Springtime Flowers of Holland & Belgium

The Flowers of Holland and Springtime Belgium - 4 days with Leger Holidays.

A spring-time extravaganza to see the delights of Holland and Belgium in April.

Day 1 Local departure by coach then onwards to Antwerp or Mechelen for a three-night stay.

Day 2 Antwerp and Brussels (optional). Widely known for its diamonds, Antwerp has so much more with its charming narrow streets, large squares and café culture. We visit a diamond workshop and museum before heading for Brussels, seeing the Grand Place and the cheeky Manekin Pis Statue. For a fascinating insight into Brussels, our optional orientation tour will show you the best sights. B

Day 3 Keukenhof Park (included). Full day visit to Keukenhof Park to see the impressive blooms. Famed for its breathtaking horticultural displays every year, Keukenhof blooms form a sea of springtime flowers, The exuberant colours of spring, blend beautifully in a landscape of established trees, flowering shrubs, a huge variety of perennials, water gardens, fountains and a large lake. B

Day 4 To Calais and then home. B

Included Meals: B=Breakfast

Tour Includes
- Free local joining points
- Travel by Executive coach
- 3 nights' accommodation with continental breakfast
- 1 included excursion
- Keukenhof Park

Date - April 2011. From £199

For more information telephone Leger Holidays on 0844 686 2467

Chelsea Flower Show Short Break

Chelsea Flower Show, Henley & Oxford with Leger Holidays - 3 day break from GBP219.

Probably the best-loved flower show in the world, bringing together blooms from specialist nurseries and everything that is novel in the gardening world.

3-Day Break
Day 1 Henley-on-Thames (included)
Local departure by coach then onwards for an afternoon visit to Henley-on- Thames, home of the famous regatta. Explore this picturesque town, situated on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, on the banks of the Thames. We continue to our hotel for a two-night stay. D

Day 2 Chelsea Flower Show (included)
Today, we head out on the highlight of the floral calendar, the Chelsea Flower Show. For four days each May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea come alive with the sights and smells of the finest collection of blooms from around the world. The show gardens take the visitor on a grand tour of the world, exhibiting flowers and plants from all over the globe, taking inspiration from a wide variety of countries and cultures. As well as the large show gardens, there will be around 40 small gardens – offering a wealth of ideas to take home with you, whatever your budget. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is renowned as the world’s most famous floral spectacle. B, D

Day 3 Oxford (included)
We visit Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires. The university buildings, many dating back to the 15th & 16th Century and the picturesque riverside meadows combine to make Oxford an enchanting place to visit. We then return to your original departure point. B

B=Breakfast D=Dinner

Tour Includes
- Travel by Executive coach
- Free Local Joining Points
- Admission to the Chelsea Flower Show
- 2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and 2 evening meals

Included Excursions and Visits:
- Henley
- Oxford

Chelsea Flower Show, Henley And Oxford (3 Days)
Tour Ref: 3UCF/3 - 26 May 2010 - £219
Tour Ref: 3UCF/2 - 26 May 2010 - £219
Tour Ref: 3UCF/1 - 26 May 2010 - £219

Find out more...

Late Availability on Leger Battlefield Tours

Save money on Leger Battlefield Tours. The following tours in May still have a few places left:

All Quiet On The Western Front
Discover the stories, tragedy and bravery of the First World War Battlefields of the Somme and Flanders.

Tour Includes
- Free Local Joining Points
- Travel by Executive Coach
- 4 nights accommodation with breakfast
- Specialist Battlefield Guide
- 2 or 3 Battlefield Visits: Battlefields of Flanders, Tunnels and Trenches, The Somme (Death of a Generation)

17/05/2010 for 4 nights: Was: £389 - Now: £369

Find out more...

Arras - Britain's Bloodiest Battle & The War Underground
The fighting at Arras in April-May 1917 was unique - it became the deadliest battlefield on which British soldiers fought. Visit the Wellington Quarries, used by the British Army during the battle of Arras in 1917, and the Douai plain to see the ground captured at the end of the battle for Vimy Ridge.

