Scotland's Classic Splendours
Four nights across the Forth Bridge, up the east coast and west on the Kyle line: Plockton's seals or Eilean Donan Castle, Glen Ord Distillery, Rothiemurchus and Glamis Castle.
Day by day
- Day 1
Edinburgh to Keith
Depart Edinburgh across the Firth of Forth on the Forth Bridge. Afternoon tea through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen to Keith, where the train stays overnight. Informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.
- Day 2
Keith to Kyle of Lochalsh — Plockton
West along the Moray Firth to Inverness, then lunch on the scenic line to Kyle of Lochalsh. Disembark at Plockton for a boat trip to see wild seals or a dram and a Highland welcome at the Plockton Hotel — or visit Eilean Donan Castle and learn the story of its restoration.
- Day 3
Kyle of Lochalsh to Boat of Garten — Glen Ord
Retrace part of yesterday's route to Dingwall with views back across the bay to Plockton. Disembark at Garve to visit Glen Ord Distillery on the edge of the Black Isle, founded in 1838 and still malting its own barley.
- Day 4
Boat of Garten to Dundee — Rothiemurchus & Glamis Castle
Coach to Rothiemurchus Estate for fishing, clay-pigeon shooting or an estate tour. Rejoin the train at Kingussie for lunch south to Dunkeld, then visit Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late Queen Mother. Formal dinner and entertainment; overnight in Dundee.
- Day 5
Dundee to Edinburgh
After breakfast the train heads south to Edinburgh, where the journey ends.
Excursions and timings can change at the operator's discretion; the confirmed itinerary is sent before departure.
- The Forth Bridge and the east coast
- Plockton boat trip or Eilean Donan Castle
- Glen Ord Distillery
- Glamis Castle, childhood home of the Queen Mother
A day aboard
Days follow an unhurried rhythm: a full Scottish breakfast, a two-course lunch and afternoon tea on scenic runs, then a three-course dinner with cheeseboard, coffee and petits fours. Dinners alternate between informal evenings (smart casual) and formal or gala nights, when a dark suit, tuxedo or kilt is customary for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or tartan for ladies. All meals, all drinks — including an extensive whisky selection — excursions and nightly entertainment in the Observation Car are included in the fare. Most evenings the train stables in a quiet country station, so you sleep to stillness rather than motion.
Other journeys
Taste of the Highlands
Two nights up Scotland's east coast and into the Highlands: Rothiemurchus Estate in the Cairngorms, a private tour of Culloden Battlefield and an evening at Strathisla Distillery.
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Scotch Malt Whisky Trail
Four nights with a whisky ambassador from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society: private visits to The Macallan, Tomatin and Tullibardine distilleries, a single-cask tasting on board and a morning at the Society in Edinburgh.
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Heritage Homes & Gardens
Four nights of private houses and gardens: Pitmuies, Foulis Castle with the Clan Munro, Attadale, the Clan Donald estate on Skye, Ballindalloch Castle and Kilbryde Castle.
View itinerary →Ready to reserve Scotland's Classic Splendours?
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