Great Britain & Ireland | Winter 2025/2026

Great Britain & Ireland | Winter 2025/2026

9 Views
18 Days From

$3675

$2800

Great Britain & Ireland | Winter 2025/2026

18 Days Starting and ending in London, England

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

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

WWUKMA20

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: $3675 $2800 Operator discount: -$735 Travel Club discount: -$140 -24%

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

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Great Britain and Ireland this winter with our meticulously crafted tour. Experience the regal charm of Windsor Castle, the historic allure of Bath, and the academic prestige of Oxford. Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon and relive Beatlemania in Liverpool. Discover York's Viking and Roman roots, and marvel at the rugged beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. Travel in comfort aboard a coach, with guided tours in Liverpool and Belfast, and stay in centrally located hotels. This tour includes 17 breakfasts and 5 dinners, ensuring you are well-fueled for your adventures. Join us for a cultural and historical exploration like no other!

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 also 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 Minster and get to know its Viking and Roman roots.

  • Visit Blarney Castle and kiss the Blarney Stone to get the 'gift of the gab'.

  • Take in the rugged, photogenic Cliffs of Moher, featured in many films including a Harry Potter one.

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 Inverness Via St Andrews And Stirling

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Columba Hotel Inverness (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's time to blaze a trail out of Edinburgh & head for Inverness. 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. 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!" Already blown away by the beauty of the rugged mountain scenery en route, we'll arrive in Inverness amped up for mystical tales.

Day 9: Inverness Via Loch Ness And Aviemore

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: Columba Hotel Inverness (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, 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.

Day 10: Inverness To Glasgow

Location: Glasgow

Accommodation Name: Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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. 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. Get involved with everything great about Glasgow. Live music on every corner, a gothic cathedral & plenty of quirky characters make this city unique. Tonight, you have the option to sign up for a delicious home-cooked meal for a truly local Glaswegian experience.

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, Columba Hotel Inverness, Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel, 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 Liverpool and Belfast.

  • Transportation

    Transportation by coach is included throughout the tour.

  • Sightseeing

    Visits to various landmarks and attractions such as Windsor Castle, Roman Baths, Oxford University, Shakespeare's birthplace, York Minster, Edinburgh Castle, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, 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 punt ride in Oxford, a ghost tour in York, and a farewell dinner in Dublin 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-related documentation costs are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort aboard a coach, with various stops along the way to explore iconic destinations. The tour includes border hopping between England, Scotland, and Ireland, with 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, Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street, 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 kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Transportation is provided by coach throughout the tour, with various stops along the way to explore iconic destinations. The tour also includes a ferry crossing from Scotland to Northern Ireland.

  • What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will 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, Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street, Travelodge Plus Dublin City Centre, Talbot Hotel Clonmel, Travelodge Galway City Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Derry, and Ramada by Wyndham Belfast City Centre.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 17 breakfasts and 5 dinners.

  • Are guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, guided walking tours are included in Liverpool and Belfast.

  • What are some of the key landmarks and attractions visited during the tour?

    The tour includes visits to various landmarks and attractions such as Windsor Castle, Roman Baths, Oxford University, Shakespeare's birthplace, York Minster, Edinburgh Castle, Blarney Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, and the Titanic Museum.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, optional activities such as a local guide tour in Bristol, a punt ride in Oxford, a ghost tour in York, and a farewell dinner in Dublin are available but not included in the tour package.

  • What personal expenses are not included in the tour package?

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Are flights included in the tour package?

    No, flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Are visa fees included in the tour package?

    No, visa fees and other travel-related documentation costs are not included.

  • 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

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 15, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$3875 $2953

Operator discount: -$775

Travel Club discount: -$147

Wednesday - Saturday

Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$3875 $2953

Operator discount: -$775

Travel Club discount: -$147

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$3779 $2879

Operator discount: -$756

Travel Club discount: -$144

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 26, 2025 - Dec 13, 2025
$3779 $2879

Operator discount: -$756

Travel Club discount: -$144

Wednesday - Saturday

Dec 03, 2025 - Dec 20, 2025
$3779 $2879

Operator discount: -$756

Travel Club discount: -$144

Wednesday - Saturday

Dec 17, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$3965 $3021

Operator discount: -$793

Travel Club discount: -$151

Tuesday - Friday

Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 09, 2026
$3965 $3021

Operator discount: -$793

Travel Club discount: -$151

Friday - Monday

Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 12, 2026
$3965 $3021

Operator discount: -$793

Travel Club discount: -$151

Wednesday - Saturday

Jan 07, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
$3675 $2800

Operator discount: -$735

Travel Club discount: -$140

Wednesday - Saturday

Jan 21, 2026 - Feb 07, 2026
$3675 $2800

Operator discount: -$735

Travel Club discount: -$140

Wednesday - Saturday

Feb 11, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$3675 $2940

Operator discount: -$735

Sunday - Wednesday

Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026
$3675 $2940

Operator discount: -$735

Wednesday - Saturday

Mar 11, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$3675 $2940

Operator discount: -$735

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.