Tour Includes
- Free Local Joining Points
- Travel by executive coach
- 4 nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefields Guide
- 3 Battlefield visits

17/05/2010 for 4 nights: Was: £369.00 - Now: £349.00

Find out more...

Tall Ships Race 2010 in Antwerp

In July 2010, the city of Antwerp hosts the start of the Tall Ships Race.  The Tall Ships Races are an internationally acclaimed annual competition organised by Sail Training International and held every summer in European waters. Each year around 80 vessels from 15-20 countries, crewed by some 5-6,000 young people, take part in this unique event that combines four days of activities in each port with racing or cruising-in-company between ports.

The main aim of the event is to provide an opportunity for young people and hence at least 50% of a Tall Ship's crew must be aged 15-25.

The Tall Ships Races 2010 will visit four ports in Belgium, Denmark, Norway and the UK crossing the North Sea with all the challenges associated with such a busy shipping area, while also enjoying the fjords and archipelagos of Denmark and Norway. From 10 July through to 10 August the fleet will enjoy the usual mix of cultural visits, sports, friendly competition and international friendship.

The fleet will gather in Antwerp, an experienced host port that last hosted the fleet in 2006. The crews are always ensured an enjoyable visit to this exciting and interesting city and centre of the diamond industry. The fleet will be berthed along the River Scheldt close to the town centre from 10-13 July before making their way out to an area north-west of Zeebrugge for the race start on 14 July.

Tour Includes
- Travel by Executive coach
- Free Local Joining Points
- 3 nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast

Included Excursions and Visits:
- Antwerp
- Ghent

Day 1
Local departure by coach, then onwards to Belgium and our hotel in Antwerp for three nights.

Day 2
Tall Ships Races (included); Ghent (optional). Enjoy the local events in the setting of this fine city. Antwerp boasts excellent shops and of course the delightful restaurants and cosy taverns are a must. B

Day 3
You can also choose to join an optional morning visit to the lovely town of Ghent. Affectionately known as the ‘Flower capital of Belgium’, the medieval city of Ghent has a wealth of stunning architecture. B

Day 4
Journey to Calais, then return home. B

B=Breakfast

Your hotels
You’ll stay for three nights at the 3-star Express by Holiday Inn Antwerp. The hotel is situated approximately 30 minutes walk from the main shopping area and heart of the city. The hotel has a breakfast room, bar area and all bedrooms have T.V. and telephone.

Silver Service departures will stay at the 4-star Ramada Plaza in Antwerp. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and all bedrooms have T.V. and telephone. Due to demand, other hotels of a similar standard may be used.

Tall Ships Race 2010 - Antwerp (3 Days) - Silver Service
Tour Ref: 4BTSV/2
09 July 2010 - £249.00

Tall Ships Race 2010 - Antwerp (3 Days)
Tour Ref: 4BTS/2
09 July 2010 - £209.00

Notes
Prices are per person, based on two sharing.

Extras:
• optional excursions;
• single room supplement £75
• travel insurance from £29.95

Visit the Leger Holidays Website to find out more

Cologne Christmas Markets Short Break

Combine a visit to the scenic Rhine Valley with a Christmas markets experience to remember in the cathedral-city of Cologne.  With a selection of six markets to explore you'll be sure to find some really special Christmas presents for your loved ones this year.

Travel by Executive Coach with Leger Holidays on this Four Star package to Cologne and the Rhine Valley. 

Four days from GBP279.  Includes three nights accommodation with continental breakfast.

4 Day Break Itinerary

Day 1 – Local departure then onward to Cologne for a three-night stay.


Day 2 – Cologne (included). There’s a choice of six markets to explore, starting at the cathedral, where brightly decorated booths await, and moving on to the old market in front of the town hall. The new market square and Rudolfplatz are appealing, and you may also like to dine in style in one of the many restaurants, sampling the local Kölsch beer.


