Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2026
Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2026
Scotland & Ireland | Classic | Summer | 2026
13 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Dublin, Ireland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands, Glasgow, Dublin, Clonmel, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBEDMA26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Scotland and Ireland in the summer of 2026. Begin your adventure in Edinburgh, exploring its historic castle and vibrant streets. Traverse the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, visit the iconic St. Andrews, and cruise the legendary Loch Ness. Discover the magic of the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the lively city of Glasgow. Cross over to Ireland, where Dublin's charm awaits, followed by the medieval allure of Kilkenny and the scenic beauty of Clonmel. Kiss the Blarney Stone, marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, and soak in the vibrant culture of Galway. Delve into the rich history of Derry/Londonderry, witness the natural wonder of the Giant's Causeway, and explore Belfast's Titanic heritage. Conclude your journey back in Dublin, with memories to last a lifetime.
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 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.
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 Glenfinnan Viaduct
Location: Glasgow
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
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. Â 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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Meals
12 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners are included.
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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, Holiday Inn Express Derry, Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre.
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Local Guides
Local guides are available for tours in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
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Transportation
Transportation between locations including a cruise on Loch Ness.
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Visits to Attractions
Visits to various attractions including St. Andrews, Loch Ness, Stirling, Giant's Causeway, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, and more.
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 shopping, 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
Travel through Scotland and Ireland with ease, enjoying scenic coach rides and ferry crossings. Highlights include a cruise on Loch Ness and a visit to the Glenfinnan Viaduct, with all transportation arranged for a seamless journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations including the 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, Holiday Inn Express Derry, and Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Edinburgh?
In Edinburgh, you can explore the Royal Mile, visit the old Castle, and enjoy local delicacies like haggis. You can also join an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle, shop for tartan on Princes Street, or indulge in some whisky tasting.
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Will there be any opportunities to see famous landmarks from movies?
Yes, you will have the chance to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was featured in the Harry Potter films as the route of the Hogwarts Express. You will also visit the Cliffs of Moher, which have been featured in several films, including a Harry Potter movie.
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What kind of experiences are included in the Scottish Highlands?
In the Scottish Highlands, you will visit St. Andrews, known as the birthplace of golf, and enjoy the rugged mountain scenery. You will also have a chance to cruise on Loch Ness and possibly spot the mythical 'Nessie'.
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What can I expect to see and do in Glasgow?
In Glasgow, you can explore the city's live music scene, visit the gothic cathedral, and experience the local culture. You will also make a stop in Stirling to see its famous castle and learn about William Wallace.
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What are some highlights of the Ireland portion of the tour?
In Ireland, you will visit Dublin, explore Kilkenny's medieval charm, sample whiskey at the Jameson's Distillery in Midleton, and visit the Cliffs of Moher. You will also spend time in Galway, Derry/Londonderry, and Belfast, where you can see the Giant's Causeway and the Titanic museum.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be guided tours in several locations, including a local guide in Belfast to learn about the city's history and a local guide in Derry/Londonderry to explore the 17th-century walls.
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Are there any unique cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, which is said to grant the 'gift of the gab'. You will also experience live music and local culture in Galway and visit the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
Accommodations will vary by location but will include hotels such as the 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, Holiday Inn Express Derry, and Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre.
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions