Overview
Set off on the Belmond Royal Scotsman - Heritage Homes & Gardens tour, a luxury train experience that invites you to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and South West Scotland. This remarkable journey showcases the vibrant colors of autumn as you travel through captivating gardens and historic estates, all while indulging in the sophisticated comforts of luxury accommodations aboard one of the world's most exquisite trains.
Your adventure begins in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, leading you through the picturesque towns of Kyle of Lochalsh and Plockton, where stunning scenery meets rich culture. Continue your exploration with stops in Dundee, Kingussie, and Rothiemurchus, each offering exclusive access to Scotland's hidden gems and natural beauty. This is not just a luxury travel experience; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the elegance of Scottish heritage, making the Belmond Royal Scotsman - Heritage Homes & Gardens tour an unforgettable escape for discerning travelers.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
ABERDEEN & EDINBURGH
Depart early afternoon. The train heads north, crossing the splendid Forth Railway Bridge.
Disembark at Montrose to visit Pitmuies Garden near Forfar, one of the finest private gardens in Scotland. You have time to explore the gardens and walks and then enjoy a drink with your hosts, the Ogilvies, in their exquisite drawing room.
Return to the train in Montrose and enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the Observation Car. followed by dinner. as the train travels up the east coast through Aberdeen and into Speyside, Scotland's whisky region, before arriving in the market town of Keith to stable overnight.
KYLE OF LOCHALSH & PLOCKTON
During a leisurely breakfast. the train makes its way to Inverness and north to Invergordon, where guests alight for a visit to the 18th-century Foulis Castle, seat of the Clan Munro. Mrs Munro of Foulis and her son, Hector, the Clan Chief, welcome you, after which you can explore the grounds and courtyard garden. Alternatively, join Hector in the drawing room for a whisky tasting. Return to the train travel towards Kyle the Torridon for lunch as you of Lochalsh past mountains. Achnashellach forest and Loch Carron.
Disembark at Plockton for a visit to Attadale on the west coast, this magnificent estate boasts a Water Garden.
KYLE OF LOCHALSH
Disembark after breakfast to drive across to the mystical Isle of Skye and the 2.000-acre Clan Donald estate. Return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh and enjoy a leisurely lunch as you retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall.
This evening disembark to visit Ballindalloch Castle, one of Scotland's most romantic castles, with its wonderful walled gardens. Rejoin the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.
DUNDEE & KINGUSSIE & ROTHIEMURCHUS
A coach takes you to the Rothiemurchus Estate, where you can tour the parkland or enjoy some of the many outdoor activities on this breathtakingly beautiful site beneath the Cairngorm Mountains. Lunch is served on returning to the train in Kingussie. The journey then proceeds south on to Dunblane where you disembark for a late afternoon visit to your final garden on the itinerary, Kilbryde Castle and Gardens. Return to the train in Dundee for dinner and a final night on board.
DUNDEE & EDINBURGH
Depart from Dundee in the morning 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
- Four nights aboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train
- 24-hour steward service Special guest hosts on board: Photographer Patsy Floyd and Gardening Writer Susan Chivers
- 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 Pitmuies Garden
- A tour of Foulis Castle led by a member of the Munro clan
- A visit to Attadale Gardens
- An excursion to the Isle of Skye, including a tour of the Clan Donald Estate
- Evening drinks reception at Ballindalloch Castle and a tour of the Walled Rose Garden
- A visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits
- A visit to Kilbryde Castle and Gardens
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.
Accommodations
Our luxury cabins provide a welcome sanctuary after a day in the Highlands. Lined with rich marquetry, each one features plush beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans. An elegant dressing table and en suite add to the indulgence. Let your mind wander as you gaze through the generous picture window—they’re made for daydreaming.
Details
- Lower berth beds
- En suite with shower, washbasin and WC
- Dressing table
- Full-length wardrobe
- Opening windows and ceiling fans
- 220/240 voltage system
- High-quality toiletries
- Fresh white towels
- Foam pillow and hypoallergenic duvet
- Quilted cotton bed cover
- Hairdryer
- Cabin service call button
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
Belmond Royal Scotsman - Heritage Homes & Gardens
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From $21,188 per person (double occupancy, USD) — live dates and rates are in the Book This Tour section above.
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