Search

The Railway Touring Company · Escorted rail holiday

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 14 August 2026

Four-day Edinburgh weekend with First Class rail and Military Tattoo

Illustration of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 14 August 2026

The Railway Touring Company's 4-day Edinburgh break takes you from London King's Cross to Scotland's capital by LNER Azuma First Class train, with refreshments included on both the outbound and return journeys. You spend three nights in an Edinburgh City Centre hotel with a Tour Manager as your guide. The centerpiece is an evening at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Day 2, where you watch the Massed Pipes and Drums and international performers at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, culminating in a fireworks display. Day 1 includes a guided tour of The Scotch Whisky Experience, where you taste four regional single malts in a private whisky bar. Day 2 offers a morning tour of The Chocolatarium, where you make and taste your own chocolate bar before the Tattoo evening. Day 3 is entirely free, allowing you to explore Princes Street, George Street, and Edinburgh's historical sites at your own pace. Breakfasts and dinners are served at your hotel throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure date is published: 14 August 2026.
  • The Ground Only option (GBP 1450) excludes rail travel from London; rail must be booked separately or the Standard package selected.
  • Day 3 is free with no organised activities, which suits independent explorers but may leave some travellers seeking more structure.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Edinburgh

    First Class rail travel from London to Edinburgh and The Scotch Whisky Experience

    Morning departure from London King's Cross by LNER Azuma train in First Class, with refreshments included, arriving in Edinburgh early afternoon. Walk to the Edinburgh City Centre Hotel, then visit The Scotch Whisky Experience for a guided tour of the Glass Vault and a tasting of 4 regional single malts in the private whisky bar. Dinner served at the hotel.

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    The Chocolatarium and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

    A guided tour of The Chocolatarium making and tasting your own chocolate bar, followed by a free afternoon in Edinburgh. After an early dinner, walk to Edinburgh Castle Esplanade for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, featuring the Massed Pipes and Drums and international acts, rounded off with a fireworks display.

  3. Day 3overnight: Edinburgh

    Free Day at Leisure to explore Edinburgh

    A free day to explore Edinburgh's shops on Princes Street, George Street and St James Quarter, or its historical sites. Dinner served at the hotel.

  4. Day 4rail

    First Class rail travel from Edinburgh to London

    Walk to Edinburgh Waverley for the return LNER Azuma journey in First Class, with refreshments included, arriving into London King's Cross early afternoon.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Morning departure from London King's Cross by LNER Azuma First Class train with refreshments included, arriving in Edinburgh early afternoon.
  • Day 1Guided tour of The Scotch Whisky Experience including the Glass Vault and tasting of four regional single malts in the private whisky bar.
  • Day 2Evening at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, featuring Massed Pipes and Drums, international acts, and fireworks display.
  • Day 2Guided tour of The Chocolatarium with the opportunity to make and taste your own chocolate bar.

Included

  • First Class Rail Travel from London to Edinburgh and return
  • 3 nights accommodation at an Edinburgh City Centre hotel
  • 3 Breakfasts
  • 3 Dinners
  • All visits and train travel as detailed in the itinerary
  • Reserved seats on rail travel
  • The services of a Tour Manager

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, if you book the Standard package (from GBP 1545). First Class rail travel on LNER Azuma from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley and return is included, with refreshments. The Ground Only option (from GBP 1450) excludes rail.
Is this trip escorted?
Yes, a Tour Manager is with the group throughout the 4 days.
What is included in the price?
First Class rail travel London to Edinburgh and return (Standard package only), three nights at an Edinburgh City Centre hotel, three breakfasts, three dinners, all visits to The Scotch Whisky Experience and The Chocolatarium, and reserved seats on rail travel.
When does it run?
One departure on 14 August 2026.
What is the main event?
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the evening of Day 2, held at Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with the Massed Pipes and Drums, international acts, and a fireworks display.
What hotel will I stay in?
An Edinburgh City Centre hotel for three nights. The operator does not list the specific hotel name in the itinerary.

Similar journeys