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Railbookers · Luxury train tour

Essential Belmond Royal Scotsman Taste of the Highlands

Short luxury Belmond Royal Scotsman tour to Culloden Battlefield and Cairngorms

Illustration of Essential Belmond Royal Scotsman Taste of the Highlands

Railbookers pairs three nights in Edinburgh with two nights onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman on this 6-day, 5-night tour into the Scottish Highlands. The Edinburgh days include a guided walking tour, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Yacht Britannia and a Scotch Whisky Experience tasting, before boarding what the operator calls the most luxurious train in the British Isles for a journey north. Onboard, city scenery gives way to the Highlands as the train rolls toward Boat of Garten, with a coach transfer the next day to the Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park for optional clay pigeon shooting or fishing, followed by a private tour of Culloden Battlefield. A 24-hour steward service, all meals and all drinks including alcohol are included throughout. It suits travellers who want a shorter taste of Scotland's luxury rail experience without committing to a longer Highlands circuit.

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.
  • The operator's day 5 description is cut short in our source material and doesn't detail evening plans; the included list confirms a trip to Strathisla Distillery and traditional onboard entertainment are part of the package, so confirm the exact running order with Railbookers before booking.

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 and start exploring!

  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: aboard the Royal Scotsman, Boat of Garten

    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 Boat of Garten, a tiny highland village.

  5. Day 5railovernight: 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, enjoy a visit to the Strathisla Distillery, one of the world's oldest distilleries and home to Chivas Regal whiskey.

  6. Day 6rail

    Your Journey Ends in Edinburgh

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

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 4Boarding the Belmond Royal Scotsman in the afternoon, city scenery gives way to verdant plains and the dramatic scenery of the Highlands en route to Boat of Garten.
  • Day 5A coach transfer reaches the Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park for optional clay pigeon shooting or fishing.
  • Day 5The train continues to Culloden Battlefield for a private guided tour of the site.

Included

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Edinburgh
  • Twin Cabin onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman Taste of the Highlands journey including 2-nights' accommodation
  • 24hr Steward service
  • All meals onboard the train
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • A visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits
  • A private tour of Culloden Battlefield
  • A trip to the Stranthisla Distillery
  • Traditional entertainment onboard
  • 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, two nights in a Twin Cabin onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman are included, alongside three nights in an Edinburgh hotel before boarding.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
The trip includes a 24-hour steward service onboard and guided tours at each stop, including a private tour of Culloden Battlefield.
Which train is used?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman, in a Twin Cabin, travelling from Edinburgh to Boat of Garten and Culloden Battlefield before returning to Edinburgh.
What is included onboard?
All meals, all beverages including alcoholic drinks, 24-hour steward service, traditional entertainment, a visit to Rothiemurchus Estate, a private tour of Culloden Battlefield and a trip to Strathisla Distillery.
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 $9,469 per person, about $1,578 per day.

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