railtour suisse · Luxury train journey

Royal Scotsman - Western Highlands

Four-day luxury overnight train tour through Scotland's West Highlands and islands

Royal Scotsman - Western Highlands, a rail journey with railtour suisse

Railtour Suisse operates this four-day, three-night trip aboard the Royal Scotsman, a luxury train that travels from Edinburgh along the West Highland line and back. On day one, the train heads to Falkirk and Craigendoran over afternoon tea, catching a first view of Loch Lomond before crossing Rannoch Moor on the way to Spean Bridge. Day two passes Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles, with a stop at Arisaig to stroll the Silver Sands of Morar and a choice between the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie gathered the clans, or a guided walk to the Steall Waterfall. On day three, a ferry from Wemyss Bay carries guests to the Isle of Bute for a guided tour of Mount Stuart before the train continues to Kilmarnock. The trip arrives back in Edinburgh on the morning of day four. It suits travellers who want a fully catered, guided introduction to Scotland's west coast without changing hotels.

What to know before you look closer

  • The quoted price is per person for the twin or double cabin; the Grand Suite option costs CHF 21,710 per person, roughly double the standard rate.
  • Day 2 offers a choice between the Glenfinnan Monument visit and the guided walk to the Steall Waterfall, not both.
  • Arrival and return travel to and from Edinburgh, and any hotel stay before or after, are not included in the package.
  • The UK entry authorization fee (ETA) is not included and needs to be arranged separately.

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    Edinburgh

    In the early afternoon, drive west from Edinburgh to Falkirk and Craigendoran, the start of the West Highland Railway line. During a sumptuous afternoon tea, see Loch Lomond for the first time. On the journey north along Glen Falloch, cross the untouched Rannoch Moor. On the way to Spean Bridge, a splendid dining experience with entertainment.

  2. Day 2rail

    Glenfinnan

    As the train continues westwards, catch sight of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. Get off in Arisaig and stroll across the Silver Sands of Morar, with views to the Cuillin Mountains on Skye. After lunch on board, disembark to visit the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie gathered the clans, or join a guided walk to the Steall Waterfall. Dinner on board during the journey to Bridge of Orchy, followed by entertainment.

  3. Day 3

    Isle of Bute

    After a brunch onboard, take the ferry from Wemyss Bay to the Isle of Bute, home to Mount Stuart, the neo-Gothic ancestral seat of the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Back on board, a festive dinner awaits during the onward journey to Kilmarnock.

  4. Day 4rail

    Edinburgh

    After the last breakfast, the train arrives in Edinburgh at around 10:00 am.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Afternoon tea on board as the train gives its first view of Loch Lomond, then crosses Rannoch Moor along Glen Falloch.
  • Day 2The train passes Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, before guests disembark at Arisaig to stroll the Silver Sands of Morar.
  • Day 2A stop at the Glenfinnan Monument, where Bonnie Prince Charlie gathered the clans, or an optional guided walk to the Steall Waterfall.
  • Day 3A ferry from Wemyss Bay carries guests to the Isle of Bute for a guided tour of Mount Stuart, the neo-Gothic ancestral seat of the 3rd Marquess of Bute.

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

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 the train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package covers the overnight stay aboard the Royal Scotsman in the booked cabin category for all three nights.
Which route does the train take?
The Royal Scotsman travels from Edinburgh along the West Highland line (Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan) to the Isle of Bute and Kilmarnock, then back to Edinburgh.
Is the trip guided?
Yes. An expert, English-speaking tour guide accompanies the trip, and the Mount Stuart visit on day 3 is a guided tour.
What is included?
Onboard overnight accommodation, entrance fees for the itinerary's excursions, all meals, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and the entertainment program.
What is not included?
The arrival and return journey to Edinburgh, hotel accommodation on site, the UK entry fee (ETA), spa car treatments, gratuities and travel insurance.
When does it depart?
There are 19 scheduled departures between April 2026 and September 2027, running in the months of April through September.

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