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Essential Belmond Royal Scotsman Scotlands Classic Splendours

Luxury Belmond Royal Scotsman train tour through the Scottish Highlands

Illustration of Essential Belmond Royal Scotsman Scotlands Classic Splendours

Railbookers pairs three nights in Edinburgh with four nights onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, one of the world's most luxurious trains, on this 8-day tour of Scotland. The Edinburgh days include a guided walking tour, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia and a Scotch Whisky Experience tasting, before boarding the train for a journey north through Keith, Kyle of Lochalsh, Cairngorms National Park and Dunkeld. Onboard, a 24-hour steward service, all meals and all drinks including alcohol are included, alongside off-train excursions such as a seal-watching boat trip near Plockton, a tour of Glen Ord Distillery, and visits to Ballindalloch and Glamis Castles. It suits travellers who want the Scottish Highlands delivered in comfort, with country pursuits like fishing and clay pigeon shooting offered as options at Rothiemurchus Estate, rather than independent travellers building their own itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists six Edinburgh hotel options across different brands rather than one fixed property, so the final hotel depends on the tier booked.
  • Some off-train excursions are a choice rather than all included together, such as day 5's choice between a seal-watching boat trip and a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, and day 7's choice of fishing, clay pigeon shooting or touring the Rothiemurchus Estate.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Your Journey Begins in Edinburgh

    Welcome to Edinburgh! Once checked in at your hotel for a 3-night stay head out to enjoy this great city. Why not start with a stroll down the famous Royal Mile?

  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 3overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Spend a second day in the Scottish capital today. Take a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia perhaps, and take advantage of your included Scotch Whisky Experience where you will learn all there is to know and more about a wee dram or two!

  4. Day 4railovernight: 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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Kyle of Lochalsh

    Overnight Onboard The Belmond Royal Scotsman

    This morning, the train departs Keith and travels toward Inverness. Around lunchtime you will approach Kyle of Lochalsh 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.

  6. Day 6railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Boat of Garten

    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. Following an informal dinner onboard the train, a Highlander will share stories and culture with guests.

  7. Day 7railovernight: onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, Dundee

    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.

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    In the morning bid farewell to your fellow travelers and make your way home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided walk through Edinburgh's old town leads to Edinburgh Castle, with skip-the-line entry included.
  • Day 3The included Scotch Whisky Experience gives a full tour and tasting in Edinburgh.
  • Day 4The Belmond Royal Scotsman crosses the Forth Railway Bridge as afternoon tea and lunch are served onboard.
  • Day 5Near Kyle of Lochalsh, travellers choose between a seal-watching boat trip or a visit to Eilean Donan Castle.
  • Day 7A visit to Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park offers a choice of fishing, clay pigeon shooting or touring the estate, followed by a stop at Glamis Castle and gardens.

Included

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • Twin Cabin onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman Taste of the Highlands 4-nights' accommodation
  • 24hr Steward service
  • All meals onboard the train
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • A seal-watching boat trip
  • A trip to Ballindalloch Castle
  • A visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits
  • A guided tour of Glamis Castle and gardens
  • Guided walking tour of Edinburgh and Skip the line entrance to Edinburgh Castle
  • Full tour and tastings at the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, four nights in a Twin Cabin onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman are included, alongside the three-night Edinburgh hotel stay before boarding.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
The trip includes a 24-hour steward service onboard the train and guided tours at each stop.
Which train is used?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman, in a Twin Cabin, travelling from Edinburgh through Keith, Kyle of Lochalsh, Boat of Garten and Dundee before returning to Edinburgh.
What is included onboard?
All meals, all beverages including alcoholic drinks, 24-hour steward service, and off-train excursions such as a seal-watching boat trip, Ballindalloch Castle, Rothiemurchus Estate and a guided tour of Glamis Castle.
What hotels are used in Edinburgh?
The evidence lists several Edinburgh hotel options, including the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, The Caledonian Curio Collection by Hilton, and Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, rather than one fixed property.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $19,459 per person, about $2,432 per day.

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