I'm interested doing a tour of Ireland, England and Scotland later on this year, however, I'm having trouble deciding between Contiki and Topdeck. I'm twenty years old, and this will be my first time overseas. My friend is possibly coming along, but I may be doing it alone.

I've heard really bad things about Contiki being primarily a party tour, and even so much as just being more of a pub crawl. I don't mind having a drink every now and then, but I don't want to get drunk and have a hangover overseas when I could just do that here. However, Contiki's tour looks more well rounded than Topdeck's, so I'm really torn. There also seem to be more 'optional' choices to do.

Any experience or knowledge would be great, I'm quite overwhelmed at the moment. Thanks.

Neither, they are expensive restrictive and a waste of time...... arrange you own tour, ask another question stating what you like, when and where you are arriving and when and where you are leaving from and what type of things you like/don't like and people who know the UK/Ireland will help you plan your own trip........ booking in advance , trains, ferries/planes all available, easy to access and your money will go at least twice as far and you then see what you like, not where they get the best commissions to take you

I agree with Keith. Our rail network is dense and frequent. You can buy a Britrail Pass before arrival

www.britrail.com

www.nationalrail.co.uk (timetables)

For reviews of Contiki and Topdeck see the Trip Advisor site

Never heard of them here in the UK., so cannot comment.

Just go solo. Travelling is easy by train and you can choose your own pace. CHeaper too