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4 Nights on Scotland's Royal Scotsman Whisky Train

Edinburgh → Highlands → Speyside distilleries → Isle of Bute → Edinburgh aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman

5
Days
16
Places
$200
/day avg
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Belmond Royal Scotsman sleeper trainGlenfiddich & Macallan distillery toursHighland scenery & CairngormsEdinburgh CastleIsle of Bute

Day 1 — Edinburgh: Scotland's Capital

09:00

📍 Edinburgh Castle

Explore Scotland's most iconic fortress perched on Castle Rock. See the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, and panoramic views over the city.

$22
12:00

🏛️ Royal Mile Walking Tour

Stroll the medieval Royal Mile from the Castle to Holyrood Palace, ducking into atmospheric closes and hidden courtyards.

$20
15:00

🍜 Scotch Whisky Experience

Barrel ride through the whisky-making process and taste regional single malts in the world's largest collection of Scotch whisky.

$35
19:30

🍜 Dinner at The Witchery by the Castle

Gothic-themed fine dining right at the Castle gates. Scottish game, fresh seafood, and an extraordinary wine list in candlelit surroundings.

$120

Day 2 — Board the Royal Scotsman

08:00

🧗 Arthur's Seat Morning Hike

Climb Edinburgh's ancient volcano for 360-degree views of the city, Firth of Forth, and the Pentland Hills. About 45 minutes up.

16:00

🚄 Board Belmond Royal Scotsman at Edinburgh Waverley

Welcome aboard with champagne and bagpipe serenade. Settle into your mahogany-paneled twin cabin and explore the observation car.

$1600
19:30

🍜 Black-Tie Dinner on the Train

Five-course Scottish dinner in the formal dining car as the train heads north through the Forth Bridge and into the Highlands.

Day 3 — Speyside Whisky Country

10:00

🍜 Glenfiddich Distillery Tour

Visit the world's most awarded single malt distillery in Dufftown. Private tour of the warehouses and taste rare cask-strength expressions.

$65
14:00

🍜 The Macallan Estate Tour

Tour the stunning new Macallan distillery designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour. Sample exclusive expressions in the tasting room overlooking the Easter Elchies estate.

$85
17:00

🏛️ Highland Games Demonstration

Private Highland Games on a castle lawn — try your hand at caber tossing, stone putting, and tug-of-war, accompanied by live pipe and drum band.

Day 4 — Highlands & Isle of Bute

09:00

🌿 Cairngorms National Park Walk

Guided nature walk through ancient Caledonian pine forest. Spot red deer, golden eagles, and red squirrels in Britain's largest national park.

14:00

🏛️ Isle of Bute — Mount Stuart House

Ferry to the Isle of Bute to visit Mount Stuart, a spectacular Victorian Gothic mansion with marble halls, stained glass, and lush gardens.

$25
19:30

🍜 Farewell Dinner & Whisky Tasting

Final evening aboard with a curated flight of rare single malts paired with Scottish cheeses, followed by traditional folk music in the observation car.

Day 5 — Return to Edinburgh

08:00

🍜 Scottish Breakfast on the Train

Full Scottish breakfast — smoked salmon, black pudding, tattie scones, and haggis — as the train rolls back toward Edinburgh.

10:00

🚄 Disembark at Edinburgh Waverley

Say farewell to the crew and step back onto the platform at Waverley Station, bagpipes playing you off.

11:00

🍜 Brunch at The Pantry

Popular Stockbridge brunch spot with seasonal Scottish ingredients. Try the eggs Royale with local smoked salmon.

$30
Scotland's Belmond Royal Scotsman is widely regarded as one of the world's most exclusive train journeys, carrying just 36 guests through the dramatic Scottish Highlands in Edwardian splendor. This five-day itinerary begins and ends in Edinburgh, looping through the heart of Speyside whisky country where Scotland's most celebrated single malts are produced. You'll visit legendary distilleries including Glenfiddich and The Macallan, tasting rare expressions unavailable anywhere else. The Royal Scotsman itself is an experience — mahogany-paneled sleeping cars, a formal dining car serving Scottish game and seafood, and an open-air observation deck perfect for watching the Highlands roll past with a dram in hand. Beyond whisky, the route takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes: the Cairngorms National Park, the wild beauty of the Highland glens, and the serene Isle of Bute with its Victorian architecture. Edinburgh bookends the journey perfectly — explore the medieval Royal Mile, climb Arthur's Seat for panoramic views, and visit Edinburgh Castle perched on its volcanic rock. Whether you're a whisky connoisseur or simply love luxury train travel, this is Scotland at its finest. The combination of world-class spirits, Highland scenery, and old-world elegance makes this one of Europe's most unforgettable rail experiences. Book well in advance — the Royal Scotsman sells out months ahead.

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