August 6th to 28th Scotland - Edinburgh, and The Military Tattoo Celebration. 2010 marks the Diamond Jubilee year of Edinburgh's celebrated Military Tattoo. Against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle this landmark 60th anniversary production will feature awe-inspiring colour and variety from the four corners of the globe.Experience Scotland’s colourful military musical spectacular, while paying tribute to the anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, and playing its part in Scotland’s first ever year of Homecoming. A cosmopolitan cast of top-class talent perform, including highlights such as the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums, the Massed Bands of The Royal Air Force, Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps, along with highland dancing, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the traditional haunting notes of the Lone Piper and, in their first Tattoo appearance, the Central Band of the Swiss Army. Enjoy discovering The Highland Lochs, a Whisky Distillery, the famous Loch Ness and Caingorm National Park.

Day 1
Edinburgh
Avail of a private transfer to the airport from your hotel in Edinburgh with a private vehicle and chaffeur. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). You will be met at your central Edinburgh hotel by your guide to commence your walking tour. The buzz of Scotland's capital city sits in perfect contrast to the peaceful tranquility of the surrounding Lothians region. Edinburgh has one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world, making it the ideal city break destination. From ceilidhs and science to ghost, film and food festivals there's always something going on in the festival city, and that's just for starters. Discover world-class museums and galleries, learn the history of the city or spend an afternoon pub crawling - whatever your fancy! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and perhaps take an umbrella! Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). In the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Jurys Inn Edinburgh offers modern, excellent value accommodation. Waverley rail station is a 5-minute walk away. Just off the Royal Mile, Jurys Inn Edinburgh offers spacious, contemporary rooms with satellite TV. The onsite Innfusion restaurant and bar is a stylish place to dine or enjoy a drink. The International Conference Centre (EICC) and Edinburgh Castle are close by. Many shops, bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, and considered one of the most charming cities on Earth. Regardless of the time of year, there is plenty to see and do. The city is breathtakingly beautiful, on multiple levels with storeyed buildings in brooding grey granite. Eclectic bars, fine dining, and national art collections and museums can be found all over the city. The vast student population keeps the atmosphere upbeat and vibrant, even in the downpours that periodically soak the city.

Day 2
Edinburgh
Depart Edinburgh at 9.30am, on board a top of the range minicoach as you embark on a full day's shared tour taking in many of the great sights outside of Edinburgh. You will travel over the Forth Road Bridge to the little town of Dunkeld with its ancient cathedral. From here it is a short distance to the Hermitage in Macbeths Birnam Wood for a forest walk amongst spectacular waterfalls and some of the tallest trees in the country. Then journey north for lunch in Pitlochry (not included) before travelling to the Queens View above Loch Tummel. Continue through the mountains to majestic Loch Tay and the pretty village of Kenmore in an area abundant with ancient stone circles. From here we cross the hills again to the world oldest Scotch Whisky distillery at Glenturret where you can take a tour and tasting before returning past Stirling Castle to Edinburgh. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Jury's Inn (3*).

Day 3
Edinburgh
Avail of any of the optional tours available in the thriving city of Edinburgh. Consider a private tour with your own Licensed Guide and private vehicle if you have any interest in a certain aspect of the city such as the architecture or history - or if you just want to get a great indepth introduction to the city. Consider doing a guided walking tour - one of the best ways to see the city. If you feel like venturing out of the city, there are lots of places of interest such as Blair castle, Perth, whiskey distilleries, Cairngorm National Park - for a Lough ness themed tour, and the majestic Sterling castle sitting on its high volcanic rock, visible for many miles in every direction. Please speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Advisor if any of these options are of interest. Enjoy a private half day tour with your own vehicle and local guide to show you around the city's top sights including Edinburgh castle, St. Giles Cathedral, Holyrood palace and Scott monument. Entrance fee and guide services at Edinburgh Castle are included. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). 2010 marks the Diamond Jubilee year of Edinburgh's celebrated Military Tattoo. Enjoy entrance into this world famous show. Against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle this landmark 60th anniversary production will feature awe-inspiring colour and variety from the four corners of the globe. Experience Scotland’s colourful military musical spectacle, while paying tribute to the anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, and playing its part in Scotland’s first ever year of Homecoming. A cosmopolitan cast of top-class talent perform, including highlights such as the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums, the Massed Bands of The Royal Air Force, Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps, along with highland dancing, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the traditional haunting notes of the Lone Piper and, in their first Tattoo appearance, the Central Band of the Swiss Army.
Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Jury's Inn (3*).

Day 4
Edinburgh
Depart from Edinburgh by mini-coach and head for Stirling Castle on a shared tour. Here, you can visit this imposing stronghold, the favourite residence of the Stuart kings, where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned. You then continue into the beautiful forest-covered hills of the Trossachs National Park and stop for lunch in Aberfoyle (not included). Then along the remote and spectacular drovers road to Highland Inversnaid on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Here you can enjoy the view of the loch from the Inversnaid hotel or walk along part of the West Highland Way in the footsteps of Rob Roy and up through the Nature reserve to enjoy spectacular views of Loch Lomond. From here you return to Edinburgh in the late afternoon. .
. Enjoy lunch at leisure (not included in tour price). Transfer using a local taxi (easily available and economical). Enjoy a Scottish banquet in the Thistle Edinburgh hotel with unlimited wine during the meal, followed by laughter, songs, dancing & music, performed by some of Scotland's most accomplished artists. The meal consists of traditional Scottish fare, including a choice of 2 options for each course such favourites as Scotch broth, Salmon, Beef or Chicken for main course. (Transfer to and from event not included). Overnight at Jury's Inn (3*).

Day 5
Edinburgh
Avail of a private transfer to the airport from your hotel in Edinburgh with a private vehicle and chaffeur. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.