Exploration by rail is an inspiring addition to a Luxury Tailor Made Journey. The Belmond Royal Scotsman offers a variety of alternative routings and departure dates. Speak to your A&K Travel Consultant or your travel professional to create a customized journey including a rail experience.
EMBARK EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
In Edinburgh, transfer to Waverley Station and board the Belmond Royal Scotsman, your elegant, Edwardian home for the next five days. Pull out of the station and begin your journey northward across the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. One of the first cantilever bridges, it is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age. Enjoy afternoon tea as you journey through the former Kingdom of Fife and across the Tay Bridge. Follow the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith, where the train stables for the night. Enjoy dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.
INVERNESS | CAWDOR CASTLE
Leave Keith this morning as the train travels west along the Moray Firth toward Inverness, capital of the highlands. Lunch is served as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is often touted the most scenic railway route in the UK. Disembark in picturesque Plockton. Take a boat trip to see wild seals or enjoy a dram and a traditional Highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. Alternatively, visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic sights, and learn how the castle was painstakingly restored to its former glory. Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.
GARVE & CARRBRIDGE | GLEN ORD DISTILLERY & BALLINDALLOCH CASTLE
Depart Kyle as breakfast is served 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 white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Disembark in Garve to visit Glen Ord Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland. During your visit, enjoy a tour of the distillery as well as a private tasting and nosing session. The train continues south to Carrbridge, where you disembark to explore Ballindalloch Castle, home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. Opt to play nine holes of golf on the castle’s course, enjoy an exclusive look at one of Scotland’s only single-estate distilleries or explore the castle on a private tour. Rejoin the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. After dinner aboard, meet a Highlander who breathes life into the stories of Scottish heroes.
BOAT OF GARTEN & DUNKELD | ROTHIEMURCHUS ESTATE & GLAMIS CASTLE
After breakfast, disembark the train at Boat of Garten and proceed by motor coach to Rothiemurchus Estate. Here, choose from a number of activities including fishing, clay pigeon shooting and guided walks. Rejoin the train in Kinggussie, enjoying lunch as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry. Disembark in Dunkeld for a visit to Glamis Castle, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother. Rejoin the train in Perth, enjoying a formal dinner aboard before stabling for the evening in Dundee.
DISEMBARK EDINBURGH
This morning after breakfast, the train leaves Dundee and travels through the Kingdom of Fife to Edinburgh. Disembark the Belmond Royal Scotsman to continue on with the remainder of your Tailor Made Journey.
The Americas
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Australia, NZ and SE Asia