Have a look at our 2008 itinerary.  Our 2009 itinerary is not finalised yet but should be similar to the one below. 

4 DAY ACCOMMODATION ONLY PACKAGE- From USD $559

   
Tuesday 30th December 2008:

Wednesday 31st December 2008:

Thursday 1st January 2009:

Friday 2nd January 2009:

ACCOMMODATION

WANT TO UPGRADE YOUR ACCOMMODATION?

• 3 Night IBIS Hotel (on the Royal Mile) - Upgrade Supplement -  USD $169
• 3 Night Point Hotel (behind Edinburgh Castle) - Upgrade Supplement - USD $389
  

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ESSENTIAL INFO

Two weeks before departure a festival fact file, filled with top tips and info, will be available for you to download.  Be sure to know before you go!

MORE INFO ABOUT THE FESTIVAL....

WHAT IS HOGMANAY?

Scotland's Hogmanay tradition dates back to the time of the Protestant reformation in 1560 when they decided to ban Christmas because of its proclaimed Catholic origins. And so it was, right up until the 1950's that many Scots worked over Christmas and celebrated their winter solstice holiday at New Year when family and friends would gather for a party and to exchange presents which came to be known as Hogmanay.

There are several traditions and superstitions that should be taken care of before midnight on the 31st December. These include cleaning the house and taking out the ashes from the fire, there is also the requirement to clear all your debts before "the bells" sound midnight, the underlying message being to clear out the remains of the old year, have a clean break and welcome in a young, New Year on a happy note.

Immediately after midnight it is traditional to sing Robert Burns' "Auld Lang Syne".

An integral part of the Hogmanay party, which is continued with equal enthusiasm today, is to welcome friends and strangers with warm hospitality and of course lots of enforced kissing for all.

"First footing" (or the "first foot" in the house after midnight) is still common across Scotland. To ensure good luck for the house the first foot should be a dark male, and he should bring with him symbolic pieces of coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and a wee dram of whisky. The dark male bit is believed to be a throwback to the Viking days, when a big blonde stranger arriving on your door step with a big axe meant big trouble, and probably not a very happy New Year!

The firework displays and torchlight processions now enjoyed throughout many cities in Scotland are reminders of the ancient pagan parties from those Viking days of long ago.

HOGMANAY AS IT IS TODAY...

In recent years, Edinburgh has developed the well earned reputation for hosting one of the largest - and most memorable - New Year's street parties in Europe with more than 100,000 people enjoying fireworks, the countdown to midnight and a verse or two of Auld Lang Syne. There ensues general revelry into the wee sma' hours. In an effort to keep it a safe celebration, the street party is a ticket only affair, with GOBUS providing passes for every passenger.

• Hogmanay Celebrations & The Royal Bank Street Party:
  Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations all centre around the Princes Street Party on New Years Eve. This is a ticket only party and as part of your package we provide you with the ‘street pass' ticket to ensure you don't miss any of the action. The festivities always start with the NZ / AUS New Year celebration which we hold at The Three Sisters Pub near the Edinburgh's Grass Market. The party continues throughout the day to the street party in the evening. The street party consists of giant stages with live performances from 10pm – 1pm; 2 giant screens; bar and food stalls; and concludes with an incredible fireworks display over the famous Edinburgh.

• Castle at midnight.

  You also have the option of celebrating in true Scottish style and joining the Ceilidh in the Gardens! A Ceilidh is an informal social gathering at which traditional folk dancing, singing and fiddling is enjoyed by everyone. The Ceilidh in the Garden tickets are highly recommended. It is an additional £40 but well worth it! For those that are not keen on large, tight, pushy crowds then the Ceilidh event is great as not only is it truly authentic with two stages of its own, but it is in an exclusive arena with private drinks and food vendors as well as WC facilities. You also have to access the arena via the street party so you will be able to explore the three street party stages on the way. Be warned – if you come to the Ceilidh, be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

• The Stirling Castle Visit:
  As part of our Hogmanay coach packages, we include an afternoon trip out to Stirling Castle on New Years Day. This trip is optional but we recommend you join us as Stirling Castle is a fascinating place and a great way to start the New Year. Please note that although the trip out to Stirling is included, the entrance to the Castle is optional. Entrance fee to the Castle is £8.50. This trip is not included for accommodation only packages. 

• The Loony Dook Mid-Winter Swim:
  This event is fantastic and a great way to start the New Year. Participants join together at 11am and then at midday are lead by a Pipe Band through the streets of South Queensferry and into the Forth . After the quick swim every participant is invited back to the local pub for a hot toddy and cup of soup, compliments of the owners. The event raises money for charity and, to make things a little more exciting, wet suits are NOT allowed but the event is fancy dress! The Loony Dook of 2007 saw 600 participants plunge into the freezing waters of the Forth and some 3000 spectators. This trip is not included for accommodation only packages. however, there is a local coach service from Princes Street provided by the organizers of the event.