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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Royal Scotsman – A Taste of the Highlands

Four-day luxury train journey through Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

Illustration of Royal Scotsman – A Taste of the Highlands

Great Rail Journeys operates this four-day escorted journey aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, one of the world's most prestigious luxury trains. You begin in Edinburgh with a night in a five-star hotel and a free day to explore the capital, then board the train at Edinburgh Waverley station and travel north through Perthshire into the Cairngorms. Two nights aboard the train include all meals, drinks, and entertainment, with a gala dinner served as the train rolls through the Scottish countryside. Your excursions are carefully curated: a morning at Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park where you can try clay-pigeon shooting, archery, or fishing; a private visit to Culloden Battlefield, site of the 1746 Jacobite Rising; and a guided tour with whisky tasting at Strathisla Distillery, Scotland's oldest continuously operating single malt producer. The pace is unhurried, with time to absorb the landscape from the Observation Car and enjoy the 24-hour steward service. This trip suits luxury-focused travellers, history enthusiasts, and those drawn to Scotland's rural heritage and whisky tradition.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; book separately
  • Day 1 is largely unguided; you explore Edinburgh independently after hotel check-in
  • The package depends on hotel availability at The Scotsman Hotel or The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh; final choice may vary by date

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh (The Scotsman Hotel or The Balmoral Hotel)

    Edinburgh

    Upon arriving in Edinburgh, make your way to your chosen hotel. The rest of your day is free to explore Scotland's historic capital at your own pace. Stroll down the iconic Royal Mile, with its cobblestone paths leading up to the formidable Edinburgh Castle, dramatically perched on a primeval volcanic crag. Delve into Edinburgh's vibrant arts scene, which boasts an array of lively galleries and theatres. For food lovers, the bustling local markets are a culinary playground, offering a fusion of traditional and modern Scottish flavours. Make sure to visit the regal Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament building, which together illustrate the city's beautiful blend of historical and modern elements.

    Meals: Breakfast (hotel)

  2. Day 2overnight: Aboard the Royal Scotsman (Boat of Garten area)

    The Royal Scotsman

    Embark from Edinburgh Waverley station and settle in for a luxurious journey aboard the Royal Scotsman. Traveling north through the scenic Perthshire hills, the scenery en route becomes more dramatic as you enter the breathtaking Highlands. As the Royal Scotsman arrives at the picturesque Cairngorm village of Boat of Garten this evening, savour a delightful dinner of fine Scottish cuisine, followed by live entertainment in the Observation Car, before heading to your elegant cabin for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the Royal Scotsman

    The Cairngorms, Culloden and Strathisla Distillery

    Awaking on board the Royal Scotsman, your day begins with a hearty breakfast and a trip to the grand Rothiemurchus Estate, nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from clay-pigeon shooting and archery to fishing or a guided tour of the estate. Afterwards, return to the train for lunch and set off for a private tour of Culloden Battlefield, where history is brought to life. Culloden was the scene of the final battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1746, as Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite forces faced the troops of the British government. The battle was brutal and decisive, marking the end of the Jacobite cause and leading to significant changes in Scottish Highland culture. The day continues with a visit to the historic Strathisla Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest and renowned for its exceptional whisky. After a tour and a tasting, you reboard the train for a journey south to Dundee, absorbing stunning views over a gala dinner – a perfect finale to your Scottish adventure.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Gala)

  4. Day 4

    Homeward bound

    Relish a leisurely breakfast as the Royal Scotsman rolls back into Edinburgh, completing a truly unforgettable journey. Should you wish to extend your stay, head to your hotel in Scotland's capital.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Depart Edinburgh Waverley aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman and travel through Perthshire into the Cairngorms, arriving at Boat of Garten for dinner
  • Day 3Visit Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park for outdoor activities including clay-pigeon shooting, archery, and fishing
  • Day 3Private tour of Culloden Battlefield, where the final battle of the Jacobite Rising occurred in 1746
  • Day 3Guided tour and whisky tasting at Strathisla Distillery, the Highlands' oldest continuously working distillery

Included

  • 2 nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train
  • 1 night in an Edinburgh hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
  • All meals aboard the train
  • All beverages including alcoholic drinks aboard the train
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Traditional entertainment on board
  • Excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate with outdoor activities
  • Private tour of Culloden Battlefield
  • Tour and tasting at Strathisla Distillery

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights
  • Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes two nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train with all meals, beverages, and on-board entertainment included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes, Great Rail Journeys operates this as an escorted tour. Day 1 in Edinburgh is free to explore on your own; the remaining days are guided with included excursions.
What is included in the price?
Two nights on the Royal Scotsman, one night in an Edinburgh hotel (breakfast only), all meals aboard the train including a gala dinner, all beverages, 24-hour steward service, traditional entertainment, and three excursions: Rothiemurchus Estate, Culloden Battlefield, and Strathisla Distillery.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, travel insurance, and meals in Edinburgh on day 1 (except hotel breakfast).
How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking. Days include outdoor activities at an estate, a battlefield tour, and a distillery visit. The itinerary does not indicate strenuous hiking.
When does this trip run?
Great Rail Journeys does not publish specific departure dates in this information; contact the operator to confirm availability.

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