The Royal Scotsman's open platform at the end of the train.
Walking by the station on the Clans, Castles & Isles journey
IRT Society travelers enjoy the Royal Scotsman's rear lounge car on the Clans, Castles & Isles journey
Chocolate dessert on the on the Clans, Castles & Isles journey

Clans, Castles & Isles of Scotland

Europe
6-day Escorted Tour
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Overview

The Highlights

  • Exclusive visit to the historic Oban distillery
  • Guided tour of Duart Castle
  • A trip to Drumlanrig Castle
  • All meals aboard the train, including full Scottish breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner
  • All beverages included
  • Wind-in-your-face viewing from the open-air platform
  • Breathtaking views of the moors, mountains, lakes, and sea
  • Traditional musical entertainment on board

The Tour

NEW for 2024! Two beautiful Grand Suites will be added to the Belmond Royal Scotsman — available to book now on departures beginning in May, 2024. Grand Suite bookings will include complimentary spa treatments (one per person or two for solo travelers), private arrival and departure transfers, more.

Click here for a brochure on the new Grand Suites.

Belmond Royal Scotsman‘s Clans, Castles & Isles Tour is an exploration of the wild and rugged west coast of Scotland, including Oban and the Isles of Mull and Bute. Travel by luxury train, with exceptional meals and service. Enjoy an exclusive visit to the Oban distillery and guided tours of Duart and Drumlanrig Castles.

Read More

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.

Clans, Castles & Isles map

Countries Visited

  • Scotland

Itinerary

Download itinerary

Day 1: Edinburgh – Spean Bridge

The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and weaves past magnificent Loch Lomand and the great wilderness of Rannoch Moor. Enjoy a delicious informal dinner in the dining car as the train continues to Spean Bridge, known as the ‘crossroads of the Highlands.’ After dinner, make your way to the observation car, where you are treated to local entertainment.

Day 2: Glenfinnan

Breakfast is served as train makes its way to the lovely village of Arisaig. Along the way, keep an eye out for stunning views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Disembark in Arisaig for a romantic walk along the Silver Sands of Morar, with views of Isle of Skye and Cuillin Mountains.

Lunch is served as the train travels back to Fort William, crossing over the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. This afternoon, you have two options: either join the Highlander to explore Glenfinnan and discover the history of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebellion, or take a guided hike through Glen Nevis to the Steall Waterfall. Informal dinner and entertainment on board.

Day 3: Oban

Today visit Oban and enjoy an exclusive visit to the historic Oban Distillery, producer of a fine 14-year-old single malt. After, cross to the Isle of Mull to visit spectacular Duart Castle, strategically located on the high crag at the end of a peninsula jutting into the Sound of Mull. Dating from the 13th century, the castle was modified over time by the Macleans of Duart and completely restored to its original glory in the early 20th century.

Return to the train in Oban for a formal dinner on board as the train travels to Kilmarnock for overnight stabling.

Day 4: Wemyss Bay

After a leisurely breakfast, journey from Wemyss Bay to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart House, one of Britain’s most astonishing Victorian Gothic houses. The architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect, Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, the extravagant mansion boasts stunning and mysterious interiors that reflect the Marquess’s passion for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology and religion. Surrounding it are expansive landscaped gardens and wild woodlands.

Back on board, enjoy an informal dinner, followed by engaging entertainment.

Day 5: Nith Valley

This morning we make our way to Drumlanrig Castle, the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry. A turreted sandstone mansion with sweeping views over the Nith Valley, it is home to important collections of silver, porcelain, and French furniture and art, while its surrounding 90,000-acre estate embraces lavish formal gardens, rambling woodlands, and miles of footpaths.

Choose between a Victorian gardens tour, an architectural tour, or discover the Buccleuch collection of fine art.

Rejoin the train after lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on-board. A formal farewell dinner is served this evening, followed by lively Scottish music in the observation car.

Day 6: Edinburgh

Breakfast is served as the train makes its way back to Edinburgh, where your journey ends.

Dates & Prices

2024 Dates

May 17 - 22

September 13 - 18

  • 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.

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Note:  Prices 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.