Grand Taste of the Highlands

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.