contiki ireland tour

Kate Abroad

Honest + Complete Contiki Ireland Tour Review

Wondering whether the it’s worth it to do a Contiki tour in Ireland? This Contiki Ireland review has all the information you need to decide.

The Contiki Ireland tour is the first Contiki trip I ever did, now with a few more Contiki (and Top Deck and G Adventures) tours under my belt, I thought I’d share my thoughts on the Contiki Ireland Tour.

If you’re thinking of booking an Ireland tour, or a Contiki anywhere, this Contiki Ireland review has all the details to help you decide. If you’ve already done all your homework on the tour (shout out to the other over planners) just scroll to the bottom for my verdict.

This post is based on my experience of the Contiki Ireland tour, but the pros/cons are also relevant to the very similar tour that Top Deck runs in Ireland. I’ve been on tours with both companies in the past and they are super comparable.

Full disclosure, I personally went on the Contiki Ireland tour and paid for it myself in full. All views are my own. I have included affiliate links so that if, after reading the review you want to book a tour, you have the option to support the blog while doing so.

What is Contiki?

Contiki is a tour company that runs tours specifically for 18-35 year old’s. Most of the tours, including the Contiki Ireland, are on big 50-seater buses but they do run some boat-based and single-city tours.

Contiki runs tours in English and the groups are mostly made up of Australians, Kiwis and Americans. The trip style is very fast-paced, expect to see lots of places in a short space of time (more on that later).

Contiki operates tours all over the world, but their most popular trips are in Europe, including the Ireland trip.

What tours does Contiki do in Ireland?

Contiki runs three tours in Ireland (at the time of writing), the main Ireland tour (which I did), the Ireland Reunion tour for 35-45s and the St Patricks Day short break.

The website shows a few more like a Scotland-Ireland option and an England-Ireland option, these are actually just add-ons to the main Ireland tour where you do the England/Scotland tour then ferry/fly to Ireland to join the group doing the 8-day Ireland section.

Where does the Contiki Ireland tour go?

The Contiki Ireland tour is advertised as 8 days but it’s more like 6 because you only join the group on the evening of Day 1 and Day 8 is really just a departure day.

This means that if you were pressed for time, you could safely plan to fly in on the morning of Day 1 and fly out first thing on Day 8. I would 100% recommend not doing that and leaving yourself some extra time in Dublin (see below).

Here’s the itinerary in brief, you can read the whole thing on the Contiki website: Day 1: Dublin (meet the group, have dinner, go out) Day 2: travel to Cork via Kilkenny Day 3: travel to Galway from Cork via Blarney and the Cliffs of Moher Day 4: full day in Galway (this day has the only real free time) Day 5:travel to Derry/Londonderry from Galway Day 6:travel to Belfast from Derry/Londonderry via Giant’s Causeway Day 7:travel back to Dublin from Belfast Day 8: eat breakfast and fly out

I did all the inclusions and ‘free time add-ons’ (optional activities) and would recommend that.

To be honest many of the add-ons are really core tour activities ie the drawcards that make you want to book the trip in the first place and our whole group did them so they were less of an optional thing and more just planned tour activities that we had to pay for.

Definitely factor the add-ons into your budget as it could be quite awkward if you opted not to do those activities and you could be left sitting on the bus in some cases (like at the Jameson’s Distillery) because there is nothing else to do in the area.

Highlights of the Contiki Ireland tour

Before I jump into the pros/cons, it’s worth mentioning some of the amazing experiences on this trip. If I had to pick, my favourites were:

• the Derry/Londonderry walking tour that delved into the city’s divided history (my family is Irish and I still learned heaps)
• the night out in Galway at the pub that inspired Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl
• exploring Blarney Castle

Should you add on extra time in Ireland?

I had 4 days in Dublin before the tour. This was a good length of time because there’s so much to see in Dublin and Contiki really only allows one day in the city.

But if I did it again, I would swap it around and book a few days in Dublin after the Contiki tour because there were a bunch of people from my tour who were staying on in Dublin (which is pretty common after Contiki tours) so I could easily have joined up with them for Dublin sightseeing rather than doing it on my own.