Day 3 – Rhine and Moselle Valleys (included), Rhine Cruise (optional), Winetasting (optional). A full day to explore the picturesque Rhine and Moselle Valleys, with an optional Rhine cruise and Moselle winetasting. There’s a late afternoon visit to Koblenz, with time to visit the Christmas market. B


Day 4 – To Calais then return home. B


Included Meals: B=Breakfast

Tour Includes
- Travel by Executive Coach
- Free Local Joining Points
- 3 nights accommodation with continental breakfast

Tour Dates
4-Day Tour - Executive Coach
Tour Ref: 4MGS
Dec 4 2009 - £279
Nov 26 2010 - £289

4-Day Tour - Silver Service
Tour Ref: 4MGSV
Dec 11 2009 - £319
Dec 22 2010 - £329

Notes
Prices are per person, based on two sharing.

Extras:
• optional excursions;
• single room supplement £69;
• travel insurance from £29.95

Visit the Leger Holidays Website for more information

Western Front Explorer Battlefield Tour

Western Front Explorer with Leger Holidays.  Nine days from GBP599.
This unique battlefield tour takes you from one end of the Western Front battlefields to another.

9-Day Break
Day 1
To Ypres or Diksmuide area for a two night stay.
Day 2
Ypres and Tyne Cot (included). We visit the northern end of the Western Front around the Belgian town of Nieuport. Here we see where the front line met the channel coast, and visit the Nieuport Memorial which commemorates British soldiers who served in this sector. We then follow the line of the Belgian army trenches via Ramscappelle to Pervyse, seeing bunkers and learning the story of two British nurses who worked in the cellars of the village. After lunch we visit Diksmuide, before travelling to the Belgian cemetery at Houthulst. Coming into Flanders we visit Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Visitors Centre on a battlefield where 250,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers died in WW1. We end the day in Ypres to attend the moving Last Post ceremony B

Day 3
Artois and Hindenburg Line (included). Departing Ypres we travel south through Northern France, via the battlefields of 1915, stopping at the French cemetery and memorial on the high ground of Notre Dame de Lorette. We then take lunch in Arras before driving via Cambrai to the ground near Bellicourt, where the German Hindenburg Line defences were smashed in 1918. We then continue to our hotel in Reims for three nights. B

Day 4
Marne Battlefields (included). We travel into the forest where the Armistice was signed on 11th November 1918, seeing the site where the railway carriages carrying the Allied and German delegates met, and visiting the excellent nearby museum. Lunchtime in central Compiegne. In the afternoon we drive through the Marne battlefields to the impressive ‘Phantoms’ memorial on the hillside above the Marne battlefields, seeing the point where the British Expeditionary Force crossed the Marne River, and the nearby La Ferte Sous Jouarre Memorial which commemorates those who died in the Retreat From Mons, and on the Marne and Aisne and have no known grave. B

Day 5
Champagne Battlefields (included). Today we explore the Champagne east of Reims, where the French fought major offensives in 1915 and 1917, and the Americans fought in 1918. We begin at the impressive Fort la Pompelle, which stood on the front line for four years and remains in its wartime state, now also housing an excellent museum. We then see the flat Champagne battlefield, with its memorials and cemetery near Prosnes, before going to the unique Russian cemetery and church. After lunch we see the new Champagne Battles museum, and then visit Navarin Farm, still overlooking shattered trenches from 1915. We end at Sommepy, at the American Memorial to the battles of 1918. B

Day 6
End of the Western Front (included). We depart Reims for our hotel near Nancy, close to the ‘end of the Western Front’. En-route we see the extensive systems of preserved trenches in the St Mihiel Salient, including the impressive ‘Thirtsy Trench’ system. We also visit the moving Marbotte Church, a hospital during the fighting, with its magnificent stained glass windows and many memorials. B

Day 7
La Linge (included). To complete our tour of the Western Front we travel into the area where the trenches petered out on the Swiss border. At La Linge we see the superb museum and trenches cut into the hillside; an area where the trench system of the Great War, which cost so many lives, came to an end across the Haut-Rhin area. B

