Grand Taste of the Highlands
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 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.
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.
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.
Itinerary
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 is served at Inverlochy Castle. 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. You’ll have several hours to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh, known as the ‘Athens of the North’ on your own. Stroll the historic Royal Mile, visit the Castle, take in an art gallery or simply relax with a coffee.
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
2023 Dates
June 14 - 19
June 16 - 21
June 27 - July 2
July 14 - 19
July 28 - August 2
August 2 - 7
August 16 - 21
- 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.
2024 Dates
June 19 - 24
July 12 - 17
September 4 - 9
ACCOMMODATION | Price | Deposit |
---|---|---|
Double | From £10,164 | 15% |
Single | From £10,164 | 15% |
Grand Suite | From £15,400 | 15% |
- 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.
Book Your Journey
Reviews From Our Travelers
Every year I think this will be my final trip. But the trips you offer are so glorious I can’t stop. You may have to have me committed somewhere to get me to stop.
My husband and I had the most incredible trip ever. Our experience on the Orient Express was so special and David our stewart was so competent. We loved the food and the people we met on board. I certainly have a greater understanding of Turkey and her people now thanks to him. We are so pleased we went!
Excellent! They took care of every detail and made sure we didn’t had any inconvenience at any time. Their hard work and personal attention to every detail was obvious. In a complicated country like India, they made sure we had the maximum enjoyment in every place we visited. Their professionalism and hard work assured it was an unforgettable experience.
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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.
Inquire About This Journey
For dates and prices, please click here.
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