork.Welcome to vibrant Cork! But not before the chance to sample some of Ireland's famous whiskey at the Jameson's Distillery in Middleton. Yum! Even when the skies are grey, Cork is covered in colour and good vibes. Stroll the River Lee or grab your first Guinness in the comfort of a pub, if you didn't get your hands on one in Dublin.

Day 8: Cork To Galway Via Blarney And Cliffs Of Moher
Location: Cork, Galway
Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Hopefully you exhausted all of your cork puns yesterday, as today we are moving on, sightseeing our way to 2-nights in Galway.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!If heights aren't your cup of English Breakfast, you best sit this one out. Spine tingling, nail biting cliff faces are there to tremble at for those without fear.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.

Day 9: Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Try your tongue at some Gaelic and carry on exploring gorgeous Galway. Or, if you hear the call of the wild, you can sign yourself up to a ferry ride to Aran Islands (summer departures only) where you can dance around with horses and take a bike ride around the picturesque farms, or 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 Londonderry
Location: Galway, Londonderry
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy. Today we continue on towards to Londonderry.Here in Londonderry, 17th century walls stand at 8 metres 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: Londonderry To Belfast Via Giants Causeway
Location: Londonderry, Belfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Belfast City (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast

Laters Londonderry, 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 parts of the world's most famous ship can be seen.

Day 12: Belfast To Dublin
Location: Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation: Travelodge 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: Depart 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

  • As we journey through picturesque countryside and quaint cobbled cities, you'll be resting your head for 12 nights in twin-share hotel rooms.

  • As well as breakfast every day, we'll fill you to the brim with 6 dinners. Scotland and Ireland are known for their hearty and wholesome cuisine - nibble on some haggis if you're feeling brave, or perhaps just settle for a steaming bowl of Irish stew.

  • A highly trained Trip Manager who brings your adventure to life. An expert driver who knows foreign roads better than Google Maps. Local Guides who make tourist traps a thing of the past. This is your team. Smart, friendly, fun, and integral to everything we do.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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

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 60 GBP 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.

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