Day 8
Argonne Forest and Romagne (included). Leaving Nancy we return to the Reims area, and en-route we look at the Argonne forest following General Pershing’s American Expeditionary Force in the fighting in September 1918, seeing the War Museum in Romagne and then on to the Meuse-Argonne US Cemetery, the largest US Cemetery in Europe with more than 14,000 graves – a huge hillside of white crosses, a moving way to end this unique battlefield tour. B

Day 9
To Calais for our return journey home. B

Included Meals: B=Breakfast

Please Note: due to the nature of the battlefield sites we are visiting there will be some walking involved, and the length of the Western Front battlefields also means some travelling and a regular change of hotel.

Tour Includes
- Free Local Joining Points
- Travel by executive coach
- 8 nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefields Guide
- 7 Battlefield visits

Visit the Leger Holidays website for more information

Valkenburg Christmas Markets Holiday

Valkenburg Christmas Markets with Leger Holidays.  4 days from GBP229, 5 days from GBP319.

Enjoy a three or four-night stay in the ever-popular Dutch town of Valkenburg, experiencing Christmas markets with a difference staged in the illuminated municipal caves!

4-Day Break

Day 1
Local departure then onward to your hotel in Valkenburg for a three or four-night stay.

Day 2
Valkenburg (included). Visit the Christmas markets, including entrance to the Town Cave (Gemeentegrot), the oldest and largest underground Christmas market in Europe. B,D

Day 3
Aachen (included). The old city centre of Aachen is home to one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Germany, the perfect setting for the festive Christmas market. B,D

Day 4
Return to U.K. B

5-Day Break


Day 1
Local departure then onward to your hotel in Valkenburg for a three or four-night stay.


Day 2
Valkenburg (included). Visit the Christmas markets, including entrance to the Town Cave (Gemeentegrot), the oldest and largest underground Christmas market in Europe. B,D

Day 3
Aachen (included). The old city centre of Aachen is home to one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Germany, the perfect setting for the festive Christmas market. B,D

Day 4
Cologne (included). Enjoy a full-day excursion to Cologne, with time to explore the Christmas markets. B,D

Day 5
Return to the U.K. B

Included Meals: B=Breakfast D=Dinner

Tour Includes
- Travel by Executive Coach
- 3 or 4 nights' accommodation with continental breakfast
- 2 or 3 evening meals
- 2 included excursions

Your hotels
You’ll stay for three or four nights at the popular 3-star Hotel De Bogaerde located in the centre of Valkenburg. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and lift. All bedrooms have T.V. and telephone and guests may use the indoor swimming pool at the adjacent Hotel Walram.

Please Note: 30 Nov executive coach will stay at 3-star Hotel Schaepkens in Valkenburg.

Hotel De Bogaerde
The hotel has a lift and all bedrooms have telephone, radio and T.V. The restaurant and bar are located in the adjacent sister hotel, Hotel Walram, which is connected by an indoor walkway. Their indoor swimming pool, sauna and solarium are also available for use.

Hotel Information
• 3 Star Rating
• Non-Smoking Rooms Available
• Lift
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Indoor Swimming Pool, Sauna & Solarium
• Bureau de Change
• Safe Box at Reception
• English Speaking Staff

Visit the Leger Holidays Website for more information

Battle of the Bulge Tour Special Offer

Battle of the Bulge - Battlefield Tour in Belgium with Leger Holidays. Follow the events relating to the famous Battle of the Bulge, Hitler's last gamble. Visit important points of interest, museums and war cemeteries.

Special offer on 5th March departure - GBP249 instead of GBP269.

Visit places where glory was born and men and women died for freedom. Where heroes fell and so many endured what seemed almost unendurable. See, discover and appreciate so much more with our specialist guides.

4-Day Break

Day 1 – We arrive in Liege and stay for three nights.

