Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (11 August 2024)

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A well organised tour with a good local guide. A nice balance between free time and visits.

Hotel in Glasgow was very central with lots of good restaurants close by.

The tattoo itself was spectacular and our seats were good, however the advice to wrap up warm was absolutely necessary. The ‘show ‘ doesn’t start until 9.30 p.m. so you must expect a late night.

Next years show of course will be different but the pipe bands and the Royal Marines will be there and are worth a visit in themselves.

The light show and lasers were also particularly outstanding as was the lone Piper on the battlements of Edinburgh Castle at the end.

We were fortunate with a terrific boat trip on Loch Lomond with an excellent guide/captain’s emotional rendition and explanation of the song Loch Lomond as we came into dock which was worth the trip itself.

Only a few days but memorable in so many ways.

The Itinerary

Day One (11 August) – Fly to Scotland

Fly to Glasgow where you'll be met by our tour manager and continue to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day Two – Included Edinburgh city tour and Edinburgh Tattoo ticket

Today we're off to Edinburgh. This beautiful, historic city is always a lively place, but during the famous festival season it really buzzes. Join your tour manager to get your bearings on a short orientation tour of Edinburgh when you arrive, and see some of the city’s most famous sites. You will then have some free time to explore, visit Princes Street, the Castle, St Giles Cathedral, the Sir Walter Scott monument and the Royal Mile. You might also like to visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland while you are here (entrance payable locally). There’s always so much to see and do in Edinburgh: you'll find famous sights, galleries and museums, splendid shopping and fascinating attractions everywhere, and your tour manager will be more than happy to point you in the right direction and help you make the most of your stay. Why not visit The Spirit of the Tattoo, an interactive exhibition that reveals the story and mythology surrounding the Tattoo? It’s an ideal way to learn a little more about the history of this famous event. Later on, return to your coach to make your way to the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle for the performance of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Massed pipes and drums, and dancers and display teams from all over the world, combine in a magical blend of music and colour, dance and military pageantry. It's a dazzling and unforgettable spectacle. Highlights include the sight of the Massed Pipes and Drums and Military Bands as they emerge from the huge castle gates and fill the air with stirring music, and the iconic sight of the lone piper silhouetted against the backdrop of the sky as he patrols the battlements above.

Day Three – Included Loch Lomond and Trossachs tour

After a leisurely morning at your hotel, spend the rest of the afternoon in the Trossachs, an outstandingly beautiful area of mountains, lochs, rivers and woodlands steeped in history and forever associated with the likes of William Wallace, Rob Roy MacGregor and Mary Queen of Scots. Later in the day enjoy an hour-long circular cruise on one of the most scenic parts of the Loch, enjoying the views of Ben Lomond and several loch-side castles and stately homes. The live commentary on board will ensure that you don’t miss a thing. Your final stop today is the picturesque village of Luss. Take a five-ten-minute stroll from the coach stop into the village to see its lovely little cottages and delightful church, then relax over a cup of tea or perhaps take a short walk by the "bonnie banks" of the Loch and enjoy the stunning views across the water to Ben Lomond, Scotland’s most southerly mountain.