I had pre-researched the activities on the Contiki tour so made sure not to do any of those before the tour but as it turned out some of the Dublin parts of the tour got cancelled because of the weather so I wished I hadn’t waited.

Save yourself those regrets and just book your days after the tour, that way you know exactly what’s left on your bucket list to go see.

Check out my solo traveller’s guide to Dublin for some ideas of things to do in the city.

What I loved about the Contiki Ireland tour

The inclusions:.

Contiki has done a really good job squeezing all the top Ireland attractions into this tour. There are UNESCO world heritage sites, beer, whiskey, castles, movie locations and more.

If you made a list of the top Ireland bucket list things off the top of your head, they’d probably all be on the Contiki Ireland itinerary. This is consistent with their #noregrets motto. It means the tour is good value in terms of time and money in my opinion.

The convenience:

Contiki basically handles everything for you from accommodation to transport to food and activities. Not everything is included but you often end up doing it as a group anyway (like most dinners).

This is true of all Contiki tours and most tours generally, but it is a huge plus for first-time solo travellers (me when I went on the tour) or people who haven’t travelled internationally before.

The guides are used to dealing with newbie travellers so they offer help with all the basics you might need.

The timing:

I have opinions on the pace of this trip (see below) but with the 6 (full) day itinerary, it’s really well-timed for people (like me) who are full-time workers and want to get a good holiday in without burning all our annual leave (paid time off).

Lots of the tours on the market are in the 2+ week range that ends up being three weeks or more by the time you count add-on days and flight time so it’s really good to have an option that’s one week.

What I didn’t love about the Contiki Ireland tour

Contiki is fast-paced, like really fast-paced, sometimes you get into a city at night and leave early the next morning with no real-time to explore.

This happened on the Ireland tour in Cork. From the small bit I saw, Cork is a very pretty city but by the time we got there it was dark, and we basically just dropped bags and went to the pub with no time to see the local sights.

This can leave you feeling exhausted at the end and like you missed out on seeing some places properly.

The constant partying:

I think I drank every night on the Contiki Ireland tour. Obviously, this was my choice, and you don’t have to do that but it’s what nearly everyone on the tour did and what the tour is set up for.

This might be a plus for you depending on what you want to get out of your holiday and how extroverted you are but for me personally, it was a bit much and left me feeling like I needed another holiday afterwards to recover.

The lack of free time:

This is kind of the same point as the pace but is worth calling out so that you know what you’re in for. The Contiki Ireland tour is crammed full (which is good value) but if you want time to explore on your own then you’ll need to wait until after the tour.

This is not the case on all tours or even all Contikis in my experience as I’ve been on other trips that have lots more free time in the itinerary.

My verdict on the Contiki Ireland tour

The short version:.

This tour was perfect for me at the time, and I had a blast but if I was going to Ireland now I wouldn’t book it.

The long version:

When I did this tour, I had never solo travelled before, and I only had a short amount of time between finishing my summer internship and going back to university.

Because I wasn’t yet a confident solo traveller, I valued the security of the Contiki tour in terms of having everything planned and the one-week itinerary let me see all the main things I wanted to in the short time I had.

However, if I was going now, I wouldn’t do a tour at all partly because I now mostly travel with my partner and partly because I have the confidence to navigate most foreign cities and trains/buses on my own and prefer more flexibility. I also drink less now so the constant party vibe is less what I would go for.

I would love to hear your thoughts if you’ve been on a Contiki before or are considering it. Drop them in the comments below.

Happy travelling!

Europe Travel Resources

• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Find awesome day tours on Get Your Guide
• Book train tickets and buy cheap multi-trip passes from Rail Europe
• Travel super cheaply across 28 countries with Flixbus
• Save on attractions with a city pass from Go City (including Amsterdam, Paris and Rome)
• Sort your Euros and other currencies with a Wise multi-currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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Scotland and Ireland (Summer 2025)

What's this trip about?

