Scottish Highlands aboard the Royal Scotsman: A Tailor-Made Rail Journey

Arrive in Edinburgh, where you are met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, begin discovering the city in style on a private Mini Cooper tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Explore Edinburgh’s historic neighborhoods, scenic viewpoints, and lesser‑known corners, gaining a lively introduction to the city’s character and stories.

This morning, meet your driver‑guide for a day exploring the castles and palaces surrounding Edinburgh. Travel first to Stirling Castle, dramatically set atop a craggy volcanic outcrop, and wander its expansive halls and ramparts with your guide. Continue to the atmospheric ruins of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and a military stronghold, before concluding the day at Hopetoun House, a grand historic manor with elegant interiors and sweeping parkland. (B)

Spend the morning exploring Edinburgh Castle independently; entry tickets are included, allowing you to explore at your own pace. If you wish, embrace the Scottish spirit with a visit to the acclaimed kilt makers Kinloch Anderson to arrange a kilt for your rail journey. In the afternoon, make your way to the station to board the iconic Belmond Royal Scotsman, settling into your cabin as the train departs Edinburgh and your Highland rail journey begins. (B,D)

Today, the train travels northwest through the heart of the Scottish Highlands, passing wild mountain landscapes and remote glens, and arrives on the west coast of Scotland. Journey through Achnasheen, then climb to the Luib Summit and continue through Achnashellach Forest before descending to Strathcarron. Here, you may choose to visit Attadale Gardens, known for their sculpted landscapes and woodland trails, or remain on board and disembark later in the colorful fishing village of Plockton, with its palm‑lined harbor and relaxed coastal atmosphere. (B,L,D)

The train continues through the Highlands today, offering another opportunity to admire the rugged scenery. Stop for a whisky tasting at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, learning about traditional production methods and regional styles. Continue to Ballindalloch Castle, set amid the Speyside countryside outside Inverness. This evening, return to the train and enjoy onboard entertainment featuring tales, history, and displays of traditional Scottish weaponry. (B,L,D)

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate, a vast and beautiful expanse of pine forest, lochs, rivers, and mountains, often described as the gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. Choose to explore the estate with a guide or take part in optional activities such as fishing or clay pigeon shooting. Later, rejoin the train and continue south through classic Highland scenery to reach Glamis Castle. Dating to 1372 as the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne and later childhood home of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, Glamis Castle features soaring turrets, regal reception rooms, and spectacular gardens. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, the Royal Scotsman returns to Edinburgh, where you disembark late morning. In the afternoon, meet a local food expert for a guided tasting tour through Edinburgh’s neighborhoods, sampling a variety of dishes and gaining insight into the city’s evolving and diverse culinary scene. (B)

Today, your private driver transfers you to Edinburgh Airport for your onward journey home, bringing your Scottish exploration to a close. (B)