Grand Tour of Scotland
Overview
The Highlights
- Seven nights onboard the Royal Scotsman
- Glenmorangie Distillery tour and whisky tasting
- A grand gala dinner at Drumlanrig Castle
- Tour of the Isle of Orkney and the Isle of Skye
- Tour of Dunvegan Castle and its magnificent gardens
- A scenic cruise on Loch Lomond
- Tour of Crathes Castle, formerly owned by the Burnett family
- Visit to St Andrews on Fife’s east coast for a private tour of the medieval castle, cathedral, and ruins
- Enjoy afternoon tea, drinks in the observation car and elegant meals aboard the Royal Scotsman train
The Tour
The Grand Tour of Scotland takes guests on an in-depth exploration of the country’s history and culture, all by private luxury train.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman will be your home for this 8-day, 7-night journey. IRT travelers love the intimate group size — maximum capacity is 36 guests – the delightful meals served in the beautifully-laid dining car, and the open-air platform at the end of the train.
IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy’s trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh – Boat of Garten
Depart Edinburgh in the early afternoon and travel north to the ‘Fair City’ of Perth onboard the Royal Scotsman. Enjoy afternoon tea as the train continues on the Highland line through Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl.
The train stops for the night in the village of Boat of Garten, just beyond Aviemore.
Enjoy dinner on board.
Afterwards, join the Observation Car for drinks and lively entertainment.
Day 2: Boat of Garten – Tain – Georgemas Junction
The train departs early morning from Boat of Garten and heads north to Tain, where you disembark mid-morning for a visit to Glenmorangie. Learn about the compelling new developments at Glenmorangie before concluding your tour with a private tasting in the warehouse. Enjoy lunch at nearby Glenmorangie House.
Rejoin the train mid-afternoon as it travels north towards Wick.
Following dinner on board, visit Dunnet Bay Distillers. Meet the producers of Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, exceptional spirits handcrafted using locally foraged botanicals. Weather permitting, enjoy drinks on the sandy beach, with a bonfire and vibrant evening entertainment.
Day 3: Georgemas Junction – Dingwall
After breakfast on board, disembark for a short coach ride to Gill’s Bay. Here, board a ferry to the Orkney Islands.
Enjoy a visit to Skara Brae, an incredibly well preserved stone village containing an intricate maze of dwellings. Stop for a traditional lunch in a local hotel, before continuing your tour of this fascinating island.
Early evening, return to the train by ferry crossing. Relax over an informal dinner as you continue south towards Dingwall, your overnight point.
Day 4: Dingwall – Kyle of Lochalsh
After an early breakfast, leave the train for a full day’s visit to the mystical Isle of Skye, where you have a choice between two activities. Head out for a day of adventure with RVIVAL, experts in bespoke experiences in wild settings. Immerse yourself in the environment and strengthen your connection to the landscape, with a break for lunch in the great outdoors. Whether it’s descending waterfalls, tracking elusive wildlife or hiking off-the-beaten track, an unforgettable experience awaits.
Alternatively, join the historian for a journey through the sites and legends of Skye. Soak up the breathtaking scenery of landmarks such as Kilt Rock, the Trotternish Peninsula and the Cullin Mountains and enjoy time to explore the capital, Portree, with its shops and harbour views.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, you’re escorted by coach to Dunvegan Castle for an afternoon visit.
Late evening, return to the train at Kyle for a lavish informal dinner, followed by live music from a traditional Scottish folk band.
Day 5: Kyle of Lochalsh – Inverurie – Dundee
Following a leisurely brunch, disembark to explore the regal beauty of Royal Aberdeenshire. Traveling by coach with the historian, you will head along the spectacular Royal Deeside route, dotted with castles, pine forests and charming villages.
Royal Deeside has attracted visitors since the time of Queen Victoria, who had a real passion for the region. Explore 16th-century Crathes Castle, formerly owned by the Burnett family, with its labyrinth of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings. Visit delightful Braemar and Victorian Ballater, both exceptionally scenic villages in the Cairngorms National Park.
Back on board, relax and prepare for an elegant formal dinner as the train stables overnight in Dundee.
Day 6: Dundee – Cupar – Wemyss Bay
Breakfast is served as the train travels across the historic Tay Bridge. Alight in Leuchars for a visit to St Andrews on Fife’s east coast. Enjoy a private tour of the magnificent ruins of the medieval castle and cathedral.
Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to visit more of the town’s attractions or stroll in the quaint cobbled streets and browse the boutiques. A light lunch will be served back on board the train.
This evening, enjoy an early dinner in the pretty coastal village of Elie, located in the East Neuk of Fife. Afterwards, take a stroll down to the beach and enjoy the stunning vistas over the Firth of Forth.
Rejoin the train in Leven and relax over a cocktail as the train travels east towards Wemyss Bay, where it stops for the night.
Day 7: Wemyss Bay – Ballach – Samquhar – Kilmarhnock
After breakfast on board, embark on a private boat cruise to discover the 23 mile-long expanse of water with Loch Lomond’s mysterious islands, varied wildlife and wealth of legend and folklore. Return to the train for lunch as your journey continues south towards Dumfries.
Early evening, visit Drumlanrig Castle. The castle is the ideal backdrop for the grand finale of your Grand Tour of Scotland.
Enjoy a splendid gala dinner in the State Dining Room, followed by a drinks reception.
Back on board, the celebration continues with farewell drinks in the Observation Car as the train makes its way to Kilmarnock for the night.
Day 8: Kilmarhnock– Edinburgh
Enjoy your final breakfast on board as the train departs early from Kilmarnock this morning and travels east towards Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Dates & Prices
2025 Dates
August 22 - 29
Accommodation | Price | Deposit |
---|---|---|
Twin/Double | From £24,850 | 25% |
Grand Suite | From £44,000 | 25% |
For approximate exchange rates, visit https://www.xe.com.
Prices are per person.
Pricing varies based on availability. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability.
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Reviews From Our Travelers
Our family trip to Japan was perfectly planned by Eleanor....all eight of us were very happy with the trip and all of the arrangements, which were MANY! We came home happier than any of us thought possible!
Eleanor makes you feel like you are her only client. Always available to help with even the smallest detail. Our trip was absolutely trouble free. Everything worked exactly like we expected it to.
I cannot praise Eleanor Hardy's company highly enough. She took care of all the planning, paying attention to every detail and thus this trip was smooth running and fabulous. I hope to travel with this company again.
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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.
This very special tour only runs once annually, and is limited to 40 guests. Book early to avoid disappointment!
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