Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Great walk, beautiful scenery, excellent accommodation, luggage transfers went without a hitch. Electronic map made it almost impossible to get lost. English weather!
The "Britain and Ireland Experience" tour invites you to journey through the poetic landscapes and vibrant cities of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales over 12 days. Designed for seniors, families, and seasoned explorers, this easy-paced trip features medieval castles, charming cathedrals, and the idyllic Lake District, all woven together by expert guides. Walk the historic Chester Rows, kiss the legendary Blarney Stone, and discover the world’s longest train station name in Wales. Comfortable accommodations and included meals make for a seamless travel experience. The tour’s distinctive appeal lies in its celebration of the literary and cultural heritage that has inspired generations of poets and writers.
The gateway to Europe? It can be a maze of confusion for the new kid in town. But hey, we got you. With your centrally-located hotel and included tix to the Hop On Hop Off bus, you can skip the weeks of fumbling with maps, catching wrong trains & accidentally eating at all the wrong places. You'll get easy access to see some of the top attractions in the city (and so much more!). These 3 days will leave you like a true local. Oh, and our experts at the Contiki Travel Hub in the Royal National courtyard will fill you in all the deets of the best foodie spots & hidden gems in town too!
Embark on the ultimate British and Irish grand tour with 'Britain & Ireland Discovery - Premium.' Spanning 24 days, this explorer trip is crafted for experienced travelers seeking depth and authenticity. Marvel at the ancient Roman city of Bath, master the art of pouring a perfect pint at Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse, and wander the regal halls of Edinburgh’s Holyroodhouse Palace. Discover the remote Orkney Islands, medieval Kilkenny, and York’s labyrinthine streets, then ponder the mysteries of Stonehenge. The unique appeal of this tour package is its access to immersive experiences and local experts, bringing the history and culture of Britain and Ireland vividly to life.
Explorer
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
5-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, York, Oxford, Glasgow, L
London, York, Oxford, Glasgow, Londonderry, Sligo, Limerick, Killarney, Ring Of Kerry, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cardiff, Plymouth, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Wick, Orkney Islands, Isle Of Skye
Calling all Harry Potter fans and history buffs—the Castles & Broomsticks tour is your ticket to a magical day out from Edinburgh. Cross the Anglo-Scottish border to the seaside village of Bamburgh, where you’ll explore the mighty Bamburgh Castle and enjoy a bit of beach fun. The highlight? A visit to Alnwick Castle, the real-life Hogwarts and a filming location for both the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey.
This enchanting tour weaves together centuries of history with a dash of fantasy, making it the perfect choice for families, fans, and anyone keen to discover the stories behind Britain’s most iconic castles and landscapes.
Follow the Coast to Coast Walk from St Bees towards the historic villages and beautiful landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales. Experience the most dramatic section of Wainwright’s legendary Coast to Coast route on this self-guided walking holiday from the Irish Sea at St Bees to the market town of Kirkby Stephen. The western half of the trail showcases some of the most spectacular scenery in northern England, taking you across the rugged heart of the Lake District National Park and into the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
If you're short on time, new to long-distance walking, or prefer to explore the route in manageable stages, this itinerary is an ideal way to sample the best-loved landscapes of the Coast to Coast. It’s also perfect for hikers who simply want the thrill of crossing the Lake District on foot, experiencing the quiet valleys, shimmering lakes, towering peaks and traditional fellside villages. You’ll start your journey by dipping your boots in the Irish Sea at St Bees, then head east with the prevailing wind at your back. The route leads through dramatic valleys such as Ennerdale, Borrowdale, and Patterdale, with the chance to take optional high-level detours to iconic Lakeland summits like Helvellyn. As the Lake District fells give way to the gentler landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, your walk concludes in Kirkby Stephen, a charming town with rail links and a great place to relax after an inspiring week on the trail.
Looking to take things at a gentler pace? Our 9-day version of this trip (trip code WSK) breaks up the longer stage between Shap and Kirkby Stephen, offering a more relaxed alternative.
Scroll down to explore all our Coast to Coast walking options.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Guest House, Hostel, Hotel, Hut, Resort
Age Range
18-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, St Bees, Ennerdale Bridg
London, St Bees, Ennerdale Bridge, Borrowdale, Grasmere, Glenridding, Shap, Kirkby Stephen
England, Wales, and Scotland await on this 19-day city sightseeing trip—perfect for travelers eager to experience the UK’s highlights and hidden treasures. Beginning in London and ending in Edinburgh, this group tour offers a rich blend of iconic cities, rolling countryside, and legendary landscapes.
Punt through Oxford, explore the honey-hued villages of the Cotswolds, and stroll bustling Cardiff before hiking through Snowdonia’s majestic peaks. Trace The Beatles’ footsteps in Liverpool and take in the pristine beauty of the Lake District. Heading north, immerse yourself in Glasgow’s vibrant culture, journey across the Scottish Highlands, and unwind in the fairy-tale surrounds of the Isle of Skye.
Support local communities in Edinburgh—JK Rowling’s favorite writing spot—and discover the filming locations that have captured imaginations worldwide. The tour’s unique selling point is its diverse blend of urban and rural experiences, offering a well-balanced, in-depth look at the UK’s cultural and natural riches. For those seeking a comprehensive and engaging tour package, this journey delivers adventure at every turn.
City sightseeingWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Guest House, Hotel
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
London, Edinburgh, Lake District
London, Edinburgh, Lake District, Glasgow, Fort William, Isle Of Skye, Inverness, Oxford, Moreton-in-Marsh, Cardiff, Snowdonia National Park, Liverpool