The Royal Caledonian
7 Days
Visiting: London, Inverness, Nairn, Culloden Battlefield, Balmoral Castle, Aviemore, Loch Ness, Edinburgh
Tour operator:
Tour code:
98711
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Take to the tracks with a remarkable train journey to the Scottish Highlands, submerse yourself in the world of the Royal Family, and delight in the country’s most celebrated natural splendours.
This pleasant taster of the Highlands showcases the United Kingdom’s imperial heritage in the form of visits to Balmoral Castle, Crathie Kirk church, and the Victorian village of Ballater. Train travel is embraced as a hassle-free mode of transport from the beginning, with an overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper from London and a ride on the heritage Strathspey Railway through the countryside.
Further nods to the past are seen in outings to a traditional cooperage, whisky distillery, and the Culloden Battlefield. The hearts of the territory’s prominent towns are also explored, with guided tours across Nairn, Inverness, Aviemore and Edinburgh. Opportunities to immerse yourself in the wilderness encompass a stop-off to view Cairngorm Mountain, a chance to learn about the local reindeer herds, and a cruise across the legendary waters of Loch Ness.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day One – Depart From London Euston Station On The Overnight Train Service
Location: London
There is no need for security queues or travelling from the airport to a city during this tour. Instead, you’ll board the Caledonian Sleeper Train at London Euston Station, get settled into your cosy, well-equipped cabin, and travel to Scotland.
Day Two – Arrival In Inverness And Included Visit To Nairn, Inverness, And The Culloden Battlefield
Location: Inverness, Nairn, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness
After a relaxing night aboard the train, you’ll arrive at Inverness in the morning.* A light breakfast can be enjoyed in your cabin before you disembark and meet your tour manager at the station.
From here, you’ll head to the small market town of Nairn, an ancient fishing port and seaside resort known for its unspoilt beaches and wealth of wildlife – keep an eye out for seals, whales, and dolphins.
The tour will then continue to Inverness, a city on Scotland’s northeast coast and the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands near Loch Ness. You’ll be guided around the old town, with its 19th-century cathedral, charming indoor Victorian Market, and hill-top castle, overlooking the Ness River.
Your final excursion of the day will be to the Culloden Battlefield – the site of the last battle of Jacobite Rising. During your visit here, you’ll learn about this moving location in the interactive visitor centre, with artefacts and informative displays.
In the late afternoon, you’ll check into the old-world, family-run Carrbridge Hotel set in a pretty village, where you can unwind until dinner.
*The 17 September 2023 departure will arrive in Edinburgh.
Day Three – Included Visit To Balmoral Castle & Estate, Crathie Kirk, Ballater And Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre
Location: Balmoral Castle
Enjoy breakfast this morning before venturing on a morning drive to the famous Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the Royal Family since 1852. You’ll get to enter the castle to see the ballroom (the largest room in the castle), view the exhibitions and wander the gardens. The castle’s ballroom is the only area open to the public and where many members of the Royal Family have been pictured hosting events.
Near the castle is Crathie Kirk, a small parish church in the village of Crathie. Best known for being the regular place of worship of the Royal Family, this church was built in 1895 and looks over the Dee River.
The tour will then continue to the beautiful Victorian village of Ballater, located near Cairngorms National Park. You can stroll around the speciality shops and seek out one of the delightful cafés for lunch (on your own account).
You’ll then return to the hotel via the Speyside Cooperage – the only working cooperage in the UK, which exhibits the traditional method of coopering (making
epairing casks and barrels). This family-owned cooperage started in 1947 and has since been producing casks from American oak that are shipped around the world.
This evening, you’ll have time for dinner and to relax.
Day Four – Included Strathspey Railway Journey To Aviemore, Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre, And Cairngorm Mountain Visitor Centre
Location: Aviemore
After breakfast, you’ll head to Aviemore for another rail journey. You’ll join your tour manager and fellow guests to board the Strathspey Railway, a splendid reminder of the golden days of steam. This scenic run takes you through unspoilt Highland scenery, passing great sweeps of the Spey River, moorland, and ancient forest.
You’ll then return to Aviemore, where you’ll explore this famous resort town backed by the Cairngorm Mountain Range and have lunch (on your own account). The next stop is the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre, home to around 150 reindeer, which you can see up close with their handlers.
