Great Britain & Ireland | Summer | 2026

Great Britain & Ireland | Summer | 2026

3 Views
18 Days From

$4529

$3623

Great Britain & Ireland | Summer | 2026

18 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: Bristol, Birmingham, Liverpool, York, Carlisle, Edinburgh, Scottish Highlands, Glasgow, Dublin, Clonmel, Galway, Derry/Londonderry, Belfast, London

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

BBUKMA26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

UK tours by Coach

Interests:

Cultural, History, Rail Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $4529 $3623 Operator discount: -$906 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Great Britain and Ireland in the summer of 2026. This immersive tour takes you from the bustling streets of London to the historic landmarks of Windsor, Bath, and Oxford. Explore Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, the Beatles' Liverpool, and the Viking roots of York. Discover the scenic beauty of the Lake District, Hadrian's Wall, and the Scottish Highlands, including a cruise on Loch Ness. Experience the vibrant culture of Edinburgh and Glasgow before crossing into Ireland. Visit Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, and the Giant's Causeway, ending with a return to London. Enjoy 17 breakfasts and 5 dinners, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

  • Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle.

  • Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.

  • Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford, and the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world.

  • Explore the town of Stratford-upon-Avon, from Shakespeare's birthplace to where he was buried.

  • Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles and see all the iconic landmarks on this jaunt around Liverpool.

  • Explore York's historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots, including Clifford's Tower and York Minster.

  • Visit Edinburgh's Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle.

  • Cruise along Loch Ness and keep your eyes peeled for mythical 'Nessie'.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London To Bristol Via Windsor And Bath

Location: Bristol

Accommodation Name: Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Good morning dear Londonites! Meet your new crew and hop onto our coach. It’s time to make some moves.Hello Windsor, at the top of our agenda today is obviously, getting a magnificent view of the royal Windsor Castle! Afterwards, you’ve got some free time. So why not strut like a royal around this beautiful town studded with gardens and riverside views. And then it’s back on the coach to our next destination.Ready? We’re going back in time. Because you’ve got some free time to explore this historical town. Visit the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths, the Jane Austen museum or maybe do a canal cruise! (Go on, live your period drama dreams.)Welcome to the sea-side wonder of Bristol. Colourful buildings, crazy cliffs, beautiful bridges - you’re in for a treat. Speaking of treats…you can drop your bags off at our hotel before we feast on some well-deserved dinner. Afterwards, you’re free to roam the streets for a night out with your newly-made friends.

Day 2: Bristol To Birmingham Via Oxford And Stratford-Upon-Avon

Location: Birmingham

Accommodation Name: Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Time to wake up! We’ve got some more exploration to do. And you’ve got a delicious breakfast waiting for you. Today, you can choose to check out Bristol’s street art with a local guide before we make our way into Oxford!You’ve been dreaming about this. Haven’t you? We’re finally in THE Oxford - with its world-famous museums, libraries, churches and of course, University. You can even choose to roam around the river on a Punt. There's so much to be discovered here. So, it's a good thing you've got some free time in this quaint little town (that's also the home of Shakespeare!). In the evening, we'll head to our stop for the night - Birmingham.Hungry? We'll drop our bags off at the hotel and stroll around in the streets and grab a bite on the way. Get a good night's sleep because tomorrow, we're heading up North!

Day 3: Birmingham To Liverpool

Location: Liverpool

Accommodation Name: Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Birmingham, you’ve been grand. But we’ve got places to be. Grab some breakfast before we hop onto our coach once more.Welcome to Liverpool. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent as we take a guided walking tour. Afterwards, we’ll check into our cosy hotel, and then you’re free to do whatever you like. Heads up! Some departures will stay overnight in Manchester instead of Liverpool. Don't worry, you'll still have plenty of time to check out the city on a guided tour. Want more info? This will be confirmed in your travel documents closer to departure.

Day 4: Liverpool To York

Location: York

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lap up your last dose of Liverpool before we go back to the time of the Vikings... in the traditional walled city of York. 2,000 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.

Day 5: York To Carlisle Via Lake District And Hadrian's Wall

Location: Carlisle

Accommodation Name: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Even 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. Whatever 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. We'll take a spectacular drive to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. End 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.

