Toasting the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Train going across bridge on the Grand Taste of the Highlands journey
Three guests relaxing on the Grand Taste of the Highlands journey
View of the water and train on the Grand Taste of the Highlands journey
Man taking photos of the ocean on the Grand Tour of Scotland journey

Grand Taste of the Highlands

Europe
6-day Escorted Tour
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Overview

The Highlights

  • All-inclusive drinks, meals, sightseeing aboard 5-star luxury train
  • Exclusive visit to Mount Stuart, a spectacular Victorian Gothic house with a fine portrait collection
  • Visit to the windswept Isle of Bute
  • Tour Strathisla Distillery, home of Chivas Regal
  • Clay pigeon shooting, fishing or tour of Rothiemurchus Estate
  • Discover Culloden Battlefield, site of the last battle on mainland British soil
  • Before-dinner drinks in the cozy lounge car; fabulous five-star dining and service in the two dining cars
  • Free time in Edinburgh

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.

Join the Grand Taste of the Highlands tour aboard Scotland’s premiere luxury train: the Belmond Royal Scotsman. It’s always hard to say farewell to the Scottish Highlands. That’s why we’ve made it possible for you to join us for a much longer journey.

Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the West Highland Line — past waterfalls, moors and mountains — and an exclusive view of Mount Stuart, a spectacular Victorian Gothic house. Then after some free time in Edinburgh, experience the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands as you head north, enjoying a leisurely journey up to Fort William.

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Try your hand at some outdoor activities on the Rothiemurchus Highland estate and enjoy a visit to Strathisla Distillery.

IRT Insights: Click hereto 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.

Grand Taste of the Highlands map

Countries Visited

  • Scotland

Itinerary

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Day 1: Edinburgh – Spean Bridge

The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk, to reach Craigendoran—the starting point for the majestic West Highland Line. Enjoy afternoon tea as the train passes Gare Loch and Loch Lomond, with views of waterfalls, moors and mountains. Overnight in Spean Bridge. Meet your fellow travelers over an informal dinner, followed by entertainment in the observation car.

Day 2: Fort William

Breakfast is served as train continues west, passing through Fort William with views of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. Travel along the stunning coastline and disembark at Arisaig for a romantic walk along the Morar Sands, with views of Isle of Skye and Cuillin Mountains.

Lunch is served as the train retraces its steps back to Fort William. This afternoon, a Highlander accompanies you to Glenfinnan Monument to explain the history of the area before tea and light bites are served at the bar of The Old Station Restaurant.

Energetic guests can choose instead to walk to beautiful Steall Waterfall, the second highest in the UK. Informal dinner and entertainment on board. Overnight stabling at Bridge of Orchy.

Day 3: Mount Stuart

Today’s destination is the charming Isle of Bute, rich in geology, history and wildlife, with a varied landscape to explore. Enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, Britain’s most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. The home has a fine private collection of family portraits, as well as wonderful gardens to explore. Return to the train for a formal dinner on board.

Day 4: Edinburgh

Soak up the scenery as the train travels back to Edinburgh where the first part of your journey ends. Disembark in Edinburgh, where you will be escorted to The Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy a guided tour of its five regal decks, and return to the train for a light lunch on board. Alternatively, explore Scotland’s vibrant capital city at leisure.

The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and heads north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands.

Head out to the train’s observation platform for the best views, or enjoy a drink in the lounge. Afternoon tea and an informal dinner are served on board, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day 5: Rothiemurchus

After breakfast you travel by motorcoach to Rothiemurchus in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. The history of this estate is as varied as most of the Highlands of Scotland. Its diverse landscape comprises low-lying fields on the river flood plain, open heather moorland, forestry plantations and majestic Caledonian pine forest. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities including clay pigeon shooting, fishing or a guided tour of the Estate with one of the Park Rangers where you can learn about the local flora and wildlife.

Rejoin the train in Aviemore and have lunch before visiting Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle on mainland British soil in 1746.

Enjoy an evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries and home to one of Scotland’s most famous whiskies. Rejoin the train for a formal dinner as you travel south towards Dundee.

Day 6: Edinburgh

After breakfast, the train leaves Dundee and travels across the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge before returning to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station where your journey ends.

Please note: itineraries are subject to change and full details will be supplied with your tickets.

Dates & Prices

2024 Dates

June 19 - 24

July 12 - 17

September 4 - 9

  • 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.

2025 Dates

August 8 - 13 *

September 10 - 15

*Westbound departure

  • 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.

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Note:  Prices are per person and include all table d’hĂ´te 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.