Discover the picturesque beauty of Scotland
When it comes to luxury train travel there are few places that do it better than Scotland, with rail journeys visiting a tantalising array of historic castles, Highland scenery, local culture, top-rated golf courses and (for connoisseurs), world class whisky.
The luxurious Royal Scotsman conveys travellers through timeless landscapes filled with intrigue and legend. First gracing the rails in 1985, this award-winning train has gone from strength to strength, christened the Royal Scotsman in 2007. The beautifully restored Pullman cars feature lacquer-polished wooden panels and warm tonal fabrics while the ensuite cabins offer grace and comfort, complete with steamy showers. Decorated with Edwardian elegance, each luxury cabin also offers many modern-day comforts, including plush beds with soft Scottish wools and tartans, a full-length wardrobe, dressing table and, of course, a generously sized window.
Train facilities
Facilities onboard include the Bamford Haybarn Spa carriage as well as the Observation Car, where guests can soak up the magical scenery or sit and chat with fellow guests. Live entertainment is played each evening in the car, while travellers can also set foot on the open-air veranda – ideal for a pre or post dinner drink.
Tour details
- Historic castles
- Highland scenery
- Local culture
- Top-rated golf courses and (for connoisseurs)
- World class whisky
There are direct trains leaving daily from London to Edinburgh and this is generally the cheapest and easiest option. Flying direct to Edinburgh is an option with flights taking between only 60 & 90 minutes from airports such as London Stansted and London Gatwick.
Itinerary
Edinburgh to Edinburgh
5 days/4 nights
We cannot think of a better way to discover the magic of the Scottish Highlands, traversing pristine valley’s and passing crystal-clear lochs on one of the UK’s premier rail journeys.
Day 1
Edinburgh
Today board the Royal Scotsman in Edinburgh and travel north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge.
Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea onboard. You’ll also have plenty of time to wander around the train or simply relax in your cabin as the train passes through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen on the way to Keith.
This evening there will be an informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car. Overnight Keith. D
Day 2
Kyle of Lochalsh
The train depart Keith this morning and travels west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness. Guests enjoy lunch onboard as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably one of the most scenic railway routes in the UK.
Today you will disembark the train in the picturesque fishing village of Plockton, located in a sheltered bay of Loch Carron. On arrival take a boat trip to see a seal colony, taking in the magnificent vistas across the bay to the Applecross Mountains. Guests can also enjoy a forest walk, before experiencing a traditional Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel.
This evening is spent onboard in Kyle of Lochalsh with a formal dinner, before after-dinner coffee and liqueurs are served in the Observation Car.
Day 3
Boat of Garten
This morning guests can either enjoy an early morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye or alternatively, visit one of Scotland’s most iconic sights – Eilean Donan Castle.
Return to the train for breakfast and departure. The train retraces yesterday’s route as far as Dingwall, stopping at Garve to visit the famous Glen Ord Distillery – one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland founded in 1838. Situated west of Inverness, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and follow the same distillation methods it has been applying for generations. Guests will enjoy a tour of the distillery as well as a private tasting.
After your visit, the train continues south to Carrbridge where your next Scottish adventure awaits – a visit to romantic Ballindalloch Castle. There are two options at Ballindalloch Castle; either a private castle tour or an exclusive look at what is Scotland’s only single-estate distillery.
Spend the night onboard in Boat of Garten. After an informal dinner, guests are joined by a Highlander who regales them with tales and weaponry displays.
Day 4
Rothiemurchus
Today begins with a coach transfer to nearby Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Whilst on the estate, guests can choose between activities including fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate.
Following your visit, guests will re-join the train at Kingussie. Lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld. On arrival in Dunkeld, you will disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
After an exciting afternoon at the castle, return to the train in Perth for your last night onboard. Tonight guests will enjoy a formal dinner and entertainment. Overnight onboard in Dundee.
Day 5
Edinburgh
Today the train heads south to Edinburgh. Enjoy one last breakfast onboard before disembarking on arrival. Tour ends.
Please note: This is a sample itinerary and provides an idea of what you may experience. The actual itinerary may change slightly.
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
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