Day 6: Carlisle To Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we are in for some border hopping along the English/Scottish border to see the sights on our way to Edinburgh! Back 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.

Day 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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.  End the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar.

Day 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: Dublin To London

Location: London

Meals Included: Breakfast

We 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. We'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?

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 17 breakfasts and 5 dinners.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels such as Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel, Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel, 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.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided walking tours are included in cities like Liverpool and Belfast.

  • Transportation

    Transportation is provided throughout the tour, including coach travel and a cruise on Loch Ness.

  • Visits to Attractions

    Visits to various attractions such as Windsor Castle, Roman Baths, Oxford University, Shakespeare's birthplace, York Minster, Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrews, Loch Ness, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Stirling Castle, Giant's Causeway, and the Titanic Museum are included.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as a local guide tour in Bristol, a tour of Edinburgh Castle, and whisky tasting in Edinburgh 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 points of the tour are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort aboard a coach, with various stops along the way to explore iconic locations. The tour includes a cruise on Loch Ness and a ferry crossing from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable and centrally located hotels such as Ibis Bristol Centre, Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel, 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

  • What currencies will I need for this tour?

    For this trip, you’ll need just two currencies - the British Pound and the Euro.

  • Will I have free time to explore on my own during the tour?

    Yes, there are several opportunities for free time throughout the tour, such as in Windsor, Bath, Oxford, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Galway, among other locations.

  • Are there any special activities or optional tours available during the trip?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a guided walking tour in Liverpool, a night of ghostly horrors in York, a local guide tour of Edinburgh Castle, and whisky tasting in Edinburgh.

  • Will there be any guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, there are guided tours included, such as a guided walking tour in Liverpool and a driving tour in Belfast.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 17 breakfasts and 5 dinners.

  • Will I have the opportunity to experience local culture and traditions?

    Yes, the tour includes various cultural experiences such as visiting the Jane Austen museum in Bath, exploring Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, and enjoying a traditional Scottish meal with haggis and a bagpiper in Edinburgh.

  • Are there any unique landmarks or historical sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes visits to several unique landmarks and historical sites such as Windsor Castle, the Roman Baths, York Minster, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh Castle, the Cliffs of Moher, and the Giant's Causeway.

  • Will there be any opportunities for scenic drives or cruises?

    Yes, the tour includes scenic drives through the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands, as well as a cruise on Loch Ness.

  • Is there a farewell event at the end of the tour?

    Yes, there is an optional farewell dinner in Dublin on the last night in Ireland.

  • 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

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Wednesday - Saturday

Mar 25, 2026 - Apr 11, 2026
$4529 $3623

Operator discount: -$906

Wednesday - Saturday

Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 18, 2026
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Operator discount: -$906

Wednesday - Saturday

Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 25, 2026
$4529 $3623

Operator discount: -$906

Wednesday - Saturday

Apr 15, 2026 - May 02, 2026
$4529 $3623

Operator discount: -$906

Wednesday - Saturday

Apr 22, 2026 - May 09, 2026
$4529 $3623

Operator discount: -$906

Wednesday - Saturday

Apr 29, 2026 - May 16, 2026
$4529 $3623

Operator discount: -$906

Wednesday - Saturday

May 06, 2026 - May 23, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

May 13, 2026 - May 30, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

May 20, 2026 - Jun 06, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

May 27, 2026 - Jun 13, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 20, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 10, 2026 - Jun 27, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Sunday - Wednesday

Jun 14, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 17, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026
$4709 $3767

Operator discount: -$942

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 24, 2026 - Jul 11, 2026
$4709 $3767

Operator discount: -$942

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 01, 2026 - Jul 18, 2026
$4709 $3767

Operator discount: -$942

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 08, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026
$4709 $3767

Operator discount: -$942

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 22, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026
$4709 $3767

Operator discount: -$942

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 29, 2026 - Aug 15, 2026
$4709 $3767

Operator discount: -$942

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 05, 2026 - Aug 22, 2026
$4709 $3767

Operator discount: -$942

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 12, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026
$4709 $3767

Operator discount: -$942

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 19, 2026 - Sep 05, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 26, 2026 - Sep 12, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 16, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 23, 2026 - Oct 10, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 30, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$4619 $3695

Operator discount: -$924

Prices last published on 11-Sep-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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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