Pipes and Drums-

Pipes and Drums

12 Aug 2026 - 15 Aug 2026

Pipes & Drums is a premium 4-day, 3-night escorted tour featuring a stay at the 5★ Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, the Castle hospitality with Premier Seats at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and exclusive access to a Tattoo team Q&A. Enjoy guided visits to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and a private tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia — all expertly arranged by Glory Days.

Pricing per person: £2,349.00 Double/Twin - £3,199.00 Single

Day 0 (Summary) - Itinerary

TOUR SUMMARY

INCLUDED IN EVERY TOUR

  • Knowledgeable, experienced Tour Manager
  • Hand-Selected and Inspected Luxury Accommodations
  • Full Breakfast Daily and Lunches/Dinners as per the itinerary
  • Internet Access
  • Entrance Fees, Taxes and all Gratuities except the Tour Director
  • 24/7 Glory Days On-Call Support from our Edinburgh base
  • Official Tour Merchandise
  • All tours guaranteed to run. No minimum numbers.

TOUR SUMMARY INCLUSIONS

  • The Official Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tickets – Premier Seats
  • Hospitality in Edinburgh Castle, which includes a 3-course meal with Drinks, a bespoke recital from members of the Tattoo cast, a backstage glimpse of performers warming up before the show and an official programme *
  • Three Nights at the 5* Virgin Hotel Edinburgh
  • Breakfast daily
  • Welcome Drinks & Canapes
  • Queue jump to get fast-track access to the arena
  • Guided Tours of Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood house (Audio)
  • Tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea
  • Private Q&A session with Guest Speaker from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
  • Private Open Top Bus (subject to minimum numbers, alternative transport will be provided otherwise)
  • Experienced Tour Director and Local Guides
  • Tour Merchandise

* The dress code for the Castle hospitality is smart casual. Please avoid short trousers and sports shoes. As you are sitting in the outdoor arena for the Tattoo performance, a warm and waterproof top layer or coat is recommended.

Day 1 (12 Aug 2026) - Itinerary

DAY 1 - EDINBURGH ARRIVAL AND WELCOME

AFTERNOON

Arrive in the heart of Edinburgh and check in from 3pm at the 5★ Virgin Hotels Edinburgh, set within the historic 19th century India Buildings on Victoria Street - one of the most photographed and picturesque streets in the Old Town, and just minutes from Edinburgh Castle. Take the afternoon to relax, settle in, or wander the cobbled streets of Scotland’s capital.

6-7PM

Join your fellow guests and meet your dedicated Tour Manager during a welcome event in a private area of the hotel. Enjoy a selection of delicious canapés and welcome drinks as you receive a warm welcome and an introduction to the exciting days ahead.
The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure - experience the world famous Fringe Festival at one of the nearby venues, or explore the Royal Mile with its many inviting restaurants and traditional pubs right on your doorstep.

5* Virgin Hotels Edinburgh - located on Victoria Street

Welcome Drinks and Canapes

Day 2 (12 Aug 2026) - Itinerary

DAY 2 - EDINBURGH'S ICONIC ATTRACTIONS AND AFTERNOON TEA

DAY

Enjoy a full Scottish breakfast before embarking on an Edinburgh adventure.
The day has been thoughtfully curated to showcase some of the city’s most iconic sights at a comfortable pace, and includes:

  • Holyrood Palace – The official residence of the King in Scotland, known for its grand state apartments, rich royal history, and beautiful gardens overlooking Holyrood Park.
  • Champagne Afternoon Tea – A relaxing and elegant experience featuring traditional Scottish and British treats, served with tea, coffee, and a glass of Champagne.
  • The Royal Yacht Britannia – The former Royal Family yacht, now a 5 star visitor attraction. Explore the ship with your guide and gain a fascinating glimpse into royal life at sea, from state visits to family voyages.
Comfortable coach transportation is provided throughout the day.

EVENING

After the day’s activities, enjoy a leisurely evening - take in a Fringe Festival performance within walking distance, or stroll through the Old Town and explore its many traditional pubs, excellent restaurants and whisky bars.

5* Virgin Hotels Edinburgh - located on Victoria Street

Breakfast, Champagne Afternoon Tea

Day 3 (12 Aug 2026) - Itinerary

DAY 3 - EDINBURGH CASTLE AND ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO

DAY

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, where you’ll learn about the city’s rich history, remarkable architecture, and some of its hidden delights. You will then make your way to Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified sites in Europe. Explore the castle with your guide and discover how it has evolved over the centuries - from royal residence to military stronghold to a treasured national symbol.
Later, enjoy an exclusive Q&A session with a member of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo team, offering rare insights into what happens behind the scenes of this world famous spectacle and setting the stage perfectly for the unforgettable performance you will experience this evening.

EVENING

Your evening tonight is spent at the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Your experience begins with hospitality within the historic walls of Edinburgh Castle, where you will enjoy a fantastic 3-course Scottish meal. This special dining experience offers beautiful panoramic views of Edinburgh and Fife from beyond the Castle’s walls.
Following dinner, your host will escort you through the Castle, offering a rare chance to glimpse some of the 2026 Tattoo performers warming up, before guiding you across the iconic Castle drawbridge and on to your Premier Seats, where you can sit back and enjoy the atmosphere as the performance comes to life against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

5* Virgin Hotels Edinburgh - located on Victoria Street

Breakfast and Tattoo Hospitality Dinner

Day 4 (12 Aug 2026) - Itinerary

DAY 4 - TOUR CONCLUDES

MORNING

After a leisurely breakfast, your tour concludes. For those departing today, we wish you a safe and pleasant onward journey. If you would like to extend your stay, we would be happy to arrange additional nights in Edinburgh or help you continue your adventure with our 6 night Scotland tours (date dependant).

5* Virgin Hotels Edinburgh - located on Victoria Street - Departure

Breakfast

Don't just take our word for it

Read reviews from some of our many happy customers below.

Following our return home from Edinburgh we want to send a HUGE THANK YOU to Glory Days for helping organise our trip. The Tattoo was amazing, our hotel accommodation was excellent, it's location in easy walking distance from the railway station was perfect for us. The room exceeded our expectations and the staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful. Your communications were timely and really informative and the voucher enabling for Edinburgh Tattoo mugs was a lovely surprise.
Christine
Just wanted to thank you so much for your assistance with our Tattoo booking this year. We finally made it after missing out in 2020!!! It was awesome- words can’t describe the experience. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. Our accommodation at Virgin Hotels was exceptional- we have travelled extensively and were really impressed with this accommodation, adding to a wonderful few days in Edinburgh. So, if we ever get the chance to come back we would do it all again through your wonderful service and will highly recommend you to our friends and family.
Tracy