Tour

Great Britain & Ireland Reunion | Summer
from USD 4489

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: OVUKMA26
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 18 Days
Countries: United Kingdom, Ireland

From London, Bristol, Oxford to York, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin - this 18-day tour of Britain and Ireland (with an epic 35-45s crew) includes entrance into awe-inspiring attractions aplenty, including puckering up for the Blarney stone, cruising across Loch Ness, and enjoying city tours of both Liverpool and Belfast. Cross the Irish sea, explore historic cities shrouded in folklore and mystery, gawp at Ireland's breathtaking landscapes and appreciate a culture of cool from as far back as the Beatles. It'll be love at first London site.



Great Britain and Ireland

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 17 Breakfast (B)

Included Experience

  • Windsor: Walk the iconic tree-lined 'Long Walk' and take in the fantastic views of Windsor Castle. Keep your eyes peeled! You might even spot a royal if you're lucky.
  • Bath: Live out your Bridgerton dreams as you wander around Bath's historic and regal architecture.
  • Oxford: Wander around the quaint canals and streets of Oxford. And also the grounds of one of the most famous universities in the world!
  • Stratford-upon-Avon: Explore the town that this legendary literature writer once called home. From Shakespeare's birthplace to where we he was buried - you'll find clues about his life scattered everywhere in this town.
  • Liverpool: One for fans of The Beatles. Walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four and see all the iconic landmarks on this jaunt around Liverpool.
  • York Minster: Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots. Check out highlights such as Clifford's Tower and York Minster. 
  • Edinburgh: Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile. Edinburgh Castle. They’re all here to fill up your memory and Insta feed. 
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stirling: Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
  • 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. 

  • Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar)
  • Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar)
  • Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock (or similar)
  • Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)
  • Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)
  • Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)
  • Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (or similar)
  • Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)
  • Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)
  • Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)
  • Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)
  • Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)
  • Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre (or similar)
Day 1 London To Bristol Via Windsor And Bath

Good morning Contiki Alumni & Friends**! Meet your new crew and hop onto our coach. It’s time to make some moves. **Please note this trip is available exclusively to Contiki Past Passengers, or those travelling with a Contiki Past Passenger, aged 35-45.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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Bristol Centre Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Bristol To Birmingham Via Oxford And Stratford-upon-avon

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!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Birmingham New Street Station (or similar)

Day 3 Birmingham To Liverpool

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Liverpool Albert Dock (or similar)

Day 4 Liverpool To York

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)

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

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Carlisle To Edinburgh

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)

Day 7 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 or indulge in some whisky tasting.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge (or similar)

Day 8 Edinburgh To Scottish Highlands

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Loch Ness Lodge Hotel Drumnadrochit (or similar)

Day 9 Scottish Highlands To Glasgow Via Loch Ness

We might be coming down from a high (geographically speaking) this morning, but as we seek out the stunning Loch Ness, 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... We'll arrive into Glasgow tonight, grab a bite to eat and then hit the hay ready for some more exploration in the am!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)

Day 10 Glasgow

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Glasgow (or similar)

Day 11 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.  End the day with a lively night of festivities at the cobbled lanes of Temple Bar.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Day 12 Dublin To Clonmel

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Talbot Hotel Clonmel (or similar)

Day 13 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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Galway

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 Galway To Derry/londonderry

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)

Day 16 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 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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre (or similar)

Day 17 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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre (or similar)

Day 18 Dublin To London

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?

Duration: 1 Day

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