Is train travel included in the price?

Yes. The from-price of GBP 7,000 per person includes all nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, all table d'hôte meals and beverages aboard the train, and all sightseeing excursions.

What is the Belmond Royal Scotsman?

A luxury sleeper train operated by Planet Rail that travels a circular route from Edinburgh along the West Highland Line past Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan, and Arisaig, crosses by ferry to the Isle of Bute, and returns to Edinburgh.

How many nights are spent on the train versus in hotels?

One night in a five-star hotel in Edinburgh on arrival (Day 1), and three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman (Days 2, 3, and 4).

What excursions are included?

A guided historical tour at Glenfinnan Monument led by storyteller Ray Owens, afternoon tea at Inverlochy Castle, a visit to Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute, and other sightseeing as shown in the itinerary. An optional moderate-grade walk to Steall Waterfall is also offered.

When does this trip depart?

The trip runs in April, May, June, July, August, and September 2026, with 12 scheduled departures across those months.

What is the physical activity level?

Most days involve guided tours and sightseeing visits with normal walking. Day 3 offers an optional moderate-grade walk to Steall Waterfall as an alternative to the main excursion.

Planet Rail · Luxury rail journey

Belmond Royal Scotsman – Western Scenic Wonders

Luxury sleeper train through Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh to Isle of Bute

Planet Rail's Belmond Royal Scotsman - Western Scenic Wonders is a five-day, four-night luxury sleeper train journey through Scotland's west coast. The trip begins with an overnight stay at a five-star hotel in Edinburgh, followed by three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman as it travels the West Highland Line. From Edinburgh, the train heads west past Loch Lomond, Gare Loch, and Loch Long, then continues to Fort William with views of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. On Day 3, passengers hear the history of Glenfinnan Monument from a local storyteller, or opt for a moderate mountain walk to Steall Waterfall, the UK's second-highest. The train then crosses by ferry to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house. All meals, beverages, and excursions are included throughout. This journey suits luxury seekers, repeat rail travellers, couples, and history lovers drawn to the Scottish Highlands and Victorian heritage.

What to know before you look closer

Maximum group size is 36 passengers; Planet Rail states availability is extremely limited.
Accommodation on the train is a twin compartment by default; single cabin or suite options exist but pricing is not detailed in this listing.

Day by day

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.
Day 2railovernight: On board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Spean Bridge
Edinburgh - Spean Bridge
The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton, skirting Glasgow to reach the northern bank of the Clyde. Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary at Craigendoran, the train joins the West Highland Line. Afternoon tea is served while travelling along Gare Loch and Loch Long, past Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) and Arrochar, with the first views of Loch Lomond.
Day 3railovernight: On board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Bridge of Orchy
Spean Bridge – Bridge of Orchy
Breakfast is served as the journey continues west, passing Fort William with views of Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain) and Loch Eil. Guests travel to Glenfinnan Monument with historic storyteller Ray Owens, who explains the area's history, followed by afternoon tea at Inverlochy Castle; alternatively, guests can choose a moderate-grade walk to Steall Waterfall, the second-highest in the UK, with a mountain ranger (sturdy walking boots and waterproofs required). The train continues to Lochailort and north along the coast to Arisaig, where guests can disembark for a walk along Morar Sands with views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye. Lunch is served as the train retraces its route to Fort William, where guests are guided around the town on a historical tour, before an informal dinner is served as the train heads south to Bridge of Orchy, where it stables overnight.
Day 4railovernight: On board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Wemyss Bay
Bridge of Orchy – Wemyss Bay
Leaving Bridge of Orchy this morning, breakfast is served en route south towards Glasgow and Gourock. At Wemyss Bay, board the ferry across to the Isle of Bute, an island of seashore, moorland, farmland and forest. Visit Mount Stuart, Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic house, built for the 3rd Marquess of Bute with architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, home to one of the finest privately held collections of family portraits in Scotland. After afternoon tea, explore the house, the Rock Garden, the Wee Garden of rare southern-hemisphere plants, the Kitchen Garden, the Victorian Pinetum and the Limetree Avenue to the coastline. Return to the mainland and rejoin the train at Wemyss Bay, where a formal dinner (optional) is served and the train stables for the night.
Day 5
Wemyss Bay - Edinburgh
Depart Wemyss Bay this morning and enjoy breakfast while travelling east towards Edinburgh, where the journey comes to an end.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Evening arrival in Edinburgh: explore the Old Town, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, or the Palace of Holyroodhouse before retiring to your five-star hotel.
Day 2Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh in early afternoon, skirting Glasgow and joining the West Highland Line with views of Gare Loch, Loch Long, and Ben Arthur while afternoon tea is served.
Day 3Breakfast en route past Fort William and Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain; guided historical tour at Glenfinnan Monument with storyteller Ray Owens, or optional moderate walk to Steall Waterfall, the UK's second-highest waterfall.
Day 4Ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to the Isle of Bute; visit Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic mansion built for the 3rd Marquess of Bute with architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson.

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 GBP 7,000 per person includes all nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, all table d'hôte meals and beverages aboard the train, and all sightseeing excursions.
What is the Belmond Royal Scotsman?: A luxury sleeper train operated by Planet Rail that travels a circular route from Edinburgh along the West Highland Line past Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, Glenfinnan, and Arisaig, crosses by ferry to the Isle of Bute, and returns to Edinburgh.
How many nights are spent on the train versus in hotels?: One night in a five-star hotel in Edinburgh on arrival (Day 1), and three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman (Days 2, 3, and 4).
What excursions are included?: A guided historical tour at Glenfinnan Monument led by storyteller Ray Owens, afternoon tea at Inverlochy Castle, a visit to Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute, and other sightseeing as shown in the itinerary. An optional moderate-grade walk to Steall Waterfall is also offered.
When does this trip depart?: The trip runs in April, May, June, July, August, and September 2026, with 12 scheduled departures across those months.
What is the physical activity level?: Most days involve guided tours and sightseeing visits with normal walking. Day 3 offers an optional moderate-grade walk to Steall Waterfall as an alternative to the main excursion.