After this excursion, you’ll drive through twisting mountain roads to the Cairngorm Mountain Visitor Centre, where you can take in spectacular views of the surrounding region. There will also be time to ride the Cairngorm Mountain Railway, Scotland’s only funicular railway and the highest in the UK.
Dinner will be enjoyed back at the hotel.
Day Five – Included Cruise Across Loch Ness And Tasting At Glen Ord Distillery
Location: Loch Ness
Tuck into breakfast before travelling to the famed and mysterious Loch Ness. You’ll then board a two-hour cruise across the legendary waters, learning about the loch’s intriguing history and observing the historic Urquhart Castle and wildlife on the banks. You can even keep an eye out for the Loch Ness monster with the vessel’s onboard sonar.
Back on land, you’ll pay a visit to the Glen Ord Distillery – the only remaining single malt scotch whisky distillery on the Black Isle. You’ll then tour the distillery, learning about the art of whisky-making and the Singleton’s signature ‘Slow Craft’ process before tasting three unique Singleton expressions.
You’ll then return to the hotel for dinner.
Day Six – Included Drive To Edinburgh And City Tour
Location: Edinburgh
You’ll have breakfast, check out of the hotel and be driven to Edinburgh, Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital and the ‘World City of Literature’ for a guided city tour. This three-hour excursion will cover the atmospheric, cobbled streets, lined with famous sights and landmarks. Roam along the Royal Mile and Princes Street, and pass by the Castle, St Giles Cathedral, the National Museum, and the Sir Walter Scott Monument.
There will also be plenty of time for you to mosey around on your own, discovering the galleries, quirky shops, Arthur’s Seat, and perhaps visiting the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland and the home of Scottish royal history. In the evening, you’ll have dinner at your leisure in one of the world-class restaurants before taking the Caledonian Sleeper Train back to London.
Day Seven – Arrival At London Euston Station
Location: London
This morning, the train will arrive back at London Euston Station, concluding your Scottish Highlands escape.
What's Included
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Six nights’ accommodation at the three-star Carrbridge Hotel (four nights) and aboard the Caledonian Sleeper Train (2)
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Five breakfasts and four dinners
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A tour of Nairn
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A tour of Inverness
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A visit to the Battlefield of Culloden
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A tour of Balmoral Castle
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A visit to Crathie Kirk
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A tour of Ballater
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A tour of Speyside Cooperage
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A journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway
Caledonian Sleeper Train
Accommodation on the overnight Caledonian Sleeper Train is based on the Classic Room type, which includes twin bunk beds, an in-room wash basin, Wi-Fi, charging points, temperature control, and dimmable lights. Please speak to a consultant for upgrading to the Club Cabin. The Caledonian Sleeper service to Inverness departs from London Euston Station and stops enroute to Inverness at Crewe, Preston, Stirling and Dunblane stations.
Train journeys
In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down on the Strathspey Railway, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive. All train journeys are single journeys.
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.
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) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, 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.
Caledonian Sleeper Train
Accommodation on the overnight Caledonian Sleeper Train is based on the Classic Room type, which includes twin bunk beds, an in-room wash basin, Wi-Fi, charging points, temperature control, and dimmable lights. Please speak to a consultant for upgrading to the Club Cabin. The Caledonian Sleeper service to Inverness departs from London Euston Station and stops enroute to Inverness at Crewe, Preston, Stirling and Dunblane stations.
Train journeys
In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down on the Strathspey Railway, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with a diesel locomotive. All train journeys are single journeys.
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.
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) - Commencing in late 2023 or 2024, 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.
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1983
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our company’s mission is to enrich lives and improve wellbeing through travel. A big part of that is ‘Travel for Good’. Our ‘Travel for Good’ hub is our first step in a long journey to reduce carbon, offset anything we produce as a company and travel without harming the planet or the people of the destinations we go to.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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Fitness to Travel
We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you. Please make sure that you make us aware of any requirements.
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Dates & Availability
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Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024Tuesday - Monday
Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Newmarket Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 35% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of newmarket holidays charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 48 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Vaccination Requirements
Your health and safety are pivotal to our operations, and every customer travelling on a tour with us must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Fully vaccinated means that you have had the full course of an approved vaccine a minimum of 14 days prior to your holiday. You can find the travel restrictions for different countries on www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also recommend that you travel with proof that you’ve been fully vaccinated.
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