Day 2 – The Bulge (included). We travel to the northern shoulder of ‘The Bulge’, visiting the American War Cemetery at Henri-Chapelle. Next, we take the route of ‘Kampfgruppe Peiper’ of the 1st SS Panzer Division through Bullingen, Thirimont, Baugnez (scene of the Malmedy massacre) and Ligneuville to Stavelot, where we ‘halt’ for the chance to take lunch. In the afternoon, we journey through Trois Ponts to visit the superb Battle of the Bulge Museum at La Gleize. We travel on via Stoumont (the end of Peiper’s route), ending the day at Werbomont and the memorial to the 82nd United States Airborne Division. B

Day 3 – Bastogne, Bure and Bande (included). We travel to Houffalize, where we make a brief stop at the German Cemetery at Recogne. Next, we reach Bastogne and visit the historical centre with its comprehensive collection of militaria and preserved vehicles. We have time for lunch in the town of Bastogne before entering the British Sector to see Bure and then Bande, the location of the infamous roadside cellar massacre, by the SS. We also visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery at Hotton. B

Day 4 – Journey to Calais then return home. B

B=Breakfast Br=Brunch L=Lunch D=Dinner

Battle of the Bulge - Battlefield Tour in Belgium with Leger Holidays

Tour Includes
- Travel by executive coach
- 3 nights’ accommodation with continental breakfast
- Specialist Battlefields Guide
- 2 Battlefield visits: The Bulge, Bastogne, Bure and Bande

Silver Service
Upgrade to Silver Service and enjoy these extras
- Travel by Silver Service luxury coach
- Porterage at your hotel
- Smaller, more personal group

Your Hotel
You'll stay for three nights at the 4-star Holiday Inn at Liège. The hotel is only a few minutes walk from the historical centre. The hotel has a lift, bureau de change, bar, heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steambath and fitness club. All bedrooms have a T.V., telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

Holiday Inn Liege
Ideally situated next to the "Palais des Congrès" of Liège, in a pleasant green setting, only a few steps away from the town centre and the historical districts. Holiday Inn Liège offers a splendid view over the river, the yachts marina and the park. To make your stay complete, enjoy the cosy bar "Le Quinquet" with a friendly "British" ambiance, extensive Health & Leisure Club with indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and an ultra modern fitness centre.
- 4 Star Rating
- Handicapped & Non-Smoking Rooms Available
- Lift & Wheelchair Access
- Bar
- Lounge
- Safe Box at Reception
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- Sauna & Fitness Centre
- English Speaking Staff

Room Facilities
- En Suite with Bath & Shower
- Cable TV
- Air Conditioning
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Telephone
- Hairdryer

Battle of the Bulge - Battlefield Tour in Belgium with Leger Holidays

Other Leger Holidays Battlefield Tours
Walking The Somme | All Quiet On The Western Front | Walking The Ypres Salient | Armistice Day In Normandy | Colditz, Dambusters & The Great Escape | The Italian Campaign | Dunkirk & Fortress Europe | Last Days Of WWI | Operation Market Garden | Arnhem & The Rhine Crossings | D-Day Landings In Normandy, France | The Greatest Raid Of All | The Falklands War Battlefield Tour | Waterloo Campaign Battlefield Tour In Belgium

Edinburgh Military Tattoo Holidays

The 2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo celebrates its 60th season in the same year that Scotland pays tribute to the 250th anniversary of the birth of the national bard, Robert Burns. Set against the world famous backdrop of Edinburgh Castle the Tattoo this year promises to be an amazing experience.

A cosmopolitan cast of top-class talent will be present, including highlights such as the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums, the Massed Bands of The Royal Air Force, Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps, along with highland dancing, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, the traditional haunting notes of the Lone Piper and, in their first Tattoo appearance, the Central Band of the Swiss Army.

