- Edinburgh
- Scottish Highlands
- Perthshire
- Glasgow
An indulgent experience of Scotland with a trip aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
-
Explore the previous royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II
-
Four nights on the Belmond Royal Scotsman
-
Visit the Rosslyn Chapel
-
Enjoy tastings at the Glengoyne Distillery
-
Explore the home of 1,500 year old Bruce Family
What's included
-
Luxury accommodation throughout
-
Private transfers
-
Expert private guides in each location
-
Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
-
Our help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
At a glance
This tour ensures you visit Scotland with the upmost class and style. You’ll start in Edinburgh with a two-night stay in the grand Balmoral Hotel, which started out as a railway hotel and perfectly blends the best of Scottish tradition with modern luxury.
From here you shall explore the wonders of the city with a day tour where you can admire the array of architecture from the New Town to the Old Town and everything in between.
You’ll then head over to the district of Leith where you’ll hop aboard the The Royal Yacht Britannia, which once served as the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1954 until 1997.
Next up, you’ll begin your once-in-a-lifetime journey up to the Scottish Highlands, aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, where you shall enjoy the next five days of your trip on what is arguably the most scenic railway route in the UK.
Disembarking in the Lowlands, you’ll visit Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 as the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew, before enjoying an exclusive visit to Broomhall House with Lord Bruce. The Bruce family has played a central role in Scottish history and traces its ancestry over 1,500 years.
Enjoy a taste of Scotland at the Glengoyne Distillery before being whisked away to Glasgow for an in-depth city tour; the final leg of this remarkable trip.
Example trip itinerary
Edinburgh
Transfer
Airside meet and greet at Edinburgh airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Edinburgh
Accommodation in Edinburgh
- 167 rooms
- 20 suites
- Michelin-starred restaurant
- Bar
- Spa
- Pool
- Gym
Standing proudly at No 1 Princes Street, this grand building, which started out as a railway hotel, blends the best of Scottish tradition and design with five-star contemporary luxury.
The 167 charming rooms feature warm, welcoming hues and modern decor, while the 20 suites are spacious and stylish. Settle into a cosy turret alcove in one of the Grand Suites and gaze out at the historic city, or lose yourself in the lavishly furnished Scone and Crombie signature suite.
When it comes to light lunches and dinner, book a table at Brasserie Prince for sublime French cooking made with the finest Scottish produce. Or treat yourself to an extravagant gourmet adventure at the Michelin-starred Number One. This is modern Scottish cuisine at its finest.
Find inner-city harmony at the award-winning Balmoral Spa. With five treatment rooms, an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, steam room and fully-equipped gym, it’s the perfect place to rejuvenate body and soul.

Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and nicknamed the Athens of the North for its grand Georgian architecture. It’s the New Town that earned the city this sobriquet: its elegant neoclassical terraces were inspired by the buildings of Ancient Greece and though it’s called the New Town, this neighbourhood is already nearly 300 years old.
Edinburgh’s Old Town dominates the city from atop a volcanic outcrop and Edinburgh Castle balances perilously on the edge. The Royal Mile runs down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. The Windsor connections can be seen at a hidden location in the district of Leith, where the Queen’s Royal Yacht Britannia is now docked. Explore Edinburgh’s highlights with your expert guide and discover what makes this city perennially popular.

The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II from 1954 until 1997. It served Her Majesty on innumerable trips around the globe over the course of its career. The yacht was dear to the Queen and she was seen to shed a tear when it was decommissioned. Today, the yacht is docked at Leith, in Edinburgh, and offers a tantalizing insight into some of the former private spaces of the British Royal Family.
Belmond Royal Scotsman
Your luxury train
- Onboard spa
- Fine dining restaurant
- Observation car
- Bar
- Live music
- 24 hour steward service
- Included adventures - depending on itinerary
Head into the heart of Scotland on this exclusive train that takes a maximum of 40 guests to discover the spectacular Highlands scenery that goes unseen by most.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman is considered one of the most luxurious trains in the world and from the minute you step on board you will feel like royalty. Whether you’re in a twin, double or single cabin, each has been designed with decadence in every detail, from the hypoallergenic duvet, quilted cotton bed covers, refined wooden finishes and private en-suite bathrooms.
Head to the Observation Car to sink into an inviting armchair or sofa and chat with your fellow travellers, or to really take in the stunning Highlands scenery step out onto the open-air veranda as you travel past glassy lochs, castles and majestic mountain ranges.
Meals on the Belmond Royal Scotsman are as memorable as the landscapes you are travelling through. Served in mahogany-pannelled dining cars, you can relish hearty Highland breakfasts, seasonal lunches and in the evening enjoy gourmet dining with fresh local ingredients accompanied by fine wines.
After dinner, unwind with a scotch malt whisky as a local Highlander shares tales of life in Scotland through the centuries, or simply retire to your cabin for a peaceful sleep as the train settles into a siding for the night.


