At once leisurely and luxurious, intimate and eye-opening, step aboard and rekindle the romance of travel...
Riding Belmond Royal Scotsman is one of those pinch-me moments. Ranking among the world’s most luxurious trains, our mahogany-clad cars marry Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house. Ten intricately designed carriages, including the sublime Bamford Spa, form a palace on wheels.
From the moment you step onto Belmond Royal Scotsman, you are swept up in a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury.
Delve into a land of soaring peaks and deep valleys, mirror lochs and looming castles. Enjoy a tasting in a world-famous distillery, then enter the forest for an exhilarating clay pigeon shoot. As night falls, mingle with fellow guests over candlelit dinners and live ceilidhs—a fine finale to the day’s adventures.
Your Train
Soak up the spectacular Highland scenery from the best vantage point - the Observation Car. Settle down in a comfortable sofa or armchair, or step out onto the open-air veranda, as you glide past castles, villages and glens.
Accommodation
Our luxury cabins provide a welcome sanctuary after a day in the Highlands. Lined with rich marquetry, each one features plush beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans. An elegant dressing table and en suite add to the indulgence. Let your mind wander as you gaze through the generous picture window—they’re made for daydreaming.
Dining
Feast on the best produce from Scottish land and sea. Rich game, seasonal seafood and wild salmon are all regular highlights on our acclaimed menu.
Fuel up with classic kedgeree, or savour steamed Scottish mussels after a day’s outdoor pursuits. Dining is an extravagant affair and may include delicate pigeon salad or spiced roast halibut. Just add superb wines and new friends.
Rail Spa
Picture the scene. You’re meandering past pristine Highland scenery. Beyond the picture windows, landscapes of brilliant wildflowers, mirror-calm lochs and misty mountains pass by. But you’re in a cocoon of luxury, soaking up the aromatherapy fragrances as you enjoy a massage or rejuvenating body scrub. Unwind in one of the most unique spas that Scotland has to offer. Two serene treatment rooms provide a haven of peace, while an exceptional menu of all-natural therapies work to rejuvenate body and mind. Simply sit back, relax, and let our therapists indulge you as the striking scenery glides by.
Taste of the Highlands
Departing Edinburgh in the early afternoon, journey north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands. In the evening an informal dinner is served, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car. Overnight in Boat of Garten. After breakfast, you travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus offers a magical setting in which to try a spot of clay-pigeon shooting or fishing or a tour of the estate. Rejoin the train for lunch and travel to Culloden Battlefield for a private tour. Enjoy an evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries and home to one of Scotland's most famous whiskies. Back on board enjoy some spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus. A formal dinner is served on the way to Dundee. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you leave Dundee behind and return to Edinburgh.
Western Scenic Wonders
The train departs Edinburgh in the early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk, reaching Craigendoran, the starting point for the West Highland Line. Enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea and look out for a first glimpse of Loch Lomond. After climbing up the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch, the train continues north to the village of Spean Bridge for the night. Enjoy a splendid informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car. As the train continues west, passing through Fort William, don’t miss the views of Ben Nevis. Disembark at Arisaig, for a stroll along the gleaming Morar Sands marvelling at the views of the Isle of Skye's majestic Cuillin Mountains. Lunch is served as the train retraces its route back to Fort William, the largest town in the West Highlands. After lunch, our Highlander accompanies you to Glenfinnan Monument to explain the area's history before tea at Inverlochy Castle. Energetic guests can choose instead to walk to beautiful Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis. Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before an informal dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy. Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap whilst listening to the evening entertainment in the Observation Car. The destination for day 3 is the charming Isle of Bute. The island is rich in geology, history and wildlife, with a varied landscape. Guests enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland. Return to Wemyss Bay where a formal dinner is served while on the move to Kilmarnock, our stabling location this evening. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train makes its way back to Edinburgh.Scotland's Classic Splendours
Travel north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea as you pass Arboath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. Informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car. Leave Keith this morning as the train travels west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Lunch is served as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably the most scenic railway route in the UK. Alight in the picturesque fishing village of Plockton, which boasts an incomparable location in a sheltered bay of Loch Carron. Take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals and enjoy magnificent views across the bay to the Applecross Mountains. Set off on a woodland walk, with time afterwards to enjoy a traditional Highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car. Join your onboard Host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Alternatively, take a short drive before breakfast to marvel at Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. Depart Kyle as breakfast is served and retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where you can see white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Disembark in Garve to visit Glen Ord Distillery, which is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, founded in 1838. Situated on the edge of the Black Isle, west of Inverness, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations. During your visit, enjoy a tour of the distillery as well as a private tasting and nosing session. Travel south to Carrbridge where you disembark to explore romantic Ballindalloch Castle on beautiful Speyside. Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour, 9 holes of golf on the castle's own course or an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery. The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays. Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed. Re-joining the train at Kingussie, lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld, where you disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Return to the train in Perth for a formal dinner and entertainment. Overnight stay on board in Dundee. After breakfast the train heads south to Edinburgh where your journey ends.
