Belmond Royal Scotsman - Scotland's Classic Splendours Three Night Tour 2018
720 miles, including Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Keith, Inverness, Plockton, Dalwhinnie and Perth • Whisky tasting at Glen Ord Distillery • Unspoilt beaches and wildlife habitats.
Itinerary
Day One : Edinburgh - Keith
The train pulls out of Edinburgh station early afternoon and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent, 1.5-mile long Forth Railway Bridge, which was designed 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. The next landmark is the Highlands' capital, Inverness. A delicious lunch is served as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably one of the most scenic 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, through Attadale, Stromferry and Duncraig.
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 seafront Plockton Hotel, or choose to simply have a wander through this charming village. Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh.
Dinner tonight is informal and afterwards guests make their way to the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye. An entertaining Highlander describes a history of Scottish heroes and paints a dramatic picture of life in the Highlands through the centuries.
Day Three : Kyle of Lochalsh - Dundee
A leisurely breakfast is served as the train retraces part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the enchanting views of Plockton. Across the bay to the left you will glimpse whitewashed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor.
Reaching Garve late morning, you disembark to visit Glen Ord Distillery, which is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, founded in 1838. Situated on the edge of the Black Isle, west of Inverness, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and practice centuries-old long fermentation and slow distillation methods. Enjoy a tour of the distillery and a private tasting and nosing session.
Rejoin the train in Inverness in time for lunch. You then journey to Aviemore to visit Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Rothiemurchus Forest is one of the largest and most important remnants of the native Caledonian pine forest, which used to cover most of Scotland. Choose from a number of activities including fishing, clay pigeon shooting and an estate tour. Afterwards you are warmly welcomed by your hosts in the hunting lodge, where, over refreshments, you can learn about the fascinating history of the estate that has been in the same family for over 400 years.
Return to the train in Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. As it makes its way to Dundee, prepare for a final formal dinner to mark your last night on board. After your celebratory feast, you may feel inspired by our musicians to participate in some lively Scottish country dancing on the station platform, a fitting finale to your three-night Classic tour.
Day Four: Dundee - Edinburgh
Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and on to Edinburgh, where your journey ends.
Itineraries and timings shown may be changed for seasonal or operational reasons.
Departures
2017
22, 29 September.
Prices (Per Person) :
2017
Twin / Single Cabin from
£3,910
Single Occupancy of Twin Cabin
£TBA
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