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The Railway Touring Company · Escorted rail holiday

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - August 2026

Edinburgh weekend by First Class rail with Tattoo and whisky tasting

Illustration of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - August 2026

The Railway Touring Company runs this 4-day escorted break centred on The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, departing London King's Cross in August 2026. Travel is by LNER Azuma First Class train to Edinburgh, where you stay three nights in an Edinburgh City Centre hotel with a Tour Manager. Day one brings a guided tour of The Scotch Whisky Experience with a tasting of four regional single malts in the private whisky bar. On day two, you make and taste your own chocolate bar at The Chocolatarium before the main event: an evening at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, featuring the Massed Pipes and Drums and a fireworks display. Day three is yours to explore the city's shops on Princes Street or its historical sites. The return journey to London follows on day four. This trip suits repeat rail travellers who want structure and comfort, couples seeking a special weekend getaway, and anyone drawn to Scottish food and drink traditions.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed: August 2026. Confirm availability before planning.
  • The Standard price (GBP 1,545) includes First Class rail from London; a Ground Only tier (GBP 1,450) excludes the rail legs and starts and ends in 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 by LNER Azuma First Class, arriving Edinburgh early afternoon; guided tour of The Scotch Whisky Experience Glass Vault with 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 fireworks display.
  • Day 2Guided tour of The Chocolatarium, making and tasting your own chocolate bar in the Tasting Room.

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. It includes First Class travel on LNER Azuma from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley and return, with refreshments. The Ground Only option excludes rail and begins and ends in Edinburgh.
Is this trip escorted?
Yes. A Tour Manager accompanies throughout the 4-day break.
What are the main activities?
A guided tour and whisky tasting at The Scotch Whisky Experience, a chocolate-making tour at The Chocolatarium, an evening at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with fireworks at Edinburgh Castle, and a free day to explore Edinburgh.
What is included in the price?
First Class rail travel from London to Edinburgh and return (Standard tier only), three nights in an Edinburgh City Centre hotel, three breakfasts, three dinners, all visits and train travel as detailed, and the Tour Manager's services.
When does this trip run?
August 2026 only, one departure.
How much free time is there?
Day 3 is free to explore Edinburgh's shops and historical sites at your own pace.

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