England & Scotland | Classic | End London | Winter | 2024/2025
England & Scotland | Classic | End London | Winter | 2024/2025
$2495
England & Scotland | Classic | End London | Winter | 2024/2025
9 Days Starting in London, United Kingdom and ending in Glasgow, United Kingdom
Visiting: Manchester, York, Lake District National Park, Hadrian's Wall, Edinburgh, Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Glasgow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WWBRMA119
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through England and Scotland, starting and ending in London. This winter tour invites you to explore iconic landmarks and historic cities, from the vibrant streets of Liverpool, where The Beatles' legacy lives on, to the ancient charm of York with its Viking and Roman roots. Discover the birthplace of golf at St. Andrews, cruise the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, and capture the magic of the Hogwarts Express in Fort William. Experience the cultural richness of Edinburgh, nestled on an extinct volcano, and the lively spirit of Glasgow. Travel in comfort with coach transportation and a scenic train journey, staying in well-located hotels throughout. This cultural adventure promises unforgettable memories and breathtaking landscapes, perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London To Manchester Via Liverpool
Location: Manchester
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Good morning dear Londonites! And welcome to your 9-day deep dive into all things England and Scotland. Big things are just around the corner. So big we've nicknamed one of them Big Ben. Chat all things Beatlemania & football in your best Scouse accent - this is the call of the day as we pull up in lively Liverpool. Tonight we’ll bed down in Manchester – Liverpool’s neighbouring city and fellow home of musical royalty. Dinner’s included tonight and after that, you’re free to explore. Just remember that toniiiiiight, you’re a rock and roll star.
Day 2: Manchester To York
Location: York
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Wakefield (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lap up your last dose of Manchester 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 3: York To Carlisle Via Lake District
Location: Lake District National Park
Accommodation: Hotel
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. 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 4: Carlisle To Edinburgh Via Hadrian's Wall
Location: Hadrian's Wall
Accommodation: Hotel
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! But first we'll take a spectacular drive this morning to the Roman Empire’s impressive Hadrian’s Wall as well as English country charm in abundance. 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 a traditional bagpiper.
Day 5: Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation: Hotel
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 6: Edinburgh To Inverness Via St Andrews And Stirling
Location: Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
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 7: Inverness Via Loch Ness And Aviemore
Location: Inverness, Loch Ness, Aviemore, Inverness
Accommodation: Hotel
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 8: Inverness To Glasgow
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation: Hotel
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 9: End Glasgow/Train To London
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip sadly comes to an end after breakfast in Glasgow. It’s time to say bye to your new travel squad and plan the next journey. Or if you've chosen to end in London, catch the train back to London, where the trip ends upon arrival.
What's Included
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Tour York on foot
Explore this historic city and get to know its Viking and Roman roots.
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Liverpool City Tour
Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles and see all the iconic landmarks in Liverpool.
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Visit St Andrews
Visit the birthplace of golf and see the Swilcan Bridge.
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See the William Wallace Monument
Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
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See Glenfinnan Viaduct
Keep your eyes peeled for the Hogwarts Express in Fort William.
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Cruise along 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'.
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Accommodation
Stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as the ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel, Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, and Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel.
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Transport
Travel in style and comfort with coach transportation between destinations, including scenic drives and stops at key landmarks. The tour also includes a train journey from Glasgow to London for those ending their trip in London.
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Meals
2 Dinners and 8 Breakfasts are included.
What's Not Included
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Optional Tours
Optional tours such as the local guide tour of Edinburgh Castle are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Transport to Start Location
Transport to the starting location in London is not included.
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Transport from End Location
Transport from the end location in Glasgow or London is not included.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Included Experience
- 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.
- 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.
- Stirling: Explore the sights of Stirling and get a selfie with the memorial to the iconic Scottish knight.
- 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’.
- Fort William: Heads up ‘Potterheads’. Keep your eyes peeled for the Hogwarts Express.
FAQs
- London: Travelling to (and through) the UK & Northern Ireland? You’ll need Essential Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)From January 8, 2025, UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through the United Kingdom (UK) and Northern Ireland you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you travel. Confused? Don’t be – just read on here.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes coach transportation between destinations, featuring scenic drives and stops at key landmarks. Additionally, there is a train journey from Glasgow to London for those ending their trip in London.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfortable and conveniently located hotels such as the ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street, Holiday Inn Express Wakefield, Ibis Carlisle City Centre Hotel, Ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge, Columba Hotel Inverness, and Ibis Glasgow City Centre Sauchiehall Street Hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Other meals are not included and will be at your own expense.
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Is there an opportunity to visit Edinburgh Castle during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional tour of Edinburgh Castle available, which is not included in the tour package and can be arranged separately.
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Will I have a chance to see the Loch Ness during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Loch Ness where you can enjoy a cruise along the loch and keep an eye out for the mythical 'Nessie'.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour ends in Glasgow, but there is an option to take a train back to London, where the trip concludes upon arrival.
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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.
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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.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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