Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Edinburgh and immediately travel to the famous Gleneagles Hotel, host of the 2014 Ryder Cup and one of the world’s leading golf and spa resorts. Claiming no less than three championship courses, including the iconic Jack Nicklaus-designed Centenary Course, this is a site of pilgrimage for any fan of the sport. Later, enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the magnificent Art Deco Strathearn Restaurant, before retiring to bed or indulging in a nightcap elsewhere in the hotel.

Day 2
Today is all about experiencing what the pros do, so prepare to tee off at a pre-reserved time on the PGA Centenary Course, the longest links in inland Scotland. For non-golfers, enjoy the resort’s world-class leisure facilities, or take some time out with a stroll on one of the various walking trails in the area.

Later that afternoon, board the Belmond Royal Scotsman for the journey towards Scotland’s Fair City, Perth, before continuing up the Highland Line through the picturesque Perthshire towns of Dunkeld, Pitlochry and Blair Atholl. Dinner will be served onboard the train as it passes Kingussie and Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park and Inverness, pulling into Ardgay for the evening, your home from home.

Day 3
Wake to enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading north-east on to Tain, where golfers will have the chance to play the most northerly championship course in the UK – Royal Dornoch Golf Club. Alternatively, opt for a tour of Dunrobin Castle, followed by a trip to the fiery Dalmore Distillery to sample award-winning whiskies. Rejoining the train in Tain, indulge in dinner and enjoy entertainment in the Observation Car, as you travel south-east to Kyle of Lochalsh.

Day 4
Leaving Kyle early, the train will retrace its route to Inverness, before golfers will be given another opportunity to show off their skills, this time on the Castle Stuart Golf Links, which hosted the Scottish Open 2011-2013 and boasts stunning views over the Moray Firth. For non-golfers, a visit to Johnstone’s Cashmere Centre, and then a drive up to Ballindalloch Castle will be on offer.

Once the afternoon arrives, passengers will return to the train in Keith where the Strathisla Distillery is found. After exploring its delights, return to the Belmond Royal Scotsman for dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car, before heading to bed.

Day 5
Breakfast will be served onboard as the train travels south-east and on to Aberdeen. A stop off at the Cruden Bay Golf Club offers keen sportspeople the chance to experience the majesty of this historic course, which dates back to 1899. Meanwhile, those uninterested in playing the greens can enjoy a private tour of Pitmedden Gardens, before moving on to see 13th Century Fyvie Castle after lunch.

Rejoining the train in Aberdeen, you will next head south, through Montrose and Arbroath, to Dundee, where you will bed down for the night, but not before a wonderful dinner and evening’s entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day 6
Leaving Dundee in the morning, next the train will travel south through the Kingdom of Fife, crossing the Forth Railway Bridge – a marvel of Victorian engineering – before Edinburgh appears on the horizon, arriving in the Scottish capital mid-morning, the final stop on your overland odyssey.