Scotland’s Classic Splendours

Travel north, crossing the Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge.

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea as you pass Arboath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith. Informal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.

Leave Keith this morning as the train travels west along the Moray Firth towards Inverness, capital of the Highlands.

Lunch is served as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably the most scenic railway route in the UK.

Disembark in picturesque Plockton. Take a boat trip to see wild seals or enjoy a dram and a traditional Highland welcome in the Plockton Hotel. Alternatively, visit Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most iconic sights, and learn how the castle was painstakingly restored to its former glory.

Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh. Dinner is formal, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.

*Please note: On 16 October 2017, 12 April 2018, 15 June 2018, 25 July 2018, 06 August 2018, 08 October 2018, 14 October 2018 there will be an alternative itinerary for the afternoon. Guests will enjoy lunch and a tour at Cawdor Castle, before returning to the train for dinner.

Depart Kyle as breakfast is served and 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 white-washed cottages with fishing boats and yachts riding at anchor.

Disembark in Garve to visit Glen Ord Distillery, which is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, founded in 1838. Situated on the edge of the Black Isle, west of Inverness, Glen Ord continues to malt its own barley and to use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations. During your visit, enjoy a tour of the distillery as well as a private tasting and nosing session.

Travel south to Carrbridge where you disembark to explore romantic Ballindalloch Castle on beautiful Speyside.

Options at Ballindalloch include a private castle tour, 9 holes of golf on the castle's own course or an exclusive look at what is Scotland's only single estate distillery.

The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After an informal dinner, our Highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays.

*Please note: On 16 October 2017, 12 April 2018, 15 June 2018, 25 July 2018, 06 August 2018, 08 October 2018, 14 October 2018 there will be an alternative itinerary. Early-risers will have opportunity to join a short, scenic trip to photograph the famous Eilean Donan Castle before the train heads south to Carrbridge for a tour of Glenlivet Distillery.

Travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed.

Re-joining the train at Kingussie, lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld, where you disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle, childhood home of the late HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Return to the train in Perth for a formal dinner and entertainment. Overnight stay on board in Dundee.

After breakfast the train heads south to Edinburgh where your journey ends.