Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Luxury train

Royal Scotsman - Wild Spirit of Scotland

Five-day luxury train through Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh to Dundee.

Illustration of Royal Scotsman - Wild Spirit of Scotland

The Belmond Royal Scotsman, operated by Vacations By Rail, is a five-day luxury train journey through the Scottish Highlands. The tour departs Edinburgh, travels north through mountain passes and alongside lochs, stops at Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast, and concludes in Dundee, crossing the Forth Bridge. Passengers spend three nights aboard the train in sleeping compartments and one night in an Edinburgh hotel. Days combine leisurely train travel with curated excursions: whisky tastings at Tomatin Distillery, a private tour of 16th-century Ballindalloch Castle in the Speyside region, optional visits to Attadale Gardens or a seal-watching boat trip from Plockton, and evening entertainment including Scottish country dancing. All meals and beverages are included. This package suits luxury travellers, whisky and food enthusiasts, and couples seeking a sophisticated rail experience in Scotland.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 10,545 is per person and does not include arrival and departure flights or travel insurance.
  • No published departure dates are listed in this information; confirm scheduling with Vacations By Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

    Private transfer to your selected hotel. Free time to explore Edinburgh: the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, the city's arts scene and food markets, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament building.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Boat of Garten (aboard the Royal Scotsman)

    The Royal Scotsman

    Departure from Edinburgh Waverley, heading north through Perth into the landscapes around Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, with afternoon tea on board. A short trip on the private Strathspey Railway to Boat of Garten, where the train halts for the night, followed by dinner and live entertainment in the Observation Car.

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

    Kyle of Lochalsh

    Breakfast as the train departs toward Inverness, then onto the Kyle Line past Loch Luichart and the Torridon Mountains, with lunch en route. Option to alight at Strathcarron for Attadale Gardens (30,000-acre estate, Water Garden, Japanese Garden, Sunken Garden with light refreshments) or remain on board to disembark at Plockton for a boat trip to see wild seals, a woodland walk and a traditional Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel. Train stables overnight at Kyle of Lochalsh; dinner and local musicians in the Observation Car.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Dundee (aboard the Royal Scotsman)

    Aviemore

    Breakfast en route to Inverness, with the option to visit Tomatin Distillery for a whisky tasting or remain aboard for Highland storytelling. Lunch on the train, then disembark at Aviemore for an afternoon excursion to Ballindalloch Castle in the Speyside whisky region. Rejoin the train for the evening journey to Dundee, with a gala dinner and Scottish country dancing on the station platform.

  5. Day 5rail

    Homeward bound

    Breakfast as the train leaves Dundee for Edinburgh, crossing the Forth Bridge. Private transfer to the airport, or to your hotel if extending your stay.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Depart Edinburgh Waverley and travel north through Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, then ride the private Strathspey Railway to Boat of Garten, followed by dinner and live entertainment in the Observation Car.
  • Day 3Journey along the Kyle Line past Loch Luichart and the Torridon Mountains; choose between Attadale Gardens or a boat trip from Plockton to see wild seals.
  • Day 4Visit Tomatin Distillery for a whisky tasting or enjoy Highland storytelling aboard, then tour Ballindalloch Castle in Speyside, capped by a gala dinner and Scottish country dancing on the station platform.
  • Day 5Depart Dundee for Edinburgh, crossing the Forth Bridge, and conclude with a private transfer to the airport or your hotel.

Included

  • 1 night in an Edinburgh hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 3 nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train
  • All meals aboard the train and all beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Traditional entertainment on board

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Arrival and departure flights

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 all the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes three nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman and all meals, beverages, and steward service for those nights. One night in Edinburgh is in a hotel, not aboard the train.
Which trains are used?
Vacations By Rail operates the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a luxury train. Passengers also take a short private excursion on the Strathspey Railway to Boat of Garten on Day 2.
What is included in the price?
The package includes one night in an Edinburgh hotel on a bed-and-breakfast basis, three nights aboard the Royal Scotsman, all meals and beverages (including alcoholic drinks), 24-hour steward service, and traditional entertainment.
Is the tour escorted?
The train provides structured excursions with options: for example, on Day 3 you may choose Attadale Gardens or a seal-watching boat trip from Plockton. On Day 4 you may visit Tomatin Distillery or hear Highland storytelling aboard.
How much walking is involved?
Most time is aboard the train. Excursions include a woodland walk in Plockton and a visit to Ballindalloch Castle; a visit to Attadale Gardens is also offered as an option.
What are the hotel options in Edinburgh?
The operator offers The Scotsman or The Balmoral Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, a five-star property.

Similar journeys