How much does the Grand Tour of Great Britain cost?
Prices for the Grand Tour can be found within the journey page.
What luggage am I allowed to take?
If you are returning to the same hotel in London after the Grand Tour, we recommend you leave luggage in storage with the hotel and only bring luggage required for the duration of the seven day Grand Tour. At check-in your luggage will be taken care of as follows:
Checked Luggage: This should contain all the items that you will need for the duration of the seven day Grand Tour. You will have no access to this luggage whilst on board as the luggage will travel by road ahead of the train. You will find this luggage in your hotel room on arrival at each of the overnight stays.
Hand Luggage: Your passport, tickets, jewellery, money, camera, fragile items, medication and any other items required on board should not be checked in but kept as hand luggage. We request that all luggage be clearly labelled with your name. It is recommended that your home address is indicated on the inside of any luggage items.
What do I need to take to wear?
Comfortable daywear (eg. Polo Shirts and Chinos) is appropriate on board. Many off-train excursions are outdoors and you should take this into account when planning what to wear, eg. suitable footwear and raincoats. UK weather is famously unpredictable, so a selection of clothes for both warm and cool weather is recommended. For the dinner on board the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, more formal attire is suggested (jacket and tie for gentlemen and appropriate dress for the ladies).
Will I require insurance for my journey?
We strongly recommend that you take out adequate travel insurance in respect of your holiday. If you have not already arranged travel insurance, we suggest that you contact your Orient-Express Reservations Office.
What currency do I need on board the Orient-Express?
Pricing on board, and in all the cities visited on the Grand Tour, is in UK Sterling. It is recommended that you have a small amount of Sterling for on board and sightseeing purchases. UK Sterling traveller's cheques, debit cards (Switch, Solo, Delta) and major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa and JCB) are also accepted. We can only accept personal cheques in UK Sterling with a guarantee card.
Where do I need to check-in?
The Orient-Express lounge at London Victoria is situated adjacent to platform 2.
Victoria Station,
London,
SW1V 1JT
Please arrive for check-in an hour before departure. Orient-Express staff will be on hand to check-in your luggage and give you your seat assignments; refreshments will be available whilst you wait. Boarding time is approximately 20 minutes prior to departure.
What time does the Northern Belle depart?
Timings are correct as shown on your tickets at the time of printing. The Northern Belle operates within the UK railway network and the timetable maybe subject to change without notice. We therefore ask you to reconfirm the departure time 48 hours prior to departure with our London office. Please contact Verena Grom on tel: + 44 (0)20 7805 5090.
What kind of sightseeing is provided?
Orient-Express has arranged a variety of tours and special events throughout the Grand Tour, to provide a comprehensive and diverse insight into the different characteristics of Great Britain, including historic towns, castles and gardens. Click here for the Grand Tour itinerary.
What hotels will I be staying at?
During your journey you will be staying at the following hotels:
The Caledonian
Princes Street
Edinburgh EH1 2AB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)131-2228888
Fax:+44-131-2228889
The Chester Grosvenor
Eastgate
Chester
England
CH1 1LT
Tel: +44 (0)1244 324024
Fax: +44 (0)1244 313246
Upgrades are also available to The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh.
Northern Belle will arrange the check in for you. Please ensure that you pay for any extras - telephone calls, mini bar, room service, laundry etc. before departing each hotel. Upgrades to suites can be arranged. Please contact your nearest Orient-Express office or let us know your requirements when booking.
How much free time do I get?
Within the itinerary there is free time for shopping and own activities. Other activities such as golf can usually be arranged for you at an additional cost. Please contact your nearest Orient-Express Reservations Office first or note your requests on the booking form.
Are all my meals and drinks included?
Table d'hôte menus are included in the fare as per the itinerary. There is one sitting for the meal service. A drinks package is included per meal, additional drinks may be purchased from the extensive drinks list.
Can you cater for special meal requirements such as vegetarian?
Yes. As long as we are notified of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking we will do our best to comply. We regret, however, that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation. Please advise any special requirements when booking.
Where will I sit on the Northern Belle?
All Northern Belle seats are identified by a carriage name and a number. Your seats have been pre-assigned and will be shown on your tickets, eg. Chatsworth 14. Each carriage has dedicated stewards who will assist you throughout the journey.
Are disabled people able to travel on the Northern Belle?
The Northern Belle can accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties, but it is recommended that an able-bodied passenger escorts them. Please ensure you have advised us of any special requirements at the time of booking. The dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for wheelchair users. Some excursions may also not be suitable.
Can I smoke on board the Northern Belle?
The Northern Belle operates a non smoking policy. However, regular off-train excursions do provide smoking opportunities. Both hotels operate a non-smoking policy in the bedrooms.
Can I use my mobile phone?
For the comfort of your fellow passengers we request that the use of mobile phones and pagers is restricted to your hotel room. At all other times, please ensure mobile phones and pagers are turned off.
Will I need to tip the staff?
Gratuities are at the passengers' discretion.
What should I do if I require a doctor on board?
A first aid kit is carried on board for emergency use. If it becomes apparent that a doctor is required, please inform the Train Manager who will arrange for the passenger to alight at the next suitable station enabling medical attention to be administered off board.
Is this the original Orient-Express?
The original Orient-Express was principally between Calais and Venice. The Northern Belle is the most recent addition to Orient-Express Trains & Cruises. Specially commissioned, the carriages are appointed to the highest quality. The food and service on board the Northern Belle is of the same standard one would expect to find on any Orient-Express train. There was also a Northern Belle train that provided a Grand Tour in the 1930's and the Grand Tour today revives that tradition.
Can I buy souvenirs or presents on board the train?
Yes. The Collection Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has a range of exclusively designed gifts. This includes such items as silk scarves and ties, exclusive luggage, jewellery, leather belts and trinket boxes. Smaller items can be purchased on board while larger gifts can be ordered through our mail order catalogue. Gift items can also be ordered via this website, see the Gift Boutique for more details.
