England & Scotland | Classic | End London | Winter | 2024/2025

England & Scotland | Classic | End London | Winter | 2024/2025

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9 Days From

$2495

$1753

England & Scotland | Classic | End London | Winter | 2024/2025

9 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Glasgow, United Kingdom

Visiting: Manchester, York, Lake District National Park, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Glasgow

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

WWBRMA119

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $2495 $1753 Barrhead discount: -$742 -30%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through England and Scotland, starting and ending in London. This winter tour invites you to explore iconic landmarks and historic cities, from the vibrant streets of Liverpool, where The Beatles' legacy lives on, to the ancient charm of York with its Viking and Roman roots. Discover the birthplace of golf at St. Andrews, cruise the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, and capture the magic of the Hogwarts Express in Fort William. Experience the cultural richness of Edinburgh, nestled on an extinct volcano, and the lively spirit of Glasgow. Travel in comfort with coach transportation and a scenic train journey, staying in well-located hotels throughout. This cultural adventure promises unforgettable memories and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Highlights

  • Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles and see all the iconic landmarks in Liverpool.

  • Explore York Minster and get to know its Viking and Roman roots.

  • Visit St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, and see the Swilcan Bridge.

  • Cruise along Loch Ness and keep your eyes peeled for mythical 'Nessie'.

  • Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.

  • Keep your eyes peeled for the Hogwarts Express in Fort William.

  • Take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall.

  • Roam free in Edinburgh and visit Edinburgh Castle, which rests on an extinct volcano.

Places You'll See

Edinburgh Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle

Loch Ness, Scotland

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London To Manchester Via Liverpool

Location: Manchester

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Good morning dear Londonites! And welcome to your 9-day deep dive into all things England and Scotland. Big things are just around the corner. So big we've nicknamed one of them Big Ben. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent - this is the call of the day as we pull up in lively Liverpool. Tonight we’ll bed down in Manchester – Liverpool’s neighbouring city and fellow home of musical royalty. Dinner’s included tonight and after that, you’re free to explore. Just remember that toniiiiiight, you’re a rock and roll star.

Day 2: Manchester To York

Location: York

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lap up your last dose of Manchester before we go back to the time of the Vikings... in the traditional walled city of York. 2,000 years of history will unfold upon us as we amble down narrow lanes of York, exploring the Minster, the Shambles and Clifford’s Tower. For fans of folklore, sign up to a night of ghostly horrors and dark alleyways & prepare to be spooked.

Day 3: York To Carlisle Via Lake District

Location: Lake District National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Even if the ghosts of York kept you awake all night, you're going to need to rise and shine and wave goodbye to the Harry Potter like setting of this ancient city. Whatever you do, don't Google this place before we arrive. It will spoil the surprise of its unfathomable beauty. Endless green hills, 16 serene lakes & streets of stone homes will have you pining for the country life. End the day in quaint and charming Carlisle, England's northern-most town before Scotland! Nothing like the northern air to cosy up and wake as fresh as a daisy the next morning for all our activities.

Day 4: Carlisle To Edinburgh Via Hadrian's Wall

Location: Hadrian's Wall

Accommodation: Hotel

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh! But first we'll take a spectacular drive this morning to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. Back in the 21st Century we'll find ourselves in Edinburgh, a city that, although still simmering in ancient history, comes alive with music festivals, a rousing creative scene & fun bars. Top the day off with a Scottish meal, complete with a traditional bagpiper.

Day 5: 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 6: Edinburgh To Inverness Via St Andrews And Stirling

Location: Inverness

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 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.

Day 7: Inverness Via Loch Ness And Aviemore

Location: Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Inverness

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 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.

Day 8: Inverness To Glasgow

Location: 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. Tonight, you have the option to sign up for a delicious home-cooked meal for a truly local Glaswegian experience.

Day 9: End Glasgow/Train To London

Location: Glasgow

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip sadly comes to an end after breakfast in Glasgow. It’s time to say bye to your new travel squad and plan the next journey. Or if you've chosen to end in London, catch the train back to London, where the trip ends upon arrival.

What's Included

  • Tour York on foot

    Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots.

  • Liverpool City Tour

    Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles and see all the iconic landmarks in Liverpool.

  • Visit St Andrews

    Visit the birthplace of golf and see the Swilcan Bridge.

  • See the William Wallace Monument

    Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.

  • See Glenfinnan Viaduct

    Keep your eyes peeled for the Hogwarts Express in Fort William.

  • Cruise along Loch Ness

    Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical 'Nessie'.

  • Accommodation

    Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as the ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel, Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, and Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel.

  • Transport

    Travel in style and comfort with coach transportation between destinations, including scenic drives and stops at key landmarks. The tour also includes a train journey from Glasgow to London for those ending their trip in London.

  • Meals

    2 Dinners and 8 Breakfasts are included.

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 souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Transport to Start Location

    Transport to the starting location in London is not included.

  • Transport from End Location

    Transport from the end location in Glasgow or London is not included.

Dining Summary

  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

  • Liverpool: One for fans of The Beatles. Walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four and see all the iconic landmarks on this jaunt around Liverpool.
  • York Minster: Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots. Check out highlights such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster.
  • St. Andrews: 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.
  • Stirling: Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
  • Loch Ness: Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.
  • Fort William: Heads up ‘Potterheads’. Keep your eyes peeled for the Hogwarts Express.

FAQs

  • London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes coach transportation between destinations, featuring scenic drives and stops at key landmarks. Additionally, there is a train journey from Glasgow to London for those ending their trip in London.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as the ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel, Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, and Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Other meals are not included and will be at your own expense.

  • Is there an opportunity to visit Edinburgh Castle during the tour?

    Yes, there is an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle available, which is not included in the tour package and can be arranged separately.

  • Will I have a chance to see the Loch Ness during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to Loch Ness where you can enjoy a cruise along the loch and keep an eye out for the mythical 'Nessie'.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The tour ends in Glasgow, but there is an option to take a train back to London, where the trip concludes upon arrival.

  • 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

Save on this tour

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Tuesday

Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 31, 2024
$2823

Friday - Saturday

Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
$2689 $2555

Barrhead discount: -$134

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025
$2689 $1882

Barrhead discount: -$807

Tuesday - Wednesday

Jan 07, 2025 - Jan 15, 2025
$2620 $2455

Barrhead discount: -$165

Tuesday - Wednesday

Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025
$2495 $2221

Barrhead discount: -$274

Tuesday - Wednesday

Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 19, 2025
$2495 $1753

Barrhead discount: -$742

Thursday - Friday

Feb 27, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
$2495 $1870

Barrhead discount: -$625

Tuesday - Wednesday

Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025
$2495 $2221

Barrhead discount: -$274

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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