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The Railway Touring Company · Escorted rail holiday

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 21 August 2026

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

Illustration of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 21 August 2026

The Railway Touring Company's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo trip is a 4-day escorted weekend break running 21 August 2026. You depart London King's Cross on the LNER Azuma in First Class, arriving in Edinburgh early afternoon. The itinerary centers on three nights in an Edinburgh City Centre hotel and three key experiences: a guided tour and whisky tasting at The Scotch Whisky Experience, a chocolate-making workshop at The Chocolatarium, and an evening at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the castle esplanade with the Massed Pipes and Drums and fireworks. Day 3 is free to explore the city independently. Breakfasts and dinners are included throughout. A Tour Manager accompanies you, and the return journey to London on the LNER Azuma completes the package. This suits couples, repeat rail travellers, and those seeking guided comfort combined with cultural highlights and food experiences.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed: 21 August 2026. Confirm availability before booking.
  • The Ground Only option (£1450) excludes rail travel from London; book rail separately if needed.
  • Day 3 is free with no included activities; plan your own exploration of Edinburgh.

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 aboard the LNER Azuma in First Class, arriving in Edinburgh early afternoon with refreshments included.
  • Day 1Guided tour of The Scotch Whisky Experience including the Glass Vault and a tasting of four regional single malts in the private whisky bar.
  • Day 2Evening at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, featuring the Massed Pipes and Drums, international acts, and a fireworks display.
  • Day 2Guided tour of The Chocolatarium where you 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 rail travel included?
Yes, if you book the Standard tier (from £1545). First Class rail is included on the LNER Azuma from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley and return, with reserved seats and refreshments. The Ground Only tier (from £1450) excludes rail.
Is this trip escorted?
Yes. The Railway Touring Company provides a Tour Manager throughout the journey.
What is included in the price?
First Class rail (Standard tier), three nights at an Edinburgh City Centre hotel, three breakfasts, three dinners, guided tours of The Scotch Whisky Experience and The Chocolatarium, entry to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Tour Manager services.
When does this trip run?
One departure only: 21 August 2026.
Which train is used?
The LNER Azuma operates the London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley route in First Class.
How much free time is there?
Day 3 is a full free day to explore Edinburgh at your own pace. Day 2 includes a free afternoon before the evening Tattoo.

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