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Belmond Royal Scotsman Scotlands Classic Splendours with Edinburgh and the Jacobite Steam Train

Nine-day Edinburgh to Fort William trip with the Royal Scotsman and Jacobite

Illustration of Belmond Royal Scotsman Scotlands Classic Splendours with Edinburgh and the Jacobite Steam Train

Railbookers runs this nine-day rail journey from Edinburgh to Fort William, combining four nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman with a ride on the Jacobite Steam Train. The trip opens with two nights in Edinburgh, including a guided walking tour of the old town and skip-the-line access to Edinburgh Castle. On day three you board the Royal Scotsman, crossing the Forth Railway Bridge toward Aberdeen, then continuing through Kyle of Lochalsh and Speyside, with stops for a seal-watching excursion in Plockton, a private tasting at Glen Ord Distillery, and a visit to Glamis Castle. After four nights onboard, the train continues to Fort William for two more nights, where the Jacobite Steam Train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct on its way to the coastal town of Mallaig. The package ends with a return train to Edinburgh. This trip suits travelers who want an extended multi-night sleeper train journey paired with a second, shorter scenic steam train ride.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists six hotel options in both Edinburgh and Fort William; which one you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The Jacobite Steam Train only runs seasonally; outside that window, the operator says the scenic West Highland line service is used instead.
  • The package ends with the train back to Edinburgh on day 9; an overnight Caledonian Sleeper journey onward to London is only a suggested optional add-on, not included.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Welcome to Edinburgh! Once checked in at your hotel for a 2-night stay head out to enjoy this great city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Enjoy exploring this beautiful city today. Perhaps a morning stroll to Arthurs Seat for an amazing view across the city, but in the afternoon learn the secrets of the city’s’ ancient centre with a guided walk, then make your way to Edinburgh Castle for a journey through Edinburgh’s vast history.

  3. Day 3railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Today board the luxurious and iconic Belmond Royal Scotsman for a four-night journey to remember. Travelling north, you will cross the Forth Railway Bridge and enjoy afternoon tea and lunch as the train passes through Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. This evening, an informal dinner will be served in the Observation Car with accompanying entertainment.

  4. Day 4railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    This morning, the train departs Keith and travels toward Inverness. Around lunchtime you will approach Kyle of Lochalsh (Arguably the most scenic route in the UK) and you will disembark the train in the picturesque village of Plockton. You can choose from a seal watching boat excursion or a visit to the crowd-pleasing Eilean Donan Castle. Back onboard, enjoy a formal dinner followed by coffee or cocktails in the Observation Car. Spend the night on the train in Kyle of Lochalsh.

  5. Day 5railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    The train departs Kyle of Lochalsh this morning and relax as the train travels through beautiful landscapes. You will disembark in Garve to visit and tour the Glen Ord Distillery (founded in 1838) as well enjoy a private tasting and nosing session. Back on the train, you will venture south to Carrbridge where you will get to explore Ballindalloch Castle on Speyside. Optional excursions include a private castle tour, a nine-hole round of gold on the castle’s course, or an exclusive visit to Scotland’s only single estate distillery. Following an informal dinner onboard the train, a Highlander will share stories and culture with guests. Spend the night on the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.

  6. Day 6railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    Visit the Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park with your choice of either fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or touring the estate. Enjoy lunch on the train as it travels south to Dunkeld, where you will disembark and visit the Glamis Castle and gardens. A formal dinner is served on the train as you enjoy onboard entertainment. Spend the night on the train in Dundee.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Glencoe (Fort William)

    Fort William

    In the morning bid farewell to your fellow travels and take the train west to Fort William via a change in Glasgow. You will be met on your arrival and transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Glencoe (Fort William)

    Fort William

    Today enjoy what some say is the most beautiful rail line in all Great Britain. The Jacobite winds its way through breath-taking Scottish scenery. You will pass lochs and mountains, across the impressive Glenfinnan Viaduct and on until reaching Mallaig. Explore this charming coastal community before returning to Fort William. *The Jacobite train is seasonal, outside of this time the scenic West Highland line can be enjoyed on local train service.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    Make your way to the station to begin your journey home. The package includes the travel back to Edinburgh but how about an exciting overnight journey on the Caledonian Sleeper train perhaps?

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Boarding the Belmond Royal Scotsman for a four-night journey, the train crosses the Forth Railway Bridge and passes Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen before reaching Keith.
  • Day 4Near Kyle of Lochalsh, the train stops in Plockton for a choice of a seal-watching boat excursion or a visit to Eilean Donan Castle.
  • Day 6At Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park, guests choose fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or a tour of the estate before visiting Glamis Castle in Dunkeld.
  • Day 8The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct on its way from Fort William to the coastal town of Mallaig.

Included

  • Rail Travel as per the itinerary
  • 4 nights onboard the Royal Scotsman in a double cabin
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Fort William
  • A return journey onboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig
  • Walking Tour of Edinburgh including skip-the-line tickets to Edinburgh Castle

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, including four nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a return trip on the Jacobite Steam Train between Fort William and Mallaig, and rail travel back to Edinburgh.
Which trains does this trip use?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman travels from Edinburgh through Aberdeen, Kyle of Lochalsh, and Speyside to Fort William, and the Jacobite Steam Train runs the Fort William to Mallaig line, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Is the Jacobite Steam Train always running?
No. The itinerary notes the Jacobite is seasonal; outside that season, the scenic West Highland line service replaces it.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers a choice of hotels in Edinburgh, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, and Fort William, including The Garrison and The Glencoe Inn.
What's not included?
The package covers travel back to Edinburgh at the end; an overnight Caledonian Sleeper journey onward to London is only a suggested add-on, not included in the price.

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