Luxury Train Scotland: the Royal Scotsman through the Highlands
The Belmond Royal Scotsman is the luxury train in Scotland: two to seven nights from Edinburgh Waverley — lochs, glens, castles and distilleries by day, dinner in the dining cars and music in the Observation Car by night.
A country house on rails
The Royal Scotsman luxury train has run through the Scottish Highlands since 1985. It carries no more than 36 guests, and every journey begins and ends at Edinburgh Waverley. Between the two, the days are spent on private excursions — distilleries, estates, castles, gardens and island crossings — and the evenings at dinner on board.
All meals, all drinks, the excursions in the itinerary and the nightly entertainment are included in the fare. Most nights the train stables at a quiet country station, so you sleep to stillness rather than motion.
Royal Scotsman luxury train journeys in Scotland
From a two-night taste of the Highlands to a seven-night grand tour reaching Orkney and Skye. Every itinerary below is the one published on its Palace Tours booking page.
Wild Spirit of Scotland
Three nights into the Highlands: the Kyle line to the west coast, Attadale Gardens, Plockton or a guided hike, forest bathing at Rothiemurchus and a private Speyside distillery visit.
View itinerary →
Scotch Malt Whisky Trail
Four nights with a whisky ambassador from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society: private visits to The Macallan, Tomatin and Tullibardine distilleries, a single-cask tasting on board and a morning at the Society in Edinburgh.
View itinerary →
Grand Tour of Scotland
Seven nights from the far north to the Borders: Glenmorangie, a day on Orkney at Skara Brae, a full day on the Isle of Skye, Royal Deeside, St Andrews, Loch Lomond and a gala dinner at Drumlanrig Castle.
View itinerary →What the days look like
Whisky & the Scottish larder
Private distillery visits from Speyside to Tain, a whisky ambassador on the Malt Whisky Trail, and chef-hosted journeys with Tom Kitchin and Lorna McNee.
Malt Whisky Trail →
Castles, homes & gardens
Glamis, Ballindalloch, Drumlanrig, Duart and Mount Stuart, plus private gardens opened by their owners on Heritage Homes & Gardens.
Heritage Homes & Gardens →
The West Highland Line
Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Ben Nevis, the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Silver Sands of Morar, with a crossing to the Isle of Bute.
Western Scenic Wonders →More Belmond trains in the British Isles
Palace Tours also books two more Belmond trains in Britain: an overnight train through England and Wales, and vintage day trains from London. Pair one with the Royal Scotsman for a longer journey through Britain.
Britannic Explorer
Belmond's luxury train through England and Wales: three- and six-night journeys from London Victoria to the Lake District, Cornwall and Wales, with private cabins, dining carriages, an Observation Car and a Wellness Suite.
5 journeys →
British Pullman
A train of beautifully restored vintage Pullman carriages that runs celebratory day trips from London. Brunch, lunch or dinner is served at your table as the English countryside drifts by, with outings to stately homes, historic cities, the seaside and great sporting events.
26 journeys →Arranged by Palace Tours
Palace Tours specialises in the world's great luxury train journeys. We check live cabin availability for you, hold a cabin while you decide, confirm the deposit and balance dates in writing before anything is charged, and can arrange your hotel nights in Edinburgh before and after the train.
Questions first? Email travel@palacetours.com, call +1 786-408-0610 or message us on WhatsApp.
Plan your Royal Scotsman journey
Tell us which journey interests you and when you would like to travel. A Palace Tours specialist will confirm live availability, hold a cabin while you decide and arrange your nights in Edinburgh.