Classic Scotland

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.

Further nods to the past are seen in outings to a traditional cooperage, whisky distillery, Culloden Battlefield, and a ride on the Strathspey Railway through the countryside. 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.

Experience the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home, Balmoral Castle and Crathie Kirk, their regular place of worship

Steam train heading towards camera on Strathspey Railway Highlands

Travel on the heritage Strathspey Railway to the resort town of Aviemore, a reminder of the golden days of steam.

Cruise across the mysterious waters of Loch Ness and call at the local whisky distillery

View of Cairngorm Mountains from Aviemore, with rocks and trees in the forefront

Stroll around the beautiful Victorian village of Ballater, located near Cairngorms National Park

Arrive in Inverness, meet your tour manager at the airport, and board the coach for the scenic journey to your hotel.

The old-world, family-run Carrbridge Hotel is situated on the edge of Carrbridge village and is close to some lovely local walks (the hotel staff will be happy to point you in the right direction). The famous packhorse bridge, dating back to 1717 and reputed to be one of the oldest in Scotland, is opposite the hotel.

If you decide to arrange your own travel, and book our tour-only package, you'll need to meet your tour manager at the airport in time for the coach transfer to your hotel (exact times will be confirmed closer to departure).

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. This evening, you’ll have time for dinner and to relax.

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.

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.

High angle shot of Loch Ness And Urquhart Castle

Calm waters of Loch Ness reflecting the surrounding hills under a clear blue sky, with a sign welcoming visitors to Fort Augustus on the shore

Scottish Reindeer Christmas Mountain Aviemore Cairgorms

View of the Scottish Highlands with sunshine coming through behind them

Four nights’ half-board accommodation at the three-star Highlander Hotel
Three breakfasts and four dinners
A tour of Balmoral Castle
A visit to Crathie Kirk
A tour of Ballater
A journey on the steam-hauled Strathspey Railway
A visit to the highland resort of Aviemore
A visit to Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre and Cairngorm Mountain Centre
A cruise across Loch Ness
A visit and tasting at the renowned Glen Ord Distillery
Return flights to Inverness
Transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Highlander Hotel, Newtonmore Newtonmore, ScotlandWe're sure that you will be delighted with the friendly service and warm hospitality that are the hallmarks of a stay at the Highlander, which is always popular with Newmarket guests.

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 Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) - EES is the new electronic entry/exit system for European countries which will replace the physical stamping of your passport. The expected date for its introduction is 10 November 2024. From this date, it means that when you go through passport control on arrival, you will need to produce your passport for checking as you do now, but also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.
Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded. For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian) border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the ABTA website here.

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.

It may be necessary to amend the order of excursions as detailed or the direction in which the railway journeys are taken. All train journeys, with the exception of the Strathspey Railway Steam Railway, are on scheduled First ScotRail services using diesel-powered engines. In the unlikely event of a steam locomotive breaking down on the Strathspey Railway or the Steam engine being replaced due to a Gala festival, we reserve the right to substitute the engine with diesel locomotive.

Classic Scotland

Top Highlights

Itinerary

What The Price Includes

Dates & Prices

Accommodation

Further information

You'll love our holidays