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.

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 First Festival Travel 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. Accommodation package passengers are also welcome to go to Stirling in the event there are spare seats on the coach resulting from coach passengers declining to go.

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. Accommodation package passengers are also welcome to go in the event there are spare seats on the coach resulting from coach passengers declining to go. Alternatively, there is a local coach service from Princes Street provided by the organizers of the event.

Our Accommodation:
In Edinburgh you have the choice of staying in hostel style accommodation, a basic hotel in a great location, or in the luxury of The Point Hotel.

The hostel, Caledonian Backpackers, is located right at the end of Princes Street so it is the perfect location to hit that street party! The hostel also has a (very) late night bar so when all else closes or it is too cold to play outside anymore the hostel bar will keep on pumping. The hostel rooms are dorm style of varying sizes and all facilities are shared. The hostel does provide a light continental breakfast of toast, fruit, cereals, tea, coffee and juice.

The basic hotel accommodation is at the IBIS Edinburgh which is in a superb location – right on the Royal Mile! This hotel accommodation is based on twin share but does not include breakfast.

The delux hotel we use is The Point Hotel, also right in the centre of town. It is a 2 minute walk from Edinburgh Castle , 5 minutes from Princes Street & 5 minutes from the Grass Market. Hotel rooms are twin share (we have both double and twin rooms available). The hotel has a funky late night bar and offers a traditional hot buffet Scottish breakfast each morning. It truly is the luxurious way to bring in the New Year!

Tuesday 30th December 2008:
An early morning (7.30am) departure from London for the day drive to Edinburgh, Scotland. Bring some drinks and music for the journey as the party starts in London. Expected arrival in Edinburgh is early evening where you will be able to check straight into your allocated accommodation at Caledonian Backpackers. After check in, it's time to head out and explore the Edinburgh nightlife! We have organised for the entire group to join together at a local bar for a huge welcome party...Welcome to Edinburgh!

Wednesday 31st December 2008:
No time for rest as this morning at breakfast your tour leader will issue you with your official Street Party Pass and you are free to take in all of the Hogmanay festivities. We'll start with a massive group party at The Three Sisters Pub for the NZ (11am) & AUS (1pm) New Year celebrations and continue on through the afternoon. As night falls it's time to head to Princes Street for the world famous street party to see in the New Year...Happy New Year!

Thursday 1st January 2009:
Welcome to 2009….A late breakfast this morning and for those who are keen there is an afternoon trip to Stirling Castle. This incredible place is well worth a visit and a great day out to start the new year. Please note entry to the castle is optional and the admission fee is not included [approx. £8.50].

For the extra keen folk (or the loony ones!) we will be heading to South Queensferry after breakfast to watch the Loony Dook mid Winter swim. This event is fantastic and a refreshing 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. To make things a little more exciting the event is fancy dress!

Tonight the group will gather together for one last final party night in Edinburgh .

Friday 2nd January 2009:
All good things must come to an end and today our Hogmanay tour is over. After breakfast and check out we will make the coach journey back to London. Expected arrival in sunny London is approximately 9pm for the end of the tour.

Return luxury coach transport
Hogmanay Street Party festive pack including street party ticket
3 nights hostel accommodation in Edinburgh city centre (Caledonian Backpackers at the end of Princes Street)
3 continental breakfasts
Stirling Castle and Loony Dook Mid Winter Swim excursions on the 1st January
First Festival Travel souvenir Hogmanay tour t-shirt
New Zealand and Australian New Year's countdowns and celebrations
Local bar parties daily

Tuesday 30th December 2008:
An early morning (7.30am) departure from London for the day drive to Edinburgh, Scotland. Bring some drinks and music for the journey as the party starts in London. Expected arrival in Edinburgh is early evening where you will be able to check straight into your allocated accommodation, The Point Hotel. After check in, it's time to head out and explore the Edinburgh nightlife! We have organised for the entire group to join together at a local bar for a huge welcome party...Welcome to Edinburgh!

Wednesday 31st December 2008:
No time for rest as this morning at breakfast your tour leader will issue you with your of ficial Street Party Pass and you are free to take in all of the Hogmanay festivities. We'll start with a massive group party at The Three Sisters Pub for the NZ (11am) & AUS (1pm) New Year celebrations and continue on through the afternoon. As night falls it's time to head to Princes Street for the world famous street party to see in the New Year...Happy New Year!

Thursday 1st January 2009:
Welcome to 2009! ….A late breakfast this morning and for those who are keen there is an afternoon trip to Stirling Castle. This incredible place is well worth a visit and a great day out to start the new year. Please note entry to the castle is optional and the admission fee is not included [approx. £8.50].

For the extra keen folk (or the loony ones!) we will be heading to South Queensferry after breakfast to watch the Loony Dook mid Winter swim. This event is fantastic and a refreshing 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. To make things a little more exciting the event is fancy dress!

Tonight the group will gather together for one last final party night in Edinburgh .

Friday 2nd January 2009:
All good things must come to an end and today our Hogmanay tour is over. After breakfast and check out we will make the coach journey back to London. Expected arrival in sunny London is approximately 9pm for the end of the tour.

