Discovery Trains · Luxe

L'Écosse, Esprit Sauvage (Royal Scotsman)

4-day Royal Scotsman circuit into Scotland's wild Highlands and nature

L'Écosse, Esprit Sauvage (Royal Scotsman), a rail journey with Discovery Trains

Discovery Trains runs this 4-day, 3-night circuit aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a round trip from Edinburgh into the Scottish Highlands. Only 38 passengers travel aboard. The train departs Edinburgh at 1:45pm on day one, crossing wild landscapes through Perth, Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, with an evening of Celtic music in the Observation car. Day two follows one of the UK's most scenic rail lines to Kyle of Lochalsh, with a choice of Attadale gardens, seal watching at Plockton, or a guided hike where red deer and golden eagles can be seen. Day three brings activities on the Rothiemurchus estate, from fishing to forest bathing, plus a private tasting at a Speyside distillery. The train recrosses the Tay bridge into Fife before returning to Edinburgh on the final morning. All meals and drinks, including alcohol, are included throughout. This suits travelers who want an intimate, activity-led rail journey through the Highlands rather than a city-focused tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • 4 of the 24 listed departures are already marked sold out.
  • Optional extras such as round-trip transport to Edinburgh, hotel nights before or after the trip, and travel insurance are not included and cost extra.
  • The Grand Suite cabin costs more than double the Twin/Double cabin, 23,950 EUR versus 9,250 EUR.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: À bord du Royal Scotsman, à Boat of Garten (ligne privée de Strathspey)

    Édimbourg

    Départ à 13h45. Le train traverse les paysages sauvages d'Écosse (Perth, Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl), thé de l'après-midi à bord. Soirée animée par des musiciens celtiques dans la voiture d'Observation.

    Meals: dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: À bord du Royal Scotsman, à Kyle of Lochalsh

    Kyle of Lochalsh

    Départ vers Inverness puis l'une des plus belles lignes du Royaume-Uni jusqu'à Kyle of Lochalsh. Options : visite des jardins d'Attadale, séjour à Plockton (phoques sauvages), ou randonnée guidée près de Kyle of Lochalsh.

    Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: À bord du Royal Scotsman, en direction de Perth

    Aviemore

    Activités sur le domaine de Rothiemurchus (pêche, tir au pigeon d'argile, baignade sauvage ou bain de forêt). Visite d'une distillerie réputée du Speyside avec dégustation privée. Dîner d'exception et danses traditionnelles en soirée.

    Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

  4. Day 4rail

    Édimbourg

    Le train traverse le pont du Tay et entre dans l'ancien royaume de Fife. Arrivée approximative à Édimbourg à 09h40.

    Meals: breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The train departs Edinburgh at 1:45pm and crosses Scotland's wild landscapes through Perth, Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, with afternoon tea aboard and an evening of Celtic music in the Observation car.
  • Day 2The line to Kyle of Lochalsh is one of the most scenic in the UK, with a choice of visiting Attadale gardens, watching wild seals at Plockton, or a guided hike where red deer and golden eagles can be seen.
  • Day 3Activities on the Rothiemurchus estate include fishing, clay pigeon shooting and forest bathing, followed by a private tasting at a renowned Speyside distillery.
  • Day 4The train crosses the Tay bridge into the ancient kingdom of Fife on the way back to Edinburgh, arriving around 9:40am.

Included

  • Trois nuits à bord du train de luxe Royal Scotsman
  • Tous les repas à bord : petit-déjeuner écossais complet, déjeuner à trois plats, dîner à quatre plats (plateau de fromages, café, thé, petits fours)
  • Toutes les boissons, y compris les boissons alcoolisées
  • Les visites mentionnées dans le programme
  • Divertissements dans le wagon Observation

Not included

  • Les pourboires et autres dépenses personnels

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. This is a rail cruise; you stay aboard the Royal Scotsman for three nights while it travels the route.
Which train is used?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman, carrying only 38 passengers, with a spa car aboard.
What is the route?
A round trip from Edinburgh through Boat of Garten, Kyle of Lochalsh and Aviemore, returning to Edinburgh.
What activities are included?
A choice of Attadale gardens, seal watching at Plockton, or a guided hike near Kyle of Lochalsh, plus fishing, clay pigeon shooting and forest bathing on the Rothiemurchus estate, and a private Speyside distillery tasting.
What is included in the meals and drinks?
All meals aboard (full Scottish breakfast, three-course lunch, four-course dinner) and all drinks, including alcohol.
When does it run?
24 departures are listed between July 2026 and October 2027 (4 already sold out).

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