7 Day - Tour of Scotland to include Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Day One - Arrive into Edinburgh Airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel, your base for the next 4 nights. During your stay you will have the opportunity of attending performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, began in 1947, when the Edinburgh International Festival was launched. It was seen as a post-war initiative to re-unite through culture, and was so successful that it inspired more performers than there was room for.  Today it contains over 28,000 performances and 17,000 artists. 

Day Two - This morning take a tour of Scotland's Capital, Edinburgh, concluding with a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The castle dominates the city skyline and has the most spectacular views from the ramparts across the city and is the home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, with other highlights including the Great Hall, St Margaret's Chapel and the Scottish National War Memorial. This afternoon will be spent finding out about the Scots favourite tipple at the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre.   Evening is at leisure to attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Day Three - Enjoy a full day at leisure for some independent sightseeing, shopping or an opportunity to attend another performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Day Four - Enjoy a morning visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence in Scotland of Her Majesty the Queen (subject to not being in residence).  It stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat.  Today the Royal Apartments are used by the Queen for State ceremonies and official entertaining.   This will be followed by a short drive out of the city centre to Leith to take a tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia, launched in 1953 she proudly served the Royal family for over forty years. As you step on board the yacht you "Follow in the footsteps of Kings and Queens, Presidents and Prime Ministers" and have the opportunity to see how life was on board for all those before you. Evening will be spent at the world famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, set in the glowering twilight of Edinburgh Castle and an experience not to be missed. A dazzling show is spread out on the Esplanade, a whirling and colourful kaleidoscope of music, dance and display.

Day Five - After breakfast depart Edinburgh and head into Stirling for a tour of Stirling Castle, once the favourite residence of many of the Stuart Kings including Mary Queen of Scots, the castle has played a significant role in the history of Scotland, due to its geographical position. From here we step back in time and visit the Old Town Jail, with the help of a guide we put ourselves in the prisoner's shoes to discover what life behind bars 150 years ago was really like!  This will be followed by an early dinner cruise on Loch Lomond and the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery.  Continue to St Andrews, the home of golf to check-in at your hotel for 2 nights.   

Day Six - This morning visit the British Golf Museum which takes you on a journey over 500 years tracing the history of the game, both in Britain and abroad, from the middle ages to the present day. This will be followed by a private guided tour of the world famous Old Course, before enjoying some free time in St Andrews for some last minute shopping or independent sightseeing.  

Day Seven - Transfer to Edinburgh Airport for your return flight home.