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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale.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

The Royal Scotsman - Scotch Malt Whisky Trail

Six-day luxury train journey through Scottish Highlands with whisky distillery tours

Illustration of The Royal Scotsman - Scotch Malt Whisky Trail

Vacations By Rail operates the Belmond Royal Scotsman, a luxury train that delivers connoisseurs and whisky enthusiasts through Scotland's Highlands over six days. The journey begins in Edinburgh, departs from Waverley station via the Forth Rail Bridge, and winds through Kyle of Lochalsh, Carrbridge, and Rothiemurchus before returning to Dundee. Four nights are spent in suites aboard the train; one in an Edinburgh five-star hotel. The itinerary pairs fine dining aboard the Observation Car with private distillery tours at Tomatin, producing single malts since 1897, and Tullibardine, led by respected whisky author Charles MacLean. A day in the Cairngorms National Park offers archery or fly fishing on the Rothiemurchus Estate. All meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a one-year Scotch Malt Whisky Society membership are included. This trip suits couples seeking refined travel, repeat luxury rail travelers, and anyone deepening their knowledge of single malt whisky in its native landscape.

What to know before you look closer

  • Single supplement pricing is not disclosed in the operator's published information; confirm rates directly before booking.
  • Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be purchased separately.
  • Arrival and departure flights are not included in the from-price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Edinburgh

    Edinburgh

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

  2. Day 2rail

    The Royal Scotsman

    Whisky adventure begins at Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel with a welcome dram. Depart Edinburgh Waverley, crossing the Firth of Forth via the Forth Rail Bridge. Afternoon tea complemented by an exclusive whisky tasting led by Charles MacLean, drawing on his 18 published books on whisky.

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

    Kyle of Lochalsh

    Scenic railway route past Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, through the Highlands via coastal Plockton to Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the Isle of Skye. Formal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car with liqueurs.

  4. Day 4overnight: Carrbridge (aboard the Royal Scotsman)

    Carrbridge

    Scottish breakfast heading toward Carrbridge. Special single-cask tasting in the Observation Car, then a visit to the historic Tomatin Distillery (producing Highland single malts since 1897) with a tutored tasting. Informal dinner on board with local musicians.

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

    Rothiemurchus

    Coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms National Park for outdoor activities like archery or fly fishing. Lunch aboard the train heading south, then a VIP tour of Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford with cask sampling. Formal dinner and Scottish country dancing on the platform at Dundee station.

  6. Day 6

    Homeward bound

    Cross the Tay Bridge into Fife, returning to Edinburgh, with a full Scottish breakfast shared with fellow travelers. Private transfer back to Edinburgh Airport, or to your hotel if extending your stay.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Depart Edinburgh Waverley aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, crossing the Firth of Forth via the Forth Rail Bridge, then enjoy afternoon tea and an exclusive whisky tasting led by Charles MacLean.
  • Day 3Travel a scenic railway route past Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains through the Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the Isle of Skye, with formal dinner in the Observation Car.
  • Day 4Visit the historic Tomatin Distillery in the Highlands, producing single malts since 1897, for a tutored tasting and single-cask experience.
  • Day 5Coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in Cairngorms National Park for archery or fly fishing, then tour Tullibardine Distillery with cask sampling and Scottish country dancing at Dundee station.

Included

  • 1 night in an Edinburgh hotel on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 4 nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train
  • All meals aboard the train and all beverages including alcoholic drinks
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society for one year
  • 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 train travel included?
Yes. Four nights are spent aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train. All meals and beverages, including whisky, are included during train portions.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The trip is escorted. Vacations By Rail arranges private transfers, conducts private distillery tours, and provides on-train entertainment and guidance.
What distilleries are visited?
The itinerary includes Tomatin Distillery in the Highlands, producing single malts since 1897, and Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford, each with tutored tastings and cask sampling.
What is the accommodation on the train?
Four nights are in suites aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train. One night is in a choice of Edinburgh hotel: the Scotsman or the five-star Balmoral Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel.
Does the price include whisky tastings and activities?
Yes. The from-price of USD 12,395 includes all meals and beverages aboard the train, whisky tastings with expert Charles MacLean, private distillery tours, and activities such as archery or fly fishing at Rothiemurchus Estate.
What other benefits are included?
The package includes a one-year membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 24-hour steward service aboard the train, and traditional entertainment on board.

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