One minute you're at home, dreaming of the second you hit London with all you got. Next minute, you're here. Making that dream a reality with a bunch of people who are 100% different but 100% the same. Ready to see what Britain and Ireland are about? Home to fish and chips. Bridgerton actors. Mind-blowing history. And really long names you probs can't pronounce. That's just the tip of the iceberg.

First, we'll kick off the good times with our first included group dinner. Bonus points for the weirdest British facts (FYI it's illegal to hold a salmon and look suspicious here – time to make new evening plans). Stay: St Giles London Hotel or similar (D)

The first full day. Let's. GO! We're leaving the Big Smoke behind cos our sights are set on Oxford. Our Trip Leader'll introduce us to the do-not-miss-this sights on a walking tour. Think: Magdalen College, Bodleian Library, Sheldonian Theatre and The Ashmolean Museum (the oldest museum in the country, fyi).

Then, we're heading north. Make sure you rest those legs cos we've got another walking tour waiting for us in York. This time it's allll about medieval streets, the original Diagon Alley and 2000 years of history. 2000! Is your mind blown yet? After an AWESOME day of filling your noggin with facts and figures, you're probs gonna wanna let it all sink in. The night is yours. Find a cosy restaurant to get your foodie fill. Take a leisurely evening river cruise. Or settle in a dimly lit cocktail bar with an ambience you'll wanna enjoy all night long. Stay: Ibis York Centre or similar (B)

Wake up, it's another day of travel paradise. Start the day with a morning of FREE TIME. Yep, York's yours for the taking. HP fan? We know you're gonna get lost in the Snickelways and magically pop up in some potion shops. If you're a history buff, those medieval city walls aren't gonna walk themselves. Thinking with your stomach? Stock up on some proper Northern sweet treats. Pastries, cakes, scones – stuff 'em in your bag, a major city's calling us from the road... But first, a quick visit to the historic city of Durham is on the cards.

Okay, Newcastle! We've got one night in this iconic city so make the most of it. First step: get up to speed with the Geordie lingo. Examples include: “Howay man!”, “Radgie” and “A right bobbly dazzler”. Don't get the last two mixed up – you won't pass the vibe check. Stay: Royal Station Hotel or similar (B)

No lies – today is a bit of a drive day. BUT we've got some awesome stops along the way. Take a peek at what Roman life was like back in the year 122 with a stop along Hadrian's Wall. Wander the barrack blocks of Housesteads Roman Fort and soak up the 360-views from the fortress.

Next up on our summer shenanigans: Alnwick Castle. Potterheads will recognise this place first-go. Here in winter? Head up to Bamburgh Castle. Goosebumps at the ready cos this place has spooky written all over it. You'll have free time to wander inside or grab some lunch at the cafe before we cross the border into bonnie Scotland. Dinner in Edinburgh is on us, so line those stomachs with a hearty pub feast.

Tonight: you do you. And Make. It. Count. Stay: Cairn Hotel Edinburgh or similar (B/D)

Kick things off today with a walking tour of this medieval capital – swing by Edinburgh Castle, stroll the Royal Mile, get all the feels from Greyfriars Bobby's statue and be in awe of St Giles Cathedral. Then? The rest is 100% up to you! We've got a couple of options if you fancy 'em. Pub crawl with a good few wee drams. Wanna have some solo time? Strap on the Nikes and breathe in that fresh air on a hike up Arthur's Seat. Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Or escape the crowds with a picnic in Princes Street Gardens.

Tonight, gather the gang for a night on the Old Town – filled with quirky cocktail bars, traditional pubs and craft beerhouses: there's something for everyone in Scotland's capital. Stay: Cairn Hotel Edinburgh or similar (B)

We might be waving goodbye to Edinburgh, but the mems we made here will stay with us forever. Facts.

First up: Stirling. Find the National Wallace Monument. You can tell Braveheart fans (boomers in the fam) back home you've stood where the REAL Scottish hero is remembered – bonus points for screaming FREEEDOMMM at the top of your lungs. Or grab your mates and wander up to Stirling Castle (on the hill, no cap).

