The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & the Highlands

 Your Scottish getaway begins today as you arrive independently in the picturesque town of Dunblane in the Perthshire countryside. Check into our four-star hotel for the first of three nights and meet the Tour Manager, and then there is time to get to know the town at leisure.  

Our hotel is just a short walk from the Allan Water River, where you could enjoy a riverside stroll. Next to the river is the 11th-century cathedral standing among a cluster of old-world buildings. Among them is Dean's House, a 17th-century structure that now hosts the cathedral museum, showcasing interesting exhibits on local history. Dunblane Cathedral itself is one of Scotland's most impressive medieval churches, with a four-story tower that was built in the 1100s, an ornate Gothic doorway, and rare 15th-century choir stalls.     

Return to our hotel this evening to meet the group for our first dinner together. Overnight Dunblane.

• Dinner

 Traveling north to Aviemore after breakfast, we join the Strathspey Steam Railway for a trip through Cairngorms National Park. The beautifully restored carriages have comfortable seats and large windows, providing fantastic opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking scenery en route to Broomhill.   

The train snakes alongside the bronze waters of the River Spey, which play a crucial part in the production of so many world-class whiskies. We enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by purple heather, the craggy summit of Cairngorm Mountain, and thick pine forests and wooded glens lining the tracks.  

  After a 20-mile round trip journey on the railway, we rejoin our coach and set off to the Kinrara Distillery on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. In these beautiful surroundings, we savor a hosted gin-tasting experience to learn about the local history and ingredients that have inspired the distillery's award-winning craft gins. In the late afternoon, we travel back to our hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening. Overnight Dunblane.

Please Note: The events of Days 2 and 3 are flipped on select departures.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 After a relaxed morning, our coach picks us up early this afternoon for another culture-packed day. Our first stop is the impressive Stirling Castle, where we take a guided tour through the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Great Kitchens and beautiful gardens. There is time to enjoy lunch independently at the castle café or in the center of the town of Stirling. Here, you could wander over Stirling Old Bridge and discover its association with William Wallace and the Jacobite Rising.    

This afternoon, we continue to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, where you are at leisure to get some dinner and explore the city's attractions before regrouping for tonight's main event.

The annual spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brings together music, entertainment and ceremonial performances. Watching in awe, we see the Scottish regiments' pipers and drummers performing together, the impressive Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, and a fantastic firework show - all with Edinburgh Castle illuminated in the backdrop.  

After this incredible experience, our coach takes us back to our hotel late this evening. Overnight Dunblane. 

• Breakfast

 This short break to Scotland has revealed incredible views of the Highlands on a charming journey through the Cairngorms on the Strathspey Steam Railway, followed by a tasting of locally made craft gin. A guided tour of Stirling's historic castle preceded a spectacular finale as we marveled at the sights and sounds of the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - an unforgettable way to conclude our time in Scotland. 

After a leisurely breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your Scottish adventure. You are free to make your way home or continue exploring at your own pace.

• Breakfast