Royal Scotsman Luxury train, The Spirit of Scotland

Our host for this journey is Charles Maclean, one of the world's foremost whisky writers and a well-known authority on the subject. Charles has published nine books to date, including two leading books on the subject -'Scotch Whisky' and 'Malt Whisky' - both shortlisted for the Glenfiddich Awards. He was elected a Keeper of the Quaich, the industry's highest accolade, in 1992, for 'his services to Scotch over many years'.

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.

During afternoon tea, we enjoy a talk from Neil Cochrane, Senior Chemist and Quality Assurance Manager with Diageo - 'An Introduction to Scotch Whisky'. Afterwards there will be a question and answer session with Neil Cochrane and our host for the tour, whisky expert Charles MacLean.

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". There will be a whisky tasting led by Alan Greig, the distillery manager.

Our coach takes us past the Elgin and Rothes Distilleries, with commentary from Charles MacLean.

We arrive at Macallan distillery, where we enjoy a tour around the premises, followed by a vertical tasting of 'Fine and Rare' Macallan's led by Bob Delgano, distillery manager. This extraordinary range of vintage whiskies date from the last 60 years.

We return to the train, and enjoy lunch as we head towards Tain. Here we disembark for a visit to Glenmorangie Distillery where we are shown round by Graham Eunson, Distillery Manager. There will also be a tasting of unusual Glenmorangie malts led by Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilleries and Maturation.

Afterwards we continue westwards towards Kyle of Lochalsh, on what is arguably the most scenic route in Britain. 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.

At Kyle of Lochalsh we stable overnight. Dinner this evening is formal and afterwards we enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car.

Following an early breakfast this morning our motorcoach takes us over to the Isle of Skye where we visit Talisker Distillery for a tour and vertical tasting, led by Alistair Robertson, Distillery Manager and assisted by Dr Nicholas Morgan, Marketing Director of Premium Whiskies at Diageo.

(Alternative for partners: free time to explore Plockton, a beautiful Highland village. There will be the opportunity to take a boat trip to see seals, enjoy a woodland walk, visit the local art gallery or simply wander through the charming village)

We return to the train at 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. Enroute we enjoy a historical talk and a question and answer session with Dr Nicholas Morgan and Charles MacLean.

We continue south to Carrbridge where we disembark for a tour of Cragganmore Distillery and a vertical tasting of single casks of Cragganmore malt led by Gordon Winton, Distillery Manager.

( Alternative for partners: visit to Ballindalloch and have tea with the owners, the Macpherson Grants. 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 and our informal dinner

We depart the train at Boat of Garten for our visit to the Glenlivet Distillery. Here we enjoy a tour and tasting of rare Glenlivets led by Bill Cryle, the Distillery Manager.

We rejoin the train in Aviemore and enjoy lunch as we continue south to Blair Atholl, where we disembark for Edradour Distillery, for a tour and tasting led by Iain Henderson, the distillery manager. Afterwards we travel to Blair Castle, the headquarters of the Keepers of the Quaich, the most exclusive whisky club in the world. There will be a tasting of old and rare whiskies by Andrew Symington, the Managing Director of Signatory Vintage Malt Whiskies.

(Alternative for partners: a walk at the spectacular Falls of Bruar or visit the House of Bruar, Scotland's most prestigious country store)

We rejoin the train in Blair Atholl and travel to the historic town of Stirling, dominated by its magnificent royal castle, where we stable overnight. Following our formal dinner we enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car.

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

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