Edinburgh Tattoo & Holyrood House

06th - 9th August 2009

Thursday - An early start as we head north with ample comfort stops to Dalkieth, and our base hotel in this convenient area. Arriving during the late afternoon, there’ll be ample time to relax before a Scottish evening dinner followed by entertainment of your choice.

Friday - After full Scottish breakfast, we take the short journey into Edinburgh where we are joined by an official Blue Badge Guide. There follows a half day panoramic tour of Edinburgh where it’s almost impossible to lose your bearings. Everywhere you look there’s a recognisable landmark, whether it’s the crags of the castle rock or the shaggy brown flanks of Arthur’s Seat. These views are your constant companions whichever way you turn by virtue of the fact that the city is built on so many hills. The only real way to appreciate Edinburgh is to take a gentle stroll around this wonderful city. We shall return to our hotel for a relaxing evening and enjoy dinner.

Saturday - After breakfast, we return to Edinburgh where we visit Holyrood House, the Queens offical residence in Scotland, to include an audio guide. Later, we shall return to our hotel to rest a while and after an early dinner depart for Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. In the glowering twilight, Edinburgh Castle slumbers, resting, waiting for nightfall and for the footlights that will transform it into a dazzling stage set for the world’s most spectacular show. Down Castlehill, along the Lawnmarket, around the cathedral church of St Giles, through the closes of the Royal Mile and the narrow streets whose setts ring with history, people gather in the dusk of a late summer evening. Turning their faces to the great castle rock, where ancient clans first settled the area, which was to become the capital of Scotland and where now stands Edinburgh’s mighty fortress, they join a crowd that will soon be an audience, rapt with enthusiasm for the unique spectacle that is the Edinburgh Tattoo. At the end of the show, we shall return to our hotel for a restful night.

Sunday: After breakfast we bid farewell to Scotland as we head for Gretna Green for a short lunch break. We continue over the Scottish border to complete our journey home arriving in the local area during the mid evening after witnessing a show you will never forget...

• The Hotels:

The Hotel is situated conveniently with just a 20 minute drive into Edinburgh. The County Hotel has attractively furnished en suite bedrooms fully equipped with colour tv including sky channels, radio, direct dial telephone & tea/coffee hospitality tray. The staff work hard to ensure the atmosphere feels relaxed and friendly, adding to your enjoyment of your culinary experience.

• What’s Included:

All coach travel, 3 nights dinner, bed and breakfast, excursions as listed, complimentary on board coach drinks, a Travel & Information pack and the services of a Tour Director throughout.

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