Travel themes, destinations.

• United Kingdom

Royal mile, old Castle, home of the brave, Edinburgh is going to turn it on from start to end. With days of good times ahead, go out in search of haggis, a whisky bar and join the jolly locals before meeting up with the crew tonight, in anticipation of the good times that are yet to come.

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City West (or similar)

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.

Travelodge Galway City Hotel (or similar)

Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Holiday Inn Express Derry (or similar)

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.

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• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
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Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Contiki .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.

No two travellers are the same and we know that, which is why we offer eight unique ways to explore the world. We have a number of options to choose from to create a vacation that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style.

We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not traveling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.

With over 270 trips around the world and plenty of departure dates to work into your schedule, you'll never be short of options on where to go for your next great adventure.

About the company: Contiki are the world leaders in social youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our core values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re about people’. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘Travel.Together.’ which means to travel with one another, the destinations we visit, the cultures we enjoy and the environment, too.

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The Scoop: What to Know About Contiki

This tour company for 18- to 35-year-olds takes a slightly different approach than the typical guided tour provider..

The Scoop: What to Know About Trafalgar Tours

Here at TourScoop, we use our real-world, real-person travel expertise—honed over decades of travel—to help travelers make great decisions about tours. Today we’re going deep on Contiki, a tour company focused on travelers ages 18 to 35. We’ve outlined everything we think you might need to know about Contiki.

Most tour companies focus on older travelers, but Contiki Tours stands out for its dedication to younger travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. It has been offering tours since 1962, and today has more than 200 trips on six continents.

Contiki does things differently than most tour companies. Not only is it geared to a totally different demographic of young people, it shines for its affordability, dedication to sustainability, and LGBTQIA focus, not just as a welcoming space for travelers but in the stories it tells about the places it goes.

Financially, it’s a tour company for people who haven’t spent a lifetime building savings. Initial deposits are low ($200), payment plans are flexible, and most tours are priced for budget travelers. Also of note, if parents or others are helping cover the cost, they can contribute funds once the tour is booked via the Manage My Booking online.

Contiki has a bit of a party reputation, especially on trips in Europe (in its description of itself, Contiki says it offers itineraries “so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined”. That said, past guests also report that the experience is truly what you make it, so it can be a good fit for lots of different traveler types, with experiences that range from meetings with locals, checking out hidden cultural gems, and taking cooking classes.

TourScoop Takeaways : Contiki

• Countries: 200 trips on six continents
• Tour Size Average: Trip sizes vary depending on the destination and the trip type, and range from 12 to 53 people. (More in the Tour Types section below)
• Tour Type: Primarily Coach

How to Book

To book, you can book directly through Contiki , online, over the phone, or via the chat.

Credibility Check

Contiki has a Feefo rating of 4.7/5 based on over 2,000 ratings in the last year. On TourRadar , Contiki has a rating of 4.7/5 based on over 5,000 reviews.

BEST OF THE BEST: Best Tour Companies for Guided Tours

Tour Destinations

Contiki runs 200+ trips, with itineraries in Africa, Asia, Australia Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, New Zealand, and North America.

Europe is Contiki’s most popular region, and within Europe, the most popular trips include Greek Island Hopping , European Discovery , and  Italian Escape .

Recently, demand for Asia tours has been on the rise, with particular interest in itineraries like  Thai Island Hopper West ,  Japan in a Week , and the new  South Korean Soul tour.

Contiki has more than two dozen tour types , and browsing by type in addition to by destination can be a great way to figure out what trip will be the best fit. The tour types are: Active, Adventure, African Safari, Beach, Christmas, City Breaks, Detour Mini Adventures, Festival Travel, Gap Year Travel, Hiking and Trekking, Island Hopping, New Year’s Eve, Plus+ Trips, Pride, Reunion, Sailing, Short Breaks, Ski & Snowboard, Small Group, Solo, Train, U.S. National Parks, Wildlife, Winter, and World. There are also specific trips for travelers between the ages of 27 and 35 (the elders of the Contiki universe).

