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Belmond Royal Scotsman Highland Journey

Eight-day London-to-Edinburgh trip with two nights on the Royal Scotsman

Illustration of Belmond Royal Scotsman Highland Journey

Railbookers runs this eight-day rail journey from London to Edinburgh, pairing city time with two nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman. The trip opens with two nights in London, including a hop-on hop-off city card and a three-hour walking tour that stops for traditional dishes like fish and chips. A train then carries you to Edinburgh for two nights, with a guided walking tour along the Royal Mile and skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. On day five you board the Royal Scotsman, traveling north through the former Kingdom of Fife into the Highlands, with stops at Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms and a private tour of Culloden Battlefield. The train returns to Edinburgh for a final overnight stay. This trip suits travelers who want a mix of guided city sightseeing and a shorter taste of luxury sleeper-train travel, rather than a multi-night rail journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists six hotel options in both London and Edinburgh; the specific property depends on the tier and city you select.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Your Journey Begins in London

    Your journey begins in the vibrant capital city of London. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Why not head out into town using your 48-hour city hop on and hop off card then enjoy a meal in one of the city's incredible restaurants, offering a wide range of international cuisine in every corner of the city. Take an evening stroll down the South Bank of the River Thames and you'll be treated to picturesque views of the Palace of Westminster and Tower Bridge, and the modern skyscrapers embroidering the skyline.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    London

    Today have a light breakfast and wear comfortable shoes as this walking tour lasts over three hours with your tour guide telling you lots of history on the way. There are lots of stops and you will have the opportunity to eat traditional British food (such as award-winning Fish and chips, World Famous Sausage Rolls and traditional Bacon and egg Baps), sample tasters from street food vendors, enjoy English cheeses paired with local beer/cider and try a classic British Dessert alongside a Fresh Pot of Tea. Plus, with all our tours, there is our Secret Dish, which you can only find out about on the day. Come the evening, why not treat yourself to an exciting West End show or have drinks at the opulent Ritz hotel?

  3. Day 3railovernight: Edinburgh

    London to Edinburgh

    Take the train to Edinburgh today, the wonderfully historic Scottish capital, and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once you've settled in, use the rest of the day to explore the city, perhaps strolling the grounds of the imposing Edinburgh Castle, shopping along the Royal Mile or discovering the delights in the National Museum of Scotland.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    After breakfast at your hotel this morning, see the best of medieval yet modern Edinburgh on your walking tour with skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. As you walk, listen as your guide shares the history of this formidable city with ancient Roman roots and UNESCO-listed pockets. Explore atmospheric cobbled walkways along the Royal Mile, breeze into Edinburgh Castle to witness royal opulence, and pass iconic locations like St Giles Cathedral, Parliament Square and John Knox House. Sample traditional Scottish fare in the evening before retiring for a good night's rest in anticipation of your marvellous train journey tomorrow.

  5. Day 5railovernight: aboard the Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    After breakfast in your hotel and a leisurely morning, board the opulent carriages of the Royal Scotsman in the early afternoon. Watch the magnificent city scenery transform into verdant plains as you journey north through the former Kingdom of Fire, and marvel at the dramatic scenery of the highlands as you roll through leisurely. Enjoy a delicious, informal dinner in the evening before settling in for some entertainment in the Observation Car. Settle into your comfortable sleeper compartment before you spend the night in the Boat of Garten, a tiny highland village.

  6. Day 6railovernight: aboard the Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast accompanied by wonderful views this morning, before transferring by coach to the Rothiemurchus Estate, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Explore the magnificent grounds, perhaps trying out a bit of clay-pigeon shooting or fishing. Enjoy lunch back on board the train as you travel to Culloden Battlefield, where you'll be treated to a private tour of the area. Come the evening, and enjoy a visit to the Strathisla Distillery, one of the world's oldest distilleries and home to Chivas Regal whiskey. You will be served a sumptuous formal dinner this evening as you make your way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus to Dundee.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Leave Dundee behind this morning, tucking in to a leisurely breakfast as you make the journey back to Edinburgh. Disembark the train and check in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

  8. Day 8rail

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    Check out of your hotel after a tasty breakfast this morning and continue with your journey. If you would like to extend your travels around Scotland, one of our Rail Specialists can help you with all the details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A three-hour walking tour of London includes stops for traditional dishes such as fish and chips and sausage rolls.
  • Day 4A walking tour of Edinburgh includes skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle along the Royal Mile.
  • Day 5Boarding the Royal Scotsman in the early afternoon, the train travels north through the former Kingdom of Fife into the Highlands for an informal dinner onboard.
  • Day 6A private tour of Culloden Battlefield follows a stop at Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms, with the option to try clay pigeon shooting or fishing.

Included

  • 2 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast in London
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 2 nights' accommodation aboard the Royal Scotsman in a double cabin
  • All excursions as specified in the itinerary
  • Meals on and off the train as specified in the itinerary

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a London to Edinburgh rail journey and two nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman in a double cabin.
Which trains does this trip use?
A UK Rail service connects London to Edinburgh, and the Belmond Royal Scotsman travels a Highlands loop from Edinburgh through Boat of Garten and Dundee and back.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers a choice of hotels in London, including the Kimpton Fitzroy London and the London Hilton on Park Lane, and in Edinburgh, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George.
What's included on the train?
Meals on and off the train are included as specified in the itinerary, along with excursions such as a private tour of Culloden Battlefield and a whisky tasting at Strathisla Distillery.
How much walking is involved?
Day 2 includes a walking tour of London lasting over three hours, and day 4 is a walking tour of Edinburgh with skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle.

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