Next stop = immense landscapes. Mysterious legends. Culture-rich traditions. And a lot of attractive red-heads. It's none other than the Scottish Highlands. Tonight, we're settling in, stuffing our faces and swapping our best bits so far. Stay: Royal Highland Hotel or similar (B/D)

Today's main character: the Scottish Highlands. The sidekick? Ol' Nessie. We've got a trip to her watery lair if you're up for it. Hear alll the legends and see if you can spot the slippery sucker. Want a closer peek at what lurks beneath the murky waters? Hop on the optional cruise. Then there's Glenfinnan. You've 100% seen the i-con-ic railway bridge. It's Wizarding. World. Famous. Rather do your own thing? No worries! There's plenty to explore around here. Trust us.

Later, you've got the evening to enjoy some downtime. Scrolling mindlessly on #traveltok for an hour or so is totally okay with us. *Take note: the Scottish Highlands are BIG – and we're unable to guarantee exact locations right now. So, sit tight and check your Trip Notes or Topdeck app for specific locations closer to take-off. Stay: Royal Highland Hotel or similar (B)

Blast Lewis Capaldi as we roll back past more glens, mountains and lochs than you can shake a sporran at. Glasgow's next on the agenda. Get your bearings during a walking tour with your savvy in-the-know Trip Leader. They're gonna give you a rundown of this larger-than-life city as you hit George Square, Glasgow Cathedral, Riverside Museum and MORE.

Then? The rest of the day is yours. Pick a direction and walk. Get lost. And lost again. Find something so random your mates back home won't believe it. Maybe you won't believe it yourself until it's Right. There. Drag your trip mates along for the ride. Mems shared are mems that'll live (way) longer than your average TikTok watch-time. Stay: Ibis Styles Glasgow Centre George Square or similar (B)

Rise and shine! We're leaving Scotland behind and setting sail for the Emerald Isle. First up? Belfast. Aka THE place to start getting to know this island-country. Tighten your Air Forces cos we've got a hot walk date with our Trip Leader. They're giving us the deets on The Troubles with visits to significant Protestant and Catholic estates as well as the Belfast Peace Wall.

Later: head to the Cathedral Quarter to check out the bar scene. Or find a local haunt to warm your feet by the fire and sip on an Irish coffee. It's like a hug for your insides. Stay: Ibis Belfast City Centre or similar (B)

Bestie, you're gonna be stoked for today's Northern Ireland road trip. First up, we've got Giant's Causeway. You ain't ever seen anything like this before. Whether you believe it was formed by an underwater volcano or a giant called Finn, the moment you step foot onto one of these stones and look out to the water... well, there ain't nothing like it. Unfortunately, we can't stay here all day long. Don't cry, we've got a stop at (London)Derry. Fans of Derry Girls, make sure you snap at pic at the mural on Orchard Street. Then, it's back to Belfast for the night. Stay: Ibis Belfast City Centre or similar (B)

Cram in heaps of brekky, stock up on your new fave snacks (Tayto crisps are top tier) and get your comfies on. We've got a few hours on the road. Whip out UNO or catch up on the zeds – whatever you gotta do to pass the time, before we roll into Galway. It's the edge(ish) of Europe. Ed Sheeran's a clear winner for today's music vibe, obvs. Our expert Trip Leader will introduce us to the city with pretty pastel houses along the waterfront on an orientation walk.

Then: hit up Quay Street and get to know the locals – they're some of the friendliest people on earth. After? It's time for an included group dinner before you find your Galway girl/boy at O'Connor's Pub. Stay: Flannery's Hotel or similar (B/D)

It's your day, your (Gal)way. You've got 24 hrs to embrace it all, so don't waste a second. Need some suggestions? Set sail for the Aran Islands and rewind to a time of horse-drawn carts, ancient forts and locally spoken Gaelic. Hire a bike and head out to the prehistoric clifftop fort of Dún Aonghasa. Check out the ‘Worm Hole'. Or take a picnic to one of the pristine sandy beaches and soak up all the incredible views. This is livin'.