That’s a huge list, so here are more details about a few of the trip types:

• Detour Mini Adventures : These three- to eight-day tours focus on unique experiences in special places, rather than tours of countries or regions. Think: hiking national parks in Croatia and learning to be a safari guide in Kruger National Park. These trips are smaller, with a maximum of 16 travelers.
• Short Trips & Festivals : These city-break style tours focus on big events like Hogmanay New Year’s celebrations in Edinburgh, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, and Oktoberfest in Germany.
• Contiki Plus+ : Contiki dubs its Plus+ tours as “same good vibes with a hint of fancy.” They cost a bit more, but come with slightly nicer hotels and rooms that max out at two people. If you are traveling with a friend or a significant other, you can room with them and won’t have to share.

Group sizes vary by trip. In popular destinations like Europe and New Zealand, groups range from 24 to 53 travelers. In regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America, group size is usually between 12 and 30. Most small group trips max out at about 24, and Detour trips don’t exceed 16 travelers.

Tour Guides

Contiki calls its guides Trip Managers rather than tour guides. In Europe, the average age of Trip Managers is 26 years old, putting them squarely in the demographic they serve.

Contiki recruits Trip Managers who are calm and effective problem solvers and skilled communicators who love sharing adventures with other travelers. The company has an extensive training program that teaches both logistics and education about the destinations they lead groups to. Trip Managers in Europe take a 58-day immersive training trip across the continent that includes classroom training and on-the-road learning.

What’s Included on Contiki Tours

• Transportation: Contiki tours include all on-tour transportation, which can include air-conditioned motorcoaches (tour speak for nicer buses), minibus, or 4×4 vehicles. Depending on the itinerary, it might also include trains, cruises, ferries and any flights that happen during the tour.
• Accommodations: Tours also include accommodations, which really span the spectrum and include hotels, hostels, boats, camp sites, jungle lodges, and the company’s 16th century French Chateau. Tours also include all transportation (including internal flights) during the tour.
• Guides: Your Tour Manager guide will get you safely from place to place, tell you interesting things, and generally make sure everything is working for everyone. Some tours also have local guides or guides specific to an attraction.
• Some Experiences: Any activities marked “Included Experiences” on the itinerary are covered in the cost of the tour. Most tours have some free time, which gives you the chance to go out and experience a place independently and do what you want to do. (You can also pay Contiki to join free time tours if you want to stick with the guide.)
• Some Meals: The number of included meals varies wildly by specific tour, but it’s pretty standard for many or most breakfasts to be covered (usually at the hotel/hostel), along with a few pre-arranged group dinners. For the other meals, Trip Managers usually have good advice about where to go to fit into your specific budget.
• Wi-Fi: Most accommodations come with included Wi-Fi. Some buses have Wi-Fi (but it can be spotty, depending on where you are).
• Some Tips: Gratuities that are covered by the cost of the trip include those at restaurants and hotels (most of the time; check your trip documents to make sure). See below for the gratuities that aren’t covered in the cost of your tour.

What’s Not Included on Contiki Tours

• Getting There and Home: Flights before and after your tour. You can book flights through Contiki, but it’s not included in the base price of the tour.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance isn’t included in the cost of the tour, but it is required. You can purchase through Contiki or separately.
• Visas, etc.: Depeding on where you’re gong, you may need a visa to allow you entry into another country (only some countries require visas) will be provided by Contiki if you will need one for your destination, but it’s up to you to apply and pay for the visa.
• Add-On Activities: If you see Free Time Add-On activities, those are the ones not included in the price of the tour. You can book these at an additional cost.
• Some Tips: Tips for the Trip Manager, Motorcoach Driver, and Local Guides are standard (and based on what you can afford) and generally paid at the end of the tour. Gratuities are a big part of the way these folks make their living, so it’s good to budget some funds to thanking them.

