The Royal Scotsman - Grand Taste of the Highlands

The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh Waverly Station in the early afternoon and travels north to the 'Fair City' of Perth. Enjoy afternoon tea as the train continues on the Highland line through Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. The rolling hills of Perthshire transition to dramatic peaks and valleys as you travel north towards Aviemore, gateway to the Cairngorms National Park. Your destination this evening is the peaceful Highland village of Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. An informal dinner is served, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car. Overnight train.

Travel the short distance by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Choose from a number of activities including clay pigeon-shooting, fishing or a guided tour of the estate with a Park Ranger. Afterwards, enjoy a warm welcome from your hosts as refreshments are served in the hunting lodge. It's the perfect opportunity to learn more about this family-run estate. Return to the train for lunch. Later disembark in Inverness to visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last major battle fought on British soil. Listen to our Highlander as he paints a vivid picture of how this battle forever changed the way of life in the Highlands. Travel east towards Keith. Enjoy an early evening visit to Strathisla Distillery, the oldest working distillery in the area. It is home to the malt used in one of Scotland's most famous blends, Chivas Regal. Savour some spectacular panoramas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus. Sit down to a formal dinner before enjoying traditional Scottish music in the Observation Car. Overnight train.

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee. Travel south through the former Kingdom of Fife, crossing the Firth of Forth across the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Disembark in Edinburgh to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia for a guided tour followed by a light lunch. Alternatively, enjoy some free time to explore Scotland's vibrant capital city. Rejoin the train in the early afternoon and travel west through Falkirk. Near the mouth of the Clyde estuary lies Craigendoran, the starting point for the majestic West Highland Line. Enjoy afternoon tea as you travel along the edge of Gare Loch. Take in views of Loch Long and Loch Lomond. The train descends almost to the water's edge at Ardlui, and then climbs Glen Falloch with its many waterfalls. An informal dinner is served on the way to Spean Bridge followed by lively musical entertainment. Overnight train.

Today the train travels west, passing through Fort William with views of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak. Disembark at Arisaig for a romantic walk along the beautiful Morar Sands, with breathtaking views across to the Isle of Skye. Lunch is served back on board as the train retraces its route towards Fort William. Here you'll visit historic Glenfinnan in the company of our Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes. Enjoy afternoon tea at Inverlochy Castle Hotel before returning to Fort William. Alternatively, a guided hike through the scenic Nevis Gorge is available, weather permitting. Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before an informal dinner. Overnight train.

Savour the dramatic Highland scenery en-route south to Glasgow and the west coast. Board a ferry in Wemyss Bay and cross to the Isle of Bute. The island embraces a variety of landscapes: seashore, moorland, farmland and forest. From St Blane's Chapel at the south of the island to the abandoned townships in Glen More at the north, every stone has its tale to tell. Visit Mount Stuart, Britain's most spectacular Victorian Gothic house. Mystifying interiors and arguably Scotland's finest privately-held collection of family portraits provide fascinating talking points. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Drawing Room before you explore the house and garden. Return to the train in Gourock where a formal dinner is served on the move to Kilmarnock. Retire to the Observation Car for coffee and local entertainment. Overnight train.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you travel east before arriving in Edinburgh for your onward travel arrangements.