With seven nights aboard, this is an opportunity to savour The Royal Scotsman and Scotland to the full. After travelling along the east coast to Keith you head across to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton, before returning to Inverness and then south to Perth.
Enjoy the many highlights along the way, including a private ceilidh at Strathisla and your personal invitation to visit Ballindalloch, with its magnificent house and gardens. There will also be time and opportunity for golf, seal spotting aboard Callum's boat, or a guided nature walk along Caledonian pine forest trails. Relax and experience the magnificent West Highland scenery and a private view of Mount Stuart, one of Britain's most spectacular Victorian gothic houses.
Itinerary
Day One
The train departs from Edinburgh in the early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk, to reach Craigendoran the starting point for the West Highland Line, while guests enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea.
Spot the distinctive peak of Ben Arthur and soon you also catch a first glimpse of Loch Lomond.
After climbing up the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch, the train continues north to the village of Spean Bridge for the night.
Enjoy a splendid formal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day Two
As the train travels west, passing through Fort William, don’t miss the views of Ben Nevis. Travelling by the side of Loch Eil you then pass Glenfinnan, with its impressive curved viaduct, and Lochailort, before turning north along this dramatic coastline to Arisaig.
Disembark here for a leisurely walk along the beautiful Morar Sands, with breathtaking views across the Sound of Sleat to the Isle of Skye with its distinctive Cuillin Mountains.
Back on board, lunch is served as the train retraces its route towards Fort William.
Disembark here and enjoy a visit to historic Glenfinnan in the company of our Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes before afternoon tea. Alternatively, a guided hike is available (weather permitting). A mountain ranger guides you through the scenic Nevis Gorge to The Steall Waterfall.
Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before an informal dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy.
Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap whilst listening to the evening entertainment in the Observation Car.
Day Three
Today's destination is the charming Isle of Bute, reached by ferry from Wemyss Bay.
The island is rich in geology, history and wildlife, with a varied landscape to explore.
Guests enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland.
Return to Wemyss Bay for a formal dinner and overnight on board.
Day Four
After an early departure from Wemyss Bay this morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you travel east towards Edinburgh where this first part of your Grand North Western journey ends in Waverley Station.
Spend the morning in Edinburgh by joining a guided tour and enjoying a light lunch before returning to the train for the next part of your journey.
The train pulls out of the station in the early afternoon and travels north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the Forth Railway Bridge.
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 the market town of Keith.
In the evening enjoy an informal dinner and perhaps a nightcap with your fellow guests in the Observation Car.
Day Five
As the train leaves Keith you'll be enjoying a delicious breakfast. Next you pass through Inverness, before heading on to Muir of Ord where you disembark to visit Glen Ord distillery.
Guests are treated to a private tour and a tasting, before returning to the train for a delicious lunch, 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. The train then climbs to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest, descends to Strathcarron and runs along the edge of stunning Loch Carron.
Guests alight in Plockton to explore at will, take a boat trip to see wild seals or walk through the woodland. After there is time to enjoy a dram or two in the Plockton Hotel, or choose to simply have a wander through this charming village.
Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal and afterwards there is entertainment in the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.
Day Six
After breakfast the train heads back towards Dingwall, skirting the Beauly Firth and crossing the top of the Caledonian Canal, north of Loch Ness, before reaching Inverness.
The train continues south to Carrbridge where guests disembark to visit the romantic Ballindalloch Castle with its wonderful gardens.
The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.
After a formal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with stories of local heroes and their derring-dos, even demonstrating some authentic weaponry.
Day Seven
The day begins with an excursion to Rothiemurchus Estate, where guests can choose from activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk through the stunning landscape or simply relax with a warming dram by the fire.
Rejoin the train at Kingussie where lunch will be served as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld, where you disembark for your visit to Glamis Castle.
After rejoining the train in Perth, relax and enjoy informal dinner onboard.
Day Eight
Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and on to Edinburgh were your seven night journey ends.
Departure Dates & Prices
2013
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
29
31
24
12
2 - 5 - 9 - 30
2 - 27 - 30
4
Occupancy
Price
1 Adult per compartment
$10,960 per person
2 Adults per compartment
$10,960
per person
Rates are fully inclusive of accommodation, meals, wine, alcoholic and other beverages, day tours and entertainment. Priced in US currency. Taxes & Fees are extra.
Information & Reservations
1-800-717-0108 or 503-292-5055
Rail News & Updates
Welcome aboard The Royal Scotsman, one of the most luxurious train in the world and your impeccable host for a journey into the beautiful Highlands of Scotland. This is travel the way it was meant to be.
With some trains already selling out, now is the time to book all your 2013 adventures.
