Overview
Embrace the spirit of adventure on this journey up Scotland's undulating east coast and across into the highlands
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
BOAT OF GARTEN & EDINBURGH
Departing Edinburgh in the early afternoon, journey north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands.
In the evening an informal dinner is served, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.
Overnight in Boat of Garten.
BOAT OF GARTEN & DUNDEE
After breakfast, you travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus offers a magical setting in which to try a spot of clay-pigeon shooting or fishing or a tour of the estate.
Rejoin the train for lunch and travel to Culloden Battlefield for a private tour.
Enjoy an evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries and home to one of Scotland's most famous whiskies.
Back on board enjoy some spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus. A formal dinner is served on the way to Dundee.
DUNDEE & EDINBURGH
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you leave Dundee behind and return to Edinburgh.
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Terms & Conditions
Booking Conditions
Deposit: 25% of the total fare confirms your booking. Balance: due 120 days before departure; bookings made within 120 days of departure are payable in full at booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be made in writing and take effect when acknowledged. Charges apply as a percentage of the total fare for the person(s) cancelling:
- 120 days or more before departure: 25%
- 119–90 days before departure: 50%
- 89–30 days before departure: 70%
- 29 days or less before departure, or no-show: 100%
Date changes follow the same charge schedule as cancellations. A booking may be transferred to another guest up to 14 days before departure (an amendment fee plus any supplier costs apply); name changes require at least 7 days' written notice. No refunds are made for unused services or no-shows.
Important
Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation is strongly recommended. Schedule per Belmond's Trains & Cruises booking conditions (world excluding EEA/UK, last updated 11 February 2026). Palace Tours' terms and conditions also apply.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Since Belmond uses dynamic pricing, it is better if you start your booking process online and then call us we can use any special coupons or offers that may give you the best deals and best service. Please do register and start the booking process so the system can start holding the space for you without a financial commitment
Includes
- Two nights aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train
- 24-hour steward service
- All meals aboard the train: full Scottish breakfast, three-course lunch, and four-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petits fours
- All beverages including alcoholic drinks
- A visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits
- A private tour of Culloden Battlefield
- A trip to the Strathisla Distillery
- Traditional entertainment on board
EXCLUSIONS:
- Travel insurance
- Domestic or international airfare
- Transfers before or after your train journey
- Gratuities for crew members
- Items of a personal nature, souvenirs and any other items not specifically mentioned as included.
Frequently Asked Questions & Tips
A Day Aboard
Days follow an unhurried rhythm: a full Scottish breakfast, a two-course lunch and afternoon tea on scenic runs, then a three-course dinner with cheeseboard, coffee and petits fours. Dinners alternate between informal evenings (smart casual) and formal or gala nights, when a dark suit, tuxedo or kilt is customary for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or tartan for ladies. All meals, all drinks - including an extensive whisky selection - excursions and nightly entertainment in the Observation Car are included in the fare. Most evenings the train stables in a quiet country station, so you sleep to stillness rather than motion.
Know Before You Go
Boarding: journeys depart from Edinburgh Waverley station. Check-in is at The Balmoral Hotel beside the station; deposit your luggage with the concierge between 11:00 and 12:15 and it will be transferred to the train for you.
Luggage: cabins are compact - one suitcase and one carry-on per guest is recommended. Under-bed storage measures roughly 71 x 23 cm; larger cases can be stored at The Balmoral for the duration of the journey.
Packing: bring a warm waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes for Highland excursions, comfortable clothing for the train, and formal wear for gala evenings. UK electricity is 220/240V - pack an adaptor.
Wi-Fi: available in the Observation Car, though coverage drops in the remoter stretches of the Highlands.
Mobility & health: excursions involve coach transfers, uneven ground and some walking; optional guided hikes require a reasonable level of fitness. There are no medical facilities on board. If you or a companion need special assistance, contact us before booking and we will advise on the best-suited departures.
Children & pets: children may travel at the Train Manager's discretion (infants under two travel free); the atmosphere is geared to adults, and families are advised to book interconnecting cabins or a Grand Suite. Pets are not permitted, with the exception of assistance dogs.
Dietary requirements: vegetarian, vegan and allergy-aware menus are available when requested at the time of booking.
Smoking: not permitted anywhere on board, including electronic cigarettes.
Documents & insurance: overseas visitors need a passport valid for at least six months beyond the journey; check UK visa requirements for your nationality. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Fares do not include gratuities or insurance.
Media Gallery
Taste of Highlands
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From $7,971 per person (double occupancy, USD) — live dates and rates are in the Book This Tour section above.
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