Typical Travelers

Unlike most tour travelers, Contiki travelers skew young. The company creates and operates tours specifically for travelers between the ages of 18 and 35. That means there are a lot of college students, recent grads, and people in their 20s and early 30s.

The average age of a Contiki traveler is 28. In the U.S., nearly 70% of travelers are solo, and well over half are female. About a quarter of Contiki travelers from the U.S. are repeat guests.

Communication

Once you book, you can sign into My Contiki (on the Contiki homepage, look for the Traveler log in link at the top right) and see all your information. About three weeks before your departure date, Contiki will send you all your documentation via email.

Loyalty Program

If you’ve already traveled with Contiki, just check the “Past Passenger” box at checkout and you’ll receive 5% off.

Contiki also participates in the Global Tour Rewards program, which gives guests the chance to collect and spend rewards across all the TTC tour companies, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Costsaver, and Brendan Vacations.

Ways to Save on Contiki Tours

Because Contiki is geared toward younger budget travelers, it has a lot of options to make travel more affordable. The deposit to reserve a tour is $200, and travelers can wait until 60 days before departure to pay the balance. There are no booking or change fees, and its Part Pay Program gives travelers interest-free options for paying.

Contiki has a handful of ways to make tours even more affordable. They include:

• A multi-trip discount: When you book two tours that are seven days or longer each, you get a discount of 5% off the less expensive tour.
• Return customer loyalty discount: Select tours are offered at discounts of up to 5% to people who have already traveled with Contiki.
• Triple share discount: On some Europe tours, triple-share rooms are available at a 5% discount.
• Book-with-friends discount: If you book the same tour with four or more friends, you all get 5% off.
• Military discount: Members of the military (active and retired) get $100 off trips that are seven days or longer.

Sustainability Efforts

Contiki’s parent company, The Travel Corporation, selected 11 of the UN’s 17 global sustainability goals to power its five-year plan (known as  How We TreadRight ).

Contiki reports regularly on its progress toward sustainability goals like reaching net zero emissions by 2050, sourcing half of its electricity from renewable resources by 2025, halving food waste at hotels and on ships by 2025, boosting the amount of local and sustainable food products, reducing the amount of printed materials, reducing single-use plastics, and more.

Additionally, Contiki is a (very) active participant in its parent company’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences program, which focuses on activities that are both educational and supports sustainability. These experiences, which Contiki is scaling up to be available on 50% of its itineraries by 2025, are aligned with those same UN Global Goals for sustainable development.

Health and Safety Practices

Contiki follows local health guidelines in each destination, and Trip Managers can help guests access medical care on trips. Contiki also takes personal safety seriously, and says it is “committed to providing a secure and safe environment for all our travelers regardless of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity or religious beliefs.” It has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment directed at travelers or team members.

Family Companies

Contiki is a part of The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, which also includes Trafalgar , Insight Vacations , Uniworld , and about a dozen other tour and travel companies.

More from TourScoop:

• Tour Review: Trafalgar’s National Parks and Native Trails of the Dakotas
• 10 Great Tours of Australia This Year and Next
• 10 Standout South Africa Tours

New Vacation Trend: European River Cruise Companies Are Now Targeting Family Travelers

New Year Tour Sales: They’re Big and They’re Limited Time

Why Older Women Are Increasingly Choosing to Travel Solo

What’s tourscoop.

Tour Scoop’s team of travel experts brings you in-depth tour company overviews, tour itinerary reviews, the latest tour news, and travel tips and advice written just for guided tour travelers like you.

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The World Overload

For Those With Wanderlust

Contiki Tours Review: Great Britain and Ireland

A tour of the United Kingdom is a great experience everyone should take part in at least once in their life. You will find it deeply enriching with the culture, history, food, and extra activities you can do here.

This is a review of the Great Britain and Ireland group tour provided by the tour company Contiki. It is a 16 day duration traveling through England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. So you are getting to experience some of the highlights of 5 countries over a 2 week period.

You will follow a flexible itinerary showcasing the cities and countries you will be visiting, but you will be given some free time to explore on your own or join other smaller parts of the group if you have your own ideas on what sites or stops you would like to make during that period.

