Great Britain and Ireland
$ 2,829
Info & Booking
Great Britain and Ireland – England | Ireland | Scotland | Northern Ireland | UK Tour for Young Adults & Young Solo Travellers
Great Britain and Ireland Tours for Young Adults
The one that gives you the best of British culture, topped off with The Emerald Isles
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. Through London, York, Glasgow, Liverpool, Dublin and more, this 16-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 your very own Liverpool City Tour. It’ll be love at first London site.
“70 percent join our trips solo”
“70% of our travellers join our trips solo, so you’ll travel with like-minded young people who want to make friends, experience new things and create lifelong memories. This is the best way to turn solo travel into the most social travel imaginable.” (Cited from the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults. For the latest info and eventual changes see here)
“Most popular youth travel company in the world”
Info by the very experienced and internationally popular operator of this tour for young adults (“Most popular youth travel company in the world”, Wikipedia): “Our trips are exclusively for 18-35s, and whether you join us solo or in a group, our trips are designed so you can share incredible experiences with young travellers just like you.”
Reviews by tour participants:
4.7 out of 5 stars (368 Reviews)* (all reviews and the latest rating available on the details page
Target age group:
18 to 35 (35 to 45 at “Reunion Trips“)
Trip duration and price:
16 days, 5 countries from about $ 2456* (final prices – also in other currencies like British £ or € – available on the booking page)
Destinations:
Europe > England | Ireland | Scotland | Northern Ireland | UK
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
Planned Itinerary:
Day 1: London
Liverpool
Manchester
Day 2: Manchester
York
Day 3: York
Lake District National Park
Carlisle
Day 4: Carlisle
Hadrian’s Wall
Edinburgh
Day 5: Edinburgh
Day 6: Edinburgh
St
Andrews
Stirling
Inverness
Day 7: Inverness
Loch Ness
Aviemore
Inverness
Day 8: Inverness
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glasgow
Day 9: Glasgow
Larne
Dublin
Day 10: Dublin
Kilkenny
County Cork
Day 11: County Cork
Blarney
Cliffs of Moher
Galway
Day 12: Galway
Day 13: Galway
Derry/Londonderry
Day 14: Derry/Londonderry
Giant’s Causeway
Belfast
Day 15: Belfast
Dublin
Day 16: Dublin
Wales
London
Day 1: London to Manchester via Liverpool
LondonGood morning dear Londonites! And welcome to your 16-day deep dive into all things Great Britain & Ireland. Big things are just around the corner. So big we’ve nicknamed one of them Big Ben.
LiverpoolChat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent – this is the call of the day as we pull up in lively Liverpool.ManchesterTonight we’ll bed down in Manchester – Liverpool’s neighbouring city and fellow home of musical royalty. Dinner’s included tonight and after that, you’re free to explore. Just remember that toniiiiiight, you’re a rock and roll star.
ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street (or similar)
Included Meals:
DinnerIncluded Experience Take a ‘Liverpool City Tour’ 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.
Day 2: Manchester to York
ManchesterLap up your last dose of Manchester before we go back to the time of the Vikings… in the traditional walled city of York.York2,000 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.
Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included ExperienceTour York on foot Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots. Check out highlights such as Clifford’s Tower and York Minster.
Ghost WalkExplore the well-worn lanes & tiny alleyways of the old city with our expert Local Guide in the evening. Get the low-down on the legends & stories of the people who once lived in York’s historic centre, as the group tracks their ghosts.
Additional costs apply
Day 3: York to Carlisle via Lake District
YorkEven 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.
Lake District National ParkWhatever 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.CarlisleEnd 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.
Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Windermere Lake CruiseBoard a wooden launch & kick back & relax on England’s largest lake. This scenic cruise is all about seeing great vistas over this iconic district, so keep your camera handy.
Additional costs apply
Day 4: Carlisle to Edinburgh via Hadrian’s Wall
CarlisleToday we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh!
Hadrian’s WallBut first we’ll take a spectacular drive this morning to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance.EdinburghBack 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.
Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Scottish EveningWith traditional bagpipes & a chance to try some haggis, tonight serves up an authentic Scottish experience. After feasting on some hearty local food, the piper will tell you a Scottish tale or two.
Additional costs apply
Hadrian’s WallGet up close to the Roman ruins that are Hadrian’s Wall & unleash the history lover within. Built between 122 – 128 AD by the Emperor Hadrian, these ruins marked the divide between ‘civilised’ Britain & the ‘barbarians’. Stretching 118 km from the North to the Irish sea, but now in fragments along the route, you’ll check out Housestead’s Fort, walk through it & around it, learning all about the site along the way.
