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Enjoy the massed Pipes and Drums of the Scottish regiments at the last night of the Edinburgh Tattoo as they recreate something of the pageantry and ceremonial associated with Scottish history. Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and a World Heritage City. You will also visit the former Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the most famous ships of the 20th century, 125 metres of streamlined elegance and where Kings and Queens, Prime Ministers and Presidents were entertained, men were knighted and a ship that was, above all, home to the Royal Family.

Friday 24 August The weekend will commence with a welcome reception and introduction to the tour by your Scottish Blue Badge Guide prior to dinner.

Saturday 25 August Enjoy your Scottish breakfast before departure for Melrose, via Galashiels. For four hundred years, from it's foundation in 1136 to it's 'desolation' in about 1556, the Cistercian Abbey of St Mary at Melrose served the Christian Church, the monarchs, the state and the people of Scotland. The town of Melrose, clustered at the great southern gate of the Abbey precinct, existed only to serve the Abbey. There will be time for coffee here before continuing to Kelso and Floors Castle.

Floors Castle is the largest inhabited castle in Scotland and home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe and their family. You will be free to wander through the spectacular state rooms filled with priceless European paintings, tapestries and furnishings, enhanced with family photographs and beautiful plants grown by the estate gardeners.. Admire the colours in the herbaceous borders and enjoy the Victorian kitchen garden. Lunch can be found either in the restaurant or the terrace care and shop.

Depart for the return to your hotel early afternoon to have time to relax before preparing for the evening and departure at 1700 when you will drive to ‘The Hub’ restaurant, very close to Edinburgh Castle and the entrance to the Tattoo, where we have booked an early dinner for you so as to be on the spot ready for the 1930 final performance.

“Tattoo” is the traditional signal, given originally by drumbeat and latterly by bugle or trumpet call; which warned British soldiers to return to their quarters for the night. The innkeepers turned off the liquor taps - “Tap-Toe”- and the drums continued to beat for half an hour, the period of grace during which the soldiers were allowed to make their way home. The custom eventually developed into a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands a few hours after sunset. At the end of the performance you will return to the hotel.

Sunday 26 August You will return to Edinburgh to visit Britannia. Britannia is berthed alongside her Visitors’ Centre, which is where the experience starts and you can discover Britannia’s story. Within the Visitors’ Centre you can step inside Britannia’s Wheelhouse, view the Royal Family Picture Gallery and The Royal Barge. With the aid of an audio guide, you can tour four decks. The tour includes the Bridge, State Dining Room and Drawing Room, Queen’s and Duke of Edinburgh’s bedrooms, the gleaming Engine Room, the Captain’s Cabin and the galleys. A short journey to the centre of Edinburgh will provide an opportunity to shop in Princes Street and find lunch before returning to your hotel for departure

Price per person £399: Single Supplement £50: Non refundable deposit £75:
Includes:

• Two nights accommodation with Scottish breakfast
• Dinner in the hotel on Friday and in Edinburgh on Saturday
• Welcome reception and an introduction to the tour
• The services of a Scottish Blue Badge Guide throughout
• Executive coaching throughout
• Top-priced ticket for the last night of the Edinburgh Tattoo (7.30pm performance)
• Entries as stated

The final approach to the Edinburgh Tattoo is on foot up a steep incline and, regrettably, no special arrangements can be made.