Train Type:  Luxury

The Tour
From the bagpipes and intimate musical events, to the grand sweep of the moors and the gorges, the Royal Scotsman Classic 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. Two highlights: a private tour and tasting at Glen Ord Distillery and a personal tour of Ballindalloch, with its magnificent castle and gardens. Other activities include clay pigeon shooting or guided walking along Caledonian pine forest trails.

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On This & Other Tours

“I am glad we did both of them [Classic & Western tours]. I like to do everything I can do while I am there…I would not want to miss the second trip and say, I’ll get that in a year or so...You can rest when you get home. It was just a wonderful trip.”
— S. Sims, The Royal Scotsman, 2008

The Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh-Keith
The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh this afternoon, traveling north across magnificent Forth Railway Bridge—one of the first cantilever bridges, completed in 1890. Afternoon tea served as train passes through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Huntly, a town with its origins in the 12th century. You then rejoin the train in the market town of Keith for an informal dinner and perhaps a nightcap with your fellow guests in the Observation Car.

Day 2: Keith-Kyle of Lochalsh
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train travels west. Disembark for a visit to Glen Ord Distillery, for a private tour and tasting. Continue west from Inverness on to Kyle of Lochalsh, one of the most scenic lines in Britain. The line passes Loch Luichart and the summit and Achnashellach forest, descends to Strathcarron and runs along the edge of stunning Loch Carron. At Plockton, head out on a boat trip to view seals and admire Isle of Skye; or choose to take a walk through the woodland to a viewpoint overlooking the loch. Return to Plockton Hotel for a dram or two before rejoining train in Kyle of Lochalsh. A formal dinner is followed by entertainment in observation car.

Day 3: Kyle of Lochalsh-Boat of Garten
Depart Kyle and retrace yesterday’s route to Inverness. Head south to Carrbridge for a visit to Ballindalloch, one of Scotland’s most romantic castles. Tour the 16th-centry home and gardens of the Macpherson-Grant family. Golfers can play on the estate's course; clubs are available for rent. Return to train at Boat of Garten on private tracks of Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. After a formal dinner, Highland storyteller Ray Owens brings Scottish heroes to life.

Day 4: Boat of Garten-Stirling
The day begins with an excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate, where you may choose from activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk or relaxing by the fire with a drink. Rejoin the train at Kingussie and 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. Rejoin the train in Perth for an informal dinner on board.

Day 5: Stirling-Edinburgh
After breakfast depart for Edinburgh, arriving mid-morning.

2010 Dates:
Aug. 23, 31
Sept. 6, 13, 20
Oct. 11

2011 Dates:
May 2, 9, 23, 27
June 3, 17, 27
July 1, 18, 22
August 1, 5, 15, 19
September 5, 12, 26, 30
October 10, 14

The Prices

Other:
Greater Savings on Longer Tours: Book the Grand North Western Journey (combines Classic and Western itineraries) and save!

The Society of IRT is happy to arrange any pre- or post-tour nights or additional touring in Edinburgh required for your journey.

Note:Prices are per person and include all table d'hôte meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary and accommodation on board based on two people sharing a twin compartment or one person in a single.

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