Day One: Edinburgh - Keith
The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station early afternoon, and travels north across the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. This is one of the first cantilever bridges, designed and built by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age, and known as the eighth wonder of the world.
Enjoy your afternoon tea as you journey through the former Kingdom of Fife and across the Tay Bridge.
Following the east coast, passing through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Huntly, where you will disembark for a traditional Scottish ceilidh at Strathisla.
You then rejoin the train in the market town of Keith for an informal dinner and overnight stabling.
Day Two: Keith - Kyle of Lochalsh
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train departs Keith and travels west towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands, passing through Dingwall before continuing north to Invergordon where you will disembark and visit Dalmore Distillery, which has been in operation on the banks of the Cromarty Firth since 1839.
Returning to the train, lunch will served as you travel towards Kyle of Lochalsh, on what is arguably the most scenic route in Britain.
You pass through Dingwall and Garve, which lies under the shadow of Cnoc na h-Iolaire. The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, which are so old they contain no fossils. Geologists believe that they were formed before any life began. On through Achnasheen, then the climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest before descending to Strathcarron. The train then follows the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig.
At Plockton you will have an opportunity to become your own guide and explore this picturesque region. Be at one with nature, as you take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals, and relish the magnificent views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains. There is also a woodland walk where there is time afterwards to enjoy a dram or two in the Plockton Hotel, or choose to simply have a wander through this charming village.
Alternatively, take the option to visit the majestic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles. Located on a small tidal island at the meeting point of three sea lochs, it is an area of exceptional beauty.
You return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh for overnight stabling. Dinner this evening is formal and afterwards there is entertainment in the Observation Car. Marvel at the view from the train's verandah as you gaze over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.
Day Three: Kyle of Lochalsh - Boat of Garten
After your breakfast the train departs Kyle and you retrace part of yesterday's route as far as Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where you can see whitewashed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor. Travelling round the edge of the Beauly Firth, you cross the northern end of the Caledonian Canal shortly before reaching Inverness.
The train continues south to Carrbridge where you disembark for your visit to Ballindalloch, one of Scotland's most romantic castles, with wonderful gardens. Set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey valley, Ballindalloch has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546. The family have adapted their castle with the twists and turns of fortune and history into the elegant and comfortable seat at the heart of their working estate that we see today.
You return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. A formal dinner is served and afterwards you meet Ray Owens, a Highlander who brings to life the stories of Scottish heroes. Listening to Ray, you will gain a true sense of the past and learn how life in the Highlands has changed over the centuries.
Day Four: Boat of Garten - Dundee
After breakfast you disembark the train at Boat of Garten and take the motorcoach to Rothiemurchus Estate where you can choose from a number of activities which may include fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk or alternatively, you may simply prefer to relax by the fire at Drumintoul Lodge and admire the stunning scenery while enjoying some time on your own.
You rejoin the train in Aviemore and enjoy lunch as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld, where you disembark for your visit to Scone Palace, home to the Earls of Mansfield. It's origins date back fifteen hundred years when Scone was the capital of the Pictish kingdom and the centre of the ancient Celtic church. It was also once home to the fabled Stone of Destiny, the crowning place of ancient Scottish Kings. Scone is a unique treasury of furniture, paintings and porcelain and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful woodland.
Rejoining the train in Perth you will enjoy an informal dinner on the move before stabling for the evening at Dundee.
Day Five: Dundee - Edinburgh
After breakfast, the train leaves Dundee you travel through the former Kingdom of Fife crossing the Firth of Forth by means of the Forth Railway Bridge to arrive in Edinburgh Waverley station where your journey ends.
Please note: itineraries are subject to change and full details will be confirmed with your tickets.
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