Great Britain & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025
Great Britain & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025
Great Britain & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025
18 Days Starting and ending in London
Visiting: London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham, Liverpool, York, Lake District National Park, Hadrian's Wall, Carlisle, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glasgow, Stirling, Larne, Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Wales
Tour Overview
From London, Bristol, Oxford to York, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin - this 18-day tour of Britain and Ireland includes entrance into awe-inspiring attractions aplenty, including puckering up for the Blarney stone, cruising across Loch Ness, and enjoying city tours of both Liverpool and Belfast. Cross the Irish sea, explore historic cities shrouded in folklore and mystery, gawp at Ireland's breathtaking landscapes and appreciate a culture of cool from as far back as the Beatles. It'll be love at first London site.
Make Travel Matter®
Scottish Highlands: 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.
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Bristol Via Windsor And Bath
Location: London, Windsor, Bath, Bristol
Accommodation: Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Good morning dear Londonites! Meet your new crew and hop onto our coach. It’s time to make some moves.Hello Windsor, at the top of our agenda today is obviously, getting a magnificent view of the royal Windsor Castle! Afterwards, you’ve got some free time. So why not strut like a royal around this beautiful town studded with gardens and riverside views. And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination.Ready? We’re going back in time. Because you’ve got some free time to explore this historical town. Visit the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths, the Jane Austen museum or maybe do a canal cruise! (Go on, live your period drama dreams.)Welcome to the sea-side wonder of Bristol. Colourful buildings, crazy cliffs, beautiful bridges - you’re in for a treat. Speaking of treats…you can drop your bags off at our hotel before we feast on some well-deserved dinner. Afterwards, you’re free to roam the streets for a night out with your newly-made friends.
Day 2: Bristol To Birmingham Via Oxford And Stratford-Upon-Avon
Location: Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Birmingham
Accommodation: Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to wake up! We’ve got some more exploration to do. And you’ve got a delicious breakfast waiting for you. Today, you can choose to check out Bristol’s street art with a local guide before we make our way into Oxford!You’ve been dreaming about this. Haven’t you? We’re finally in THE Oxford - with its world-famous museums, libraries, churches and of course, University. You can even choose to roam around the river on a Punt. There's so much to be discovered here. So, it's a good thing you've got some free time in this quaint little town (that's also the home of Shakespeare!). In the evening, we'll head to our stop for the night - Birmingham.Hungry? We'll drop our bags off at the hotel and stroll around in the streets and grab a bite on the way. Get a good night's sleep because tomorrow, we're heading up North!
Day 3: Birmingham To Liverpool
Location: Birmingham, Liverpool
Accommodation: ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Birmingham, you’ve been grand. But we’ve got places to be. Grab some breakfast before we hop onto our coach once more.Welcome to Liverpool. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent as we take a guided walking tour. Afterwards, we’ll check into our cosy hotel, and then you’re free to do whatever you like. Heads up! Some departures will stay overnight in Manchester instead of Liverpool. Don't worry, you'll still have plenty of time to check out the city on a guided tour. Want more info? This will be confirmed in your travel documents closer to departure.
Day 4: Liverpool To York
Location: Liverpool, York
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lap up your last dose of Liverpool 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 5: York To Carlisle Via Lake District And Hadrian's Wall
Location: York, Lake District National Park, Hadrian's Wall, Carlisle
Accommodation: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)
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. We'll take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. 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 6: Carlisle To Edinburgh
Location: Carlisle, Edinburgh
Accommodation: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
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! 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 haggis and a traditional bagpiper.
Day 7: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
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 8: Edinburgh To Scottish Highlands
Location: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands
Accommodation: Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (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 9: Scottish Highlands To Glasgow Via Loch Ness
Location: Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glasgow
Accommodation: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Glasgow (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 and hop on board for a cruise of 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 arrive into Glasgow tonight, grab a bite to eat and then hit the hay ready for some more exploration in the am!
Day 10: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow, Stirling, Glasgow
Accommodation: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wakey wakey everyone. We're up bright and early this morning. Next stop, Stirling! 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!" Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique.
Day 11: Glasgow To Dublin
Location: Glasgow, Larne, Dublin
Accommodation: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 12: Dublin To Clonmel
Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel
Accommodation: Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)
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. Welcome to Clonmel! But not before the chance 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.
Day 13: Clonmel To Galway
Location: Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 14: Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 15: Galway To Derry/Londonderry
Location: Galway, Derry/Londonderry
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy. Here the 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 16: Derry/Londonderry To Belfast
Location: Derry/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 17: Belfast To Dublin
Location: Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
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. Tonight you can choose to end your week in Ireland at a Free Time Add-On farewell dinner.
Day 18: Dublin To London
Location: Dublin, Wales, London
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Ireland today with leprechauns in our hearts and memories in our souls. Enjoy the roll back to London town as it will be the last bout our crew has together. We've crossed the Irish Sea, motored through Wales, passed the town of try-to-say-it-out-loud Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, and now we are back in London. That's all folks! Pass the tissues, say your goodbyes, and make plans for your next adventure. Unless, of course, there's talk of a reunion tour. Greek Islands, anyone?
What's Included
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Accommodation
16 nights in Hotels Accommodation included on this tour.
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Fully Guided
Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides on this tour.
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Meals
17 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners is included.
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Transport
What's Not Included
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, giving you the freedom to explore local cuisines on your own.
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as shopping, additional food, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities outside the set itinerary will be at your own expense.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Airfare
International airfare to and from the start and end points of the tour is not included.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 17 Breakfast (B)
FAQs
- London: What currency do I need? For this trip, you’ll need just two currencies - the British Pound and the Euro.
Included Experience
- Windsor: Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle. Keep your eyes peeled! You might even spot a royal if you're lucky.
- Bath: Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.
- Oxford: Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford. And also the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world!
- Stratford-upon-Avon: Explore the town that this legendary literature writer once called home. From Shakespeare's birthplace to where we he was buried - you'll find clues about his life scattered everywhere in this town.
- 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.
- Edinburgh: Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle. They’re all here to fill up your memory and Insta feed.
- 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.
- 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’.
- Scottish Highlands: 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.
- Stirling: Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
- Blarney Castle: Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle.
- Cliffs of Moher: These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.
- Galway: 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.
- Derry/Londonderry: One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.
- Giant's Causeway: Sure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed.
- Belfast: Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries are visited on the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
The tour visits England, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
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What are some highlights of the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
Highlights include Windsor Castle, Bath's historic architecture, Cardiff's castles and bays, Oxford University, Liverpool's Beatles landmarks, Edinburgh Castle, Loch Ness, and the Giant's Causeway.
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What is the target age group for the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
The tour is targeted at 18-30 somethings.
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Are meals included in the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
Some meals are included, but not all. This gives you the freedom to explore local cuisines on your own.
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What are the exclusions of the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
Exclusions include some meals, personal expenses, optional activities, travel insurance, and airfare to and from the start and end points of the tour.
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What type of accommodation is provided in the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
Accommodations include hotels similar to Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel, Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel, Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit, Ibis Budget Glasgow, Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Derry.
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What is the starting location of the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
The tour starts in London.
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What is the ending location of the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
The tour ends in London.
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Are there any optional activities mentioned for the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
Yes, any optional activities outside the set itinerary will be at your own expense.
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Is travel insurance included in the Great Britain & Ireland tour?
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.
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Sep 30, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.