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railtour suisse · Luxury train journey

Royal Scotsman - Clans, castles and islands

Six-day luxury train journey through Scottish Highlands, islands, and castles

Illustration of Royal Scotsman - Clans, castles and islands

Railtour Suisse's Royal Scotsman is a six-day luxury sleeper train that departs Edinburgh and explores the Scottish Highlands, western islands, and historic castles. You spend five nights aboard the train in either a twin/double cabin or Grand Suite, with all meals, beverages, entertainment, and excursions included. An expert English-speaking guide accompanies the journey. The route travels west through Rannoch Moor and past Ben Nevis, stops in Oban for an exclusive distillery visit, includes a ferry to the Isle of Mull to tour Duart Castle, a 13th century stronghold of Clan Maclean, and visits Drumlanrig Castle and Mount Stuart House before returning to Edinburgh. The pace is relaxed with multiple nights in each region, allowing time for castle tours, optional Highland hikes, and onboard meals and entertainment. This journey suits luxury-seekers, history enthusiasts drawn to Scotland's clans and castles, food-and-wine travelers keen on distillery visits, and those who prefer guided comfort without independent logistics.

What to know before you look closer

  • Arrival and return journey to Edinburgh are not included; you must arrange your own transport to the train's starting point
  • Spa car treatments are available at an additional charge beyond the tour price
  • UK entry requirements (ETA) are not included and must be arranged separately

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Spean Bridge

    Edinburgh

    In the afternoon, the train departs from Edinburgh and heads west, passing by Loch Lomond and the wilderness of Rannoch Moor. Settle into your cabin as the train makes its way towards Spean Bridge, where you will spend the night. In the evening, a relaxed dinner onboard, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.

  2. Day 2rail

    Glenfinnan

    The train continues westward, passing Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. In Arisaig, disembark for a morning stroll along the silver sands of Morar. Lunch is served as the train travels back to Fort William, passing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The afternoon offers a choice: explore Glenfinnan with a Highlander guide, or hike through Glen Nevis to the Steall Waterfall. Relaxed dinner, followed by Scottish music in the panoramic car.

  3. Day 3rail

    Oban

    Arrive in Oban, gateway to the Western Isles. Breakfast is followed by an exclusive visit to the Oban Distillery. Cross the Isle of Mull to visit the 13th century Duart Castle, seat of Clan Maclean. Return to the train in the afternoon for dinner as the train heads back east towards Kilmarnock.

  4. Day 4rail

    Wemyss Bay

    A leisurely breakfast while the train travels to Wemyss Bay. After lunch, disembark at Sanquhar and visit Drumlanrig Castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry in Dumfriesshire. Informal dinner onboard followed by traditional entertainment.

  5. Day 5

    Night Valley

    A ferry to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart House, a Gothic manor surrounded by gardens and woodland. Views over the Nith Valley and the sandstone Pink Palace, then a formal final dinner onboard, followed by a musical farewell in the panoramic carriage.

  6. Day 6rail

    Edinburgh

    A leisurely breakfast while the train returns to Edinburgh.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Edinburgh in the afternoon, passing Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor's wilderness before settling into your cabin at Spean Bridge
  • Day 2Travel past Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and choose between a guided Glenfinnan tour or a hike to Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis
  • Day 3Visit the Oban Distillery exclusively, then take a ferry to the Isle of Mull to tour Duart Castle, a 13th century seat of Clan Maclean
  • Day 5Ferry to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart House, a Gothic manor with surrounding gardens, followed by a formal final dinner and musical farewell

Included

  • Travel including overnight stay in the Royal Scotsman in the booked category
  • Excursions including entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • Catering on board (all meals, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages)
  • Entertainment program on board
  • Travel documents

Not included

  • Arrival and return journey
  • Hotel accommodation on site
  • Entry fee (ETA) for GB
  • Any treatments in the spa car
  • Gratuities and personal expenses
  • Cancellation and travel insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel and accommodation included?
Yes. The price covers five nights aboard the Royal Scotsman in your chosen cabin category, all meals, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, entertainment, and excursions with entrance fees. Only arrival and departure transport to Edinburgh are separate.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Railtour Suisse provides an expert, English-speaking guide throughout the six days.
Which train is used?
The Royal Scotsman, a luxury sleeper train with twin/double cabins or Grand Suite accommodation.
What castles and sites do we visit?
Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull (13th century seat of Clan Maclean), Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfriesshire, Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute, and the Oban Distillery.
When does this journey depart?
Departures are scheduled in May, June, and September 2026 and 2027. Check the operator for current availability.
How much walking is involved?
A morning stroll along Morar's sands, castle and distillery tours with walking, and an optional hike to Steall Waterfall. Pace is leisurely with time to relax on the train.

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