Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo & Scottish Borders

 Your Scottish journey begins today in Edinburgh, where the Tour Manager will greet you at Waverley Station. Once all of your fellow travellers have arrived, we step aboard our coach for a journey out of the city to Peebles.

Nestled on the banks of the River Tweed in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Peebles is a quaint town surrounded by rolling hills and woodland. Known for its independent shops, inviting cafés and riverside walks, it's the perfect base for a relaxing and scenic Scottish holiday.

After checking in to our hotel here, we enjoy our first group dinner.

• Dinner

 Setting out after breakfast, we first head to Abbotsford House, the former home of famed 19th-century novelist Sir Walter Scott. This estate encompasses 120 acres and is home to exquisite gardens and a stately home built in Scottish Baronial style, giving it the appearance of a miniature castle.

As we arrive, you are welcome to wander the grounds and house at your own pace, perhaps strolling through the walled garden or the picturesque South Court. Heading inside, you can see Sir Walter Scott's personal library or peruse his collection of artefacts. You can also have lunch independently in the on-site café before we step back aboard our coach to travel to the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

Inspired by the Prestonpans Tapestry, author Alexander McCall Smith worked with an artist, a historian and 1,000 stitchers to create a series of 160 expertly researched panels. Our time here is at leisure to admire the artistry of each panel and uncover Scottish history one era at a time.

We return to Peebles in time for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Peebles to explore at leisure ahead of this afternoon's sightseeing.

We set out with a packed lunch from our hotel for the Falkirk Wheel. Here, we enjoy a unique experience of riding on the world's only rotating boat lift, which connects two historic canals, before a canal ride. Afterwards, we continue to the Falkirk Distillery, where a tour introduces Scotch whisky-making. We tour the distilling room and see every step of the process, and then taste three drams of whisky for ourselves.

Our journey then continues to Edinburgh, where you have free time to explore and enjoy dinner at one of the city's many restaurants or pubs. We reconvene this evening to settle into our seats for the highlight of the holiday, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, this unforgettable open-air performance blends music, Highland dancing, military ceremony and fireworks in a remarkable celebration of Scottish tradition. After this spectacle, the coach takes us back to our hotel in Peebles late this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch

 A holiday filled with heritage and amazing experiences, this journey, based in the Borders, has offered an unforgettable way to uncover Scotland. From visiting the grand Abbotsford House and riding the Falkirk Wheel to exploring history at the Great Tapestry, each day has brought rich tradition, stunning landscape and timeless culture. With all of this capped off by the music, dancing and fireworks of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, this has been a trip to treasure.

Your holiday comes to a close after breakfast, as we depart Peebles and head back to Edinburgh Waverley Station by coach. On arrival, you are free to continue your onward travels home or continue exploring Edinburgh at your own pace.

• Breakfast