Grand Taste of the Highlands: A 6-Day Royal Scotsman Journey
Great Rail Journey: Grand Taste Of The Highlands, Northbound On Royal Scotsman
Duration
6 DaysStarts In
EdinburghRoute
Edinburgh
LUXURY RAIL JOURNEY – 6 days/ 5 nights package spirits you away as you rretrace part of the famed West Highland Line. With visits to Boat of Garten, Rothiemurchus, Culloden, Keith, Dundee, Spean Bridge, Silver Sands of Morar, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Fort William, Bridge of Orchy, Isle of Bute and Kilmarnock. Includes private round-trip transfers between your Edinburgh hotel and the rail station, 5 nights of luxury accommodation aboard the Royal Scotsman with 24-hour steward service; all meals aboard the train; full Scottish breakfast, two-course lunch, three-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petit fours, all beverages, including alcoholic drinks. Also included are an excursion to Morar Sands, a choice between a visit to Glenfinnan Monument or a walk-through Nevis Gorge to the cascading Steall Waterfall. Later, embark on a guided tour of Mount Stuart and of the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh. Explore Ballindalloch Castle and get active at Rothiemurchus estate, finishing your tour with a visit to Glamis castle as well as traditional ceilidhs, informal dinners and evening entertainment in the Observation Car as well as a formal dining experience.
Includes
- Meals as per itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D)
- Sightseeing: per itinerary
- All other items not mentioned as included
- Train tickets as per the itinerary
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Select alcoholic drinks as per itinerary
- Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
- Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
- Accommodations of your choice
Excludes
- Items of a personal nature
- All other items not mentioned as included
- Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
- Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Edinburgh to the Highlands: A Royal Welcome
Your adventure begins with a private transfer from your centrally located Edinburgh hotel to Waverley Station, where you’ll be welcomed aboard the Royal Scotsman. Step into an atmosphere of timeless elegance, where Edwardian-inspired interiors blend tartan, cashmere, and contemporary Scottish design.
Departing in the early afternoon, the train travels north to Perth, while you indulge in a traditional afternoon tea. Wind your way through scenic Highland landscapes, passing Dunkeld, Pitlochry, and Blair Atholl. As you continue toward Aviemore, gateway to the Cairngorms, admire towering peaks and ancient forests before arriving at Boat of Garten for the night.
Dinner is a celebration of Scottish cuisine—think Shetland lobster, wild halibut, and Aberdeen Angus beef. Cap off the evening with live entertainment and a fine dram in the Observation Car.
2
Day 2: Highland Adventures & Coastal Charms
After breakfast, take a short coach ride to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Choose from outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting, archery, fishing, or a guided nature tour, followed by refreshments in the estate’s hunting lodge.
Return to the train in Carrbridge and enjoy lunch en route to Inverness. In the afternoon, explore the historic Culloden Battlefield, where your guide brings the dramatic events of 1746 to life. Continue to Nairn, and then to Keith, stopping for a private visit and tasting at Strathisla Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries.
Soak in views of the Aberdeenshire coast as the train travels south. A splendid dinner is served before an evening of live jazz and conviviality in the Observation Car.
3
Day 3: Castles & Countryside
Enjoy breakfast as the Royal Scotsman departs Dundee and crosses the River Tay into the former Kingdom of Fife, returning to Edinburgh. Disembark for a guided tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia, once the floating residence of the Royal Family. Explore its regal decks before enjoying a light lunch at Brasserie Prince in The Balmoral Hotel or opt for time at leisure in Edinburgh.
Rejoin the train in the afternoon and journey west via Falkirk, Dumbarton, and along the banks of the Clyde. From Craigendoran, begin the West Highland Line, passing Loch Long, Ben Arthur, and Loch Lomond. Ascend Glen Falloch with its cascading waterfalls, and continue across the hauntingly beautiful Rannoch Moor.
Dinner is served en route to Spean Bridge, followed by traditional music and storytelling in the Observation Car.
