Royal Scotsman: Scotland's Classic Splendours

Overview

All aboard a living legend! Sit back, relax, and uncover the wonders of Scotland in Peerless Style.

From the moment you step onto Royal Scotsman, you are swept up in a world of myth, legend and timeless luxury.

Delve into a land of soaring peaks and deep valleys, mirror lochs and looming castles. Enjoy a tasting in a world-famous distillery, then enter the forest for an exhilarating clay pigeon shoot. As night falls, mingle with fellow guests over candlelit dinners and live ceilidhs—a fine finale to the day’s adventures.

Enjoy the ultimate Royal Scotsman experience with our classic Scottish Highland tour, travelling through some of the country’s finest scenery.

Inclusions

Four nights aboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train with 24-hour steward service

All meals aboard the train: full Scottish breakfast, two-course lunch, three-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petit fours

All beverages including alcoholic drinks

A private visit to Ballindalloch Castle

A seal-watching boat trip

A private visit to Ballindalloch Castle

a choice of country pursuits at Rothiemurchus Estate

A guided tour of Glamis Castle and gardens

Traditional ceilidhs on board, evening entertainment in the Observation Car and a gala dining experience

Itinerary

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Intro Map

The Royal Scotsman - Scotland's Classic Splendours

Day 1 Depart Edinburgh

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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman.

Lunch, Dinner

Forth Railway Bridge

Day 2 Kyle of Lochalsh

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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kyle of Lochalsh

Day 3 Boat of Garten

Join your onboard 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 the 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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Glen Ord Distillery

Day 4 Rothiemurchus

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.

Overnight onboard Royal Scotsman.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Glamis Castle

Day 5 Return to Edinburgh

After breakfast, the train heads south to Edinburgh where your itinerary ends.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Royal Scotsman

A fine Highland retreat – Luxury cabins provide a welcome sanctuary after a day in the Highlands. Lined with rich marquetry, each one features plus beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans. An elegant dressing table and ensuite add to the indulgence. Let your mind wander as you gaze through the generous picture window – they’re made for daydreaming.

Each marquetry-lined double beckons you in with Scottish charm. Plush beds, a drawing table, long wardrobe and window are a warm welcome after the day’s outdoor pursuits.

Lower berth beds
En suite with shower, washbasin and WC
Dressing table
Full-length wardrobe
Opening windows and ceiling fans
220/240 voltage system
High-quality toiletries
Fresh white towels
Foam pillow and hypoallergenic duvet
Quilted cotton bed cover
Hairdryer
Cabin service call button

TWIN CABIN
Our twin cabins are designed for space and relaxation. Lower beds, a long wardrobe, ceiling fans and controlled heating ensure absolute comfort––no matter how the weather is outside.

DOUBLE CABIN
Each marquetry-lined double beckons you in with Scottish charm. Plush beds, a drawing table, long wardrobe and window are a warm welcome after the day’s outdoor pursuits.

SINGLE CABIN
Enter your own private retreat lined with rich marquetry and tartan furnishings. Each features a lower bed, wardrobe, writing table and en suite. Splendid Highland views from your window are sure to inspire.

INTERCONNECTING CABIN
Interconnecting Cabins are perfect for families travelling together. Recline on plush lower beds. one twin and one double or revive in a fully equipped en suite. A writing desk and large open window fuel the imagination.

GRAND SUITES

For the ultimate indulgence discover the new Grand Suites — Spacious interiors that are rich in references to Scottish culture. Suites measure 12m² (including the ensuite) and feature a comfortable double bed, separate lounge/dining area and a bathroom complete with shower, basin and WC.

