Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station to board the stunning Belmond Royal Scotsman train, departing the Scottish capital early-afternoon. Heading north, you will soon cross the iconic Forth Railway Bridge, before disembarking at Montrose for your first excursion  a visit to Brechin Castle Gardens, among the finest private horticultural sites in the country.

Day 2
Wake to enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train continues its journey to Inverness, and then onwards north towards Invergordon. Alighting at the 18th-century Foulis Castle, seat of the Clan Munro, for the second tour on the trip, wherein you will explore this historic landmark, with Mrs Munro of Foulis and her son, Hector, the Clan Chief, will be ready to welcome you and show you the grounds and courtyard garden.

Back onboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman enjoy a sumptuous lunch as the train leaves for Kyle of Lochalsh, passing by the beautiful Torridon mountains, Achnashellach forest and Loch Carron. Next, step off the train to find yourself in Plockton, where Attadale awaits you, a magnificent estate complete with Water Garden, Japanese Garden, and Sunken Garden, in addition to a host of other merits. After the visit, spend the night in Kyle of Lochalsh where you will enjoy a lavish dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car, with stunning views to Loch Alsh on the Isle of Skye.

Day 3
Rise early for breakfast and then make the short drive to the Isle of Skye, with the 2,000-acre Clan Donald Estate ready to be explored, along with the award-winning museum telling of the history of the Highlands and Islands. Return to the train in Kyle of Lochalsh for a leisurely lunch as the Belmond head’s back to Dingwall. Disembark for a tour of Ballindalloch Castle, a romantic destination if ever there was one, affording an opportunity to take in the charming walled gardens, before you rejoin the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway.

Day 4
Following breakfast, climb aboard a coach for a trip to Rothiemurchus Estate. Here you will have the choice between several activities or opt to simply tour the parkland of this incredible stop-off, sitting just beneath the Cairngorm Mountains. Reboarding the Belmond at Kingussie, next you will find yourself travelling south to Dunkeld, where Ruthven House and Pitmuies Garden are next on the itinerary, close to Forfar. Returning to the train in Dundee, prepare for another splendid dinner and your last night spent onboard the Belmond.

Day 5
Enjoy the last breakfast onboard the Belmond as the train leaves Dundee behind and approaches the Scottish capital, the final destination on your journey. Pulling into Edinburgh Waverley mid-morning, you will have the rest of the day to enjoy one of Europe’s finest and most enchanting cities.