The Highlands (4 Nights) 2027 and 2028
This is the Royal Scotsman at its most complete. Five days taking in some of Scotland's finest scenery and most celebrated places, from the dramatic Kyle of Lochalsh line to Ballindalloch Castle in Speyside and the forests of the Cairngorms.
This journey was previously known as Scotland's Classic Splendours, and Belmond now calls it The Highlands (4 Nights). The train leaves Edinburgh over the Forth Bridge and follows the east coast to Keith, then turns west on the Kyle of Lochalsh line before looping back through the Cairngorms and Perthshire to spend the final night in Dundee. Belmond's highlights include traditional country pursuits at Rothiemurchus Estate, and your fare covers your cabin, all meals and drinks on board, the evening entertainment and the excursions shown in the itinerary.
Estimated departure from Edinburgh Waverley: 13:45. Return arrival: 09:40. All timings are indicative and subject to national railway constraints. Please check your final itinerary for confirmed timings.
Day by Day Itinerary
Edinburgh to Keith
The Royal Scotsman leaves Edinburgh and heads north, crossing the Firth of Forth on the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Afternoon tea is served as the train follows the coast through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen, with the North Sea on one side and the farmland of Angus and Aberdeenshire on the other, before arriving in Keith for the night. Dinner on the first evening is informal, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.
Keith to Kyle of Lochalsh
The train heads west along the Moray Firth to Inverness, then onto the line to Kyle of Lochalsh, often described as the most scenic railway in Britain. Lunch is served as the train climbs through wild, open country towards the west coast.
In the afternoon you can leave the train at Strathcarron to visit Attadale Gardens on the shore of Loch Carron, or stay on board to Plockton, a picture postcard village where wild seals are often seen in the bay and a woodland walk gives lovely views over the water. Back on the train, the evening brings a formal dinner followed by a nightcap in the bar with live entertainment, and the train spends the night at Kyle of Lochalsh.
Kyle of Lochalsh to Boat of Garten
Early risers can begin the day with a walk across the bridge to the Isle of Skye, which is a wonderful way to wake up. Breakfast follows as the train retraces its route, with Plockton glimpsed across the water once more. At Garve you can browse the shops or join a Highland storyteller for a walk to Silver Bridge, hearing tales of the area along the way.
Lunch is served as the train travels on to Carrbridge, and the afternoon is spent at Ballindalloch Castle in Speyside, home to the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. Choose between a private tour of the castle and a distillery experience. You rejoin the train at Boat of Garten for dinner, followed by Highland tales in the Observation Car.
Boat of Garten to Dundee via Rothiemurchus
A coach takes you to Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms for a morning of fishing, clay shooting or a tour of the estate. Back on board at Kingussie, lunch is served as the train heads south towards Dunkeld.
The afternoon offers a choice between Scone Palace near Perth, where the kings of Scots were once crowned on Moot Hill, and a visit to Pitlochry with a stop at Blair Athol Distillery. Everyone rejoins the train in Perth for the gala dinner, the grandest evening of the journey, with entertainment afterwards before the train settles for the night in Dundee.
Dundee to Edinburgh
After breakfast the train heads south to Edinburgh, where the journey comes to an end. If you need help with onward travel, or would like to book a stay at one of the city's finest hotels, just ask your Train Manager before you leave the train.
Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons.
Departure Dates
2027
2028
Other dates are sold out or yet to be released. Please call us to check availability.
Prices Per Cabin
| Accommodation | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | from £23,200 | from £25,200 |
| Twin Cabin | from £24,400 | from £25,200 |
| Double Suite | from £25,400 | from £28,700 |
| Twin Suite | from £25,400 | from £28,700 |
| Grand Suite | from £46,000 | from £49,650 |