Signature Suite inclusions:

Personal butler service
Indulgent cabin amenities
In-cabin private dining on request
One complimentary spa treatment per guest
Private arrival and departure transfers
Free-flowing champagne and personalised mini-bar

Additional information

The train departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Check-in is at least 40 minutes prior to departure at The Balmoral Hotel, after which our Host and Crewmembers will escort you and your luggage onto the train.
Cabins have limited space; therefore, we recommend each guest travels with one suitcase and one carry-on bag.
For daytime excursions and relaxing on board, we recommend casual, comfortable clothing, including appropriate footwear. Bring a warm, waterproof jacket and good walking shoes. For formal dinners, a dark suit and tie, tuxedo or national costume (such as a kilt) is advised for men; for women, a cocktail dress or similar is recommended. For informal dinners, a jacket and collared shirt, with or without tie, is acceptable attire for men.
Special diets can be accommodated with our Chef. Please provide a detailed request of any allergies, food related or not at the time of booking.
Soak up the spectacular Highland scenery from the Observation car. It’s the perfect place for an aperitif or after-dinner drink. Live entertainment each evening is sure to provide countless stories to write home about.

2025 departure dates:

07 & 21 April
05 & 26 May
16 & 23 June
07, 14 & 20 July
18 August
29 September
06, 20 & 27 October

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

What is included in the price?

A Royal Scotsman luxury train journey includes comfortable state cabin accommodation, daily table d'hôte meals, and a selection of alcoholic and other beverages. Onboard entertainment and outdoor activities are also included in the package, with sightseeing excursions, as shown in your itineraries and booking confirmation. Please note that the Royal Scotsman’s booking prices do not include insurance, gratuities or souvenirs.

Can someone with mobility limitations travel with Royal Scotsman?

Should you or your guests have any special requirements or mobility issues, please do let us know ahead of your luxury train journey. Wheelchair users or those with restricted mobility are asked to contact us directly to discuss the suitability of a rail journey aboard Royal Scotsman — we would be delighted to discuss personal arrangements and respond to any further questions you may have.

Does the train have Wi-Fi?

Wifi is available in the observation car, however due to the remote locations of many of our tours this connection is only available for portions of the journey.

Are children permitted onboard?

Children are welcome to join the journey, and infants under the age of two at the time of departure travel free. Parents must provide their own food and a bassinet for sleeping. Given the space constraints of a Twin Cabin, we always recommend booking an interconnecting cabin or Grand Suite for the comfort of families. The atmosphere aboard Royal Scotsman is geared towards our adult passengers. Therefore, it is at the Train Manager’s discretion that children may accompany their parents in the bar and restaurant cars. Please contact our reservations team to discuss full details and train journey suitability.

Can Royal Scotsman accommodate special dietary preferences?

Special diets can be accommodated by our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food-related or not. We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan etc, provided a detailed request has been made at the time of booking. If a special request has not been made, the chefs will endeavour to prepare a dish with the ingredients available on board. We do, however, regret that we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.

Is there a dress code when onboard the Royal Scotsman?

For daytime excursions in the Scottish Highlands and distilleries, bring a warm, waterproof jacket and good walking shoes. For relaxing moments, we recommend casual, comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear. For dinners, smart casual is appropriate. For formal dinners and gala dinners, a dark suit and tie, tuxedo or national costume such as a kilt are advised for men. For women, a cocktail dress, tartan or similar attire is recommended.

Can I smoke onboard?

In accordance with Scottish Law, smoking is not permitted aboard Royal Scotsman and in the Observation Car. This also includes electronic cigarettes/vaping.

Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?

The Royal Scotsman train departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Check-in takes place at The Balmoral Hotel, adjacent to the station. We request that you deposit your luggage with the concierge team between 11 am and 12:15 pm, to allow us adequate time to transfer your luggage to the train.

Are there luggage restrictions?

Cabins have limited space, therefore we recommend each guest travels with one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Twin State Cabins have storage space under each bed, measuring 71cm x 23cm. If necessary, facilities are available at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh for luggage storage during your journey. Prior to boarding, please attach a Royal Scotsman luggage tag to each piece of your luggage.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

Royal Scotsman: Scotland's Classic Splendours (Tour code: 12567)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions