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The Scottish Highlands really must be seen on any tour of Scotland and perhaps the best way to see the region is onboard the Royal Scotsman (besides a whiskey tour of Scotland). The Royal Scotsman is a luxury overnight train that explores the timeless Scottish Highlands (although perhaps not as luxurious as the Deccan Odyssey in India — a palace on wheels).
Perhaps the ultimate train journey in Canada is the famous Canadian Rocky Mountaineer — one of the most scenic alpine train journeys in the world. Train journeys are not only relaxing and fun, but they can also be a trip down nostalgia lane calling to mind the gold days of train travel and even murder mysteries like Agatha Christi's Murder on the Oriental Express. It is a way to rekindle the romance of European train travel of the 1930s. And a ride on the Royal Scotsman train is a trip to remember.
What To Know Of The Royal Scotsman Train
The Royal Scotsman has a selection of itineraries that include 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7-night journeys. The train journeys around the Scottish Highlands visiting castles, distilleries, and historic sites.
Once every year, it makes a 7-night journey around the whole of Great Britain (Great Britain is the island - so England, Scotland, and Wales but not Northern Island).
Three vintage dining and lounge carriages are kept running as the Queen of Scots charter train, but its current carriages are Pullman cars built in 1960. The Royal Scotsman has two dining cars, four sleeping cars, and one observation car.
All journeys on the Royal Scotsman are in the thousands of dollars with the longer trips being in the 10s of thousands. The journeys book out, so plan in advance and reserve one's spot if the pockets are deep enough.
The Royal Scotsman Is A Palace On Wheels
The Royal Scotsman offers the romance of travel combined with luxury and stunning landscapes. Along the way, visitors will see sweeping glens, towering peaks, rugged shores, and beautiful lochs.
It is counted among the most luxurious trains in the world with its cars marrying Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house. The train includes elegant lounges, comfortable suites, and an open observation deck.
The Royal Scotsman has ten carriages each of which has been intricately designed. One of the carriages is the sublime Bamford Spa offering something of a palace on wheels. The train is limited to no more than 40 guests so that everyone can enjoy the ultimate luxury train experience.
Experience the best (or worse) of famous British poshness and snobbery on this luxurious train.
The luxury cabins are lined with rich marquetry with plush beds fitted with soft Scottish wools and tartans. They come with en suite showers, washbasins, and toilets. The cabins have dressing tables, full-length wardrobes, opening windows, a cabin service call button, and more.
- If one is going to New Zealand, the TransAlpine train may not be exactly a palace on wheels, but one will be hard-pressed to find a train journey with more dramatic scenic views.
Example Tour Packages On The Royal Scotsman
Taste of The Highlands
The Taste of the Highlands package takes travelers into the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Along the way, passengers see the enchanting sights of some of Scotland's most striking outdoors.
- Departs: Edinburgh
- Cost: From £4,500 (about $5,475 USD)
This tour includes two nights on the royal Scotsman with 24-hour steward service. All meals are included on the train with a full Scottish breakfast, three-course lunch, and a four-course dinner. It also includes all alcoholic and other drinks.
On the way, visit the Rothiemurchus Estate and enjoy a private tour of Culloden Battlefield. Enjoy traditional entertainment on the train as well as a trip to the Strathista Distillery.
Grand Western Scenic Wonders, Westbound
Upgrade the journey on the Royal Scotsman with the Grand Western Scenic Wonders, Westbound journey. This is an epic seven-night expedition through Scotland complete with 24-hour steward service.
- Departs: Edinburgh
- Cost: From £13,500 (about $16,425 USD)
As with other journeys, all meals and beverages are included in the package.
Activities and attractions along the route include a boat trip to see seals, traditional entertainment, an excursion to Morar Sands, a visitor to the Glenfinnan Monument (or Steall Waterfall), a guided tour of The Royal Yacht Britannia, a trip to the Ballindalloch Castle, a guided tour of Glamis Castle, and a trip to the Rothiemurchus Estate.