Renowned for its picture book landscapes, Scotland's moorlands, remote glens and idyllic lochs are best explored by train. The Royal Scotsman allows you to uncover all this and more in opulent luxury.
Nicola Bolton, an Independent Tours Executive at Vacations By Rail, recently embarked on the Scotland's Classic Splendors route, soaking in the delights of the Scottish Highlands and savoring exquisite food and drink for five days.
A royal welcome in historic Edinburgh
On arrival in Scotland's timeless capital, Nicola was greeted by Royal Scotsman staff who took her case to the grand Balmoral Hotel. After enjoying refreshments and meeting her fellow guests, there was time to explore before boarding the luxury train.
A fantastic welcome awaited as the passengers were serenaded aboard by a bagpiper, garnering lots of attention from members of the public.
"I felt like the Queen!" says Nicola about her first impressions of the Royal Scotsman.
"We gathered in the Observation Car and had a welcome drink - a Scottish kir royale made from Veuve Clicquot champagne and a local blackcurrant liquor.
"The staff introduced themselves and knew everyone's names by the first evening. They were all well turned out and extremely friendly. Nothing was too much trouble."
Indulging in the flavors of Scotland
Two restaurants, an Observation Car and a spa provide great opportunities to relax or get to know the other passengers.
"The Observation Car was where everyone gathered to socialize and enjoy drinks and canapes on an evening," says Nicola. The staff would make any cocktail or drink you wanted. The drinks were amazing. I sampled quite a few non-alcoholic cocktails, and they were delicious."
The evening meal is always a highlight of luxury train travel and the Royal Scotsman is no different. The meals curated by Executive Head Chef Mark Tamburrini reflect Scotland's authentic flavors. Decorated with Scottish thistles and luxurious touches, the two mahogany-paneled restaurants served indulgent cuisine each evening.
"There were two informal nights and two formal ones," continues Nicola. "It's more relaxed than the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
"The gala dinner on the last evening was fantastic. I sat with some lovely people from South Africa and the food was incredible. The scallops and beef were out of this world - the best I've ever eaten!"
Traveling in luxury in a Grand Suite
Nicola stayed in a Grand Suite, which blended Scottish tradition with modern luxury.
"On entering the cabin," says Nicola, "there was a double bed next to a large window, beautiful wood-paneling and carpets in the lounge area and bedroom, while the en suite bathroom was tiled.
"There were two wardrobes with full-length mirrors either side of the walkway separating the bedroom from the lounge, a couch with two large storage compartments underneath, a table and chairs next to another huge window, and a small dressing table.
"In the bathroom, there was a small vanity cupboard and Dior robes (the onboard spa is also by Dior).
"The suite, like the whole experience on the train, was very grand, but also relaxed."
Decorated with wood-paneled interiors, tartan flourishes and large picture windows, the Grand Suites are elegant places to sit and watch the striking scenery roll by while sipping on the complimentary bottle of champagne.
Absorbing authentic Scottish culture
This luxury train's attentive service and elegance could only be rivalled by Scotland's stunning landscapes. A program of unique excursions gave Nicola a new glimpse into Scotland's appealing charm each day.
Strathisla distillery is one of the most photographed in Scotland due to its location in stunning Speyside. An early morning walk presented Strathisla in all its glory before the train continued west to the small village of Plockton on the banks of Loch Carron.
"From here, we took a boat trip to see the seals," says Nicola. "We learned about the lives of people in the area and then walked around Plockton before enjoying a drink in the hotel. It was a lovely excursion with fantastic views."
The next day, Nicola joined an early morning walk from Kyle of Lochalsh station over the Skye Bridge linking the mainland to the Isle of Skye. Afterward, the train continued back along the Kyle Line, one of the UK's most celebrated rail journeys.
"A brilliant guide took us on a woodland walk following the old route of the drovers, the herders who used to walk through this landscape on the way to market with their animals. He really knew his stuff and was very passionate about his heritage.
"In the afternoon, we continued to Ballindalloch Castle for a private tour of the grand house and gardens with the owner, Guy Macpherson-Grant."
Amongst the attractions in this 16th-century Speyside castle was a collection of images showing the history of the family, as well as many featuring the late Queen Mother who visited on many occasions and was a close friend of Guy's mother, Lady Clare Macpherson-Grant.
The final full day aboard the Royal Scotsman included a visit to the Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the mountainous Cairngorms National Park.
"There was a choice of activities here, such as shooting, fishing or guided walks. I opted to feed the deer and visit the "hairy coos" - the iconic Highland cattle. Our time at Rothiemurchus was followed by an afternoon tea with the best brownies ever!
"Back on the train, we traveled to Dunkeld from where we visited Pitlochry, with a great guide had grown up in the area. On a private tour of Blair Athol distillery, we tasted some of their whiskies. I fully enjoyed the tour and, of course, preferred the most expensive whisky. Well, not quite the most expensive, it turned out, as they had some from 1968. This is under lock and key as there's not much left and it's worth about $1.3 million!"
Experience the Royal Scotsman with Vacations By Rail
"Fantastic! A once-in-a-lifetime trip," beams Nicola when summing up her time on the Royal Scotsman's Scotland's Classic Splendors tour.
"The stunning scenery and the hairy coos; the boat trip from Plockton and following the route of the drovers were just some of the highlights off the train. Onboard, it was the gala dinner and celebrations including Scottish country dancing and music on the station."
You can uncover Scotland in elegant style with our range of luxury Royal Scotsman vacations: The Royal Scotsman | Vacations by Rail