Board the Royal Scotsman and settle into your cabin. Travel north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea as you pass Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. Head to the observation car for an informal dinner and a chance to chat with other guests.


Leave Keith this morning as the train travels west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Lunch is served as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably the most scenic railway route in the UK.
Disembark in picturesque Plockton. Take a boat trip to see wild seals or enjoy a dram and a traditional Highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. Alternatively, visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic sights, and learn how the castle was painstakingly restored to its former glory.
Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.


Have cameras at the ready as you retrace the route north to Inverness, then south to Carrbridge where you'll disembark to explore romantic Ballindalloch Castle on beautiful Speyside. Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour, nine holes of golf on the castle's own course or an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery.
The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays.


Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed.
Rejoining the train at Kingussie, lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld, where you'll disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Return to the train in Perth for a formal dinner and entertainment. Overnight stay on board in Dundee.


After breakfast the train heads south to Edinburgh where your journey ends.
Perthshire
Accommodation in Perthshire
- 232 rooms
- Three championship golf courses
- Six restaurants and bars
- Equestrian school
- Swimming pool
- Spa
- Gym
Set on 850 acres, this Scottish countryside estate boasts three championship golf courses, fine-dining restaurants and a variety of outdoor activities.
With a choice between traditional opulence and contemporary luxury, many of the 232 rooms offer views over the grounds. Soft fabrics and modern touches make even the more compact rooms into intimate and comfortable havens.
Take a table at the Michelin starred Andrew Fairlie restaurant, or dine at The Strathearn, The Dormy Clubhouse or enjoy lighter meals and drinks at one of the hotel’s bars.
Gleneagles is perfectly suited to guests of all ages, and there are outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. From it’s world famous golf to off-road driving, mountain biking, falconry, fishing, archery and horse-riding, you will be able to make the most of Scotland’s fresh air and beautiful scenery. You can also indulge in a selection of traditional therapies and alternative treatments at The Spa at Gleneagles by ESPA.

Located only a short distance outside of Edinburgh, the Rosslyn Chapel is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Scotland. Founded in 1446 as the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew, the chapel is famous for its remarkable stone carvings depicting Biblical stories and moral messages. In 2003, a new chapter was added to the Rosslyn Chapel’s history with the publishing of The Da Vinci Code, and filming for the 2006 movie took place at the chapel. Explore the chapel’s history, both ancient and modern, with your expert guide and unravel the mysterious of this enigmatic place of worship.

Step inside the home of Lord Bruce, and witness centuries of Scottish history unfold before your eyes. The Bruce family has played a central role in Scottish history and traces its descent over 1,500 years from the Royal houses of Scotland, Ireland and France. Perhaps the family’s most famous ancestor is Robert Bruce, enthroned at Scone as King of Scots in 1306. His victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 secured Scottish independence and his name is still celebrated in Scotland today. Successive generations of the family have served their country as statesmen, diplomats, explorers, theologians, inventors and entrepreneurs. In the seventeenth century the family was granted the Earldoms of Elgin and Kincardine. The collection of artefacts, fine art and archives at Broomhall House reflects the family's incredible exploits around the world. Broomhall was built in 1702 but reconstructed in 1766 by John Adam. In 1796 the house was remodelled in the Greek revival style, by the 7th Earl, whose collection of antiquities was later acquired for the British Museum. Today, you’ll be invited by Lord Bruce as a treasured guest to his home at Broomhall House.

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s premier castles and has an impressive history. Home to a succession of Stuart kings and queens, this historic edifice sits atop a rocky outcrop and rivals Edinburgh Castle in both history and visual impact.