*Note that tours and activities are subject to change depending on the month, weather, federally recognized holidays, and other restrictive conditions.

The Great Britain and Ireland is one of the most popular tours Contiki has to offer. Depending on the month and season you decide to sign up for this tour, the group size will vary. It can be a cozy and intimate group of 10-15 people or a large group of 30-40. You will usually never know until you actually arrive. The same goes for the age of the group and country of origin. It’s possible you may find yourself the only person from your country and the majority of the group is from one or two along with a handful of others from various countries.

Contiki Tour Guide

You will mostly be led by your own Contiki tour guide along with other local guides depending on the add-on activity you choose to do. They will have a deeper knowledge of some specific things of Great Britain and Ireland while your tour guide will have more knowledge as a whole.

Your tour guide is there to make sure you have a good time. They will have been trained on communication skills, knowledge of the areas you will be going to, what to do in case of emergencies, and overall to make sure the itinerary is followed.

Part of the fun is that these tour guides are veterans when it comes to travel and will have wonderful recommendations on places to eat or go out for a nightcap after the day is done or suggest hidden gems of activities during your free time in the tour itinerary.

Accommodations

Traveling through Great Britain and Ireland, most of your stay will be in standard 4-Star hotels or smaller but similar lodgings. If you did not select to have your room during the trip, you will be paired with one or two others randomly at the beginning of the tour and they will most likely be your roommates for the duration.

This can have a positive or negative effect on your trip depending on who you are roomed with. If you feel the need to swap rooms with someone else during the trip, mention this to your tour guide who will attempt to make arrangements or reconciliation between you and the person you are not getting along with. This rarely happens as most people on tour groups tend to put their best foot forward and try to compromise but there are random instances.

Transportation

The tour is going to be a combination of a private bus used for the entirety of the trip to get you from city to city. Your daily activities will include light walking, a boat ride or two, and some light hiking as well. The transportation will pass safety inspections and you will be given instructions in case of an emergency. This is the standard process when taking a tour.

Great Britain and Ireland Tour Itinerary

• Day 1: London to Manchester via Liverpool
• Day 2: Manchester to York
• Day 3: York to Carlisle via Lake District National Park
• Day 4: Carlisle to Edinburgh via Hadrian’s Wall
• Day 5: Edinburgh
• Day 6: Edinburgh to Inverness via St. Andrews via Stirling
• Day 7: Inverness via Loch Ness via Aviemore
• Day 8: Inverness to Glasgow via Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Day 9: Glasgow to Dublin via Larne
• Day 10: Dublin to County Cork via Kilkenny
• Day 11: County Cork to Galway via Blarney via Cliffs of Mohr
• Day 12: Galway
• Day 13: Galway to Derry/Londonderry
• Day 14: Derry/Londonderry to Belfast via Giant’s Causeway
• Day 15: Belfast to Dublin
• Day 16: Dublin to London via Wales

Tour Highlights

Most of the highlights of this tour were the optional add-ons that you can participate in but there were a few that are included experiences. If you decide that some of the add-ons are not for you, then you these as your own free time to explore and meet up with the group later at an agreed upon location.

Beatles Magic Mystery Tour

This is a great way to explore Liverpool while getting a quick history of the The Beatles in their younger years. You will be strolling through iconic streets like Penny Lane and finishing the tour at the world famous Cavern Club, where you can see the displays of rock and roll icons.

York Ghost Walk

Another tour add-on except at night where you get to learn about the darker side of the city from a local guide. You’ll need to push your imagination being in a modern area compared to the storytelling but it’s still fun just roaming the city at night in historic areas and crossing through dark alleys with your group.

Traditional Scottish Dinner

You’ve got the bagpipes and a 3-course dinner to really set the mood for dinner here. We definitely recommend trying the haggis as your main entree. It’s a great way to spend the night with a lot of laughs, Scottish music, and just overall socializing.

