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 Tobermory 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 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‘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 Tobermory Distillery on the Isle of Mull, 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

As you arrive in Oban, the gateway to the Western isles, take the ferry crossing to the Isle of Mull. Visit Tobermory Distillery for a private tour and tasting. Located in the heart of Mull’s capital, the distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland.

Visit the iconic Duart Castle, the historic seat of the Clan Maclean. Back on the train, prepare for tonight’s wonderful formal dinner as you head towards Kilmarnock.

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.

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

2025 Dates

June 6 - 11

September 5 - 10

  • 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.

2026 Dates

June 5 - 10

September 25 - 30

  • 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.

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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.