Scotland and Ireland Reunion | Summer | 2026
Scotland and Ireland Reunion | Summer | 2026
$3529
Scotland and Ireland Reunion | Summer | 2026
13 Days Starting in Edinburgh, United Kingdom and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands, Dundreggan, Glasgow, Dublin, Clonmel, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
OVEDMA26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
35-45
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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 with a legendary bunch of 35-45s.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Hey there, Contiki Alumni & friends** Royal mile, old Castle, home of the brave, Edinburgh is going to turn it on from start to end. With days of adventure up 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.**Please note this trip is available exclusively to Contiki Past Passengers, or those travelling with a Contiki Past Passenger, aged 35-45.
Day 2: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
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: Scottish Highlands
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 4: Scottish Highlands To Glasgow Via Loch Ness
Location: Dundreggan
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 5: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
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 6: Glasgow To Dublin
Location: Dublin
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 7: Dublin To Clonmel
Location: Clonmel
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 8: Clonmel To Galway
Location: Galway
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 9: Galway
Location: Galway
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 10: Galway To Derry/Londonderry
Location: Derry/Londonderry
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 11: Derry/Londonderry To Belfast
Location: 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: 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. Tonight you can choose to end your week in Ireland at a Free Time Add-On farewell dinner.
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
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Dining Summary
The tour includes 12 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
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Loch Ness Cruise
Sit back, relax and cruise along Loch Ness with your Contiki crew, keeping an eye out for the mythical 'Nessie'.
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Scottish Highlands Experience
Learn about the reintroduction of native animal species and the reforestation of the Caledonian pine forest, supporting the Trees for Life project.
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St. Andrews Visit
Visit St. Andrews, known for its golf course and the Swilcan Bridge.
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Stirling Exploration
Explore the sights of Stirling and take a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
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Blarney Castle Visit
Visit Blarney Castle and have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone to get the 'gift of the gab'.
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Cliffs of Moher
Visit the rugged, photogenic Cliffs of Moher, famous for being featured in many films.
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Galway Exploration
Explore the cobbled streets of Galway, including Lynch's Castle and Eyre Square.
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Derry/Londonderry Tour
Tour Ireland's only walled city, built in the 17th Century.
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Giant's Causeway Visit
Visit the Giant's Causeway, a quirky natural wonder that must be seen to be believed.
What's Not Included
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Optional Tours
Optional tours such as the Edinburgh Castle tour are not included in the base package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping and additional meals are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the scenic landscapes of Scotland and Ireland with ease, enjoying coach rides between iconic destinations such as Edinburgh, the Scottish Highlands, Glasgow, Dublin, Clonmel, Galway, Derry, and Belfast, with opportunities for local exploration and optional guided tours.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the 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, Holiday Inn Express Derry, and Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre, ensuring a restful experience throughout your journey.
Dining Summary
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- Edinburgh: How do we travel between Scotland and Ireland? 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.
- Edinburgh: How long are the drives? 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the age range for participants on this tour?
This tour is available exclusively to Contiki Past Passengers, or those traveling with a Contiki Past Passenger, aged 35-45.
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What unique experience is offered at Loch Ness?
At Loch Ness, you will have the opportunity to sit back, relax, and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew, keeping your eyes peeled and camera ready for the mythical 'Nessie'.
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What can participants expect to see in the Scottish Highlands?
In the Scottish Highlands, participants can learn about the reintroduction of native animal species like the Scottish Red Squirrel, Lynx, and Beavers into the wild, and how the Caledonian pine forest is being reforested, all from an expert.
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What is special about the visit to St. Andrews?
St. Andrews is known as the birthplace of golf and is also Scotland’s oldest university town. Participants can enjoy the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route.
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What historical site will be visited in Stirling?
In Stirling, participants will explore the sights and have the opportunity to get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight, William Wallace.
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What is the significance of Blarney Castle on this tour?
At Blarney Castle, participants have the chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the 'gift of the gab', as well as visit the medieval Irish castle.
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What can participants do in Galway?
In Galway, participants can tread the cobbles of this well-loved Irish city, see Lynch’s Castle, Eyre Square, and explore all the best pubs with their new Contiki crew.
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What is unique about the Giant's Causeway visit?
The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its giant rock columns, which are a quirky natural wonder that must be seen to be believed.
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What will participants learn about in Belfast?
In Belfast, participants will hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history, including a visit to the Titanic museum where the world’s most famous ship was built.
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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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Friday - Wednesday
Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 19, 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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