Swim Loch Ness Lake

I wouldn’t say swim as much as dip your toes by the shoreline. During my trip I accidentally slipped on the rocks and fell fully clothed into the water. With the weather being what it is in Scotland, it was very, very cold. But still you will have some gorgeous panoramic views of the lake.

Jameson Distillery

Part of the added fun here is becoming a certified Irish Whiskey Taster at the end of tour, with printed certificate for you to take home as a souvenir. You get to learn about the whole distillery process and Jameson history in Ireland while getting to learn how to spot the subtle differences among several small samples.

Cliffs of Mohr

This location is iconic and nearly every tour you take will make a stop here. The views are just ridiculous at how beautiful it is. You may unfortunately be caught in some bad weather depending on what month you decide to go. It can be very windy and a lot of rain in those parts. Just make sure to bring a jacket or heavy sweater to help get you through the day.

Londonderry Murals

You will see how the political unrest of Northern Ireland may have died down here a little but it has never really been forgotten. Your local guide will take you through the history while viewing all the murals and additional street art in this hub of Londonderry. The mood may be a bit more somber but this piece of history is still very much alive and you should want to learn even just the tidbits.

Giant’s Causeway

Another popular outdoor tourist attraction. You will have a fine afternoon walking the paths and along the rock-shaped formations of this geological marvel. It’s a nice place to stretch your legs and enjoy the Irish ocean breeze. This is a must-visit for Northern Ireland so expect a lot of other tour buses and groups coming through during the day.

Guinness Storehouse

Finishing up in Dublin, you get to take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse. It’s really one of the best ways to spend your time in Dublin . One of the highlights here is taking the lesson to learn how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness. That way when you are back home you can see how well other servers and bartenders do it compared to you. You will get another certificate similar to the certified whisky taster you received earlier in the trip.

These are just a small fraction of the experiences you are bound to have here and these activities and highlights are always changing so no trip is exactly the same. Don’t worry about having to capture pictures for every single moment of the trip. Just forget about the camera sometimes and just live in the moment of what you are doing in these amazing places.

Is it Worth the Price?

This tour does not include the flight to get to London but it is still a fair deal when you are getting accommodations, transportation, some included breakfast and dinners, and included experiences that are part of the itinerary over 16 days. Yes, if you really deep dive into researching cheaper hotel options and transportation options I am sure you can find some. But you are also really paying to socialize and travel with others like yourself instead of traveling completely solo, which some may not prefer. The tour provides good value for it’s cost and you won’t second guess yourself afterwards.

The Great Britain and Ireland tour was great overall. It’s the way to get yourself oriented to each of the countries. There is no way you won’t want to come visit again to explore the places the tour couldn’t get to or that you may want to do a deeper dive into more local attractions and highlights.

One of the only recommendations that I have was to expand on the time spent in Wales. There did not feel like there was enough time to really explore and tour the city and was more of a pit stop on the way back to London. Adding a longer stop here or even another day to really discover this country would be a bonus.

Nicholas Rosen

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Be awed by the Cliffs of Moher

Nothing encapsulates the wild spirit of the country more than the incredible Cliffs of Moher. Reaching heights of 214m above the Atlantic and stretching for 8km along the coast, this is one the first places to visit in Ireland. It’s impossible to tire of its sheer drama, however familiar you are with Ireland.

Smooth talk at Blarney Castle

One of the most legendary things to see in Ireland is the famous Blarney Stone. Taking its name from the old Irish meaning ‘gift of the gab’, anyone who kisses the stone is said to be gifted with the ability to smooth talk their way through any situation. Blarney Castle itself tends to play second fiddle to the stone’s reputation, but this spectacular medieval stronghold is easily one of the top places to visit in Cork.

Get volcanic at the Giant's Causeway

If you’re heading to Northern Ireland, sights like this extraordinary rock formation are a must on your Ireland travel itinerary. These bizarre hexagons made from volcanic rock are a real otherworldly sight.