Staying around town? Make sure you check out Wolfe Tone Bridge, the Spanish Arch, Lynch's Castle and settle in for a shamrock tea at Cupán Tae. Not your vibe? Experience some of the county's culture during an intimate theatre performance at the Druid Theatre. Stay: Flannery's Hotel or similar (B)

Next up: the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar and historic watering holes of the capital. But first, glue your nose to the coach window as we take the scenic route across the Burren to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. You're gonna want your camera charged for this one.

We'll stop at the award-winning visitor centre (built into a hillside for full-on Hobbit vibes) before rolling into Dublin. Home of saints, scholars and U2 – tonight is yours to take on the buzzing local nightlife. Ready for a lively singalong? We've got an optional musical pub crawl around two epic local drinking holes that'll get your feet stomping and your hands clapping. It's the real Dublin experience - including the craic. Stay: The Harcourt Hotel or similar (B)

Slip on your Birks and down that cup of Joe – we'll get our bearings around this historic city on a walking tour. Tick off Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the General Post Office and Temple Bar. Then? You've got the rest of the afternoon to do whatever you want. Check out the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Take a tour of Kilmainham Gaol. Buy a claddagh ring for someone special along Drury Street. And don't miss out on a cone of brown-bread ice cream at Murphy's. Trust us. Stay: The Harcourt Hotel or similar (B)

Set your alarms for an early start. We're ferrying over to wild Wales – a country that has collectively rejected the letters K, Q, V and Z. Speaking of letters – we'll make a photo stop at the place with the longest name in Europe. Work on your pronunciation for a bit, then we'll roll through the scenic countryside to Llangollen. A cute lil Welsh town on the riverfront – you'll have the afternoon to check out the 13th- century ruins of Castell Dinas Brân, jump aboard the steam train, or take a walk along the canal.

Tonight: gather the gang to seek out a local pub for some live music and a hearty feed along the riverfront. *Take note: North Wales is a BIG place – and we're unable to guarantee exact locations right now. So, sit tight and check your Trip Notes or Topdeck app for specific locations closer to take-off. Stay: Hand Hotel or similar (B)

Today we're gonna find out why so many English university students flock to study in Cardiff. Hint: it has something to do with the awesome bands that pass through. Check out the Castle on the Hill (yep, another one). Take a tour of Principality Stadium. Wander around Cardiff Bay. And tuck into a Welsh cake at Cardiff Central Market.

At dinner tonight, we're going to give this incredible adventure the send-off it deserves – make sure you catch a home-grown act at the Welsh Club or sample a quirky cocktail at The Dead Canary (their menu is as whacky as the name). Stay: Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel or similar (B/D)

Quick maths: this is our last day. But we're sure as hell not done yet! En route to London, we'll stop by the gobsmackingly beautiful Bath to take in the Abbey, Royal Crescent and Roman Baths. You've got free time to take a tour of the Baths and sample the healing (read: disgusting) spa water. Or treat yourself to a classy lunch at The Pump Room. Get a Bath Bun (or two) takeaway before we make tracks to our next stop: the mystical stones of Stonehenge. One of the most iconic prehistoric sites in the world, take it alllllll in before piling back on the coach for the drive back to ol' Blighty. Swap TikTok handles and start planning that reunion trip – where to next?

Not ready to leave London just yet? Keep the good times rolling with our post (or pre) tour activity options! Think: a delish food tour around Chinatown, a spooky Jack the Ripper themed tour, and several bike tours around iconic city sights. They're all available to book via ‘Your Topdeck Experience' in the app when you book your chosen tour. FYI you can enjoy these activities before your trip begins, too. (B)

Touch down in London town.