The following Edinburgh Military Tattoo holidays can be found on the Inspiring Holidays website

5 Day Holiday with Leger Holidays - From: £399

2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Northern Belle Train - From: £750

2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 2 Night Break In Scotland With Gold Crest Holidays - From: £199

2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 3 Day Short Break With Leger Holidays - From: £219

2009 Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 1 Night With Superbreak.com - From: £125

And why not visit the Windsor Military Tattoo as well:

2009 Windsor Castle Royal Tattoo - 2 Night Break With Superbreak.com - From: £179

More about the Military Tattoo

60th Show Stopper
Firm audience favourites, the (now not-so-secret) Top Secret Drum Corps from the Swiss city of Basel will, by popular demand, make a welcome return to the Scottish Capital for this year’s 60th Edinburgh Tattoo (7-29 August) and its three-week season on the floodlit Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

Fusing furiously fast and exceptionally precise percussion with clockwork precision visual effects, this 30-strong group is once again expected to drum its way in to the hearts of an anticipated 217,000 Tattoo-goers.

With over 1,000 performers, featuring Tongan musicians, an all-male Canadian choir, the Indian Navy, as well as entertainers from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music & Drama, the Tattoo is set to present a compelling mix of music, ceremony, and theatre, while continuing to showcase the very best of Scottish culture.

Indeed, 2009 sees Scotland’s showpiece military tattoo paying tribute to the 250th anniversary of the birth of the country’s national bard, Robert Burns, and playing its part in Scotland’s first ever year of Homecoming.

Tattoo Chief Executive & Producer, Major General Euan Loudon, said: “We are delighted to be part of this year’s important celebration of Scotland’s culture and heritage, when we plan to stage four exclusive extra Tattoo performances outside Edinburgh to mark this special Year of Homecoming.”

And, as 2009 is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, a feature of next year’s show will be a series of vignettes depicting episodes from the popular poet’s works. This includes an extract of one of the finest examples of his craft, ‘Tam O’Shanter’, which will celebrate the legacy of this literary legend in poetry and dance.

This summer’s colourful production will also include contributions from Switzerland’s premier military band, the Central Band of the Swiss Army, in their first appearance at the Edinburgh Tattoo, the Massed Bands of the Royal Air Force, who previously performed at the 2004 Tattoo, and a 50-strong Australian Highland Dance troupe who will come together with the Tattoo’s own Highland Spring Dancers.

Using the latest sound and lighting technologies, the 60th event, which will also showcase some never-before-seen acts from overseas, will present a production of outstanding colour and variety from the four corners of the globe.

Yet the centrepiece and very heart of next year’s Tattoo is again expected to be the spine-tingling sights and sounds of the world-famous Massed Pipes & Drums as they emerge across the revered drawbridge of Edinburgh Castle each evening.

F1 Grand Prix Season Hots Up!

The Formula One Grand Prix Season just got even more exciting with Sunday's win by Lewis Hamilton. This win saw him move into a four-point championship lead after a brilliant victory in the German Grand Prix.

If you're an F1 fan then nothing can compare with actually being at the track to cheer on your team. Inspiring Holidays list numerous F1 Grand Prix holiday packages from leading tour operators such as Airtrack, Page & Moy, Formula Tours & Leger Holidays.

Alternatively, if you would rather plan an independent trip you can purchase tickets for all the Grand Prixs from WorldTicketShop.com

Get more information on the packages available:

Hungarian F1 Grand Prix - 3 Aug

European F1 Grand Prix (Valencia) - 24 Aug

Italian F1 Grand Prix - 7 Sep

Belgium F1 Grand Prix - 14 Sep

Singapore F1 Grand Prix - 28 Sep

Chinese F1 Grand Prix - 12 Oct

Brazilian F1 Grand Prix - 2 Nov

Special Offers and Late Availability from Leger Holidays

Leger Holidays offer escorted tours to Europe, so if you want to experience the best by coach, rail, air or cruising, then travel with them, as they have the knowledge and experience to make it easy.

