Enjoy the astonishing spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands

Your holiday begins when you arrive independently in the picturesque town of Dunblane. Once you've checked in to our hotel and met the Tour Manager, there's time to get to know the town at leisure.

Our hotel is just a short walk from the Allan Water River, where you could enjoy a riverside stroll. Next to the river, you'll discover the 11th-century cathedral standing among a cluster of old-world buildings. Among them is Dean's House, a 17th-century structure that now hosts the cathedral museum, showcasing interesting exhibits on local history. Dunblane Cathedral itself is one of Scotland's most impressive medieval churches, with a four-storey tower that was built in the 1100s, an ornate Gothic doorway and rare 15th-century choir stalls.

Returning to our hotel this evening, we gather for our first dinner as a group.

Travelling north to Aviemore after breakfast, we join the nostalgic Strathspey Steam Railway for a trip through the stunning Cairngorms National Park. The beautifully restored carriages have comfortable seats and large windows, providing fantastic opportunities to marvel at the breathtaking scenery enroute to Broomhill.

Snaking our way alongside the bronze waters of the River Spey that play a crucial part in the production of so many world-class whiskies, we enjoy views of rolling hills blanketed by purple heather, the craggy summit of Cairngorm Mountain, and thick pine forests and wooded glens lining the tracks.

After a 20-mile round trip on the railway, we rejoin our coach and set off to the Kinrara Distillery on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. In these beautiful surroundings, we savour a hosted gin-tasting experience to learn about the local history and ingredients that have inspired the distillery's award-winning craft gins. In the late afternoon, we travel back to our Dunblane hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening.

After a relaxing morning, our coach picks us up early this afternoon for another culture-packed day. Our first stop is the impressive Stirling Castle, where we take a guided tour through the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Great Kitchens and beautiful gardens. There is time to enjoy lunch independently either at the castle café or in the centre of Stirling. Here, you could wander over Stirling Old Bridge and discover its association with William Wallace and the Jacobite Rising.

This afternoon, we continue to Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, where you're at leisure to get some dinner and explore before tonight's main event. The annual spectacle of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo brings together music, entertainment and ceremonial performances. Watching in awe, we see the Scottish regiments' pipers and drummers performing together, the impressive Massed Bands of the Royal Marines, and a fantastic firework show - all with Edinburgh Castle magnificently illuminated behind them.

After this incredible experience, our coach takes us back to our hotel in Dunblane late this evening.

This short break to Scotland has revealed incredible views of the Highlands on a charming journey through the Cairngorms on the Strathspey Steam Railway. followed by a tasting of locally made craft gin. A guided tour of Stirling's historic castle preceded a spectacular finale as we marvelled at the sights and sounds of the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - an unforgettable way to round-off our time in Scotland.

It's time to say goodbye to your Scottish adventure today. After a leisurely breakfast, you holiday comes to an end, and you are free to make your way home or continue exploring at your own pace.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

A 20-mile round trip on this former mainline route reveals magnificent Highland scenery at every turn along the banks of the rushing River Spey. With a backdrop of the breathtaking Cairngorms National Park, the railway's heritage locomotives continue under the shadow of high mountains and dense sloping woodland to the line's terminus at Broomhill. Beautifully restored carriages provide a front-row seat to the stunning landscapes and delightful station at Boat of Garten. In summer, there are many vivid colours to be viewed, with the greens and purples of heather and gorse lining the trackside.

This luxurious 4-Star hotel is set in ten acres of landscaped grounds, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside. The grand Victorian-style building blends classic architecture with modern amenities, creating a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. The hotel's interior is tastefully designed with contemporary decor and high-quality furnishings. Guests can enjoy a range of beverages and light snacks at the lounges and cocktail bar, unwind in the spa and indoor pool, or enjoy a game of tennis. The on-site Kailyard by Nick Nairn restaurant serves traditional Scottish cuisine in elegant surroundings. Spacious and comfortable guest rooms and air-conditioned and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from the starting/finishing destination of your tour, such as York, London, Edinburgh, and Harrogate. Please call one of our Tour Advisors to discuss your requirements.

Extend your holiday in Edinburgh with alternative rail and accommodation arrangements. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.