First nights, British bites: drop your bags, meet your fellow travellers and get ready to kick things off. You'll be spending the next couple of weeks together, so tonight's your chance to swap names, that “where have you just flown in from?” chat over a proper meal. London's food scene serves every flavour going – but tonight, we're keeping it classic. Think staple British fare to mark the first night of what's sure to be an *incredible* two weeks ahead.

Later, your way: jet lag calling? Head back home for a well-earned rest. Still buzzing? Follow your curiosity down cobbled streets to a cosy pub for a pint or fruity mocktail, or catch the glow of the city on a twilight stroll past the Thames. Whatever pace you're feeling, London's got you. Stay: Generator London (or similar) (D)

Medieval lanes and ghostly tales.

Northward bound: this morning it's all aboard for York. After winding your way north, your Trip Leader will show you around one of England's most storied (and haunted) cities. Wander the crooked lanes and timbered houses of the Shambles, take in the city walls and step inside the soaring York Minster with your included entry.

Darkness falls: dinner's on you tonight, so go hunt down a cosy pub to tuck into Yorkshire pudding the size of your head. Still got energy? Join an optional ghost tour and hear the gory, grisly tales that make York one of the most haunted cities in Europe. Stay: Ibis Styles York Centre (or similar) (B)

Vikings, ghosts and chips.

Your day, your call: today, York's yours to explore. Step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre or wander the cobbled lanes with a coffee in hand. And don't miss the city's sweet side – York is the UK's chocolate capital (hello, Terry's Chocolate Orange and Kit Kat!) – so a little chocolate fix in the city centre is a must. Prefer a slower pace? Duck into an old-school tea room or kick back by the river with a book, then round off your day with a tasty included dinner – perfect for comparing step counts and chocolate consumption stats. Stay: Ibis Styles York Centre (or similar) (B/D)

Castles, cobbles and a wee tipple.

All aboard: head north to Edinburgh and feel the city come alive as you arrive in Scotland's vibrant capital. Your Trip Leader will guide you on a walking tour of the Old Town and the Royal Mile, taking in streets steeped in stories and the towering shadows of Edinburgh Castle.

Your way to explore: wander the winding lanes at your own pace. Pop into the Writers' Museum to trace Scotland's literary legends, browse independent boutiques and galleries or climb up to Calton Hill for sweeping city views. Dine on Scottish seafood – or haggis if you're feeling brave – and later, join an optional pub crawl to sample some of Scotland's strongest drams. Stay: A&O Hostel Edinburgh (or similar) (B)

Hill climbs, sips and city beats.

Take on new heights : you're free to roam Scotland's capital today – why not wander through Edinburgh Castle and imagine royal dramas unfolding around you, then make your way up Arthur's Seat for a view where the city sprawls like a miniature model below – rooftops, spires and all?

Let the streets guide you: listen for bagpipes drifting through the Grassmarket and watch street performers juggling and dancing along the Royal Mile. You can also join the optional stroll through Edinburgh's UNESCO Old Town, where a kilted guide will whisk you into the world of Outlander with tales of rebels, swords and Scottish secrets. Fancy a different angle? Head to Calton Hill or the city's many terraces to catch the sun dipping behind the castle as the skyline lights up. Your evening, your pace, your Edinburgh. Stay: A&O Hostel Edinburgh (or similar) (B)

Highland winds and hearty bites.

Highlands on the horizon: on your morning jaunt towards Inverness, watch the Scottish countryside roll past – lochs, rolling hills and maybe a sheep or two keeping you company. Arrive in the afternoon and stretch your legs with a wander through Inverness, meandering down cobbled streets, poking into quirky shops and discovering hidden nooks.

Dinner with a local twist: dig into dinner packed with hearty Scottish flavours – you might tuck into smoked salmon, gamey venison, creamy tatties and maybe haggis if you're feeling brave. Trade tales about who can actually understand the thick Scottish accents, who's dared the haggis and whether the whisky here really hits differently. It's food, fun and a crash course in Highland quirks all in one. Stay: Royal Highland Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

Loch Ness: myth or magic?

