The Edinburgh Tattoo and York

Leaving the local area in the early morning we'll head north, stopping for lunch on the way to our weekend hotel.

This morning we head north, through the unspoilt Border country, to Edinburgh - the "Athens of the North". Upon arrival the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore Princes Street and the fascinating lanes and wynds of the famous Royal Mile. Alternatively, join our optional guided tour. On Princes Street, we'll pass Jenners - the oldest department store in the world. We'll see the Castle, St Giles Cathedral, the Princes Street Gardens, the Sir Walter Scott monument and the Royal Mile, before ending the tour by exploring the lavish rooms of the Royal Apartments at Holyroodhouse.

In the early evening we'll head to the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle for the Military Tattoo - the highlight of our visit - for a fantastic evening of music, pomp and pageantry, which ends with the lone piper on the battlements above Edinburgh Castle. We'll leave Edinburgh at about 10.00pm, and head back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.

After breakfast we'll begin our homeward journey. However, our holiday is by no means over. En route we'll visit vibrant, historic York. After time to explore and have some lunch, we'll restart our journey home, arriving in the local area by mid to late evening.