Belmond Royal Scotsman: 5 Days of Scotland\\\'s Splendour

The Belmond Royal Scotsman : Scotland's Classic Splendours

Overview

Rove through the countryside of Scotland and visit its cities and castles on this exceptional tour of the country’s highlands and scenery. Here, history is everywhere and adds to the romance and adventure that you will experience on board the luxury Belmond Royal Scotsman train. Stepping aboard this iconic train, you will start your journey in the city of Edinburgh and pass over the Forth Railway Bridge. Then after traveling through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen, you will find yourself in the city of Keith. The scenic portion of the trip will take you through Inverness and the Kyle of Lochalsh. Visiting the wild seals near Plockton will give you a good feel for the nature in the region, or alternatively, you can delve into the history of Eilean Donan Castle. You can also experience what it is like to live in Ballindalloch Castle, indulge in an optional golf outing, or visit the Single Estate Distillery in the area. You will tour estates in the region and visit the Cairngorms National Park, finishing this spectacular trip with a visit to Glamis Castle before returning to Edinburgh. As your tour on the luxury Belmond Royal Scotsman train draws to an end you will have experienced one of the best ways to see Scotland, walked through its lush forests, and tasted the finest cuisine and whiskey to be had.

Itinerary

DAY 1

EDINBURGH / KEITH

Edinburgh to Keith - Welcome to the Royal Scotsman

Today the Belmond Royal Scotsman embarks from Edinburgh, traveling north and crossing the Firth of Forth via the renowned Forth Railway Bridge. Enjoy afternoon tea as your train travels through Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen. Arrive in Keith, where the train will stay overnight. Enjoy an informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.

DAY 2

KEITH / KYLE OF LOCHALSH / PLOCKTON

Keith to Kyle of Lochalsh - Journey to the Highlands: Castles, Whiskey and Wildlife

Watch the Scottish Highlands Pass by Outside Your Window

Leave Keith this morning as the train travels west along the Moray Fifth towards Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands.
Enjoy lunch as you journey towards Kyle of Lochalsh along a beautiful scenic route, arguably the most scenic railway route in the UK. Disembark at Plockton, a picturesque town where you can take a boat trip on the bay to see wild seals or enjoy a dram of whiskey and a traditional Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel. Another option is to visit Eilean Bonan Castle and learn about the rich history (including its restoration) behind this iconic site.
Night is spent on the train in Kyle of Lochalsh, with a formal dinner. Afterwards, coffee and liqueurs will be available in the Observation Car.
* Please note that some dates there will be an alternative itinerary for the afternoon. Full itinerary will be available upon booking.

DAY 3

BOAT OF GARTEN / KYLE OF LOCHALSH

Kyle of Lochalsh to Boat of Garten - Glen Ord Distillery

Depart Kyle as breakfast is served and retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where you can see white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor.
Disembark in Garve to visit Glen Ord Distillery, which is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, founded in 1838. Situated on the edge of the Black Isle, west of Inverness, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations. During your visit, enjoy a tour of the distillery as well as a private tasting and nosing session.
Travel south to Carrbridge where you disembark to explore romantic Ballindalloch Castle on beautiful Speyside.
Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour, 9 holes of golf on the castle's own course or an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery.
The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an
*Please note: Some departure dates may have an alternative itinerary. Early-risers will have opportunity to join a short, scenic trip to photograph the famous Eilean Donan Castle before the train heads south to Carrbridge for a tour of Glenlivet Distillery.

DAY 4

BOAT OF GARTEN / DUNDEE

Boat of Garten to Dundee - Rothiemurchus Estate

Delve into Scottish Culture Aboard the Royal Scotsman

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed.
Re-joining the train at Kingussie, lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld, where you disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Return to the train in Perth for a formal dinner and entertainment. Overnight stay on board in Dundee.

DAY 5

DUNDEE / EDINBURGH