Stadium love at Croke Park

Europe’s fourth largest stadium has been described as Irish culture’s spiritual home. While the hyperbole is up for debate, Croke Park Dublin is home to two very Irish sports: hurling and Gaelic football. Acting as headquarters for the Gaelic Athletic Association, the museum dedicated to the GAA is one of the top tourist attractions in Dublin.

Go whiskey tasting in Cork

And no, we don't just mean at the local pub - although of course you can do that too. Head to the Jameson's distillery in Cork and take a journey through history with a tutored whiskey tasting session. Not only will you brush up on your whiskey knowledge and your history at the same time, you can also become a certified Irish Whiskey taster.

Things to Do in Ireland

Whether you fancy a bit of city sightseeing in Dublin or feel game for a weekend exploring the outstanding Glenveagh National Park, there’s so much on offer here that it can be difficult to work out what to see in Ireland. We’ve listed a few of our favourites.

VIEW ALL IRELAND TRIPS

Why travel to Europe with Contiki

You’ll immerse yourself properly into every place you visit. Whether it’s Berlin’s illuminating history or the quaint villages of Santorini, you’ll explore with a local guide who knows their stuff and loves what they do. You’ll expand your horizons and see new ways of living with unique experiences, like learning to be a Gondolieri in Venice or dining in a restaurant that supports refugees in Austria. But Contiki is about more than the destination. It’s about the people, AKA your Contiki crew. Who you’ll build amazing connections with from the very first coach ride, and maybe even become BFFs for life.

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Scotland and Ireland (Summer 2025, 13 Days)

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Places You’ll See

• Introduction
• Day 1 Start Edinburgh
• Day 2 Edinburgh
• Day 3 Edinburgh to Scottish Highlands
• Day 4 Scottish Highlands to Glasgow
• Day 5 Glasgow
• Day 6 Glasgow to Dublin
• Day 7 Dublin to County Cork
• Day 8 County Cork to Galway
• Day 9 Galway
• Day 10 Galway to Derry/Londonderry
• Day 11 Derry/Londonderry to Belfast
• Day 12 Belfast to Dublin
• Day 13 End Dublin

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What's Included

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Where You'll Stay

Operated by contiki.

Contiki has been running tours for over 50 years, all exclusively for travellers aged 18-35 years old. Their mission is to bring young travellers together to see the world, focusing on unforgettable experiences and lifelong memories. Contiki believes in real travel experiences, and they care about making sure these experiences contribute positively to the people and places they visit. Every Contiki trip makes travel easier and more social by organizing accommodation, food, experiences and transport, so you can relax and focus on exploring the world with young travellers just like you.

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.9
• Itinerary Excellent 4.9
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.9
• Accommodation Excellent 4.8
• Food Excellent 4.4
• Tour Operator Contiki 4.7
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• A ArnaudDelevacque · 15th August 2019 Only did the Scotland but excellent overall Trip date: June 2019
• T Tommy · 14th August 2019 Splendid, absolutely marvellous! Trip date: July 2019

• S StephanieHooper · 27th July 2019 Loved the tour, just found there wasn’t enough rest time. All the places were fantastic and our tour guide Remi and driver Giuseppe were beyond amazing. Thanks for a great trip of a lifetime! Trip date: July 2019
• C CaitlinWringe · 27th July 2019 An amazing experience with an awesome team. Will definitely be doing another Contiki in the future Trip date: July 2019
• E Emily · 27th July 2019 Was my first ever overseas trip and first contiki trip and it was amazing! Remi is truly amazing at his job and helped me when i was sick and made me feel welcome as i am a solo traveller Trip date: July 2019
• J JacquieHammil · 27th July 2019 It was a ton of fun, and the people on the tour were great. Trip date: July 2019
• I IsabelleZupan · 27th July 2019 Fantastic trip away made even better by an excellent tour manager Trip date: July 2019
• A AbigailTucker · 27th July 2019 It was absolutely amazing. Worth every cent Trip date: July 2019

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• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 18th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 18th June 2024, a minimum payment of €100 is required to confirm your booking with Contiki. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Contiki will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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