4
Day 4: Silver Sands & Highland Legends
This morning, the train travels west through Fort William, with dramatic views of Ben Nevis. Continue alongside Loch Eil, then across the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and past Lochailort to Arisaig. Disembark for a walk along the Silver Sands of Morar, with views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye.
Return to the train for lunch, then choose between a guided tour of Glenfinnan or a moderate-grade hike through Nevis Gorge to Steall Waterfall, led by a local ranger. The hike offers unforgettable views but requires proper footwear and a good level of fitness.
Rejoin the train in Fort William and relax as you travel south to Bridge of Orchy, where dinner and a peaceful evening await.
5
Day 5: Victorian Splendour on the Isle of Bute
Departing Bridge of Orchy, enjoy breakfast while passing through the dramatic Highland scenery. After lunch, disembark in Wemyss Bay for a short ferry crossing to the Isle of Bute.
Visit Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece created by the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Inside, marvel at the richly detailed interiors, a private art collection, and architectural features inspired by mythology, astrology, and faith. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Drawing Room and stroll through landscaped gardens and coastal paths.
Return to the train for a grand gala dinner en route to Kilmarnock. The evening continues with traditional Scottish music and farewell drinks in the Observation Car.
6
Day 6: Farewell to the Highlands
After an early departure from Kilmarnock, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the Royal Scotsman makes its final journey east. Take in the last glimpses of Scotland’s rolling hills and timeless charm before arriving at Edinburgh Waverley Station.
Your private driver will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to your centrally located Edinburgh hotel, ensuring a seamless and stylish end to your unforgettable luxury rail experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Great Rail Journey: Grand Taste of the Highlands, Northbound on Royal Scotsman package includes 5 nights of luxury accommodation aboard the Royal Scotsman with 24-hour steward service, all meals and select alcoholic drinks, private round-trip transfers between your Edinburgh hotel and the rail station, sightseeing excursions as per the itinerary, entrance fees, and Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance. Optional activities and personal expenses are not included.
Travelers will journey aboard the Royal Scotsman train, enjoying a luxurious rail experience through Scotland's scenic landscapes. The itinerary includes private transfers to and from your centrally located Edinburgh hotel and the rail station, as well as a short ferry crossing to the Isle of Bute. All transfers and transportation are seamlessly arranged to ensure a comfortable travel experience.
While the accommodations aboard the Royal Scotsman are fixed as part of this luxury rail journey, Keytours Vacations can assist with customizing certain aspects of your itinerary, such as additional nights in Edinburgh before or after the tour, or arranging optional activities. Speak with a Keytours travel consultant to explore customization options and ensure your experience aligns with your preferences.
This itinerary involves a moderate level of physical activity. Excursions include walking tours, such as a guided tour of Glenfinnan or a hike through Nevis Gorge to Steall Waterfall, which requires proper footwear and a good level of fitness. Other activities, like visiting estates or castles, involve walking and standing for extended periods. Travelers should be prepared for these activities, but alternative options or leisure time are available.
Yes, all meals aboard the Royal Scotsman are included, featuring full Scottish breakfasts, two-course lunches, and three-course dinners with a cheeseboard, coffee, tea, and petit fours. Select alcoholic drinks are also included, allowing you to enjoy a range of beverages throughout the journey. Meals are crafted to celebrate Scottish cuisine, offering a luxurious dining experience.
This luxury rail journey visits several iconic Scottish destinations, including Edinburgh, Boat of Garten, Rothiemurchus, Culloden, Keith, Dundee, Spean Bridge, Silver Sands of Morar, Glenfinnan Viaduct, Fort William, Bridge of Orchy, Isle of Bute, and Kilmarnock. Each stop offers unique cultural, historical, and scenic experiences, providing a comprehensive taste of the Scottish Highlands.
The Great Rail Journey: Grand Taste of the Highlands is well-suited for adults, including older travelers, who appreciate luxury travel, cultural exploration, and scenic landscapes. While the itinerary involves moderate physical activity, it offers a comfortable and indulgent travel experience. Families with older children may also enjoy the journey, but it's best suited for those interested in history, culture, and nature.
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