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Belmond Royal Scotsman Taste of the Highlands with Edinburgh and the Jacobite Steam Train

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

Illustration of Belmond Royal Scotsman Taste of the Highlands with Edinburgh and the Jacobite Steam Train

Railbookers runs this seven-day rail journey from Edinburgh to Fort William, combining two 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 in the early afternoon, traveling north through the former Kingdom of Fife into the Highlands, with a stop at Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms and a private tour of Culloden Battlefield. After two 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 shorter trip suits travelers who want a taste of luxury sleeper-train travel alongside a scenic steam train ride, without committing to a longer Highlands journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator lists twelve hotel options across Edinburgh and Fort William/Glencoe rather than one fixed property for each city; which hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Your Journey Begins in 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 Arthur's 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: 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.

  4. Day 4railovernight: 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 will 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, Angus, and Dundee.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Glencoe (Fort William)

    Fort William

    In the morning bid farewell to your fellow travelers 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.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Fort William

    Jacobite Steam Train Journey

    Today enjoy what some say is the most beautiful rail line in all of Great Britain. The Jacobite winds its way through breathtaking 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.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    Head to the station this morning for your journey back to Edinburgh where your tour ends. Speak to any of our Travel Consultants if you would like to extend your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh in the early afternoon, traveling north through the former Kingdom of Fife into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands.
  • Day 4A private tour of Culloden Battlefield follows a stop at Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms, with the option to try clay pigeon shooting or fishing.
  • Day 6The 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
  • Twin Cabin onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman Taste of the Highlands journey including 2-nights’ accommodation
  • 24hr-Steward service
  • All meals aboard the train
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • A visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with pursuits
  • A private tour of Culloden Battlefield
  • A trip to the Stranthisla Distillery
  • Traditional entertainment on board
  • A return journey onboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Fort William/Glencoe
  • Guided walking tour of Edinburgh and Skip the line entrance to Edinburgh Castle

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The trip includes rail travel throughout, two nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman in a twin cabin, and a return journey on the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig.
Which trains does this trip use?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman travels from Edinburgh through Boat of Garten and Dundee to Fort William, and the Jacobite Steam Train runs the Fort William to Mallaig line, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers twelve hotel options across Edinburgh and Fort William/Glencoe, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George and The Glencoe Inn; which one you get depends on the tier you select.
What's included onboard the Royal Scotsman?
24-hour steward service, all meals and alcoholic drinks, traditional onboard entertainment, a private tour of Culloden Battlefield, a visit to Strathisla Distillery, and pursuits at Rothiemurchus Estate.
How much walking is involved?
Day 2 includes a guided walking tour of Edinburgh's old town and an optional morning stroll to Arthur's Seat, plus time exploring Mallaig on foot after the Jacobite Steam Train.

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