Belmond Royal Scotsman

Day 1 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.

Day 2 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 24 April 2017, 12 June 2017 and 16 Oct 2017 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.

Day 3 Have cameras at the ready as you retrace the route north to Inverness, then 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 24 April 2017, 12 June 2017 and 16 Oct 2017 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.

Day 4 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.

Day 5 After breakfast the train heads south to Edinburgh where your journey ends.

Day 1 Depart from Edinburgh and travel through Perth, enjoy afternoon tea on the Highland Line to Aviemore. Arrive early evening in the peaceful Highland village of Boat of Garten. Cocktails are served followed by an informal dinner.

Day 2 Visit estate of Rothiemurchus for clay pigeon shooting and wildlife walks. Return to the train for lunch before visiting Culloden. Continue east to Keith where you will have an opportunity to visit Strathisla Distillery. Rejoin the train in Keith and continue through Speyside towards Dundee on the banks of the Firth of Tay.

Day 3 Head south into England, passing the Lake District National Park. Historical walking tour of Chester, including a drinks reception in the cathedral. Prepare for an informal dinner as the train crosses into Wales. After dinner disembark for a visit to Gwydir Castle.

Day 4 Visit the walled town of Caernarfon with its picturesque castle. Here your steam train awaits to transport you up into Snowdonia National Park. Travel to the Isle of Anglesey for a private tour of Plas Cadnant Estate, one of North Wales' best kept secrets Return to mainland and re-join Belmond Royal Scotsman in time for dinner

Day 5 Breakfast is served on the move as the train travels south to the spa city of Bath. On arrival in Bath enjoy guided tour of Roman baths and time to explore the World Heritage-listed city. Rejoin the train for lunch and spend the afternoon onboard at your leisure. After dinner enjoy a drink in the observation car as the train travels to the Nene Valley Railway.

Day 6 Visit Cambridge and historic Corpus Christi college, including the Parker library with its medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. Guests can also enjoy a leisurely punt on the River Cam. Overnight stabling in Scarborough.

Day 7 Breakfast is served as the train travels from Scarborough to York. Guided walking tour of the city including York Minster. Rejoining the train, you travel up through Northumberland into Alnmouth by early evening, here you disembark for a celebratory private viewing of Alnwick Castle followed by an exclusive farewell dinner. Return to the train for your last night on board.

Day 8 Depart Northumberland early in the morning, cross the border back into Scotland and arrive back at Edinburgh Waverley after breakfast.