Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025
Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025
Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2025
13 Days Starting in Edinburgh and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glasgow, Stirling, Larne, Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBEDAMA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Boat/Cruise Excursion, Sightseeing, Walking
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland and Ireland in the summer of 2025. This cultural tour kicks off in Edinburgh, where you'll explore historic sites and indulge in local delicacies. Traverse the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, visit the iconic Loch Ness, and marvel at the Glenfinnan Viaduct. In Glasgow, immerse yourself in the city's vibrant music scene and rich history. Cross over to Ireland, starting in Dublin, and experience the medieval charm of Kilkenny, the legendary Blarney Castle, and the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Discover the lively streets of Galway, the historic walls of Derry/Londonderry, and the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. Conclude your adventure back in Dublin, enriched with memories and new friendships.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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 times 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: 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 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.
Day 4: Scottish Highlands To Glasgow Via Glenfinnan Viaduct
Location: Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glasgow
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 and Glenfinnan Viaduct, 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...
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.
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 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: 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. 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.
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: 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. 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: Galway, 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.
Day 11: Derry/Londonderry To Belfast
Location: Derry/Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
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: 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.
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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Meals
Meals are included on various days, typically breakfast and some dinners.
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Local Guides
Local guides are provided for tours in cities like Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
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Transportation
Transportation between locations is included, covering travel from Edinburgh to Dublin.
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Cruise
A cruise on Loch Ness is included.
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Entry Fees
Entry fees to certain attractions such as the Titanic Museum in Belfast are included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Tours
Optional tours such as the Edinburgh Castle tour are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included
Mode of Transport
Transportation between locations is included, covering travel from Edinburgh to Dublin, with a cruise on Loch Ness also part of the journey.
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
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What kind of accommodation is provided 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.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, meals are included on various days, typically breakfast and some dinners.
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Will there be local guides during the tour?
Yes, local guides are provided for tours in cities like Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
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Is transportation between locations included?
Yes, transportation between locations is included, covering travel from Edinburgh to Dublin.
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Is there a cruise included in the tour?
Yes, a cruise on Loch Ness is included.
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Are entry fees to attractions included?
Yes, entry fees to certain attractions such as the Titanic Museum in Belfast are included.
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Are optional tours included in the tour package?
No, optional tours such as the Edinburgh Castle tour are not included.
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Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?
No, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Are visa fees included in the tour package?
No, visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
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What activities are planned for the first day in Edinburgh?
On the first day in Edinburgh, you can explore the Royal Mile, the old Castle, and enjoy local activities such as searching for haggis, visiting a whisky bar, and mingling with the locals.
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What can I do on the second day in Edinburgh?
On the second day in Edinburgh, you have the option to join a local guide for a tour of Edinburgh Castle, go tartan shopping on Princes Street, or indulge in some whisky tasting.
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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.
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What will we see at the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
At the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you will see the railway viaduct featured in the Harry Potter films and the breathtaking waters of Loch Shiel.
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What is included in the visit to Loch Ness?
The visit to Loch Ness includes a cruise on the loch, which is the most voluminous lake in the UK and is rumored to contain the legendary Nessie.
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What can I expect in Glasgow?
In Glasgow, you can enjoy live music, visit a gothic cathedral, and explore the city’s unique character and quirky characters.
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What is planned for the visit to Stirling?
In Stirling, you will visit the famous Stirling Castle and learn about the town where William Wallace took on the English.
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What activities are planned in Dublin?
In Dublin, you can explore the city’s heritage, character, and pubs, and enjoy a lively night at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar.
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What is special about the visit to Kilkenny?
In Kilkenny, you can explore the castle, a cathedral, and take in the medieval charm of the city.
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What can I expect in Clonmel?
In Clonmel, you will have the chance to sample some of Ireland’s famous whiskey at the Jameson’s Distillery in Midleton, enjoy an included dinner, and explore the town.
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What is special about the visit to Blarney Castle?
At Blarney Castle, you can kiss the Blarney Stone, which is said to grant the gift of the gab.
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What can I expect in Galway?
In Galway, you can enjoy live music, Irish stew, and the lively atmosphere of the city with buskers and colorful buildings lining the streets.
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What is planned for the visit to Derry/Londonderry?
In Derry/Londonderry, you will explore the 17th-century walls and learn about the history of the area from a local guide.
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What can I expect at the Giant’s Causeway?
At the Giant’s Causeway, you will see the UNESCO World Heritage site with its giant rock columns, which is a mind-blowing natural formation.
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What is included in the visit to Belfast?
In Belfast, you will have a driving tour and visit the Titanic Museum where the world’s most famous ship was built.
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What can I do during the second visit to Dublin?
During the second visit to Dublin, you can visit the Guinness Storehouse and learn how to pull a pint the Irish way.
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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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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.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
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