Royal Scotsman Luxury train

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.

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".

Breakfast is served from 08.00 this morning, as we depart Keith and travel 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.

Now there is the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh, known as the 'Athens of the North'. Explore the historic Royal Mile, visit the Castle, take in an art gallery or simply relax with a coffee.

Rejoin the train at Edinburgh Waverley Station for our departure at 14:08. Head west through Falkirk, Clydebank and Dumbarton to skirt Glasgow and so reach the northern bank of the Clyde.
Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies Craigendoran junction, the starting point for the majestic West Highland Line.

Afternoon tea is served as we travel along the edge of Gare Loch. Loch Long comes into sight to our left, and after vanishing for a while, returns with a view of Ben Arthur (The Cobbler) with its distinctive peak.

As we pass Arrochar we get our first view of Loch Lomond. Then we descend almost to the water's edge at Ardlui, and have a hard climb up Glen Falloch, whose many waterfalls provide an impressive display.

As we continue north we pass through Crianlarich and Bridge of Orchy. There are spectacular views of Rannoch Moor before arrival in Spean Bridge where we stable overnight. After an informal dinner 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.

Breakfast is served as we continue our journey west, passing through Fort William and with views of Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain) to our right. We travel by Loch Eil, past Glenfinnan and Arisaig, then north alongside the stunning coastline until we reach Arisaig. We disembark here for a walk along Morar Sands, a huge expanse of gleaming white sand, where we enjoy excellent views across the Sound of Sleat to the romantic Isle of Skye with its magnificent Cuillin Mountains.

We rejoin the train and enjoy lunch as we retrace our route towards Fort William then Spean Bridge before turning south. We arrive in Bridge of Orchy where we disembark for our visit to Inverawe Smokehouse.

The Smokery, which is situated in grand mountain scenery overlooking the lower reaches of the River Awe, is where locally caught fish are cleaned, cured, smoked, sliced and packed. The owners Robert and Rosie Campbell-Preston invite us into their home, to sample the Inverawe delicacies over a glass of wine.

We return to the train in Taynuilt at where we stable overnight. After our formal dinner we enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car.

We leave Taynuilt as we take yesterday's route as far as Glasgow before heading south to Gourock. On arrival at Weymss Bay we take the ferry across to the Isle of Bute. The island embraces a variety of landscapes; seashore, moorland, farmland and forest. The natural history, geography, geology and ancient history of the island are revealed at every turn. From St Blane's Chapel at the south of the island to the abandoned townships in Glen More at the north, it seems that every stone has its tale to tell.

Today we visit Mount Stuart, Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. This was the architectural fantasy of the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. Stunning, mysterious interiors reflect the romantic and scholarly Marquess' passion for art, heraldry, astrology, mythology and religion. There is arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland.

After afternoon tea, we have time to explore this magnificent house, its tranquil Rock Garden, the Wee Garden containing rare plants from the southern hemisphere, the Kitchen Garden and the Victorian Pinetum. The Limetree Avenue leads us to a secluded stretch of coastline, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.

We return to the mainland and rejoin the train, then we travel through the outskirts of Glasgow to arrive in the historic town of Stirling, dominated by its magnificent royal castle, and where we stable overnight. Our informal dinner is served.

During breakfast we leave Stirling and return through Larbert and Linlithgow to arrive in Edinburgh at 09.43 where our tour ends.

Please note: this journey can also be done in reverse, i.e the Western followed by the Classic.

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