Additional costs apply
Day 5: Edinburgh
Edinburgh
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.
Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Edinburgh Castle ExperiencePeel back the historical layers with the help of our local expert. You’ll discover the most fascinating & blood-curdling stories hidden within walls of this amazing building – not to mention the best panoramic views of Edinburgh. By the end of your visit you’ll truly appreciate why this remains Scotland’s number one tourist attraction!
Additional costs apply
Whisky Tastes and TalesIgnite your palate with a locally guided tasting of the national drink of Scotland. The Scots have traditionally called their whisky ‘aqua vitae’ quite literally translating to the ‘water of life’ & giving us an appreciation of the reverence in which whisky is held here. Here you will sample some of the finest local whiskies all while your local guide recounts the legendary tales of the people who helped to turn whisky from a locally produced drink into a national treasure.
Additional costs apply
Day 6: Edinburgh to Inverness via St Andrews and Stirling
EdinburghIt’s time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for Inverness.
St. AndrewsOn 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.
StirlingWe 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!”InvernessAlready blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we’ll arrive in Inverness amped up for mystical tales.
Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Included Experience Visit 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.
Day 7: Inverness via Loch Ness and AviemoreMake Travel Matter®
InvernessWe 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.
Loch NessWe’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…
AviemoreWe’ll also check out Aviemore, a picturesque jewel in the Cairngorms’ crown – home to lochs, mountains trails and plenty of panoramic views.InvernessWith breath-taking scenery still in mind, today’s sights will leave you more than content with your day’s discoveries.
Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included ExperienceSpot the Loch Ness Monster Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’. Make Travel Matter®Highland Estate and Curling (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Welcome to Rothiemurchus, a living Highland estate where nature and humanity have coexisted for centuries. Here we’ll meet up with an expert ranger, who’ll teach us all about the wildlife, flora and fauna that call the 10,000-hectare haven home. We’ll also enjoy a delicious lunch made from local ingredients.
You’ll also get to experience the forest according to the season: during the winter, you’ll get to try curling (a traditional Scottish sport) and during the summer, you’ll experience the Highland Games.
Additional costs apply
Day 8: Inverness to Glasgow
InvernessAfter 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.
Glenfinnan ViaductFeast 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.GlasgowGet involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique.
Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included ExperienceSee the William Wallace Monument Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.Included ExperienceSee Glenfinnan Viaduct Heads up ‘Potterheads’. Keep your eyes peeled for the Hogwarts Express.Eatwith GlasgowGlasgow was once called the “Second City of the Empire” due to its importance to industry & manufacturing. These days, instead of ships & textiles, Glasgow is building a famous food scene. Tonight, you will get the opportunity to get off the beaten path & have a truly local Glaswegian experience. Your hosts use sustainably sourced local ingredients to prepare a delicious home-cooked meal.
Additional costs apply
Day 9: Glasgow to Dublin
GlasgowScotland, you’ve been unreal. If Ireland puts on half the show you did, we have many happy days ahead of us.
LarneWe arrive in the port town of Larne, your first steps on Northern Irish soil, but not for long…DublinSo 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.
Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Day 10: Dublin to County Cork
DublinThat’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.
KilkennyBreak 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 for County Cork.County CorkWelcome to vibrant County Cork! But not before the chance to sample some of Ireland’s famous whiskey at the Jameson’s Distillery in Midleton. Yum! Even when the skies are grey, County Cork is covered in colour and good vibes.
Travelodge Cork Airport (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Kilkenny Bike TourThere’s no better way to discover the medieval capital of Ireland than taking in the sites by bike. When it comes to discovering the key landmarks of this fascinating city, there’s no other way to go than with a local expert. You’ll be amazed by Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral & the Black Abbey plus get some fresh country air at the same time!
Additional costs apply
Jamesons Distillery TourThis is where the true heart of Irish whiskey beats. Take a journey through history & see the old kilns, mills & malting, water wheel & old warehouses. End with a complimentary glass of Jameson Whiskey & take the chance to take part in a tutored whiskey tasting to become a certified Irish Whiskey Taster!
Additional costs apply
Day 11: County Cork to Galway
County CorkHopefully you exhausted all of your cork puns yesterday, as today we are moving on, sightseeing our way to 2-nights in Galway.
