Caledonian Sleeper Train

Accommodation on the overnight Caledonian Sleeper Train is based on the Classic Room type, which includes twin bunk beds in a cozy and compact cabin, 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.

Balmoral Castle

The Balmoral Castle and Estate is a Royal residence and can be closed without prior notice. In 2024, Balmoral was closed in the months of August and September; it has now been confirmed this is the case for 2025 - Balmoral Castle will be closed August and September 2025. A suitable replacement will be included as an alternative. For visitors in the month of October 2025, there will only be a visit to the grounds of Balmoral, with no access to the castle however there will still be access to the café and shop.

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.

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 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.

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.

For this tour specifically, it is important to note:

- Overnight cabin space is limited on the Royal Caledonian train and there is a ladder to access bunk beds

- There is a need to step on and off coaches / trains on several days

- Walking can involve uneven terrain and there is a steep slope of approx 100 yards to walk up at the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre

If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

If you would like any further information on the suitability of this tour, please call us for a chat prior to booking.