Belmond Royal Scotsman: Grand Taste of the Highlands, Northbound

Depart Edinburgh Waverley in the early afternoon and travel north with afternoon tea through Perth, Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. Beyond Aviemore, gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, the train stables at Boat of Garten.

Dinner showcases Scotland's larder - think wild halibut, Shetland lobster and Aberdeen Angus beef - followed by lively entertainment in the Observation Car.

A short coach ride brings you to Rothiemurchus Estate, where food anthropologist Ghillie Basan and her son Zeki teach Highland wildlife and survival skills. A barbecue lunch is followed by a food-and-kombucha pairing by the fire; choose from clay-pigeon shooting, fishing, a guided hike or a foraging-focused nature walk in the Caledonian Forest.

Rejoin the train at Carrbridge and relax through Inverness to Keith, with an optional early-evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, home of the malt at the heart of Chivas Regal. Dinner is served on the coastal run through Aberdeenshire and Angus, with jazz in the Observation Car.

Breakfast as the train returns through Fife to Edinburgh. Disembark for a guided tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia's five decks at Leith, then a light lunch at The Balmoral's Brasserie Prince or free time in the capital.

In the early afternoon the train heads west to Craigendoran and the West Highland Line: afternoon tea along Gare Loch, views of Ben Arthur and Loch Lomond, the climb up Glen Falloch and the crossing of wild Rannoch Moor. Dinner on the way to Spean Bridge, with musicians in the Observation Car.

Travelling west through Fort William, watch for Ben Nevis. Alight at Arisaig for a walk on the Silver Sands of Morar with views to Skye's Cuillin mountains; lunch is served returning to Fort William.

This afternoon, choose Glenfinnan with a local guide - the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie brought to life, with drinks at The Old Station Restaurant - or a ranger-led hike through Nevis Gorge to the Steall Waterfall, the UK's second-highest (a reasonable fitness level and sturdy boots required).

Dinner is served heading south to Bridge of Orchy.

South through the Highlands to Wemyss Bay, then the 35-minute ferry to the Isle of Bute. Visit Mount Stuart, Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic house, with afternoon tea in the Drawing Room and time in the grounds - stroll the Lime Tree Avenue to a secluded stretch of coast.

The gala dinner is served on the way to Kilmarnock, with coffee, liqueurs and traditional music in the Observation Car.

After an early departure, a leisurely breakfast is served on the way east to Edinburgh Waverley, where the journey ends.