Belmond Royal Scotsman - Scotland's Classic Splendours Four Night Tour 2020/21

720 miles, including Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Keith, Inverness, Plockton, Dalwhinnie and Perth • Optional activities include fishing, clay pigeon shooting, golf, a woodland walk and a boat trip • Whisky tasting at Glen Ord Distillery • Visit Ballindalloch Castle and gardens • Visit Glamis Castle • Unspoilt beaches and wildlife habitats.

Itinerary

Day One : Edinburgh - Keith

The train pulls out of Edinburgh station at 13:45 and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent, 1.5-mile long Forth Railway Bridge, which was built by Benjamin Baker in the 1880s and is considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world.

It then proceeds through Fife and across the Tay Bridge - during which you are served a leisurely afternoon tea - passing Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith.

In the evening enjoy an informal dinner and perhaps a nightcap with your fellow guests in the Observation Car.

Day Two : Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh

As the train leaves Keith you'll be enjoying a delicious breakfast towards the Highlands' capital, Inverness, which you pass through before heading on to Muir of Ord. Enjoy a delicious lunch, as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably one of the most scenic railway routes in Britain.

The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, which geologists believe were formed before life began. The train then climbs to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest, descends to Strathcarron and runs along the edge of stunning Loch Carron. Guests alight in Plockton to explore at will; perhaps take a boat trip to see wild seals or walk through the woodland to a viewpoint overlooking the loch, after which there is time to enjoy a dram or two in the Plockton Hotel, or choose to simply have a wander through this charming village. Alternatively, take an excursion to the 13th century Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic sights and learn how the castle was painstakingly restored to its former glory. Located on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish Highlands.

Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.

* Please note that on 8 and 14 October,2019 there will be an alternative itinerary for the afternoon. Guests will enjoy lunch and a tour of Cawdor Castle before returning to the train for dinner.

Day Three : Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten

This morning the Belmond Royal Scotsman heads back towards Dingwall, retracing yesterday's route. There's a wonderful view across the bay to the white-washed cottages and fishing boats at anchor at Plockton. Disembark in Garve to visit the Glen Ord Distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland, having been founded in 1838. Located west of Inverness on the edge of the Black Isle, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods that have been used here for generations. Enjoy a tour of the distillery and take part in a private tasting and nosing session.

Back on board, the train skirts the Beauly Firth and crossing the top of the Caledonian Canal, north of Loch Ness, passing through Inverness and onto Carrbridge where guests disembark to visit the romantic Ballindalloch Castle with its wonderful gardens. Here, you can take a tour of the castle, play nine holes of golf on the castle's own course, or take an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery.

The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, a Highlander regales guests with stories of local heroes and their derring-dos, even demonstrating some authentic weaponry.

* Please note that on 8 and 14 October, 2019, there will be an alternative itinerary. Early risers will have the opportunity to join a short, scenic trip to photograph the famous Eilean Donan Castle before the train heads south to Carrbridge for a tour of Glenlivet Distillery.

Day Four : Boat of Garten - Perth

The day begins with an excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park where guests can choose from activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk through the stunning landscape or simply relax with a warming dram by the fire. Rejoin the train at Kingussie where lunch will be served as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld, where you disembark for your visit to Glamis Castle, Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

After rejoining the train in Perth, dress up for a formal dinner on board. Overnight stay on board in Dundee.

Day Five: Perth - Edinburgh

After breakfast the Belmond Royal Scotsman wends its way back through the former Kingdom of Fife to arrive in Edinburgh Waverley station at 09:46 where your journey ends.

Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons.

Departures

2020 :

October 5.

2021 :

April 12, 19, 26.
May 10, 24.
June 7, 11, 21, 25.

July 12, 21, 26.
August 2, 6, 16, 23.
September 13, 20, 27.

October 4, 10, 14.

Prices (Per Person) 2020/21 :

Twin/Double/Single from

From £5,356

Single Occupancy of Twin Cabin from

£8,570

Prices are per person and include all table d'hôte meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, all sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary and accommodation on board based on two people sharing a twin compartment or one person in a single compartment.

Add Personal Travel Insurance with Covid-19 cover from £5 per person