BlarneyIrish 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!
Cliffs of MoherWhether heights are your cup of Irish Breakfast
or not, these impressive cliff faces are not to be missed!GalwayFrom 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.
Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Included Experience Visit Blarney Castle Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle. Included ExperienceSee the iconic Cliffs of Moher These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.Included ExperienceGalway: walking tour 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.
Day 12: Galway
Galway
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.
Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Day 13: Galway to Derry/LondonderryMake Travel Matter®
GalwayGoodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy.Derry/LondonderryHere 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.
Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Dinner
Included ExperienceSee the City Walls One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.Make Travel Matter®Sheep Dog Experience (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience)Meet Jamese, a 4th generation shepherd who’ll show you the ins & outs of his farm. From bouncing border collies to shepherds’ sheep shearing, you’ll get an authentic rural Irish experience here – plus the chance to support the locals. To top it all off, we’ll settle down to a hearty homemade lunch, made with (you guessed it) the freshest local ingredients.
Additional costs apply
Bogside Walking TourGet an insider’s view on this fascinating historical hot spot as you walk the old city walls. Our Local Guide will show you City Hall & tell you the stories behind the sieges & battles that took place here. You’ll also hear about the troubled history that inspired the political murals at Bogside.
Additional costs apply
Day 14: Derry/Londonderry to Belfast
Derry/LondonderryToday we’ve got a one way ticket to Belfast and a whole lot more exploration to do.
Giant’s CausewayUNESCO 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.BelfastNext 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.
Travelodge Belfast Central (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included ExperienceSee Giant’s CausewaySure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed. Included ExperienceTour Belfast Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history. Titanic ExperienceImmerse yourself in the true legend of one of the world’s most famous ships – The Titanic. Discover how this colossal ship was built & then travel to the depths of the ocean to see how she lies today. There’s special effects, rides & reconstructions, so step aboard for the ultimate Titanic experience.
Additional costs apply
Day 15: Belfast to Dublin
BelfastWith one night left in Ireland and on tour, we’re on the fast track to Dublin where our Irish fairytale first began.DublinA 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.
Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Guinness StorehouseWith a visit to the birth place of Ireland’s national drink, you’ll soon be Guinness savvy. Learn about how this distinctive ale is made as the group takes a tour around the working brewery. Learn some pint-pulling techniques & top off the tour with a pint of your own.
Additional costs apply
Irish Farewell DinnerNo better way to wrap up a week in Ireland than a terrific night out with friends- great food, authentic Irish music & dancing……. proper ‘craic’ as they say!
Additional costs apply
Day 16: Dublin to London
DublinWe 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.
WalesBefore we wave goodbye to our friends in jolly Old London, why not test your Welsh on a visit to a town boasting the longest name in Europe… Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch! Now that’s a mouthful!LondonWe’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?
Included Meals:
Breakfast
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details & booking page
Some of the Highlights:
Included Experience
Spot the Loch Ness Monster
Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.
INCLUDED
Included Experience
See the William Wallace Monument
Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
INCLUDED
Windermere Lake Cruise
Board a wooden launch & kick back & relax on England’s largest lake. This scenic cruise is all about seeing great vistas over this iconic district, so keep your camera handy.
ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED
Whisky Tastes and Tales
Ignite your palate with a locally guided tasting of the national drink of Scotland. The Scots have traditionally called their whisky ‘aqua vitae’ quite literally translating to the ‘water of life’ & giving us an appreciation of the reverence in which whisky is held here. Here you will sample some of the finest local whiskies all while your local guide recounts the legendary tales of the people who helped to turn whisky from a locally produced drink into a national treasure.
ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED
Guinness Storehouse
With a visit to the birth place of Ireland’s national drink, you’ll soon be Guinness savvy. Learn about how this distinctive ale is made as the group takes a tour around the working brewery. Learn some pint-pulling techniques & top off the tour with a pint of your own.
ADDITIONAL COST APPLIED
Trip Highlights
The must do experiences that you can cross off your bucket list
You’ll find all highlights and eventual changes on the details page
FAQs:
What currency do I need?
For this trip, you’ll need just two currencies – the British Pound and the Euro.
You’ll find all FAQs and the latest info on the details page
Included Meals:
15 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
Team:
Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
Group Size:
Average 35 people
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
Transfers:
Coach
You’ll find all details and eventual changes on the details page
More Details:
You’ll find all details and the latest updates on the details & booking page
(Partially) travel with a nice group or entirely travel solo?
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