Taste of the Highlands Tour
Overview
The Highlights
- Three days aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, with only 38 passengers on board
- A guided tour of Rothiemurchus Estate with a park ranger (or opt for clay pigeon shooting or fishing)
- Visit Strathisla Distillery, the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, producing Chivas Regal
- Exquisite meals on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, paired with fine wines
- Evening entertainment in the train’s lounge car
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.
There is simply no better way to experience the drama and wild beauty of Scotland than aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train.
This short introduction to the Scottish Highlands is ideal for those who like outdoor activity. At Rothiemurchus Estate, for example, there will be the opportunity to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, venturing out with the Estate’s rangers on a Highland safari or just enjoying a Highland walk. We love this train for all of its great dining, service, beauty within the train — and without. The scenery is spectacular, of course. And one great thing about this train: there are 4 cabins for solo use with no single supplement. Great for a family of couple and solo travelers. Call early to book!
New to the Belmond Royal Scotsman in 2017: full-service spa car. Inquire when you book your journey!
IRT Exclusvie: Watch our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy’s trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
Countries Visited
- Scotland
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh – Boat of Garten
The Belmond Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh early afternoon and travels north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands.
In the evening, indulge in a convivial dinner followed by entertainment in the Observation Car. The Royal Scotsman reaches the village of Boat of Garten, its stabling point for the night.
Day 2: Boat of Garten — Dundee
After breakfast, travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park where broadcaster and food anthropologist Ghillie Basan teams with her son Zeki to teach everything you need to know about Scottish wildlife and Highland survival skills.
Enjoy a barbecue lunch served while Ghillie shares the story about how she came to live in the Cairngorms and was elected a Food Ambassador for Scotland. Join her by the fire for an insightful food and kombucha pairing as she showcases the succulent seasonal produce of the Highlands.
Return to the train in Carrbridge for a relaxing afternoon as the train travels through Inverness and Keith. One option is to visit Strathisla Distillery, the oldest and one of the most picturesque working distilleries in the Highlands, and home to the malt which is incorporated into one of Scotland’s most famous blends, Chivas Regal.
Along the coast, soak up the spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus. Enjoy a splendid gala dinner and some lively jazz music before returning to your cabin.
Day 3: Return to Edinburgh
After breakfast, the train leaves Dundee towards Edinburgh’s Waverley Station where your journey ends.
Dates & Prices
2026 Dates
June 17 - 19 *
June 22 - 24
July 11 - 13
July 24 - 26
August 5 - 7
September 30 - October 2
May 16-18, 2026: Board The Royal Scotsman for A Taste of Scotland, a special tour hosted by Chef Lorna McNee.
June 17-19, 2026: Board The Royal Scotsman for A Taste of Scotland, a special tour hosted by Chef Tom Kitchin.
| Accommodation | Double | Single | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin/Double | From £6,400 | From £12,800 | 25% |
| Grand Suite | From £13,000 | From £26,000 | 25% |
- 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.
2027 Dates
April 21 - 23
May 3 - 5 *
May 5 - 7
July 19 - 21
July 21 - 23
August 23 - 25 *
August 25 - 27
September 8 - 10
May 3-5, 2027: Board The Royal Scotsman for A Taste of Scotland, a special tour hosted by Chef Tom Kitchin.
Aug 23-25, 2027: Board The Royal Scotsman for A Taste of Scotland, a special tour hosted by Chef Lorna McNee.
| Accommodations | Double | Single | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin/Double | From £5,850 | From £11,700 | 25% |
| Grand Suite | From £14,700 | From £29,400 | 25% |
- 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.
Book Your Journey
Reviews From Our Travelers
Our trip on the Royal Scotsman was memorable--wonderful service, food, facilities. Can't beat the Scottish Highlands in beautiful autumn weather. Interesting excursions and pleasant company on board.
First class doesn’t come close to describing the Royal Scotsman experience – it’s more like being a member of royalty for a week. The cuisine, service, tours -- all fantastic. The castles and historical sites were fascinating ....I loved my cozy train compartment and was impressed with how much storage space I had and also the great shower. I have no suggestions for improvement.
Eleanor and her staff are enthusiastic and provide information that is additional to that provided by the particular tour agency. She makes an effort to know her clients and makes sure that the tour is appropriate for each client and follows up on details.
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Tour includes all table d’hôte meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary and accommodation on board.
Inquire About This Journey
For dates and prices, please click here.
Questions? Our experienced luxury rail travel consultants are ready to help.