Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025

Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025

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13 Days From

$3289

$2302

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting landscapes of Scotland and Ireland with the "Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025" tour. Begin your adventure in Edinburgh, exploring the historic Royal Mile and the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Cruise the legendary Loch Ness, and visit St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf. Discover the stunning Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland and experience the vibrant culture of Galway. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle and marvel at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Explore the 17th-century walled city of Derry/Londonderry and delve into Belfast's rich history. With transportation, local guides, and select meals included, this tour offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, culture, and history, ensuring a memorable experience from Edinburgh to Dublin. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Explore the historic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano.

  • Cruise on the legendary Loch Ness, keeping an eye out for the mythical Nessie.

  • Visit St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf and Scotland's oldest university town.

  • Discover the stunning Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern Ireland.

  • Experience the vibrant culture and live music of Galway, Ireland.

  • Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle to gain the 'gift of the gab'.

  • Marvel at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, featured in many films.

  • Explore the 17th-century walled city of Derry/Londonderry.

Places You'll See

Edinburgh City Skyline From Calton Hill, Scotland

Victoria Street In Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland

View Of Edinburgh And Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

St Andrews, Scotland

Swilcan Bridge On The 18Th Hole Of The Old Course Links, St Andrews, Scotland

St Andrews Cathedral, Scotland

Clyde Arc Bridge, Glasgow, Scotland

The University Of Glasgow, Scotland

George Square, Glasgow, Scotland

Temple Bar Street, Dublin, Ireland

Penny Bridge, Dublin, Ireland

Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

Kilkenny, Ireland

Kilkenny Rope Bridge, Ireland

Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny

Blarney, Ireland

Stunning View From The Cliffs Of Moher, County Clare, Ireland

Salmon Weir Bridge, Galway City, Ireland

Galway's Cobblestone Streets, Ireland

travellingaid

Galway, Ireland

Belfast City Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland

theknathan

Giant's Causeway

Custom House And Lagan River, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Accommodation: Hotel

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

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, we'll kick off the evening with the option to indulge in a whisky tasting where you can get to know your new Scottish Contiki family.

Day 2: 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.

Day 3: Edinburgh To Scottish Highlands

Location: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands

Accommodation: Hotel

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 and a to compete in some optional traditional Highland games.

Day 4: Scottish Highlands To Glasgow Via Loch Ness And Dundreggan

Location: Dundreggan

Accommodation: Hostel

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... 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. 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, Stirling, Glasgow

Accommodation: Hotel

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'll make a stop in Stirling, the town where William Wallace took on the English and yelled "Freeedom!" (and also known for its famous hill-top Castle). Today, we'll also check out the epic engineering feat called the 'The Kelpies' in Helix Park. 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 celebrate our final night in Scotland with a local meal accompanied by a live, traditional music.

Day 6: Glasgow To Dublin

Location: Glasgow, Larne, Dublin

Accommodation: Hotel

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. 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.

Day 7: Dublin To Clonmel

Location: Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel

Accommodation: Hotel

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. 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.

Day 8: Clonmel To Galway

Location: Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway

Accommodation: Hotel

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: Hotel

Accommodation Name: 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 Derry/Londonderry

Location: Derry/Londonderry

Accommodation: Hotel

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. What next? You can choose to meet a 4th generation shepherd at his farm for a rural Irish experience. Or even choose to head out for a Bogside walking tour. This day is as Irish as it gets!

Day 11: Derry/Londonderry To Belfast

Location: Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast

Accommodation: Hotel

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 an optional trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.

Day 12: Belfast To Dublin

Location: Belfast, Dublin

Accommodation: Hotel

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

  • Meals

    Meals are included on various days, typically breakfast and some dinners.

  • Local Guides

    Local guides are provided for tours in cities like Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

  • Transportation

    Transportation between locations is included, covering travel from Edinburgh to Dublin.

  • Cruise

    A cruise on Loch Ness is included.

  • Entry Fees

    Entry fees to certain attractions such as the Titanic Museum in Belfast are included.

  • Included Experience

    Experiences such as visiting St. Andrews, Stirling, Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, and a cruise on Loch Ness are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West, 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.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours such as the Edinburgh Castle tour 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 must be purchased separately.

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 12 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Dinner (D)

Included Experience

  • 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.
  • Mallaig: We'll visit Helix Park, home to The Kelpies (horse statues, standing at 100ft tall & weighing more than 300 tonnes each). It's a wonder to behold. Plus, there's also an adventure play park with woodlands and boardwalks for some added fun.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.
  • London: What does a modular trip mean? 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.
  • 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.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West, 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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    Transportation between locations is included, covering travel from Edinburgh to Dublin, with a cruise on Loch Ness as part of the journey.

  • Are meals included during the tour?

    Meals are included on various days, typically breakfast and some dinners.

  • Will there be local guides during the tour?

    Yes, local guides are provided for tours in cities like Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

  • Are entry fees to attractions included in the tour package?

    Entry fees to certain attractions such as the Titanic Museum in Belfast are included.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West, 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. ...more ...less

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional tours such as the Edinburgh Castle tour are not included in the package.

  • 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 ...more ...less

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Monday - Saturday

Mar 24, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$3289 $2302 (USD)

Barrhead discount: -$987 (USD)

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.

Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025

13 Days Starting in Edinburgh, United Kingdom and ending in Dublin, Ireland

Visiting: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands, Dundreggan, Glasgow, Stirling, Larne, Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBEDAMA20

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3289 $2302 (USD) Barrhead discount: -$987 -30%

NB: Prices correct on 18-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

Why book with Barrhead?

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