The Belmond Royal Scotsman: Scotch Malt Whisky Trail

Contact Palace Tours if you need to purchase travel insurance. When traveling on the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train we recommend insurance cover for personal belongings and your luggage. Insurance will often times also cover any charges associated with the cancellation/interruption of tours and any medical bills. Details of cancellation policies can be found in our booking conditions.

In case you are not a citizen of the United Kingdom you will need a valid passport for the duration of the tour on the train. Also according to the country that issued your passport, you might require a visa when you enter into the UK. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or government before you make your plans to travel to the UK.

Children under the age of 12 are permitted onboard so contact reservations if you need further details.

If you use a wheelchair or have restricted mobility, please contact us directly, to discuss whether you can proceed with the trip on the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train.

Please contact us in advance if you have any special dietary requirements or any food allergies and these will be accommodated by the chef.

A “country house on wheels,” Belmond Royal Scotsman is Belmond’s unique luxury train in Scotland and has been in service since 1985. There are 9 carriages total, fitted with luxurious modern comforts, that will whisk you away on this Scottish adventure. Traveling through remote areas of Scotland by train, you will view landscapes and incredible wilderness that cannot be seen any other way.

Belmond Royal Scotsman has 22 luxurious en-suite cabins for its 40 passengers designed in Edwardian style. There are 15 twin cabins (with two twin beds), four single cabins (one twin bed), and four double cabins (one double bed). In addition to an en-suite shower room, each cabin has a desk, wardrobe, controllable central heating, and a large window to view the passing scenery. Rich mahogany siding and gorgeous tartan fabrics create a warm and elegant Scottish haven.

No, Belmond Royal Scotsman is stationary at night in a quiet siding or station, providing greater comfort for a better night’s sleep. The train stops around 7pm at night and will resume service around 7am. Once the train is stabled for the night, you are able to step off for fresh air and to stretch your legs.

Belmond Royal Scotsman carries 40 passengers in 22 cabins. This small number creates a truly personal and intimate experience. As you travel through remote areas of Scotland, you will find yourself getting to know your fellow passengers and staff rather well over the course of the journey.

Currently, the Belmond Royal Scotsman has 18 staff members to the 40 passengers on board. There is a cabin steward available to you during all hours.

Belmond Royal Scotsman is deliberately designed to immerse its passengers in Scottish culture from the moment they board. Fitted with rich mahogany paneling, colorful tartan fabrics, and large windows, the train becomes your new Scottish home.  

Lunch and dinner are held in two distinct dining cars: Raven and Swift, which accommodate all passengers at a time in more intimate, family-style seating arrangements.

Throughout your journey on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, authentic Scottish cuisine is sourced regionally using the freshest produce. In the dining carriage, an extensive range of wines and local spirits will pair nicely with your meals, as you enjoy the rich mahogany panels surrounding you. The dishes you enjoy are kept in tune with the areas of Scotland you traverse, and are sure to delight. For instance, steamed mussels may be served for lunch as the Scotsman passes harbors overlooking the ocean. The following link takes you to a sample menu where you may get a better sense of the Scotish cuisine: http://4c6c364fdf1082a37bcf-54493dc0d9255706a1b8a801c97a6044.r8.cf2.rackcdn.com/rs_dining_menu.pdf       

Meals will typically take place during a two hour window. Meal times may vary day to day according to the itinerary, but generally, lunch is served from 12-2pm, and dinner is served from 7-9pm.  

In addition to the Sleeping Cars and two Restaurant Cars, there is an Observation Car which is the social hub of the Royal Scotsman. This car doubles as a bar car and boasts an open-air veranda where you can step out for fresh air and to watch the scenery pass by. The Observation Car comfortably seats 40 passengers, and the veranda can hold between 2-3 people at once. Sit in the upholstered sofas, mingle with the other passengers, and try some of the 50 local whisky options available from the bar. After dinner each night, there will be local Scottish entertainment for your enjoyment, ranging from lively music to a Highlander’s dramatic storytelling.

Yes, all drinks are included in the overall price.

No, there are no TVs and no WIFI connection on board. The reasons are partly deliberate and partly logistical. Travelers are encouraged to get to know each other, converse, and take in the rich scenery around them.

Attire is smart casual on board the train, however, formal wear is advised for a special farewell dinner that concludes each journey. This may be black tie or for a truly special experience, consider hiring a traditional Highlander dress outfit. For informal dinners, a shirt and tie is recommended for gentlemen. Also, dress appropriately for outdoor excursions with comfortable footwear and practical clothing. Kilts may also be worn in a formal capacity.

Most Western European languages will be available. If a translator is needed, please contact Palace Tours to request at the time of booking.

Belmond trains are particularly popular among tourists over the age of 40. In recent years, younger clientele are becoming increasingly represented on the train as well. The majority of the clientele is American, while there are also English, Australian, and Western European travelers as well.

As you tour the beautiful scenery of Scotland, you will find old castles and modern whiskey distilleries sprinkled into the green landscape. You will also find mountains and other geographical features you didn’t know existed in Scotland, populated by Highland Cattle with thick brown coats. You may also extend or customize your journey through Scotland to see more of whichever sights interest you the most.

It is recommended that passengers have a small number of Euros for on board purchases. However, most major currencies are accepted, as well as travelers’ cheques, Eurocheques and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB). The exchange rate on board is displayed in the Bar Car.

Tipping is not required on the tour, regardless of the cities visited. You may feel free to do so as your tipping culture suggests, but it is ultimately discretionary.

No. To comply with European regulations, Belmond Royal Scotsman operates a no smoking policy on board the train.

Yes, you may choose to arrive a few days early or leave later to extend your trip. Simply contact Palace Tours to discuss what you would like to add, and we will hammer out the details for you.   

Yes, contact Palace Tours for more information.

Special rates are possible for children under 12 years old. Contact Palace Tours for information on these rates.

Phone: (609)-683-5018; email: travel@palacetours.com