Royal Scotsman: A Belmond Train Journey
All aboard the Royal Scotsman for a signature Belmond train journey across the Scottish Highlands. This one is for the ‘slow travelers,’ the glamorous explorers of the world, and for those who like to travel in style. Train travel is alluring. It takes you back in time to the old-world mode of transportation, allowing you the space and time to experience the scenery with patience and awe. We all know and love a good road trip, but trains take you where cars cannot. Railroads can reach landscapes that are otherwise untouched, allowing you to see more of the views without the stressful traffic. And that’s where Belmond comes in. Belmond’s train journeys are luxurious, convenient, even indulgent.
THE ROYAL SCOTSMAN
As one of Belmond’s signature trains, the Royal Scotsman is luxury at its finest. Departing and arriving at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, this iconic train allows 40 guests onboard and circumnavigates the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The sumptuous cabins and two dining cars offer unprecedented levels of comfort. Each evening, you are welcomed with live entertainment and traditional ceilidhs to nourish you with countless fables to write home about.
THE DIOR SPA
If you’ve heard the rumors, they are true! The Royal Scotsman now has a Dior Spa onboard. Christian Dior had a love for Scotland and famously hosted his much-acclaimed fashion show at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire. He specifically remembered the Scottish dancing that followed the fashion show when writing his autobiography. Now, Dior makes a mark on the Royal Scotsman where you will revel in indulgence.
After a day of wild swimming in a nearby cascading waterfall, gorge walking, or farm-to-table dining, the Dior Spa carriage is your cocoon of serenity. Each wellness expert is trained to synchronize their motions with the natural lilts and tilts of the train. We once again, have to award the Royal Scotsman as luxurious.
SCOTLAND’S CLASSIC SPLENDOURS
With itinerary options varying from two to seven nights aboard the Royal Scotsman, each is a journey filled with thrilling excursions and explorations of Scotland’s legendary history. Ride to the finest estates, embark on a wilderness adventure, or take a lesson of whisky tasting with a dram or two at world-class distilleries. Take a look at one of Belmond’s Royal Scotsman routes – four nights of Scotland’s classic splendours.
Sit back and appreciate the beauty of the Scottish countryside in all its raw and rugged charm.
DAY 1 KEITH
Starting the journey in classic Scottish style, board the train with traditional music and warm welcomes. The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh and heads north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Sip on warm tea as you pass Arbroath, Montrose, and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith for the day. With its fascinating history, Keith sits on the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail and has become an important stop for anyone embarking on a Highland adventure. It is home to the gorgeous Strathisla Distillery, which holds the title of the oldest working distillery in Scotland established in 1786. Not to mention the three additional distilleries in town, there will be no shortage of Scotch Whisky during your travels.
This friendly town also has a rich historic tweed industry is also home to the only world school teaching kiltmaking and creative embroidery, the Keith Kilt and Textile Centre.
DAY 2 KYLE OF LOCHALSH
Head west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. It’s the perfect time to embrace the views of the most scenic railway route in the UK with a glass of champagne. The journey commences the climb to the Luib summit and Achnashellach Forest, before descending to Strathcarron for a visit of Attadale Gardens. These gardens are famously spectacular with views of Skye and an impressive collection of sculptures scattered throughout 20 acres of flora.
Then, visit the picturesque village of Plockton, which boasts an incomparable location in a sheltered bay of Loch Carron. Take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals and enjoy magnificent views across the bay to the Applecross Mountains.
Set off on a woodland walk, and enjoy a traditional Highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. Back onboard, a formal dinner is served, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.
DAY 3 BOAT OF GARTEN
Welcome the sun with an invigorating early-morning stroll over the bridge that links the mainland with the Isle of Skye. Enjoy the last views of Plockton across the bay, where white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor set the stage.
Disembark in Garve for a bespoke shopping experience or stretch your legs and join Belmond’s Highland storyteller for a walk along the old military road leading to the Silver Bridge.
Lunch is served as the train departs Inverness en route to Carrbridge where you disembark for an afternoon visit to Ballindalloch Castle, in the beautiful Speyside. Take a private castle tour or an exclusive look at Scotland’s only single estate distillery. The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After dinner, Belmond’s Highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays.
DAY 4 ROTHIEMURCHUS
Another day of adventure! Day four takes you to the Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where you can go fishing in the fresh water of the Highlands, take aim and enjoy clay pigeon shooting, or tour the estate. Then back on the railway for a journey south to Dunkeld.
Channel your inner queen and disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Glamis Castle was also the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Quench your thirst and visit the quaint town of Pitlochry and Blair Athol Distillery for an afternoon tour.
Return to the train in Perth for a gala dining experience, entertainment, and an overnight stay on board in Dundee, Scotland’s sunniest city situated along the waterfront.
DAY 5 EDINBURGH
Your last day on board takes you on a journey back south to Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital. Edinburgh is a fairytale come to life with stunning Gothic architecture, cobbled streets, and a 12th-century castle keeping watch on a hilltop. Yet, there’s a perfect mix of old and new, with luxury hotels, a vast selection of galleries and museums, and a booming food scene.
