RECOMMENDED INCLUDES PRICE LENGTH BEST TIME
Couples/Friends Several stops Contact us 3-10 All Year Round
ROYAL SCOTSMAN
Glide through a land of unspoilt beauty, past brooding glens and mirror-still lochs. Stop to explore castles, distilleries, mills and Scotland’s rich heritage.
Belmond Royal Scotsman is a unique way to explore this beguiling country, knowing that a luxurious retreat is never far away.
Day 1
Starting point – Edinburgh.
Your first night in the Highlanders country will be in the “Owner Suite” at the famous Prestonfield House.
Now a characterful and luxurious five-star hotel, Prestonfield has a long and distinguished heritage at the very centre of Scotland's political, social, business and artistic life.
Half a century ago, the house remembered its past reputation for hospitality, and opened as a hotel. Stars of the sixties, seventies and eighties delighted in its tranquil setting, its unique architecture, its handsome antiques and precious artworks. Sandie Shaw walked barefoot across the marble floor of the front hall. Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher each dined at Prestonfield under the watchful eyes of early Dick-Cunyngham family portraits. Sean Connery, Elton John and Catherine Zeta Jones all partied the night away. And Oliver Reed raised the hell for which he was so very well known.
​
​
Day 2
It is time to travel straight into the heart of the Scottish Highlands, visiting enchanting sites of natural beauty and making the most of the thrilling outdoor activities.
As iconic as having afternoon tea at the Ritz or strolling along the Seine with your lover, taking one of the Belmond trains is one of those pinch-me experiences.
Rail travel is one of the best ways to discover a country, and nowhere is this more true than in Scotland. Running since 1985, Belmond Royal Scotsman ranks among the world’s iconic trains.
Coupling Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a stately country manor house, it’s a palace on wheels. A red carpet and champagne reception welcomes its 40 guests. With 12 members of staff, both personal attention and intimacy are guaranteed; you are part of the family. Fine dining and beverages are included in your fare and the train stables each night so restful sleep is guaranteed. Everyday worries melt away as the good times abound.
With detailed marquetry, plush beds and furnishings of soft Scottish wools and tartans, the private ensuite cabins have been made with you in mind. They provide an idyllic retreat after a day exploring. Our Observation Car is the train’s social hub. It’s all plush lounge chairs, conviviality and drinks – the bar carries some 60 types of whisky. Head to the open deck for fresh Highland air and panoramas.
A morning of excursions calls for a relaxing session in the Bamford Haybarn Spa. Dine on skillfully prepared, seasonal produce before enjoying local entertainment over a nightcap. Stories are shared and songs chorused among merry passengers.
​
Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station in the early afternoon and travels to the “Fair City” of Perth. An Afternoon Tea will be served aboard from 3.30pm as the train continues on the Highland line through Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl with its imposing castle.
The rolling hills of Perthshire are replaced by more dramatic peaks and valleys as we travel north into the Highlands towards Aviemore, gateway to the Cairngorms National Park with its outsanding natural beauty and wide range of outdoor pursuits.
Your destination this evening in the peaceful Highland village of Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. An informal dinner will be served, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.
​
Day 3
After breakfast, travel the short distance by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus Forest is one of the largest and most important remnants of the native Caledonian pine forest chich ised to cover most of Scotland. Choose from a number of activities including clay pigeon-shooting, fishing or a guided tour of the estate with one of the Park Rangers. Afterwards, enjoy a warm welcome from your hosts as refresments are served in their hunting lodge and discover some of the rich history of this family-run estate.
Return to the train in Carrbridge for lunch before disembarking in Inverness to visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last major battle fought on British soil on 16th April 1746. Listen to our Highlander as he paints a vivid picture of how this battle changed the way of life in the Highlands forever.
From Naim on the Moray Firth, travel east towards Keith. Enjoy an early evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, the oldest and one of the most picturesque working distilleries in the Highlands, and home to the malt which is incorporated into one of Scotland’s most famous blends, Chivas Regal.
As the track re-joins the coast, enjoy some spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus.
Dinner is formal this evening and afterwards you are invited to enjoy some traditional Scottish music in the Observation Car.
​
Day 4
Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and travels south through the former Kingdom of Fife, crossing the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge and arriving in Edinburgh Waverley Station where your journey ends.
​
