Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Starts
Edinburgh, Scotland
Ends
Dublin, Ireland
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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
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4.66/5
Excellent based on 805 customer reviews from
Karen
Excellent booking process.
Easy to do online - simple and straightforward plus the 1 query I did have was quicckly solved due to customer service being on hand to help
17 hours ago
Scotland and Ireland
4.8Based on
Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
Stirling: Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
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.
Mallaig: We'll visit Helix Park, home to The Kelpies (horse statues, standing at 100ft tall & weighing more than 300 tonnes each). It's a wonder to behold. Plus, there's also an adventure play park with woodlands and boardwalks for some added fun.
Loch Ness: Sit back, relax and cruise along the loch with your Contiki crew. But keep your eyes peeled and camera ready for mythical ‘Nessie’.
Scottish Highlands: Ever wondered how native animal species - like the Scottish Red Squirrel, Lynx and Beavers - are reintroduced into the wild? Come learn about it all from an expert (who'll also tell you how the Caledonian pine forest is being reforested too!). Every penny you spend here will directly support Trees for Life, a TreadRight supported project.
Blarney Castle: Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle.
Cliffs of Moher: These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.
Galway: 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.
Derry/Londonderry: One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.
Giant's Causeway: Sure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed.
Belfast: Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history.
Blarney Castle: Your chance to kiss the Blarney Stone and get the ‘gift of the gab’. And to visit the medieval Irish castle.
Cliffs of Moher: These rugged, photogenic cliffs have been the star of many films, including a Harry Potter one.
Galway: 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.
Derry/Londonderry: One for the history fans. Take a look around Ireland’s only walled city, built in the 17th Century.
Giant's Causeway: Sure, rock formations may sound a bit dull on paper, but this quirky natural wonder has to be seen to be believed.
Belfast: Hang with a local guide to see all the landmarks and learn about the city’s checkered history.
What's Included
Accommodation
Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (or similar) HotelColumba Hotel Inverness (or similar)Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel (or similar)Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar) HotelTalbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar) HotelIbis budget Belfast City Centre (or similar) Hotel
Meals
Breakfast (x12)Dinner (x4)
Transport
Travel by coach
Guide
Experienced Driver Guide
What's Excluded
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
I thought the trip was very well planned out. There were a couple locations. I wish we had an extra day like in Belfast and in Dublin. I do wish that once the trip transitions from Scotland to Ireland that we would have just started Ireland in Belfast and Did the Ireland root counterclockwise. I think it would’ve given us more time to enjoy the city and broken up a long travel day. I thought the accommodations were good and the provided dinners were acceptable. We went to places and did activities that I never would’ve thought to do on my own and some of those days like the Erin Islands ended up being my most favorite day of the trip.
C
Christopher W.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
A
Ashleigh L.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
A
Andres B.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
J
Jade S.Verified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Itinerary
Embark on a 13-day journey through the captivating landscapes and vibrant cultures of Scotland and Ireland, starting in Edinburgh and concluding in Dublin. This group tour is ideal for young adults seeking a blend of natural beauty and lively traditions—think bagpipes in the Highlands, nights of Irish folk music, and sips of world-famous whisky or Guinness. Highlights include a cruise on Loch Ness, a visit to Blarney Castle, and explorations of iconic cities and charming villages. With accommodations, transport, and meals sorted, you’re free to enjoy the camaraderie and storytelling along the way. The tour’s unique edge: a curated experience that fuses both Scottish and Irish heritage, delivering double the adventure in one memorable trip package.
day 1 - Start Edinburgh
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, we'll kick off the evening with the option to indulge in a whisky tasting where you can get to know your new Scottish Contiki family.
Location Visited:Edinburgh
Accommodation:Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (or similar)
day 2 - 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.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Edinburgh
Accommodation:Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh (or similar)
day 3 - Edinburgh to Inverness via Stirling and St Andrews
It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for Inverness. 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!" 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 Scotlands oldest university town. Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in Inverness amped up for mystical tales.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Edinburgh, Stirling, St. Andrews, Inverness
Accommodation:Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)
day 4 - Inverness via Loch Ness and Aviemore
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, 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, mountain 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.
Accommodation:Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)
day 5 - Inverness to Glasgow via Dundreggan
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. Small pitstop! We'll check out the lush, hilly rewilding centre here to learn about how Scotland's native animal species are reintroduced into the wild. Plus, you have the option afterwards to try your hand at archery & axe throwing. Welcome to the real-deal countryside. Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique. Plus, you've got the option to dine on a wholesome, home-cooked meal for a truly local Glaswegian experience accompanied by live, traditional music.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Inverness, Dundreggan, Glasgow
Accommodation:Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel (or similar)
day 6 - Glasgow to Dublin
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. First fill up on your included group dinner, then end the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Glasgow, Larne, Dublin
Accommodation:Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
day 7 - Dublin to Clonmel
That's us done with Dublinfor now. But fear not Dub-lovers, we'll get another taste of this fine place before our trip comes to an end. Wanna break up your coach hangs with some bicycle time? Then choose to join us for a bike ride 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 opt into sampling 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.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Dublin, Kilkenny, Clonmel
Accommodation:Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)
day 8 - Clonmel to Galway
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.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Clonmel, Blarney, Cliffs of Moher, Galway
Accommodation:Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
day 9 - Galway
Winter wraps this city in a cosy charm, and you're free to try your tongue at some Gaelic and carry on exploring gorgeous Galway. Irish life, you so sweet.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Galway
Accommodation:Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
day 10 - Galway to Derry/Londonderry
Goodbye Galway, hello more Irish eye-candy. This afternoon, we'll drive into Derry/Londonderry - a historical city with 17th century walls. Today, you can opt for an authentic rural Irish experience with sheepdogs, a local shepherd and some homemade lunch. Next, we'll head into town for an optional guided tour of the Bogside - a neighbourhood that used to be underwater! This day is as Irish as it gets.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Galway, Derry/Londonderry
Accommodation:Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
day 11 - Derry/Londonderry to Belfast
Today we've got a one way ticket to Belfast and a whole lot more exploration to do. UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants 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 this mind-blowing natural formation. Next up - we'll arrive in Belfast. Concluding the day will be a driving tour and an optional trip to the Titanic museum where the world's most famous ship was built.
Accommodation:ibis budget Belfast City Centre (or similar)
day 12 - Belfast to Dublin
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.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Belfast, Dublin
Accommodation:Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
day 13 - End Dublin
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.
