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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & the Highlands

Four-day Scottish escorted tour: steam train, castle, and the Military Tattoo

Illustration of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & the Highlands

Vacations By Rail's 4-day Scottish escorted tour introduces visitors to the Highlands and lowlands around Edinburgh, Perthshire, and the Cairngorms. Based in the charming town of Dunblane, the journey centers on the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a world-renowned spectacle of Scottish pipers and drummers, the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, and fireworks displayed against Edinburgh Castle. The itinerary includes a guided tour of Stirling Castle's Great Hall, Chapel Royal, and kitchens; a heritage steam railway ride through Cairngorms National Park on the Strathspey Steam Railway; and a tasting of award-winning gin at the family-run Kinrara Distillery. Accommodation is at the four-star Apex Dunblane Hydro. A Tour Manager travels with the group throughout, and the package includes breakfast daily, two dinners, and all guided tours and excursions. This tour suits travelers who prefer the structure and company of an escorted group and those interested in Scottish history and heritage experiences.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary notes that Days 2 and 3 events are flipped on select departures; confirm the specific order when booking.
  • Reviewers on Trustpilot mention substantial coach travel (up to 2 hours each way); this is part of the experience but worth knowing if you prefer minimal coach time.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you must arrange independent arrival in Dunblane.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Dunblane

    Arriving in the charming town of Dunblane

    Arrive independently in Dunblane, Perthshire. Check into the four-star hotel and meet the Tour Manager. Free time to explore the town, including Dunblane Cathedral (11th century). Group dinner this evening.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Dunblane

    The nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway and gin-tasting

    Travel to Aviemore and join the Strathspey Steam Railway through Cairngorms National Park to Broomhill (20-mile round trip), viewing the River Spey and Cairngorm Mountain. Coach to the Kinrara Distillery for a hosted gin-tasting experience. (Days 2 and 3 events are flipped on select departures.)

  3. Day 3overnight: Dunblane

    Experiencing Stirling Castle and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

    Guided tour of Stirling Castle's Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Great Kitchens and gardens; free time for lunch in Stirling. Continue to Edinburgh for free time before the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: Scottish regiments' pipers and drummers, the Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, and a firework show at Edinburgh Castle.

  4. Day 4

    Tour conclusion

    Leisurely breakfast, then depart at your own pace or continue exploring independently.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: ride the Strathspey Steam Railway through Cairngorms National Park to Broomhill, viewing the River Spey and Cairngorm Mountain.
  • Day 3Day 3: guided tour of Stirling Castle including the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, and Great Kitchens, followed by the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle with Scottish regiments, Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, and fireworks.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 3 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast each day, 2 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and airport transfers

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes standard class rail travel on local networks and a heritage steam railway journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway (20-mile round trip from Aviemore to Broomhill).
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager from start to finish.
Where do I stay?
All three nights are at the four-star Apex Dunblane Hydro in Dunblane, Perthshire.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day and two dinners are included. Other meals are on your own.
How much walking is involved?
Mobility Rating 2: includes guided walking through Stirling Castle and its gardens, and free time for walking in Edinburgh and Stirling town centers.
When does this tour run?
The operator does not publish specific departure dates in the available information; contact Vacations By Rail directly for scheduling.

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