This tour in July 2025 was my first top deck tour and going overseas solo. The group made me feel welcome from the start and I made friends instantly. Sean (the coach driver) and Jake (top deck guide) did their best to ensure the 2+ weeks were stress free, provided local tips and personally they were good to have a drink with aswell.
York, Dublin, Wales and of all Scotland were the highlights of the trip. There was a sense of pride within the countries (not to mention I wore a kilt while we were in Scotland). I wished we stayed an extra night in York, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo started the day after we left which was disappointing, would've been great to see. The Irish Pub Crawl suggested on the top deck app was a let down. Felt more of a history jigs and songs with only 2 bar stops near temple bar. We ended up joining the other part of the group at Murray's Bar.
As I purchased the single room option, it was a good way to disconnect from the hectic days on the road and nights of celebrations. The hotels were decent, got sick of buffet breakfasts by the end of the tour. The hotels in Galway and the Scottish Highlands provided laundry service which provided much relief living in a suitcase for 2 weeks.
Free time during the full days were a great way to check out your surroundings, go on a day trip if time permits and visit some great pubs like Kelly's Cellar (Belfast), Waxy O Connor (Glasgow) and Murray's Bar (Dublin)
If I decide to visit the UK in future, I'll use my knowledge from this trip to arrange an itinerary including personal favourite stops we visited whilst on the tour.
I still keep in contact with the friends I made on the tour and hopefully will arrange a meet up soon
Overall an amazing experience seeing these iconic places you see on travel shows and making memories with new friends.
