Grand Tour of Scotland by Royal Scotsman

Arrival 

Step into our sanctuary of Edwardian elegance and pure comfort on a journey defined by fables, clans and mythic panoramas. Explore the magnificent Orkney Islands, the mystical Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond and so much more on this majestic Grand Tour of Scotland. 

Depart Edinburgh in the early afternoon and travel north to the ‘Fair City’ of Perth onboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train. Indulge in afternoon tea as the train continues on the Highland line through Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl with its imposing white castle. The rolling hills of Perthshire are replaced by more dramatic peaks and valleys as you travel north into the Highlands. 

Just beyond Aviemore is the village of Boat of Garten, on the private Strathspey Railway. The train stops here for the night, surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of the Cairngorms. 

Enjoy dinner on board, a feast of the finest local ingredients. Afterwards, you are invited to enjoy lively entertainment in the Observation Car. With no more than 36 guests on board, expect kinship and hearty camaraderie, best celebrated over a local dram.

Luxury accommodation includes seven nights aboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train, with 24-hour steward service. Fine dining features all meals aboard the train, including a full Scottish breakfast, two-course lunch, and three-course dinner with a cheeseboard, coffee, tea, and petit fours. All beverages, including alcoholic drinks, are included. Tours and entertainment include lively performances in the Observation Car, visits to Glenmorangie and Dunnet Bay distilleries, and excursions to the Orkney Islands, the Isle of Skye, and Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire. The journey also includes visits to St Andrews’ landmarks, the village of Elie on Fife’s east coast, and an exploration of Loch Lomond with a stop at Drumlanrig Castle. 

Boat of Garten – Tain – Georgemas Junction 

The train departs early morning from Boat of Garten and heads north to Tain, where you disembark mid-morning for a visit to Glenmorangie. 

The distillery produces one of the whisky fraternity’s favourite drams from across all corners of the globe. Enjoy the chance to learn about the compelling new developments at Glenmorangie before concluding your tour with a private tasting in the warehouse. 

Enjoy lunch at nearby Glenmorangie House, where every playful and opulent detail tells the story of the celebrated whisky. 

Rejoin the train mid-afternoon as it travels north towards Wick. Following dinner on board, alight to visit Dunnet Bay Distillers. Meet the producers of Rock Rose Gin and Holy Grass Vodka, exceptional spirits handcrafted using locally foraged botanicals. Look forward to drinks on the sandy beach, with a bonfire and vibrant evening entertainment (weather permitting).

Georgemas Junction – Dingwall 

Enjoy a hearty Scottish breakfast on board before disembarking for a short coach ride to Gill’s Bay. Here, you board a ferry to the Orkney Islands. Orkney also boasts some of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Europe, including Neolithic villages, burial tombs and impressive stone circles. 

Enjoy a visit to Skara Brae, an incredibly well preserved stone village containing an intricate maze of dwellings. Stop for a traditional lunch in a local hotel, before continuing your tour of this fascinating island. Early evening, return to the train by ferry crossing. Relax over an informal dinner as you continue south towards Dingwall, your overnight stabling point.

Dingwall – Kyle of Lochalsh 

After an early breakfast, leave the train for a full day’s visit to the mystical Isle of Skye, where you have a choice between two activities. Head out for a day of adventure with RVIVAL, experts in bespoke experiences in wild settings. Immerse yourself in the environment and strengthen your connection to the landscape, with a break for lunch in the great outdoors. 

Whether it’s descending waterfalls, tracking elusive wildlife or hiking off-the-beaten track, an unforgettable experience awaits. Alternatively, join our historian for a journey through the sites and legends of Skye. 

Soak up the breathtaking scenery of landmarks such as Kilt Rock, the Trotternish Peninsula and the Cullin Mountains and enjoy time to explore the capital, Portree, with its shops and harbour views. 

Following lunch at a local restaurant, you’re escorted by coach to Dunvegan Castle for an afternoon visit. The gardens here are a highlight, a stark contrast to the barren moorland and mountains that dominate Skye’s landscape. 

Late evening, return to the train at Kyle for a lavish informal dinner, followed by live music from a traditional Scottish folk band.

Kyle of Lochalsh – Inverurie – Dundee 

Following a leisurely brunch, disembark to explore the regal beauty of Royal Aberdeenshire.

Travelling by coach with our historian you will head along the spectacular Royal Deeside route, dotted with castles, pine forests and charming villages. Royal Deeside has attracted visitors since the time of Queen Victoria, who had a real passion for the region. 

Explore 16th-century Crathes Castle, formerly owned by the Burnett family, with its labyrinth of turrets, towers, oak panels and painted ceilings. 

Visit delightful Braemar and Victorian Ballater, both exceptionally scenic villages in the Cairngorms National Park. Back on board, relax and prepare for an elegant formal dinner as the train stables overnight in Dundee.

Dundee – Cupar – Wemyss Bay 

Breakfast is served as the train travels across the historic Tay Bridge. Alight in Leuchars for a visit to St Andrews on Fife’s east coast. 

Your private tour takes you to the magnificent ruins of the medieval castle and cathedral – climb to the top of St Rule’s Tower to be rewarded with panoramic vistas. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to visit more of the town’s attractions or stroll in the quaint cobbled streets and browse the boutiques. A light lunch will be served back on board the train. 

This evening, you enjoy an early dinner in the pretty coastal village of Elie, located in the East Neuk of Fife. The harbour in Elie dates from the 16th century and was used by pilgrims making their way to nearby St Andrews. 

Savour succulent local seafood and beautiful ocean views at the renowned Ship Inn. Afterwards, take a stroll down to the beach and enjoy the stunning vistas over the Firth of Forth. Rejoin the train in Leven and relax over a dram or a cocktail as the train travels east towards Wemyss Bay, where it stops for the night.

Wemyss Bay – Balloch – Sanquhar – Kilmarnock 

After breakfast on board, enjoy a private boat cruise to discover the 23 mile-long expanse of water with Loch Lomond’s mysterious islands, varied wildlife and wealth of legend and folklore. 

Return to the train for lunch as your journey continues south towards Dumfries. Early evening, you are escorted to Drumlanrig Castle. It’s home to important collections of silver, porcelain, French furniture and art, while its surrounding 90,000-acre estate embraces lavish formal gardens, rambling woodlands and miles of footpaths. The castle is the ideal backdrop for the grand finale of your Grand Tour of Scotland. 

Take your seat for a splendid gala dinner in the State Dining Room, followed by a drinks reception. Back on board, the celebration continues with farewell drinks in the Observation Car as the train makes its way to Kilmarnock for the night.

Kilmarnock – Edinburgh 

The train departs early from Kilmarnock this morning and travels east towards Edinburgh Waverley Station. Linger over a leisurely breakfast – and your memories of the week – as you glide towards your journey’s end.