Edinburgh Military Tattoo Tours

Experience one of the greatest shows on earth - the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on one of 77 multi-day journeys through Scotland. The Edinburgh Military Tattoo is set against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and takes place annually during the month of August as part of the Edinburgh Festival.

Featured Tours

18 Days London to London

Operator: Albatross Tours

From 16,549pp
Save 344pp

24 Days London to London

Operator: Globus

From 10,519pp
Save 962pp

23 Days London to London

Operator: Cosmos

From 8,386pp
Save 841pp

20 Days London to London

Operator: Trafalgar

From 9,686pp
Save 1,521pp

Featured Operators Featured operators

Globus
Collette
Albatross

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Modern Meets Tradition Since 1950 Modern Meets Tradition Since 1950
Pairing military tradition with contemporary music, the Tattoo has something for everyone. What many maybe don’t know, is that since it's inception, the Tattoo has always included cutting edge music from the time.
No Year Is The Same No Year Is The Same
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates musicians and performers from all around the world and the event's themes change every year so each Tattoo is different from the previous one. The regular Scottish and British read more regiments vary their musical and drill performances from year to year, and there are different guest regiments from various different countries.
Who Doesn't Like Fireworks! Who Doesn't Like Fireworks!
Other than musical performances, with marches and other military ceremonies, you can also expect several spectacular firework displays at the tattoo throughout August! Friday & late night Saturday performances often offer read more an enhanced fireworks displays.

Latest Reviews

What our clients are saying about their Edinburgh Military Tattoo experiences
History and Culture in Ireland and Scotland Highlights of Ireland and Scotland , NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Firstly, my travel advisor, Hannah Perry. With more than 3 decades of frequent international travel, I rarely needed a consultant to help me organise my trips. On the occasions I used one, Hannah has stood out to be the most professional, responsive, helpful, supportive and friendly I had the pleasure of dealing with. She's a great asset to Global Journeys.

The read more trip with Trafalgar. It's generally good for anyone who hasn't done an organised tour before. For us, we were expecting a bit more, especially in locations which we considered significant. This is typical of most tours in this category where sometimes too much time is spent around some attractions and not enough on others. Having said that, to have everything planned out by someone with little effort on our part is great. Combine that with a good tour director, driver and fellow travellers, that is still a good vacation. Whichever way you travel, Ireland and Scotland are definitely worth visiting.
Britain and Ireland Experience Britain and Ireland Experience , New Zealand, Aug 2026
Overall sights of tour were great as was our tour guide Aileen, who was also very good. Only issue we had some accommodation which was older and pretty tired - needs to be looked at. Thanks.
Britain and Ireland Experience Britain and Ireland Experience , New Zealand, Aug 2026
Overall sights of tour were great as was our tour guide Aileen, who was also very good. Only issue we had some accommodation which was older and pretty tired - needs to be looked at. Thanks.
Country Roads of Scotland Country Roads of Scotland , UT, United States, Aug 2026
Ethan at Global Journeys was fantastic. Any questions we asked, he answered in a timely fashion, giving us ideas, suggestions and links of where to order and make plans. He was great to work with. Thanks so very much. It was a great trip that we thoroughly enjoyed. If you are ordering or making any plans, remember you are on military time in the read more UK. It can save you a lot of stress. 6 pm bus order is really 18:00. Thanks Ethan for all of your Pre-trip help creating a great adventure.
Country Roads of Scotland Country Roads of Scotland , UT, United States, Aug 2026
Ethan at Global Journeys was fantastic. Any questions we asked, he answered in a timely fashion, giving us ideas, suggestions and links of where to order and make plans. He was great to work with. Thanks so very much. It was a great trip that we thoroughly enjoyed. If you are ordering or making any plans, remember you are on military time in the read more UK. It can save you a lot of stress. 6 pm bus order is really 18:00. Thanks Ethan for all of your Pre-trip help creating a great adventure.
Best of Ireland and Scotland August 2026 Best of Ireland & Scotland , VIC, Australia, Aug 2026
This was our 4th tour booked through Global Journeys, our second with Insight Vacations. The trip was fantastic, giving us a good sample of what Ireland and Scotland have to offer. The sights were fantastic, as were our Travel Director, driver and local guides. Together, Global Journeys and Insight Vacations made this an easy and memorable holiday. read more Would definitely book with them again.

FAQ's

Common questions about The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
When does the Edinburgh Tattoo perform?

Annually, during the of the  month of August as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Are tickets to Edinburgh Tattoo included in our tour price?

Yes. Some of the more affordable trips offer tickets to the Military Tattoo as an optional excursion, but the majority include tickets to the event. Departure prices for journeys that pass through Edinburgh during August are slightly more expensive, and the inclusions for each trip will spelt out in the itinerary if the Edinburgh Tattoo is included.

What happens if it rains at the Edinburgh Tattoo?

Embrace the rain! There's no cover at the arena, however no performance of the Tattoo has ever been cancelled. In the event of inclement weather, rapmacs are available for purchase from the souvenir kiosk on the Castle Esplanade. Umbrellas are not permitted.

Are there fireworks every night at the Edinburgh Tattoo?

The show's big bangs and fireworks display thunder across Edinburgh each night, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays when the Tattoo holds an extended fireworks display.

What should we wear?

Lots of layers! It may be August, but dress as if you are going out to play in the snow. This means hats, scarves and gloves too.