Monster hunting: set sail on a half-day adventure and keep your eyes peeled – Nessie could be waving, lurking or just having a nap. Snap photos and make up your own theories as you soak up the mind-blowing Highland scenery.

Evening, your way: back in Inverness, the evening's yours to make memorable – kick back at the hotel or wander into town to catch live music and practise rolling your Rs like a true Scot. Stay: Royal Highland Hotel (or similar) (B)

Scottish streets, bites and beats.

Glasgow on foot: after arriving in Glasgow, join your Trip Leader for a walking tour through Scotland's largest city. You'll wander past Victorian architecture, street art that winks at you from every corner and statues that have seen Glasgow grow from gritty to glamorous. After the tour hunt out a local café or bakery for a flaky pastries and maybe a cheeky tablet or shortbread to sweeten your steps. Eat it like a Glaswegian: with a grin, a few crumbs in your pocket and a story to tell.

Glasgow after dark: in the evening, the city's yours to play with. Explore quirky bars, discover live music hidden down side streets or simply wander through the city's glow. (B)

All aboard to Belfast.

Streets, stories and a splash of culture: this morning, you'll make your way to Cairnyan, then sail across the waves on the ferry to Belfast. Once in the city, settle in and watch the waterfront fade into city streets as your adventure begins.

Belfast on foot: after dropping your bags, you'll join a walking tour through the heart of the city with a local guide. You'll wander past colourful murals, quirky alleyways and buzzing markets, all while tuning your ear to the lilting Irish accent – a whole new challenge after finally decoding the Scottish lilt. Stay: Ibis Belfast City Centre (or similar) (B)

Ireland's legendary north awaits.

Giant adventures: This morning, wind your way up to Giant's Causeway and wander among 40,000 perfectly hexagonal basalt columns – nature's own game of giant Jenga. Snap a few photos and stare out at the Atlantic. Nature, myth and a hint of sea spray make it a full-on sensory adventure.

Derry on foot: in the afternoon, arrive in Londonderry and join a local guide for a walking tour of the city's walls where you'll see storybook lanes lined with colourful doors. Keep an eye out for spots you might recognise from Derry Girls – cue the theme tune in your head. Explore the only completely walled city in Northern Ireland, stroll along streets where history is etched into every stone and discover the vibrant murals that tell stories of rebellion, resilience and local pride. Test your ear on the Irish dialect, debate the best spots to grab a pint and uncover the quirks that make Derry one-of-a-kind. Stay: Ibis Belfast City Centre (or similar) (B)

Galway, your way!

Galway on foot: after arriving in Galway, join your Trip Leader for a walking tour through the city's lively streets. Discover lanes lined with colourful shopfronts, browse craft stalls selling handwoven scarves, ceramic mugs and quirky local jewellery, and pause to watch buskers play fiddle, bodhrán or trumpet in the squares.

Supper, with a side of craic: enjoy a meal showcasing some of Galway's best bites, and afterwards, take a wander through the city's storied streets – the nights here are never dull. (B/D)

Galway's calling!

Island adventures: today's a free day to soak up Galway however you like – rain or shine. Fancy a ferry ride? There's an optional trip to Aran Islands on the cards today. You'll hop over to Inis Mór (the largest of the three Aran Islands) and wander rugged cliffs, stone walls that twist through tiny villages and whitewashed cottages with doors painted every colour of the rainbow. For maximum drama, combine it with a trip to the Cliffs of Moher for a true edge-of-the-world experience – sheer cliffs, Atlantic winds and the type of views that demand a double-take.

Back on the mainland: bask in Galway's lively streets – think street performers tossing fire and juggling balls, and the scent of fresh seafood mingling with artisan chocolate and craft stalls. Wander at your own pace, peek into quirky galleries or duck into a Galway pub where traditional Irish music fills the air – think fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns keeping the rhythm as the city comes alive. For a late-night treat, grab a spice bag or two (Galway's version of comfort food with a fiery kick) from a nearby takeaway. (B)

Dublin, discovered.