Return luxury coach transport
Hogmanay Street Party festive pack including street party ticket
3 nights luxury hotel accommodation in Edinburgh city centre (The Point Hotel behind Edinburgh Castle)
3 hot buffet Scottish style breakfasts
Stirling Castle and Loony Dook Mid Winter Swim excursions on the 1st January
First Festival Travel souvenir Hogmanay tour t-shirt
New Zealand and Australian New Year's countdowns and celebrations
Local bar parties daily
Services of experienced First Festival Travel tour leaders

Tuesday 30th December 2008:
Arrive in Edinburgh and make your way to the Caledonian Backpackers Hostel for check in. Check-in is anytime after 3pm so if you are scheduled to arrive any earlier, the hostel will happily store your luggage until your room is available. This evening its time to head out and explore the Edinburgh nightlife! We have organised for the entire group to join together at a local bar for a huge welcome party...Welcome to Edinburgh!

Wednesday 31st December 2008:
No time for rest as this morning at breakfast your tour leader will issue you with your official Street Party Pass and you are free to take in all of the Hogmanay festivities. We'll start with a massive group party at The Three Sisters Pub for the NZ (11am) & AUS (1pm) New Year celebrations and continue on through the afternoon. As night falls it's time to head to Princes Street for the world famous street party to see in the New Year...Happy New Year!

Thursday 1st January 2009:
Welcome to 2009….A late breakfast is available this morning and the day is free for you to explore this marvelous city or perhaps nurture a sore head! There are numerous things happening in town today such as the One O'Clock Run down the Royal Mile from the castle that is popular for the locals wanting to blow away any cobwebs; as well as Edinburgh's Dogmanay which is held at Holyrood Park (where the run ends)! Those wanting to join the Loony Dook or Stirling excursion can do so if there are any spare seats on the coach available.

Tonight the group will gather together for one last final party night in Edinburgh .

Friday 2nd January 2009:
All good things must come to an end and today the Hogmanay experience is all over. Check out from the hostel is 10am.

Hogmanay Street Party festive pack including street party ticket
3 nights hostel accommodation in Edinburgh city centre (Caledonian Backpackers at the end of Princes Street)
3 continental breakfasts
First Festival Travel souvenir Hogmanay tour t-shirt
New Zealand and Australian New Year's countdowns and celebrations
Local bar parties daily

Tuesday 30th December 2008:
Arrive in Edinburgh and make your way to the IBIS Hotel on the Royal Mile for check in. Check-in is anytime after 3pm so if you are scheduled to arrive any earlier, the hotel will happily store your luggage until your room is available. This evening its time to head out and explore the Edinburgh nightlife!! We have organised for the entire group to join together at a local bar for a huge welcome party...Welcome to Edinburgh !

Wednesday 31st December 2008:
No time for rest as this morning your tour leader will issue you with your official Street Party Pass and you are free to take in all of the Hogmanay festivities. We'll start with a massive group party at The Three Sisters Pub for the NZ (11am) & AUS (1pm) New Year celebrations and continue on through the afternoon. As night falls it's time to head to Princes Street for the world famous street party to see in the New Year...Happy New Year!

Thursday 1st January 2009:
Welcome to 2009….This New Year's Day is free for you to explore this marvelous city or perhaps nurture a sore head! There are numerous things happening in town today such as the One O'Clock Run down the Royal Mile from the castle that is popular for the locals wanting to blow away any cobwebs; as well as Edinburgh 's Dogmanay which is held at Holyrood Park (where the run ends)! Those wanting to join the Loony Dook or Stirling excursion can do so if there are any spare seats on the coach available.

Tonight the group will gather together for one last final party night in Edinburgh .

Friday 2nd January 2009:
All good things must come to an end and today the Hogmanay experience is all over. Check out from the hotel is 10am.

Hogmanay Street Party festive pack including street party ticket
3 nights hotel accommodation in Edinburgh city centre (IBIS Hotel on the Royal Mile)
First Festival Travel souvenir Hogmanay tour t-shirt
New Zealand and Australian New Year's countdowns and celebrations
Local bar parties daily

Tuesday 30th December 2008:
Arrive in Edinburgh and make your way to the Point Hotel for check in. Check-in is anytime after 3pm so if you are scheduled to arrive any earlier, the hotel will happily store your luggage until your room is available. This evening its time to head out and explore the Edinburgh nightlife! We have organised for the entire group to join together at a local bar for a huge welcome party...Welcome to Edinburgh!

Wednesday 31st December 2008:
No time for rest as this morning at breakfast your tour leader will issue you with your official Street Party Pass and you are free to take in all of the Hogmanay festivities. We'll start with a massive group party at The Three Sisters Pub for the NZ (11am) & AUS (1pm) New Year celebrations and continue on through the afternoon. As night falls it's time to head to Princes Street for the world famous street party to see in the New Year...Happy New Year!

Thursday 1st January 2009:
Welcome to 2009….A late breakfast is available this morning and the day is free for you to explore this marvelous city or perhaps nurture a sore head! There are numerous things happening in town today such as the One O'Clock Run down the Royal Mile from the castle that is popular for the locals wanting to blow away any cobwebs; as well as Edinburgh's Dogmanay which is held at Holyrood Park (where the run ends)! Those wanting to join the Loony Dook or Stirling excursion can do so if there are any spare seats on the coach available.

Tonight the group will gather together for one last final party night in Edinburgh .

Friday 2nd January 2009:
All good things must come to an end and today the Hogmanay experience is all over. Check out from the hotel is 11am.

Hogmanay Street Party festive pack including street party ticket
3 nights luxury hotel accommodation in Edinburgh city centre (The Point Hotel behind Edinburgh's Castle)
3 hot buffet Scottish style breakfasts
First Festival Travel souvenir Hogmanay tour t-shirt
New Zealand and Australian New Year's countdowns and celebrations
Local bar parties daily