Explore the near 200 year history behind the whiskey of Glengoyne Distillery. Bold, complex flavours from the slowest stills in Scotland, matured in only the finest casks, here you'll be in for a treat.
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel
Glasgow
Accommodation in Glasgow
- Nine rooms
- Restaurant
Immerse yourself in history in this renovated 17th-century castle. The hotel’s period features have been carefully restored using traditional methods and materials. From detailed cornices finished with gold leaf to a romantic turret room, this opulent hotel offers guests not only luxury, but also old-world grandeur.
Each of the nine rooms is individually designed and crafted, and named after the castle’s historical custodians. Oversized beds and antique furniture add to the indulgent atmosphere. For a charming, fairy-tale experience head up a spiral stone staircase to the four-storey bridal tower which dates back to the 16th century.
Savour creative Scottish fare by French chef Albert Roux and son Michael Roux Jr surrounded by antiques in the opulent Baillie Room. The menus change according to which ingredients are in season and locally available.
The surrounding woodlands are ideal for long nature walks and hikes. Explore the river’s edge, admiring waterfalls, or spend time fishing.

Glasgow is the beating heart of modern Scotland. The country’s sporting, music and financial capital, Glasgow is a hard-working and thriving city. The city packs in a fair amount of culture too, from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to Glasgow Cathedral and the historic Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in the city. The creations of Glasgow’s most famous son, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, can be seen all over the city from the Willow Tea Rooms to the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Museum.
Transfer
Private transfer to Edinburgh airport
Transfer
Departure airside meet and greet service
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Other trips you may be interested in
Get in touch
A Journey through Scotland by Land and Rail
How we work
This tour ensures you visit Scotland with the upmost class and style. You’ll start in Edinburgh with a two-night stay in the grand Balmoral Hotel, which started out as a railway hotel and perfectly blends the best of Scottish tradition with modern luxury. From here you shall explore the wonders of the city with a day tour where you can admire the array of architecture from the New Town to the Old Town and everything in between. You’ll then head over to the district of Leith where you’ll hop aboard the The Royal Yacht Britannia, which once served as the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, from 1954 until 1997. Next up, you’ll begin your once-in-a-lifetime journey up to the Scottish Highlands, aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, where you shall enjoy the next five days of your trip on what is arguably the most scenic railway route in the UK. Disembarking in the Lowlands, you’ll visit Rosslyn Chapel, founded in 1446 as the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew, before enjoying an exclusive visit to Broomhall House with Lord Bruce. The Bruce family has played a central role in Scottish history and traces its ancestry over 1,500 years. Enjoy a taste of Scotland at the Glengoyne Distillery before being whisked away to Glasgow for an in-depth city tour; the final leg of this remarkable trip. | Whats included?
|
Days 1-3 |
Edinburgh |
Flights & transfers
Airside meet and greet at Edinburgh airport |
|
Private transfer to your hotel in Edinburgh | |
Accommodation in Edinburgh
•
The Balmoral Hotel - $$$$$
Standing proudly at No 1 Princes Street, this grand building, which started out as a railway...
|
|
Edinburgh walking tour Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city and nicknamed the Athens of the North for its grand Georgian architecture. It’s the New Town that earned the city this sobriquet: its elegant neoclassical terraces were inspired by the buildings of Ancient Greece and though it’s called the New Town, this neighbourhood is already nearly 300 years old. Edinburgh’s Old Town dominates the city from atop a volcanic outcrop and Edinburgh Castle balances perilously on the edge. The Royal Mile runs down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland. The Windsor connections can be seen at a hidden location in the district of Leith, where the Queen’s Royal Yacht Britannia is now docked. Explore Edinburgh’s highlights with your expert guide and discover what makes this city perennially popular. |
|
Royal Yacht Britannia visit The Royal Yacht Britannia served as the royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II from 1954 until 1997. It served Her Majesty on innumerable trips around the globe over the course of its career. The yacht was dear to the Queen and she was seen to shed a tear when it was decommissioned. Today, the yacht is docked at Leith, in Edinburgh, and offers a tantalizing insight into some of the former private spaces of the British Royal Family. |
|
Days 3-7 |
Belmond Royal Scotsman |
Your luxury train
•
Belmond Royal Scotsman - $$$$$
Head into the heart of Scotland on this exclusive train that takes a maximum of 40 guests to...
|
|
