Royal Scotsman Luxury train

April 18, 27
May 4, 11, 23, 27
June 1, 15, 24, 28
July 6, 19, 23, 27
August 5, 9, 15, 19, 24
September 2, 14, 23, 28
October 7, 12, 21
November 7, 14

The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station at 14.07, and travels north across the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. This is one of the first cantilever bridges, designed and built by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age, and known as the eighth wonder of the world.

This is one of the first cantilever bridges, designed and built by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age, and known as the eighth wonder of the world.

We enjoy afternoon tea as we continue our journey through the former Kingdom of Fife and across the Tay Bridge.

Following the east coast we pass through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith, where we disembark for a traditional Scottish ceilidh at Strathisla Distillery, "the Home and Heart of Chivas Regal".

west towards Elgin. We disembark in Elgin where our motorcoach is waiting to take us to the Glen Grant distillery. Founded by James and John Grant in 1840 the distillery is set around a small courtyard with turreted and gabled offices in the "Scottish Baronial" style.

We return to the train before heading west to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Afterwards we continue westwards towards Kyle of Lochalsh, on what is arguably the most scenic route in Britain.

Lunch is served as we pass through Dingwall and Garve, which lies under the shadow of Cnoc na h-Iolaire. The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, which are so old they contain no fossils. Geologists believe that they were formed before any life began. We pass through Achnasheen, and climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest before descending to Strathcarron. We then follow the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig.

We disembark in Plockton, where we have an opportunity to become our own guide as we explore this Scottish Highland village. Here we can take an exclusive boat trip to see the seals at one with nature, and relish the magnificent views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains. There is a woodland walk, which leads to a viewpoint overlooking the loch. Alternatively visit the local art gallery or simply wander through the charming village. Afterwards we rendezvous at the Plockton Hotel, where there is time to enjoy a dram or two before rejoining the motorcoach.

We return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh where we stable overnight. Dinner this evening is formal and afterwards we enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car.

After breakfast our motorcoach takes us to Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed in Scotland. The castle stands on a rocky promontory at the meeting point of three sea lochs, and its beginnings reach back to the Picts. It survived many bombardments, until in 1719 it was razed to the ground during the Jacobite rebellion. Two hundred years later it was restored to its former glory.

We depart Kyle 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 whitewashed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Travelling round the edge of the Beauly Firth, we cross the northern end of the Caledonian Canal shortly before reaching Inverness.

We continue south to Carrbridge where we disembark for our visit to Ballindalloch, one of Scotland's most romantic castles. Set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey valley, Ballindalloch has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546, and exemplifies the elegant and comfortable country house so beloved of Victorians in the Highlands.

We return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. Our formal dinner is served and afterwards we meet Ray Owens, a Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes. We gain a true sense of the past and learn how life in the Highlands has changed over the centuries.

We depart the train at Boat of Garten where we can choose from a number of different options. Golfers can enjoy a round at Boat of Garten Golf Club, a demanding test of sporting skill and a magnificent Highland setting for the game. For those wishing to explore the surrounding countryside, there is a guided woodland walk where various species of wildlife will be pointed out. There will be an opportunity for fisherman to try their hand on the River Spey or alternatively, enjoy some time on your own in this beautiful Speyside setting.

We rejoin the train in Aviemore and enjoy lunch as we continue south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Perth, where we disembark for our visit to Glamis, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late H.M. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. The Bowes Lyon family have lived at Glamis since 1372, when Sir John Lyon was granted the thaneage of Glamis by King Robert II. Since then the castle has been visited and lived in by many members of the Scottish and British Royal Families.

We rejoin the train in Perth and enjoy an informal dinner as we travel to the historic town of Stirling, dominated by its magnificent royal castle, where we stable overnight.

Day Five: Stirling - Edinburgh

Breakfast is served from 07.30 this morning. We then leave Stirling and return through Larbert and Linlithgow to arrive in Edinburgh at 09.35 where our tour ends.

Rates are on request, please email number of people traveling, dates and we will give you a quote.