Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Winter | 2024/2025
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, Londonderry, Giant's Causeway, Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WWEDMA19
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:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable winter journey through Scotland and Ireland in 2024/2025, starting in the historic city of Edinburgh and ending in the vibrant streets of Dublin. This cultural tour takes you from the iconic Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle to the mystical Scottish Highlands, the legendary Loch Ness, and the bustling city of Glasgow. Cross the Irish Sea to explore the charming towns of Kilkenny and Clonmel, the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and the lively city of Galway. Discover the rich history of Derry/Londonderry, marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, and delve into Belfast’s Titanic heritage before returning to Dublin for a final taste of Irish hospitality.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
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: Columba Hotel Inverness (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
Location: Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glasgow
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, 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, mountains 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 5: Glasgow
Location: Glasgow, Stirling, 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.
Day 6: Glasgow To Dublin
Location: Glasgow, Larne, Dublin
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Steeped in gorgeous greenery and hidden history, you won't find many towns cuter than Clonmel. After we arrive in the evening, we'll tuck into an included dinner and then head off into town together to explore. Ancient castles and quirky pubs incoming!
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, Dinner
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 & colorful buildings lining the streets.
Day 9: Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, Londonderry
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy.
Here the 17th century walls stand at 8 meters 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: 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 12: Belfast To Dublin
Location: Belfast, 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.
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, including breakfast and dinner options.
-
Transportation
Transportation between locations is included as part of the tour.
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 shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
Mode of Transport
Transportation between locations is included as part of the tour, ensuring a seamless travel experience across Scotland and Ireland.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West, Ibis Edinburgh Center South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, Ibis Budget Glasgow, Travelodge Plus Dublin City Center, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Derry.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West, Ibis Edinburgh Center South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, Ibis Budget Glasgow, Travelodge Plus Dublin City Center, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express Derry.
-
Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, meals are included on various days, including breakfast and dinner options.
-
Is transportation between locations included in the tour?
Yes, transportation between locations is included as part of the tour.
-
Are optional tours included in the package?
No, optional tours such as the local guide tour of Edinburgh Castle are not included.
-
Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?
No, personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
-
What activities are available in Edinburgh on Day 2?
On Day 2 in Edinburgh, you can join an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle, do some tartan shopping on Princes Street, or indulge in some whisky tasting.
-
What can I expect to see in the Scottish Highlands?
In the Scottish Highlands, you will visit St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, and enjoy the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery.
-
What are the highlights of the visit to Glasgow?
In Glasgow, you can enjoy live music, visit a gothic cathedral, and explore the city's unique character.
-
What is special about the visit to Loch Ness?
Loch Ness is the most voluminous lake in the UK, containing more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. It is also rumored to contain the legendary Loch Ness Monster.
-
What can I do in Dublin during the tour?
In Dublin, you can explore the city's heritage, character, and numerous pubs, especially in the Temple Bar area. You can also visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn how to pull a pint the Irish way.
-
What is unique about the visit to the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher offer impressive cliff faces that are not to be missed, providing breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
-
What historical site will we visit in Derry/Londonderry?
In Derry/Londonderry, you will visit the 17th-century walls that stand at 8 meters high and learn about the area's history from a local guide.
-
What can I expect to see at the Giant’s Causeway?
The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its giant rock columns. It is a mind-blowing natural formation that is perfect for group photos.
-
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.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Saturday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 26, 2024Monday - Saturday
Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024Monday - Saturday
Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024Monday - Saturday
Nov 18, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024Monday - Saturday
Nov 25, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024Monday - Saturday
Dec 09, 2024 - Dec 21, 2024Thursday - Tuesday
Dec 26, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025Monday - Saturday
Dec 30, 2024 - Jan 11, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Dec 31, 2024 - Jan 12, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 22, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Jan 24, 2025 - Feb 05, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 26, 2025Book 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.
-
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.