Belmond Royal Scotsman: Scotland's Classic Splendours (Day One) Board the Royal Scotsman and settle into your cabin. Travel north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea as you pass Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. Head to the observation car for an informal dinner and a chance to chat with other guests. |
|
Belmond Royal Scotsman: Scotland's Classic Splendours (Day Two) Leave Keith this morning as the train travels west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands. Lunch is served as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably the most scenic railway route in the UK. Disembark in picturesque Plockton. Take a boat trip to see wild seals or enjoy a dram and a traditional Highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. Alternatively, visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic sights, and learn how the castle was painstakingly restored to its former glory. Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car. |
|
Belmond Royal Scotsman: Scotland's Classic Splendours (Day Three) Have cameras at the ready as you retrace the route north to Inverness, then south to Carrbridge where you'll disembark to explore romantic Ballindalloch Castle on beautiful Speyside. Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour, nine holes of golf on the castle's own course or an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery. The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays. |
|
Belmond Royal Scotsman: Scotland's Classic Splendours (Day Four) Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed. Rejoining the train at Kingussie, lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld, where you'll disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Return to the train in Perth for a formal dinner and entertainment. Overnight stay on board in Dundee. |
|
Belmond Royal Scotsman: Scotland's Classic Splendours (Day Five) After breakfast the train heads south to Edinburgh where your journey ends. |
|
Days 7-9 |
Perthshire |
Accommodation in Perthshire
•
Gleneagles - $$$$$
Set on 850 acres, this Scottish countryside estate boasts three championship golf courses,...
|
|
* Rosslyn Chapel Located only a short distance outside of Edinburgh, the Rosslyn Chapel is one of the finest pieces of architecture in Scotland. Founded in 1446 as the Collegiate Church of St. Matthew, the chapel is famous for its remarkable stone carvings depicting Biblical stories and moral messages. In 2003, a new chapter was added to the Rosslyn Chapel’s history with the publishing of The Da Vinci Code, and filming for the 2006 movie took place at the chapel. Explore the chapel’s history, both ancient and modern, with your expert guide and unravel the mysterious of this enigmatic place of worship. |
|
* Private visit to Broomhall House with Lord Bruce Step inside the home of Lord Bruce, and witness centuries of Scottish history unfold before your eyes. The Bruce family has played a central role in Scottish history and traces its descent over 1,500 years from the Royal houses of Scotland, Ireland and France. Perhaps the family’s most famous ancestor is Robert Bruce, enthroned at Scone as King of Scots in 1306. His victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 secured Scottish independence and his name is still celebrated in Scotland today. Successive generations of the family have served their country as statesmen, diplomats, explorers, theologians, inventors and entrepreneurs. In the seventeenth century the family was granted the Earldoms of Elgin and Kincardine. The collection of artefacts, fine art and archives at Broomhall House reflects the family's incredible exploits around the world. Broomhall was built in 1702 but reconstructed in 1766 by John Adam. In 1796 the house was remodelled in the Greek revival style, by the 7th Earl, whose collection of antiquities was later acquired for the British Museum. Today, you’ll be invited by Lord Bruce as a treasured guest to his home at Broomhall House. |
|
Stirling Castle Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s premier castles and has an impressive history. Home to a succession of Stuart kings and queens, this historic edifice sits atop a rocky outcrop and rivals Edinburgh Castle in both history and visual impact. |
|
Glengoyne Distillery Explore the near 200 year history behind the whiskey of Glengoyne Distillery. Bold, complex flavours from the slowest stills in Scotland, matured in only the finest casks, here you'll be in for a treat. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel |
|
Days 9-11 |
Glasgow |
Accommodation in Glasgow
•
Crossbasket Castle - $$$$$
Immerse yourself in history in this renovated 17
|
|
* Glasgow city tour Glasgow is the beating heart of modern Scotland. The country’s sporting, music and financial capital, Glasgow is a hard-working and thriving city. The city packs in a fair amount of culture too, from the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to Glasgow Cathedral and the historic Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in the city. The creations of Glasgow’s most famous son, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, can be seen all over the city from the Willow Tea Rooms to the Mackintosh House at the Hunterian Museum. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Edinburgh airport |
|
Departure airside meet and greet service |