Luxury Train Club · Luxury rail journey

Royal Scotsman

Luxury sleeper train touring Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, five nights maximum

Illustration of Royal Scotsman

The Royal Scotsman is a luxury Belmond train operated by Luxury Train Club that carries a maximum of 40 guests on curated rail journeys through the Scottish Highlands. The train departs Edinburgh and loops through glens, lochs, and rugged coastal regions, staying out overnight in quiet sidings. Cabins are Edwardian-style, with a spa car, open observation deck (the only one of its kind in Europe), and two dining cars serving included meals and fine beverages. The itineraries, ranging from 2 to 5 nights, centre on Scotch whisky distilleries with private tastings, visits to castles such as Eilean Donan and Ballindalloch, and coach excursions to Highland estates and battlefields. This journey suits couples seeking a luxury retreat and food-and-wine travellers drawn to distillery experiences.

What to know before you look closer

  • Multiple itineraries operate with different durations (2 to 5 nights) and focus; the published sample covers only the shortest 3-night Taste of the Highlands loop; confirm the specific itinerary and cabin type you are booking before paying the deposit
  • The from-price of £5,850 covers the 2-night tier; longer itineraries and premium cabin classes cost significantly more (up to £14,330 for 5 nights)
  • Single supplements apply; the pack does not specify the single cabin premium

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Keith

    Edinburgh - Keith

    The train leaves Edinburgh in the early afternoon, crossing the Forth Railway Bridge, then passing Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen while afternoon tea is served, arriving in Keith. Informal dinner and drinks in the Observation Car.

  2. Day 2overnight: Dundee

    Keith - Culloden Battlefield - Dundee

    Breakfast, then a coach excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms for clay-pigeon shooting, fishing or an estate tour. Lunch on board en route to Culloden Battlefield for a private tour, then an evening visit to Strathisla Distillery. Formal dinner on the way to Dundee.

  3. Day 3rail

    Dundee - Edinburgh

    Leisurely breakfast as the train leaves Stirling behind and returns to Edinburgh.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The train departs Edinburgh in early afternoon, crossing the Forth Railway Bridge via the only open observation deck in Europe while afternoon tea is served
  • Day 2Coach excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms for optional clay-pigeon shooting, fishing, or estate tour, followed by a private guided visit to Culloden Battlefield and Strathisla Distillery
  • Day 3The train returns to Edinburgh via Stirling with a leisurely breakfast en route

Included

  • State cabin accommodation
  • Daily meals
  • All alcoholic and other beverages
  • Entertainment
  • Sightseeing excursions as shown in the itineraries
  • All applicable taxes

Not included

  • Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The price includes all accommodation, meals, beverages, entertainment, and coach excursions shown in the chosen itinerary. The Royal Scotsman is the vessel for the entire journey.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A Train Manager and onboard Host accompany guests throughout. Coach excursions to castles, battlefields, and distilleries are led as part of the package.
What cabins are available?
The Royal Scotsman has 20 cabins: Grand Suites, Twin State Cabins, Double State Cabins, and Single State Cabins. All are Edwardian-style.
Which distilleries are visited?
Depending on the itinerary chosen, the tour includes private tastings and tours at Glen Ord, Glenlivet, Tullibardine, Macallan, Tomatin, and Strathisla distilleries.
When does the train depart and return?
All itineraries depart and return to Edinburgh. The published 3-night sample departs Edinburgh in early afternoon on Day 1 and returns on the morning of Day 3.
What is not included in the price?
Insurance, gratuities, and souvenirs are not included. Kilt hire is available as an optional extra.

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