Dublin, your pace: this morning, roll into the heart of the Dublin where you'll join your Trip Leader for a walking tour through the city's historic lanes. Later, head to the Guinness Storehouse, where you'll learn the story behind Ireland's most famous stout and soak up the panoramic city views from the Gravity Bar.

Music in the air: if you're travelling between March and October, carry on the fun with an optional pub night with music at a quintessentially Dublin pub – pints, tunes and a proper Irish welcome guaranteed. Just a heads-up: it's popular one so book early! If not, wander into Temple Bar to stumble upon street performers or hunt down a cosy spot for dinner – think fresh Dublin Bay seafood, hearty Irish stew or a slice of sticky toffee pudding to finish. Stay: Clink Dublin (or similar) (B)

Make Dublin yours.

History or hurling: today's all yours to explore Ireland's capital. Fancy some iconic campus scenes? Head to Trinity College to marvel at the Book of Kells and wander through centuries-old halls. Or tap into your sporty side at the GAA Museum, where Gaelic football – Ireland's own fast-paced, high-flying game (think AFL with a Celtic twist) – comes alive.

Your Dublin, your pace: wander the cobbled streets, stumble across street performers or hunt down a cosy spot for dinner. Later, catch live music in a pub, try a comedy night or sip cocktails by the River Liffey – Dublin is at its spirited best after dark. Stay: Clink Dublin (or similar) (B)

From Guinness to Llan-fair… try not to trip over that name

A true tongue-twister: today, you'll head across the Irish Sea to Holyhead in North Wales. Snap a quirky photo at Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llantysilio­gogogoch – the longest place name in the northern hemisphere – and see if anyone in your group can actually pronounce it.

Castle calls: next, wander the medieval streets of Conwy and explore its castle, with towering walls and battlements, before heading to your accommodation with time to explore your new surroundings. (B)

Slate, slopes and soaring thrills.

Welcome to Snowdonia: hop on the coach for a day exploring the rugged beauty of North Wales. First up, soak in the dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia – mountains, valleys and sweeping views that are perfect for a brisk hike (weather permitting). Next up, a visit to the National Slate Museum to uncover the region's slate-mining history and see how miners shaped these striking surroundings.

Thrills, your way: feeling adventurous? Take an optional trip to Zipworld and zip through an old underground slate mine – a heart-racing, totally unique view of Wales from below (and above!) the mountains. After a day of exploring, refuel with a delicious dinner included. Trade tales from the day – who nailed the fastest run on the zip line? Who spotted the wildest mountain views? – and get ready for tomorrow's escapades. (B/D)

Bridges, breezes and a splash of adventure: set off in the morning through the rolling Welsh countryside to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a 200-year-old engineering marvel that floats high above the valley.

Glide over a Welsh wonder: if you're travelling during summer and the weather Gods are playing nice, hop in your canoe and paddle over the aqueduct, racing your friends, dodging splashes and taking in the valley stretching out beneath you. Stay: Ibis Budget (or similar) (B)

Banksy and Bristol bites.

Street art and city beats: grab your Trip Leader and embark on a proper Bristol art hunt. Track down Banksy's sneakiest pieces, from the iconic Girl with Balloon to the cheeky Mild Mild West. Peek around corners for secret murals, dodge curious pigeons on Nelson Street rooftops and wander along the harbourside where street art pops up in the most unexpected places. Keep your eyes peeled – some works are masters of hide-and-seek!

Later, your way: after your urban art escapade, settle in for an included dinner. Compare your favourite murals, or head out to soak up Bristol's nightlife – from buzzing harbourside bars to live music spots, the city keeps the fun going well after dark. Stay: Ibis Budget (or similar) (B/D)

From bridges to the Big Smoke.

Homeward bound: after one last breakfast, you're heading back to London. Sit back, watch the countryside roll by and let the memories of castles, canals and city streets sink in – your UK adventure wraps here. (B)