The Tour
The Grand Tour of Great Britain features bountiful Scottish dinners, outstanding service, and fascinating history — all while on one of the world’s most luxurious trains: Belmond Royal Scotsman.
There’s no finer way to see the splendid British countryside.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman, making a rare cross-border foray, will be your home for a 7-night exclusive, memorable journey around Scotland, Wales and England—exploring the very best of Great Britain.
IRT Exclusive: Click here to see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy’s trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Edinburgh
The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and heads west to Perth. Enjoy afternoon tea as you continue north on the Highland line to Aviemore. Arrive early evening in the peaceful Highland village of Boat of Garten. Cocktails are served followed by an informal dinner.
Day 2: Rothiemurchus; Strathisla
Spend the morning at Rothiemurchus, with various options including clay pigeon shooting and wildlife walks.
Rejoin the train and head north to Inverness, soon arriving Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle on mainland British soil took place in 1746, for a visit.
This afternoon, whisky connoisseurs can visit Strathisla Distillery, home of one of Scotland’s most famous malts, Chivas Regal, for a tasting and tour. Dinner on board and overnight stabling in Dundee.
Day 3: Chester; Llanrwst
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board as the train rolls into England, past the fringes of Lake District National Park, with its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Afternoon walking tour of the beautiful walled city of Chester, ending with a drinks reception at the magnificent Chester Cathedral.
Rejoin the train and cross another border, this time into the Land of the Red Dragon: Wales. While dinner is served, the train wends its way through Welsh valleys to Llanrwst, where you disembark for a visit of Gwydir Castle, a fine example of a Tudor courtyard house, built around 1500.
Day 4: Snowdonia National Park
Visit the walled town of Caernarfon, with its picturesque castle. Here your steam train awaits to transport you up into Snowdonia National Park.
Travel to the Isle of Anglesey for a private tour of Plas Cadnant Estate, one of North Wales’ best-kept secrets.
Return to the mainland and re-join the train in time for dinner.
Day 5: Bath; Oxford
Breakfast is served as the train heads south to the spa city of Bath. This UNESCO World Heritage site has some of the most magnificent Georgian buildings anywhere in the UK. Take a guided tour around the Roman Baths, built around Britain’s only hot spring. Free time to wander around the city and indulge in some of the stylish shops before rejoining the train.
Dinner will be at one of the UK’s finest country house hotels, Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. This gorgeous manor house is also home to one of the UK’s best restaurants, under the watchful eye of chef/ patron, the renowned Raymond Blanc. Return to the train for after-dinner drinks.
Day 6: Cambridge
Morning exploration of Cambridge, home to the historic Corpus Christi college, including the Parker library, with its medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. Enjoy a leisurely punt on the River Cam. Overnight stabling in Scarborough.
Day 7: York
Breakfast is served en route to the Roman walled city of York, where you have a guided tour or free time to explore. Take in the splendor of York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe.
Re-join the train as we travel up through Northumberland into Alnmouth, where we disembark for a private viewing of Alnwick Castle followed by an exclusive farewell dinner. Alnwick Castle was first built over 900 years ago, to keep the Scots out of England. Thankfully today’s proprietors are more welcoming! Rejoin the train for your final night on board.
Day 8: Edinburgh
After breakfast, return to Edinburgh mid-morning.
2019 Dates:
July 5-122020 Dates:
July 3-10The Prices
For approximate exchange rates, visit http://www.xe.com.
| 2019 Pricing | Price | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Double | From £11,000 |
15% |
| Single | From £11,000 |
15% |
Prices are per person.
| 2020 Pricing | Price | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Double | From £10,200 |
15% |
| Single | From £10,200 |
15% |
Prices are per person.
Please note there are a limited number of single cabins (without single supplement) on every Belmond Royal Scotsman departure.
Pricing varies based on availability. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability.
Other
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!
Golfing Option: Golf is available as a private tour, at an additional cost. Contact us for more details.
Not operating in 2020. Instead, a special Grand Tour of Scotland tour will be offered.
