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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Royal Scotsman – Scotland's Classic Splendours

Luxury train through Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh to Dundee, six days

Illustration of Royal Scotsman – Scotland's Classic Splendours

The Belmond Royal Scotsman, operated by Great Rail Journeys, is a six-day luxury train journey through the Scottish Highlands beginning and ending in Edinburgh. You spend one night in an Edinburgh hotel before boarding the private train for four nights of rail travel covering roughly 500 miles. The itinerary follows historic routes including the famous Forth Rail Bridge, the west Highland line to Kyle of Lochalsh, and returns via Speyside and the Cairngorms. On Day 2 you cross the Forth Rail Bridge and travel the Scottish coast to Keith, enjoying afternoon tea in the Observation Car. Day 3 takes you west along the Moray Firth and through some of Britain's most scenic railway landscape to Kyle of Lochalsh, with options to explore Plockton or Attadale Gardens. Days 4 and 5 feature stops in Speyside and the Cairngorms, where you may visit castles, distilleries, or take part in country pursuits on the Rothiemurchus Estate. All meals, beverages, and entertainment aboard are included. This tour suits those seeking luxury rail travel, history, Scottish heritage, and scenery without a packed daily schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 9,335 covers the train and Edinburgh hotel; flights and airport transfers are booked separately.
  • Great Rail Journeys describes this tour as independent, meaning excursions at stops are optional; you choose between alternative activities (castle versus distillery, for example).
  • Some highlights and itinerary options depend on which hotel tier you select in Edinburgh (The Scotsman Hotel or The Balmoral Hotel).

Day by day

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

    Edinburgh

    Upon arriving in Edinburgh, make your way to your selected hotel. Once settled in, enjoy the opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Edinburgh, Scotland's storied capital. Stroll the historic Royal Mile with its cobblestoned paths leading to the imposing Edinburgh Castle, set against the backdrop of an ancient volcanic crag. Dive into the city's vibrant arts scene, from bustling galleries to lively theatres. Culinary aficionados will relish exploring the local food markets, which showcase a mix 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

  2. Day 2railovernight: Aboard the Royal Scotsman (Keith area)

    The Royal Scotsman

    Embark on a memorable journey from Edinburgh, travelling north across the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. Savour a leisurely afternoon tea while the Scottish landscape unfolds as you travel along the coast, through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen, culminating in your arrival at the Highland town of Keith. The day concludes with an informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car, setting the perfect tone for your adventure.

    Meals: Afternoon Tea, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Aboard the Royal Scotsman (Kyle of Lochalsh area)

    Kyle of Lochalsh

    Journey west along the Moray Firth toward Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, enjoying lunch aboard the train. The route to Kyle of Lochalsh is famed as one of the UK's most scenic railway journeys. Opt to explore the rhododendron and ponds at Attadale Gardens near Strathcarron or continue to the charming coastal village of Plockton. Here, you can take a boat to see the seals or stroll through the idyllic surroundings before returning to the train for a formal dinner and an evening of relaxation in the Observation Car.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Aboard the Royal Scotsman (Strathspey Railway)

    Boat of Garten

    If you're feeling energetic this morning, you could enjoy a three-mile round walk over the bridge to the Isle of Skye. Following breakfast, the train retraces the route to Dingwall, enjoying superb views of wild Highland moors. In Garve, indulge in a bespoke shopping experience or a guided walk along the historical military road. After lunch on board, arrive in Speyside to visit the majestic Ballindalloch Castle or explore its unique distillery. The evening features Highland storytelling and an overnight stay on the private Strathspey Railway.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Aboard the Royal Scotsman (Dundee)

    Rothiemurchus Estate

    Travel by coach to the Rothiemurchus Estate, nestled in the Cairngorm National Park, where you can engage in fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a serene estate tour. After rejoining the train for lunch, your journey leads you to Dunkeld. Choose between a tour of the regal Glamis Castle – the former home of the Queen Mother – or a visit to Pitlochry and the Blair Athol Distillery. End the day with a gala dinner and entertainment aboard the train in Dundee.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6

    Homeward Bound

    After a final breakfast aboard, the Royal Scotsman glides back to Edinburgh, marking the end of a spectacular 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 2The train departs Edinburgh across the Forth Rail Bridge and travels along the Scottish coast through Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen, with afternoon tea in the Observation Car.
  • Day 3Journey west along the Moray Firth to Kyle of Lochalsh on one of the UK's most scenic railway routes, with options to visit Attadale Gardens or take a seal-watching boat from Plockton.
  • Day 4The train reaches Speyside and Strathspey Railway, with a choice to visit Ballindalloch Castle or its whisky distillery, followed by Highland storytelling entertainment.
  • Day 5Coach transfer to Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park for clay pigeon shooting or estate tour, then rejoin the train for lunch and afternoon visits to Glamis Castle or Blair Athol Distillery near Pitlochry.

Included

  • 4 nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train
  • 1 night in an Edinburgh hotel on a bed & breakfast basis
  • All meals aboard the train: full Scottish breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petits fours
  • All beverages aboard the train including alcoholic drinks
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Traditional entertainment on board

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights
  • Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes four nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman and one night in an Edinburgh hotel before boarding. All meals, beverages, and entertainment aboard the train are included.
Which trains are used?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman, a luxury private train that departs Edinburgh, crosses the Forth Rail Bridge, and travels through the Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh, Speyside, and Dunkeld before returning to Edinburgh.
How many days and what is the route?
Six days and five nights. The itinerary starts in Edinburgh, travels north to Aberdeen and Inverness, west to Kyle of Lochalsh and Plockton, south through Speyside and Cairngorms, and returns via Dunkeld to Edinburgh and Dundee.
What is included in the price?
Four nights aboard the train with full Scottish breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner daily, plus all beverages and entertainment; one night in an Edinburgh hotel with breakfast; and 24-hour steward service aboard.
Are the excursions guided?
Most are optional. You may choose between visits to Ballindalloch Castle or its distillery, Glamis Castle or Blair Athol Distillery. Rothiemurchus Estate offers clay pigeon shooting, fishing, or a guided estate tour. Some activities like the Plockton seal-watching boat trip are available to book.
How much walking is involved?
Most days are light. A three-mile round walk to the Isle of Skye is optional on Day 4. Coach transfers are provided to Rothiemurchus Estate. The pace is relaxed with time aboard the train and at stations.

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