Train on the Scotland’s Classic Splendours journey
Bar car service on Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Bedroom with flowers on the Scotland’s Classic Splendours journey
royal scotsman dessert coffee
Playing music for guests on the Scotland’s Classic Splendours journey
Bartenders serving drinks on the Scotland’s Classic Splendours journey

Scotland’s Classic Splendours

Europe
5-day Escorted Tour
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Overview

The Highlights

  • Seal-watching boat trip in the scenic bay of the Applecross mountains
  • Private tour of Ballindalloch Castle
  • Visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits
  • Guided tour of Glamis Castle and gardens, childhood home of the late H.M. Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother
  • Before-dinner drinks in the cozy lounge car, all included
  • Wind-in-your-face viewing from the open-air platform
  • Breathtaking views of the moors, mountains, lakes, and sea
  • Intimate setting with just 40 passengers total
  • Highest levels of dining and service on-board
  • Inspiring dramatic and musical events by Highlanders

The Tour

NEW for 2025! The train will introduce two new Grand Suites (bringing the total of Grand Suites to four) and will no longer have dedicated single cabins. Single travelers will still be able to book a cabin for sole occupancy.

Belmond Royal Scotsman Scotland’s Classic Splendours Tour is one of the best in the world. From the bagpipes and intimate musical events, to the grand sweep of the moors and the gorges, the Belmond Royal Scotsman’s Classic Splendours Tour is a journey straight to the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Life on the train is relaxed and indulgent, with the freshest, finest local produce served in the dining cars. From Edinburgh, the train follows the east coast up to Keith, then journeys to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton, thence to Inverness and south to Perth.

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Two highlights: a tour of Rothiemurchus Estate, and a personal tour of Ballindalloch, with its magnificent castle and gardens. Life on the train is relaxed and indulgent, with the freshest, finest local produce served in the dining cars and nights in the all en-suite sleeping cars spent at quiet sidings.  This is one of IRT’s favorite train experiences — and once aboard, you will see why.  Combine it with the Western Scenic Wonders Tour, and you have one of IRT President Eleanor Hardy’s favorite journeys of all time.

IRT Insights: Click here to read about IRT’s most recent experience aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman.

IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy’s trip on the Royal Scotsman.

Countries Visited

  • Scotland

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Day 1: Edinburgh-Keith

The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh in the early afternoon, traveling north across magnificent Forth Railway Bridge—one of the first cantilever bridges, completed in 1890.

Enjoy afternoon tea as the train follows the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith. An informal dinner is served on board, after which you are invited to the Observation Car to enjoy entertainment with a Scottish flavor.

Day 2: Keith-Kyle of Lochalsh

A leisurely breakfast is served as the train travels west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. From there, it on to Kyle of Lochalsh, one of the most scenic lines in Britain, while lunch is served. The line passes Loch Luichart and the summit and Achnashellach forest, descends to Strathcarron and runs along the edge of stunning Loch Carron.

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 until you reahch the picturesque fishing village of Plockton, and head out on a boat trip to view seals and admire the magnificent views across the bay to the Applecross Mountains. After, take a walk through the woodlands to a viewpoint overlooking the loch. Return to Plockton Hotel for a traditional Highland welcome and a dram or two.

Back on board the train, a formal dinner is followed by coffee and liqueurs in the observation car.

Day 3: Kyle of Lochalsh-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. Depart Kyle as breakfast is served and retrace 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 you can see white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor.

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.

Travel south to Carrbridge for a visit to Ballindalloch, one of Scotland’s most romantic castles. The  baronial castle, known as the “Pearl of the North,” is the much-loved family home of the Macpherson-Grants, with treasures including a fine collection of 17th-century Spanish paintings, a sumptuous dining room, splendid vaulted hallway and impressive library.

Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour, 9 holes of golf on the castle’s own course or an exclusive look at what is 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.

Day 4: Boat of Garten-Dundee

The day begins with an excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate, where you may choose from activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate.

Rejoin the train at Kingussie and have lunch while traveling south to Dunkeld. Disembark and visit Glamis Castle, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late H.M. Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Save time in your tour to visit the gorgeous gardens. Alternatively, visit the quaint town of Pitlochry and Blair Athol Distillery for an afternoon tour.

Rejoin the train in Perth for a final formal dinner on board.

Day 5: Dundee-Edinburgh

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and on to Edinburgh, where your journey ends.

Dates & Prices

2024 Dates

April 11 - 15

April 22 - 26

May 6 - 10

May 13 - 17

June 10 - 14

June 24 - 28

July 1 - 5

July 8 - 11

July 29 - August 2

August 12 - 16

August 19 - 23

August 25 - 29

September 9 - 13

September 18 - 22

September 27 - October 1

October 7 - 11

October 19 - 23

  • Please note prices are in British pounds. View approximate exchange rates.
  • Prices are per person.
  • Please note there are a limited number of Single Cabins (without single supplement) on every Belmond Royal Scotsman departure. Contact us for pricing for sole occupancy of a Twin Cabin.
  • Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.

2025 Dates

April 7 - 11

April 21 - 25

May 5 - 9

May 26 - 30

June 16 - 20

June 23 - 27

July 7 - 11

July 20 - 24

August 18 - 22

September 29 - October 3

October 6 - 10

October 20 - 24

October 27 - 31

  • Beginning in 2025, there will no longer be Single Cabins available. Single travelers will still be able to book a cabin for sole occupancy. Contact us for pricing for sole occupancy.
  • Please note prices are in British pounds. View approximate exchange rates.
  • Prices are per person.
  • Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.

More

Scotch malt whisky lovers may prefer the Scotch Malt Whisky Trail Tour.

The Society of IRT highly recommends extending your stay with our Virtuoso preferred hotel The Balmoral.  We get special rates and amenities for our passengers there – and it’s especially handy because it’s right at the train station — just an escalator down to the tracks. We also have wonderful guides and drivers at our fingertips. Please inquire if you wish this concierge service.

Greater Savings on Longer Tours: Book the Grand Western Scenic Wonders  (combines Classic and Western itineraries) and save!