Edinburgh Tattoo and Stirling Castle

Our tour begins in Scotland's cosmopolitan capital, where we meet at our hotel. Take some time to settle in or explore Edinburgh at your own pace. The heart of Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its medieval Old Town, Georgian New Town, and award-winning modern architecture.

We set out by coach for the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway for an atmospheric trip through the Scottish countryside in one of the lovinglyrestored locomotives. The line takes us past a number of quaint, preserved stations, along the shore of the Forth and into the hills before pulling into Birkhill, a picturesque town set on a wooded incline. We return to Edinburgh, where you're free until tonight's event.

This evening, we settle into our seats for the highlight of our trip, the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. This musical spectacular, featuring the massed pipes and drums of the Scottish regiments, is set against the magnificent, floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the ancient city. The Tattoo is an incredible annual event combining music, entertainment, and ceremony, including the Massed Bands of Her Majesty's Royal Marines and a fantastic firework display.

After a relaxed morning, we transfer to Falkirk for a journey on the Falkirk Wheel, a rotating boat lift and amazing piece of engineering that connects the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Opened in 2002, the wheel is the only one of its kind in the world, coming in at an impressive 79 feet high. We continue to Helix, stopping to admire the iconic Kelpies sculpture en route. Depicting two 'Kelpie' heads - mythical, horse-like beasts common in Scottish folklore said to possess the strength of ten horses - the sculpture was completed in 2013 after an eight-year-long project and stands at an astonishing 98 feet tall.

This afternoon, we visit Stirling Castle which sits perched on a dramatic hilltop overlooking the city. Once the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, this stunning castle is one of the most impressive in Scotland, and a fine example of Renaissance architecture. You have time to explore the grand interiors, including the impressive Great Hall, pretty Chapel Royal, where Queen Mary was crowned in 1543, and the kitchens, which offer a striking contrast to the sumptuous decor of the rest of the castle. With replicas of traditional dishes and detailed, life-sized models recreating the atmosphere of a busy workspace, this immersive exhibit gives a true sense of the royal kitchens in their heydey. You might also like to take a stroll though the splendid gardens before we return to Edinburgh.

After breakfast this morning our holiday concludes, and you are free to say your goodbyes and leave Edinburgh.