Clans, Castles & Isles
The train departs Edinburgh in the afternoon, heading west past Loch Lomond and the great wilderness of Rannoch Moor. Take time to settle into your cabin and savour the views as we make our way to Spean Bridge for the night. As evening sets in, enjoy a splendid informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car. This morning the train continues west, sweeping past Britain’s highest mountain en-route. Look out for majestic Ben Nevis from the Observation Car. Disembark the train at Arisaig for a morning stroll along the silver sands of Morar. Marvel at soft white beaches and breathtaking views of the Cuillin mountain range. Lunch is served as the train travels back to Fort William crossing over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. This afternoon presents two choices. Join our Highlander to explore Glenfinnan and discover the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebellion. Alternatively accompany our mountain guides for a hike through stunning Glen Nevis to the Steall Waterfall. Indulge in an informal dinner followed by an evening of spirited Scottish music in the Observation Car. Today you’ll arrive in Oban, the gateway to the Western Isles. Breakfast will be followed by an exclusive visit to the Oban Distillery, producer of one of the world’s finest single malts. Afterwards, we cross to the Isle of Mull to visit the iconic 13th century Duart Castle, historic seat of the Clan Maclean. Return to Belmond Royal Scotsman, and prepare for tonight’s fabulous formal dinner as the train heads back east towards Kilmarnock. Savour a leisurely breakfast this morning as the train journeys to Wemyss Bay. From here you’ll venture to the Isle of Bute for a visit to Mount Stuart House. This imposing gothic mansion is surrounded by expansive landscaped gardens and wild woodlands. Back on board, indulge in an informal dinner followed by traditional entertainment. This morning we make our way to Drumlanrig Castle, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Discover sweeping views across the Nith Valley and the turreted sandstone of the ‘Pink Palace’. Here you have a choice of tours. Explore the imposing architecture, roam the lavish formal gardens, or discover the incredible Buccleuch collection of fine art. Return to the train for your final dinner aboard, a formal affair and gastronomic treat. Then make your way to the Observation Car for a musical farewell. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train makes its way back to Edinburgh.
Heritage Homes & Gardens
Depart early afternoon. The train heads north, crossing the splendid Forth Railway Bridge. Disembark at Montrose to visit Brechin Castle Gardens, one of the finest private gardens in Scotland. During a leisurely breakfast, the train makes its way to Inverness and north to Invergordon, where guests alight for a visit to the 18th-century Foulis Castle, seat of the Clan Munro. Mrs Munro of Foulis and her son, Hector, the Clan Chief, welcome you, after which you can explore the grounds and courtyard garden. Alternatively, join Hector in the drawing room for a whisky tasting. Return to the train for lunch as you travel towards Kyle of Lochalsh past the Torridon mountains, Achnashellach forest and Loch Carron. Disembark at Plockton for a visit to Attadale on the west coast, this magnificent estate boasts a Water Garden, Japanese Garden and Sunken Garden among other treasures. The night is spent in Kyle of Lochalsh, where an informal dinner is served followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car. Disembark after breakfast to drive across to the mystical Isle of Skye and the 2,000-acre Clan Donald estate. You can also spend time in the award-winning museum and discover the history of the Highlands and Islands. Return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh and enjoy a leisurely lunch as you retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. This evening disembark to visit Ballindalloch Castle, one of Scotland's most romantic castles, with its wonderful walled gardens. Rejoin the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. A coach takes you to the Rothiemurchus Estate, where you can tour the parkland or enjoy some of the many outdoor p on at this breathtakingly beautiful site beneath the Cairngorm Mountains. After reboarding the train at Kingussie, you journey south to Dunkeld and alight to visit Ruthven House and Pitmuies Garden, near Forfar. Return to the train in Dundee for dinner and a final night on board. Depart from Dundee in the morning and return to Edinburgh.
