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Planet Rail · Luxury rail journey

Belmond Royal Scotsman – Scotland's Classic Splendours

Six-day luxury train journey through Scottish Highlands on Belmond Royal Scotsman

Illustration of Belmond Royal Scotsman – Scotland's Classic Splendours

The Belmond Royal Scotsman, operated by Planet Rail, is a six-night luxury sleeper train journey through Scotland. It begins with an overnight stay at a five-star hotel in Edinburgh, then embarks on four nights aboard the train itself, traveling from Edinburgh north through the Scottish Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton, and Boat of Garten before returning to Edinburgh. Days on board feature leisurely breakfast service as the train moves through mountain and forest scenery, with stops for excursions such as visits to Eilean Donan Castle and Ballindalloch Castle, a boat trip to see wild seals on Loch Carron, and optional activities like fishing and clay pigeon shooting at Rothiemurchus Estate. All meals, beverages, and excursions are included, and the journey crosses the historic Forth Railway Bridge, a Victorian-era engineering landmark. This trip suits luxury travellers, couples, and history lovers who want to experience Scottish landscapes and heritage from the comfort of a five-star sleeper train.

What to know before you look closer

  • Availability is described as extremely limited; booking well in advance is essential.
  • The first night is in a separate five-star hotel in Edinburgh; the remaining four nights are aboard the train in a twin compartment.
  • The itinerary includes optional excursions at certain stops; not all guests will participate in every activity.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Arrive into Edinburgh

    Make your way to the Scottish capital and head to your central 5-star hotel for tonight. Enjoy time to discover Edinburgh: the Old Town and Georgian New Town, the Royal Mile with Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles' Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, Arthur's Seat, the Royal Yacht Britannia, or the islands of the Firth of Forth including Inchcolm Island. Edinburgh has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other part of the UK outside London.

  2. Day 2railovernight: On board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Keith

    Edinburgh to Keith

    The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station early afternoon and travels north across the Firth of Forth via the Forth Railway Bridge, one of the first cantilever bridges, designed and built by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s and considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age.

  3. Day 3railovernight: On board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Kyle of Lochalsh

    Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh

    A leisurely breakfast is served as the train departs Keith and travels west towards Inverness, then on through Achnasheen, the Luib summit and Achnashellach Forest, descending to Strathcarron for a visit to Attadale Gardens, or staying aboard to the village of Plockton on Loch Carron for a boat trip to see wild seals, a woodland walk and a traditional Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel. A formal dinner is served on board, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

  4. Day 4railovernight: On board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Boat of Garten

    Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten

    After breakfast the train departs Kyle, retracing part of the previous day's route past Plockton and round the Beauly Firth, crossing the northern end of the Caledonian Canal near Inverness. The train continues south to Carrbridge for a visit to Eilean Donan Castle or Ballindalloch Castle, home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. Guests rejoin the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling; a formal dinner is served and guests meet Ray Owens, a Highlander who brings the stories of Scottish heroes to life.

  5. Day 5railovernight: On board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Dundee

    Boat of Garten - Dundee

    After breakfast guests disembark at Boat of Garten and take a motorcoach to Rothiemurchus Estate for activities that may include fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a guided walk, or time to relax at Drumintoul Lodge. The train is rejoined at Kingussie, with lunch served during the journey south to Dunkeld, where guests disembark to visit Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late Queen Mother, or the town of Pitlochry and Blair Athol Distillery. The train is rejoined at Perth for a gala dining experience, entertainment and an overnight stay on board in Dundee.

  6. Day 6rail

    Dundee - Edinburgh

    After breakfast the train leaves Dundee, travelling through the former Kingdom of Fife and crossing the Firth of Forth via the Forth Railway Bridge to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station, where the journey ends.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: the Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station and crosses the Forth Railway Bridge, a cantilever bridge built in the late 1880s and considered a Victorian engineering achievement.
  • Day 3Day 3: guests can visit Attadale Gardens or take a boat trip from Plockton to see wild seals on Loch Carron, followed by a traditional Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel.
  • Day 4Day 4: option to visit Eilean Donan Castle or Ballindalloch Castle, home to the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546, before rejoining the train at Boat of Garten.
  • Day 5Day 5: guests disembark at Boat of Garten for activities at Rothiemurchus Estate, such as fishing or clay pigeon shooting, then rejoin the train for the journey south.

Included

  • Overnight stay with breakfast at a 5-star hotel in Edinburgh (subject to availability)
  • Nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman train, twin compartment, based on two sharing
  • All table d'hôte meals aboard the train
  • All alcoholic and other beverages aboard the train
  • All sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of £9,100 per person includes all four nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, plus the overnight stay at a five-star Edinburgh hotel, all table d'hôte meals, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and all sightseeing excursions.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The itinerary is structured with guided excursions at designated stops. An overnight stay in Edinburgh is unguided; you make your own way to the hotel on arrival.
What kind of accommodation is on the train?
The base fare is for a twin compartment based on two people sharing. A Grand Suite option is available from £21,300 per person.
When does the Belmond Royal Scotsman run?
Planet Rail operates 18 departures between March and October 2026.
What meals are included?
All table d'hôte meals aboard the train and breakfast at the Edinburgh hotel are included, along with all alcoholic and other beverages aboard the train.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes optional activities such as woodland walks, castle visits, fishing, and clay pigeon shooting. Some guests may remain aboard the train while others disembark for excursions.

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