Be the first to knowWould you like to receive the latest updates, special offers and promotions from Radio Times?Sign up to our newsletter
By proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy.
At a glance
Visiting:
Scotland
Length:
3 nights
by air
Price from:£532pp
Request Brochure - Edinburgh Christmas Markets
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
Edinburgh Christmas Markets
Seasonal Scottish Celebrations
Welcome to the enchanting Edinburgh. If you're looking to experience the magic of the holiday season in a city steeped in history and culture, our Edinburgh Christmas markets tour is perfect for you. Catering to both Christmas and culture lovers, this trip promises three nights of pure delight.
Your adventure begins with flights and accommodation included, ensuring you arrive in style and enjoy a comfortable stay close to all the festive action. Our knowledgeable tour guide will lead you through the winding streets of Edinburgh, unveiling tales of the city's rich past and sharing secrets about the Edinburgh Christmas markets – a true winter wonderland!
We understand that exploration is personal, and you'll have ample free time to delve into the heart of Edinburgh's old town, explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, or dive into the enticing world of the Christmas markets at your own pace. Beyond the markets, Edinburgh boasts stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and a vibrant arts scene. Don't miss the opportunity to wander along the Royal Mile or explore the grandeur of Holyrood Palace.
So, why wait? Join us on this unforgettable tour and experience the joy, wonder, and splendour of the Edinburgh Christmas markets. Book now to make this holiday season truly magical!
Holiday Highlights
Enjoy three nights in the Scottish capital
Take in glorious Edinburgh, ‘Athens of the North’
Free time to explore the city and its Christmas markets at your leisure
Optional tour of stunning Loch Lomond with whisky tasting
What's Included
Three nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre
City tour of Edinburgh
Return flights to Edinburgh
Coach transfers and travel included throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
Join your friendly tour manager for a short, guided introduction this morning, which will bring to life Edinburgh’s major sights, including the lanes and wynds of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the impregnable Castle atop its rocky promontory. Wander along Princes Street, with its shops, stores and colourful festive markets, stopping to explore the Traditional Highland Village in Princes Street Gardens, where the gifts, handicrafts and foodstuffs showcase the best of Scottish fare, together with an authentic German Market – a great place for a light lunch.
This afternoon is free to spend at your leisure, perhaps revisiting some of your favourite spots from this morning’s tour, finding a cosy restaurant for dinner.
Day 3
Today you have the choice of joining an optional tour to Loch Lomond or continuing your exploration of Edinburgh under your own steam, perhaps returning to Princes Street and its colourful Christmas markets.
Loch Lomond is located at the heart of the Trossachs National Park. Join your fellow guests as you enjoy a scenic drive around its southern shores, home to loch-side castles and stately homes, with the possibility of catching a glimpse of magnificent Ben Lomond. A stop at the chic loch-side shopping centre Lomond Shores provides ample opportunities for some souvenir shopping and a spot of lunch (payable locally). Continue to a local distillery, where you'll enjoy a brief tour and learn about the history of whisky, one of Scotland’s principle exports, followed by a tasting session and the chance to buy a bottle of the good stuff to take home.
Return to your hotel, and perhaps venture out to a local restaurant to enjoy your last night in Edinburgh.
Day 4
Depending on the time of your return flight, you may have some free time this morning to look around Edinburgh one last time, before you transfer back to the airport for your return flight, rounding off a marvelously festive few days.
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre, Edinburgh
Set in a pretty Georgian building, a short walk from Princes Street and the Old Town, the Holiday Inn Express ticks all the boxes for a short stay in Edinburgh.
Hotel Facilities & Amenities
A buffet breakfast is served in the Great Room, and there is a relaxing lounge bar, well stocked with whiskies. Alternatively, you'll find a host of eateries and bars on the hotel's doorstep.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately 30 minutes.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Changes to your hotels
Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.
Foreign Office Travel Advice
Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.
Luggage Allowance
As this is a short break, we don’t include checked-in hold luggage but do include the airline’s base-level hand luggage so you can choose how much luggage you want to add on when you check in for your flight.
Some airlines include a bag under the seat as their base luggage, others include overhead cabin bags – it varies from airline to airline – and there are always different options to increase the allowance. You may wish to add a hold bag if you anticipate buying lots of gifts at the Christmas markets or consider booking one hold bag between two people. The choice is yours, as we know everyone has different needs.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.