Leger Holidays have the following late deals available:

Battlefield Tours
- All Quiet on The Western Front 09/06/2008 for 5 nights - £249 (Was £353)
- D-DAY Landings in Normandy 09/06/2008 for 5 nights - £249 (Was £353)

View more battlefield holidays on inspiringholidays.com

Walking
- Walking in the Italian Sud Tirol 14/06/2008 for 9 nights - £479 (Was £504)

View more walking holidays on inspiringholidays.com

Gardens
- Monets Garden; Versailles & The Splendours of Paris 27/06/2008 for 4 nights - £229 (Was £241)

View more Garden tours & flower shows on inspiringholidays.com

Edinburgh Military Tattoo - The Greatest Show on Earth

The 2008 Edinburgh Tattoo will take place from 1st - 23rd August 2008

Edinburgh Military Tattoo is one of those events that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as it celebrates over 50 years of music and spectacle.

For sheer excitement, grandeur and spectacle it just can’t be beaten.

Traditional pipes and drums, Highland dancers, intricate displays by cavalry, military dog teams, the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle! These are some of the images you will take home from this sight and sound spectacular.

Inspiring Holidays is pleased to present a number of tour options to the Tattoo from a range of established tour operators:

Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 2 Night Break in Scotland with Gold Crest Holidays
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 5 Day Holiday in Scotland with Leger Holidays
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 3 Day Short Break in Scotland with Leger Holidays
Edinburgh Military Tattoo - 2 Night Midweek Break with Superbreak.com

If you really fancy going to Edinburgh in style then how about a trip on the famous Northern Belle Train. Operated by Orient-Express this will be one holiday you really won’t forget in a
hurry:
Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Northern Belle Train

Tattoo Fact File
The Edinburgh Military Tattoo website details a list of interesting facts about the Tattoo:

1. The first Edinburgh Military Tattoo took place in 1950 with eight items in the programme.
2. The annual audience for the Tattoo is around 217,000. More than 12 million people have attended over the years.
3. The international television audience is around 100 million people
4. Approximately 70 per cent of each audience is from outside Scotland. Half of these are from overseas.
5. Each year 100,000 people visit the Tattoo's new attraction at the top of the Royal Mile. The Spirt of the Tattoo - the compelling story of Edinburgh's Military Tattoo, featuring an interactive exhibition, movie theatre and gift shop.
6. The first commercial twelve inch stereo LP record of the Tattoo was released in 1961.
   2007 marked the Tattoo’s ninth successive sell-out season, generating some £4.8 million in box office receipts.
7. Around 35 miles of cabling (the distance from Edinburgh to Glasgow) is required.
8. The event was first seen in colour on TV in 1968.
9. From 1950 to 1991, there were four producers - Lt Col George Malcolm of Poltalloch, Brigadier MacLean, Brigadier Sanderson and Lt Col Dow.
10. Major Michael Parker then took over as producer for the 1992, 1993 and 1994 Tattoos. He was succeeded by Brigadier Melville Jameson in 1995. who in turn was followed by Major General Euan Loudon in March 2007.
11. The first overseas regiment to participate was the Band of the Royal Netherlands Grenadiers. The year was 1952, and there were also performers from Canada and France.
12. The first lone piper was Pipe Major George Stoddart. He played in every performance for the first eleven years. His son, Major Gavin Stoddart, followed his father as lone piper at the Tattoo and became Director of Army Bagpipe Music for 12 years.
13. Hollywood movie producer Mike Todd, the fourth husband of film star Elizabeth Taylor, made a documentary programme on the Tattoo in 1950.
14. Not a single performance of the Tattoo has ever been cancelled.
15. The Tattoo is set up and run for charitable purposes. Over the years, it has gifted some £5 million to service and civilian organisations.
16. At the last official independent count, visitors to the Tattoo contributed an estimated £88 million to the Scottish economy.
17. The Tattoo has always been staged at Edinburgh Castle. Rehearsals take place at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.
18. Over 40 countries have been represented at the Tattoo.
19. The word ‘tattoo’ comes from the closing-time cry in the inns in the Low Countries during the 17th and 18th centuries - ‘Doe den tap toe’ (‘Turn off the taps’).

For more information on the Tattoo visit www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk