Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train: Scotland's Classic Splendours

The train departs Edinburgh and heads north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea as you pass Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. Informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.

Head west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Lunch is served on the way to Kyle of Lochalsh, the most scenic railway route in the UK. Travel onwards through Achnasheen, then commence the climb to the Luib summit and Achnashellach Forest, before descending to Strathcarron for a visit of Attadale Gardens.

Alternatively, stay on board the train to the picturesque village of Plockton, which boasts an incomparable location in a sheltered bay of Loch Carron. Take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals and enjoy magnificent views across the bay to the Applecross Mountains.

Set off on a woodland walk, and enjoy a traditional Highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. Back onboard, a formal dinner is served, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

Join your host for an invigorating early-morning walk over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Breakfast is served as the train retraces part of yesterday’s route as far as Dingwall — have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor set the stage.

Disembark in Garve for a bespoke shopping experience. Alternatively, stretch your legs and join our Highland storyteller for a walk along the old military road leading to Silver Bridge. Lunch is served as the train departs Inverness en route to Carrbridge where you disembark for an afternoon visit to Ballindalloch Castle, in the beautiful Speyside.

Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour or an exclusive look at Scotland’s only single estate distillery. The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays.

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed. Rejoin the train at Kingussie, where lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld.

Disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Alternatively, visit the quaint town of Pitlochry and Blair Athol Distillery for an afternoon tour. Return to the train in Perth for a gala dining experience, entertainment and an overnight stay on board in Dundee.

After breakfast, the train heads south to Edinburgh where your itinerary ends. For transportation after your journey or to book a reservation in one of the Scottish capital’s finest accommodations, please speak to your Train Manager.