The
Royal Scotsman
Magnificent journeys on one of the world's most luxurious
trains
Featuring the scenery, history and culture of beautiful Scotland.
Enjoy unparalleled comfort, sumptuous meals, and impeccable service
while taking in Scotland's breathtaking landscape.
Classic Tour Itinerary
Day One: Edinburgh
- Keith
Meet at Edinburgh's Waverley Station this afternoon. The Royal Scotsman
departs Edinburgh and travels north across the Firth of Forth by means of
the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. This is one of the first cantilever
bridges, designed and built by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It is considered
one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age.
We
enjoy afternoon tea as we continue our journey through the former Kingdom
of Fife and across the Tay Bridge. Following the East Coast we pass through
Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith, where we disembark
for a traditional Scottish ceilidh at Strathisla Distillery, "the Home and
Heart of Chivas Regal."
We rejoin the train for an informal dinner and overnight stabling.
Day Two: Keith
- Kyle of Lochalsh
Breakfast is served this morning as we depart Keith and travel west towards
Elgin. We disembark in Elgin where our motorcoach is waiting to take us to
the Glen Grant distillery. Founded by James and John Grant in 1840, the distillery
is set around a small courtyard with turreted and gabled offices in the "Scottish
Baronial" style.
We return to the train before heading west to Inverness, the capital of the
Highlands. Afterwards we continue westwards towards Kyle of Lochalsh, on what
is arguably the most scenic route in Britain.
Lunch is served as we pass through Dingwall and Garve, which lies under the
shadow of Cnoc na h-Iolaire. The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon
mountains, which are so old they contain no fossils. We pass through Achnasheen,
and climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest before descending to Strathcarron.
We then follow the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig.
In the afternoon we disembark in Plockton. Here you have the opportunity to
choose how you wish to explore this Scottish Highland village. You may wish
to take an exclusive boat trip to see the seals at one with nature and relish
the magnificent views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains.
There is a woodland walk, which leads to a viewpoint overlooking the loch.
Alternatively, visit the local art gallery or simply wander through the charming
village. Afterwards we rendezvous at the Plockton Hotel, where there is time
to enjoy a dram or two before rejoining the motorcoach.
We return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh where we stable overnight. Dinner
this evening is formal and afterwards we enjoy entertainment in the Observation
Car.
Day Three: Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten
After breakfast there is time to visit Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed
in Scotland. The castle stands on a rocky promontory at the meeting point
of three sea lochs, and its beginnings reach back to the Picts (Scotland's
ancient race). It survived many bombardments, until in 1719 it was razed to
the ground during the Jacobite rebellion. Two hundred years later it was restored
to its former glory.
We depart Kyle 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 whitewashed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor.
Travelling round the edge of the Beauly Firth, we cross the northern end of
the Caledonian Canal shortly before reaching Inverness.
We continue south to Carrbridge where we disembark for our visit to Ballindalloch,
one of Scotland's most romantic castles. Set in the magnificent surroundings
of the Spey valley, Ballindalloch has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant
family since 1546 and exemplifies the elegant and comfortable country house
so beloved of Victorians in the Highlands.
We return to the train
at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling.
After our formal dinner we meet Ray Owens, a Highlander who brings to life
the stories of Scottish heroes. We gain a true sense of the past and learn
how life in the Highlands has changed over the centuries.
Day Four: Boat of Garten - Stirling
We depart the train at Boat of Garten where you can choose from a number of
different options. Golfers can enjoy a round at Boat of Garten Golf Club,
a demanding test of sporting skill and a magnificent Highland setting. For
those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside, there is a guided woodland
walk with a countryside ranger. There will be an opportunity for fishermen
to try their hand on the River Spey or alternatively, enjoy some time on your
own in this beautiful Highland environment.
We rejoin the train and enjoy lunch as we continue south through Blair Atholl
and Pitlochry to Perth, where we disembark for our visit to Glamis, Seat of
the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late H.M.
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The Bowes-Lyon families have lived at Glamis
since 1372, when King Robert II granted Sir John Lyon the thaneage of Glamis.
Since then the castle has been visited and lived in by many members of the
Scottish and British Royal Families.
We rejoin the train in Perth and enjoy an informal dinner as we travel to
the historic town of Stirling, dominated by its magnificent royal castle,
where we stable overnight.
Day Five: Stirling - Edinburgh
After breakfast we leave Stirling and return through Larbert and Linlithgow
to arrive in Edinburgh this morning.
Other
itineraries available, including:
Highland (2 nights)
Western (3 nights)
Grand West Highland (5 nights) -- combines Classic and Highland tours
Grand North West (7 nights) -- combines Classic and Western tours
2008 Tour Dates:
Train departures May through October.
Classic Tour Departures: April 21, 28; May 5, 12, 21 26; June 25, 30; July 7, 21, 28; Aug. 11, 18, 25; Sept. 1, 5, 15, 22, 29; Oct. 3, 15, 20, 24
Western Tour Departures: April 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 30; June 13, 20; July 4, 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Sept. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 10
Hightland tour Departures: May 19; June 11, 23; July 14, 16; Aug. 4, 6; Sept. 10; Oct. 8,13
2008 Tour
Rates:
Classic Tour (4 nights): $6,250 per person, single or double occupancy
Western Tour (3 nights): $4,960 per person, single or double occupancy
Highland Tour (2 nights): $3,410 per person, single or double occupancy
Grand West Highland (5 nights): $7,530 per person, single or double occupancy
Grand North West (7 nights): $10,090 per person, single or double occupancy
Rates are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, wine, alcoholic and other
beverages, off-train tours, visits and entertainment as outlined in the itinerary.
The Royal Scotsman takes a maximum of 36 passengers in 16 twin and 4 single
compartments. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
TOUR RATE INCLUDES:
a) State cabin with twin or single accommodation with private ensuite shower
and toilet facilities.
b) Table d'hôte meals daily, including wine and all alcoholic and other beverages.
c ) All applicable taxes.
d) All visits as mentioned in the itinerary.
TOUR RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
a) Tour insurance. It is highly recommended that you insure yourself prior
to departure for injury, illness, loss of property while on the tour and specifically
for tour cancellations. A brochure about Travelex's TravelPlus coverage will
be sent upon confirmation of your booking or in advance upon request.
b) Gratuities to crew.
c) Articles which may be purchased from The Royal Scotsman's on-board shop.
d) Airfare, hotel nights, transfers or rail tickets needed to connect with
the tour.
Download our tour booking form.
Click here for terms and booking conditions.
The Society of International Railway Travelers
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
Click here to send us an e-mail.
Please
call us with questions, bookings:
Toll free: 800-478-4881
Outside the U.S.
(502) 454-0277
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here to e-mail us with questions or comments
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