Classic Scotland (Royal Caledonian by Air)

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To book this holiday please contact our Travel Experts directly on

0330 341 1927

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THE IMPERIAL HEART OF THE HIGHLANDS

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 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.

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Tour Highlights

Experience the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home, Balmoral Castle and Crathie Kirk, their regular place of worship
Stroll around the beautiful Victorian village of Ballater, located near Cairngorms National Park
Travel on the heritage Strathspey Railway to the resort town of Aviemore, a reminder of the golden days of steam
Stop off at the Cairngorm Mountain Visitor Centre to take in the surrounding views
Cruise across the mysterious waters of Loch Ness and call at the local whisky distillery

What does this price include?

Four nights’ half-board accommodation at the three-star Carrbridge Hotel (five nights)
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
A visit to Cairngorm Mountain Visitor Centre
A cruise across Loch Ness
A visit and tasting at the renowned Glen Ord Distillery
Return flights from Inverness
Transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Your Itinerary

View a full breakdown of your holiday to help you plan your trip

Day One - Fly to Scotland

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).
Day Two – Included visit to Balmoral Castle & Estate, Crathie Kirk, and Ballater

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.
Day Three – Included cruise across Loch Ness and tasting at Glen Ord Distillery

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 Four – Included Strathspey Railway journey to Aviemore, Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre, and Cairngorm Mountain Visitor Centre

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 – Fly back to the UK

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport in Inverness for your flight home.

Dates & Prices

To book this holiday please contact our Travel Experts directly on

0330 341 1927

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Hotels

Carrbridge Hotel, Carrbridge

Set on the banks of the Dulnain River, and boasting spectacular views of the Cairngorm Mountains, this charming, family-run hotel was originally established in 1803 as an inn for travellers. It has been extended and refurbished over the years, and now has 100 bedrooms of varying shapes and sizes.

View Hotel

Further Information

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.