New Year in Edinburgh

Begin your Hogmanay celebrations by meeting your Tour Manager and the rest of the group at the 4-Star Radisson Blu Hotel in Edinburgh, where we enjoy mulled wine and mince pies on arrival.

• Dinner

Today, our first destination is the majestic former royal yacht, the HMY Britannia. Retired from service in 1997, the vessel is now home to a museum about the royal family and we explore much of it on a comprehensive tour which sheds some light into what it must be like to live on board. This afternoon, you are free to explore Edinburgh; the Christmas markets are still in swing, and are home to stalls selling all manner of exotic and traditional wares. Alternatively, simply take a stroll through the historic streets which run through this fantastic city.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, on New Year's Eve, our excursion takes us on board the nostalgic Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway for a steam-hauled round journey through the Scottish countryside, passing through a number of quaint preserved stations. On board, we enjoy a hot drink and a 'Black Bun' fruit cake in true Hogmanay style.

Later tonight, to herald the New Year and to begin our New Year's Eve Hogmanay celebrations, we enjoy a traditional Great Scots Night. We are treated to a delicious dinner before heading to watch the spectacular fireworks on display over Edinburgh's Royal Mile. This incredible performance lights up the streets below which are full of joyous revellers, enjoying the start of Hogmanay.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, enjoy a full day at leisure to experience New Year's Day in Edinburgh. Scotland's capital city is often referred to as the Athens of the North and its not hard to see why. You may wish to visit the imposing Edinburgh Castle on Castle Rock, or perhaps take in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Her Majesty the Queen's official residence in Scotland. This magnificent palace is open all year round except when the Royal Family are in residence. Other places worth visiting include the panoramic natural beauty of Arthur's Seat and the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, your tour concludes and you are free to depart. You may wish to discover a little more of this wonderful city before you leave; the famous Royal Mile has many interesting cafés and traditional Scottish shops waiting to be explored.

• Breakfast