Skip to main content

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Learn how you can become a part of this amazing celebration below.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Kick Up Your Kilt and Book Your 2024 Scotland Vacation Now - Save up to $500 per person with piping hot deals.

But hurry - loch up your travel plans by April 21.



The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is back for 2024 with a brand-new theme - "Journeys". From August 2nd to August 24th, hundreds of military bands, dancers, and musicians from around the world will come together at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade to present a stunning display of music, dance, and light, weaving together tales from different cultures and traditions.

And, if you are traveling with CIE Tours during this time and overnighting in Edinburgh, your guided vacation will include reserved seating in a prime viewing location!

This year's show promises to be a captivating celebration, with performers from across the globe showcasing their unique artistry and cultural heritage. From traditional bagpipes to modern percussion, the Tattoo will offer a rich tapestry of sounds, rhythms, and melodies that will transport you to different lands and times.

A piper in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

As always, all CIE Tours guests on tours that overnight in Edinburgh on Tattoo evenings will get reserved seats for the spectacle. With more than a dozen itineraries to choose from, you can easily include the Tattoo in your travel plans and experience this unforgettable event for yourself.

Since its inception, the Tattoo has been a symbol of international cooperation and friendship, bringing together performers and audiences from all over the world. As you watch the show, you'll be reminded of the power of music and art to bridge cultural divides and create a shared sense of joy and wonder.

Performers from over 48 countries have taken part in this global extravaganza. The name “Tattoo” derives from a seventeenth-century Dutch phrase, “Doe den tap toe”, signifying the end of the day for soldiers, which evolved into a ceremonial evening entertainment performed by military musicians.

Performers from Korea in the Tattoo
Tattoo performers come from around the world. 

The imposing Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on volcanic rock, serves as the background for the Tattoo. The castle originally was the home of king and queens, such as Queen Margaret, Mary Queen of Scots, and James VI. It evolved into a military base, and held prisoners of war. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses Scotland’s crown jewels (also called the Honours of Scotland). The crown on display was first worn for the coronation of James V’s wife in 1540, and the scepter was presented to James IV by Pope Alexander VI in 1494. The castle is also home to a rock called the Stone of Destiny, which has been used in coronation ceremonies for English and British royalty since the thirteenth century; and the National War Museum of Scotland.

So book now for summer and get ready to be swept away by the magic of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2024 - "Journeys."

And remember, book by April 21 to save with our Kick Up Your Kilt sale

Watch this video to see what it's like to be the lead piper in the Tattoo!

Scotland Tours

Showing 12 of 12 total

2024 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code TARTAN200
2025 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code EBD25200

Taste of Britain

Starting from $2,195

5.0
7 Days

Sample the highlights of England and Scotland on this week-long adventure, covering the bustling cities of London and Edinburgh, the history of Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon, and the charming…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code TARTAN300
2025 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code EBD25300

Best of Britain

Starting from $2,845

4.7
9/10 Days

This fast-paced tour is the perfect introduction to England, Scotland and Wales, showcasing the very best historical and scenic spots, alongside vibrant cities. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $500pp - Use Code TARTAN500
2025 Tours: Save $500pp - Use Code EBD25500

Highlights of Britain

Starting from $4,345

4.7
13/14 Days

Go off the beaten path as you traverse the whole of Britain to see Devon and Cornwall in England’s Southwest, the medieval heritage of Wales, and Scotland’s delights.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $500pp - Use Code TARTAN500
2025 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code EBD25400

Taste of Britain & Ireland

Starting from $4,445

4.7
14 Days

Get a great introduction to two great countries on this lively trip to England, Ireland, and Scotland. Enjoy a generous helping of the essential must-dos, with a hint of the unexpected. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code TARTAN200
2025 Tours: Save $100pp - Use Code EBD25100

Taste of Scotland

Starting from $1,345

4.6
5/6 Days

Explore the very best of Scotland's gorgeous scenery and bustling cities on this short-and-sweet introductory tour. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code TARTAN400
2025 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code EBD25400

The Scots Irish Tour

Starting from $3,595

4.9
11/15 Days

This fast-paced Scotland and Ireland tour focuses on their rich history, with plenty of castle tours and museums to help bring the past to life. It's the perfect trip for those interested in…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code TARTAN400
2025 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code EBD25400

Scottish & Irish Dream

Starting from $4,145

4.6
13/14 Days

This great combination tour covers essential parts of Scotland with dreamy castles, mythical Isle of Skye, historic Culloden, skilled sheepdogs and the capital city of Edinburgh. Your adventure…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code TARTAN400
2025 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code EBD25400

Scottish & Irish Gold

Starting from $4,495

4.8
15/16 Days

This great combination tour covers the same itinerary in Scotland as on the Scottish & Irish Dream with romantic castles, mythical Isle of Skye, historic Culloden, and Edinburgh. In Ireland…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code TARTAN200
2025 Tours: Save $200pp - Use Code EBD25200

Scottish Dream

Starting from $2,595

4.8
8/9 Days

Check the must-sees off of your wish list on this good-value Scotland tour, which is an ideal introduction to the bustling cities and breathtaking landscapes.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code TARTAN400
2025 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code EBD25300

Scottish Clans & Castles

Starting from $3,045

4.6
10/11 Days

Revisit the past on this leisurely Scottish tour filled with castle ruins, ancient battlefields, and colorful stories from the country's rich history.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code TARTAN300
2025 Tours: Save $400pp - Use Code EBD25400

Scottish Isles & Glens

Starting from $3,745

4.8
12/13 Days

Head a little off the beaten path on this tour of Scotland's rugged Highlands, coastal byways, and the archaeological treasures on Orkney and the Isle of Skye.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

2024 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code TARTAN300
2025 Tours: Save $300pp - Use Code EBD25300

Taste of Scotland & Ireland

Starting from $3,195

10/11 Days

The perfect combination of two great countries in one itinerary. Start in Glasgow before exploring the Scottish Highlands with a Loch Ness cruise and whisky tasting. Visit St Andrews and Edinburgh…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

How can we help you?

Contact US