Scotch Malt Whisky Tour
Meet your whisky ambassador in the Balmoral Hotel and enjoy a welcome dram before departure. Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station and travels north across the Firth of Forth over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Afternoon tea is served as you journey through the former Kingdom of Fife. The train continues east along the coast, passing through Carnoustie, Arbroath and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith in the heart of the Speyside whisky region. After an informal dinner, enjoy traditional Scottish entertainment by local musicians. Departing Keith this morning, the train travels west towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Alight from the train in Keith to visit the striking new Macallan Distillery in the heart of the Speyside whisky region. Founded in 1824 by Alexander Reid, your private tour gives you an insight into the process, production, people and passion that make this revered Scotch so special. Re-join the train in Inverness and take your seat for lunch as you travel on what is arguably one of the most scenic railway routes in the UK. The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon Mountains, which geologists believe were formed before any life began. The train then follows the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale and Stromeferry before reaching the pretty fishing village of Plockton. This evening a formal dinner is served, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car. This morning, breakfast is served as the train travels east towards Carrbridge. Before lunch join your whisky ambassador in the Observation Car for a specialist single cask tasting. Lunch is served on board. Disembark in Aviemore to visit historic Tomatin Distillery and learn the secrets behind its celebrated Highland single malt. Finish your tour with a tutored tasting of three Tomatin single malts, each revealing why this is considered the ‘softer side of the Highlands’. Return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for an informal dinner. Afterwards, make your way to the Observation Car, where local musicians are waiting to entertain you as you sip a nightcap or two. After breakfast, travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Choose from a number of country pursuits including fishing, clay pigeon-shooting and an estate tour. Return to the train in Kingussie and enjoy a leisurely lunch during the journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld. Disembark to visit Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford village. Your private VIP tour features nosing straight from the cask, a visit to the bonded warehouse and a tutored tasting of three Tullibardine Highland single malts. Re-join the train in Perth and prepare for a formal dinner en route to Dundee. The infectious beat of the music tonight may inspire you to join in some lively Scottish country dancing on the station platform, a fitting finale to your Whisky Journey. Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife. Disembark in Edinburgh Waverley Station where you are invited by your whisky ambassador to spend the morning at the Society's headquarters in Edinburgh's elegant New Town.
Grand Tour of Great Britain
Depart from Edinburgh and travel through Perth, enjoy afternoon tea on the Highland Line to Aviemore. Arrive early evening in the peaceful Highland village of Boat of Garten. Cocktails are served followed by an informal dinner. Visit estate of Rothiemurchus for clay pigeon shooting and wildlife walks. Return to the train for lunch before visiting Culloden. Continue east to Keith where you will have an opportunity to visit Strathisla Distillery. Rejoin the train in Keith and continue through Speyside towards Dundee on the banks of the Firth of Tay. Head south into England, passing the Lake District National Park. Historical walking tour of Chester, including a drinks reception in the cathedral. Prepare for an informal dinner as the train crosses into Wales. After dinner disembark for a visit to Gwydir Castle. Visit the walled town of Caernarfon with its picturesque castle. Here your steam train awaits to transport you up into Snowdonia National Park. Travel to the Isle of Anglesey for a private tour of Plas Cadnant Estate, one of North Wales' best kept secrets. Return to mainland and re-join Belmond Royal Scotsman in time for dinner. Breakfast is served on the move as the train travels south to the spa city of Bath. On arrival in Bath enjoy a guided tour of Roman baths and time to explore the World Heritage-listed city. Return to the train in time for a light lunch, with time to relax before disembarking in Oxford for dinner at one of the UK's finest country house hotels, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons. Re-join the train in Oxford and relax with an after-dinner drink as you travel south through Berkshire and then through the outskirts of London before heading north to the private Nene Valley Railway near Peterborough where the train stables overnight. Visit Cambridge and historic Corpus Christi college, including the Parker library with its medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. Guests can also enjoy a leisurely punt on the River Cam. Overnight stabling in Scarborough. Breakfast is served as the train travels from Scarborough to York. Guided walking tour of the city including York Minster. Rejoining the train, you travel up through Northumberland into Alnmouth by early evening, here you disembark for a celebratory private viewing of Alnwick Castle followed by an exclusive farewell dinner. Depart Northumberland early in the morning, cross the border back into Scotland and arrive back at Edinburgh Waverley after breakfast.
Call us on 0800 368 9050, or enquire online for further details. One of our sales team will help find the best journey for you.