Fay says, “The majesty of the Scottish Highlands is the appropriate backdrop to the journeys by the Royal Scotsman; its unique and gracious carriages would be the envy of any private train owner of 100 years ago, whether royal, aristocratic or industrialist.”

Members of the Club (free to join) benefit from:

- discount off the published prices of any journey

- a thank-you gift for every booking.

- the train offers a free night on-board for bookings made in June, July or August 2013 and , for some departures, a free 5* hotel night in Edinburgh.

ABOUT THE TRAIN

Experience the majestic Scottish Highlands, with ever-changing landscapes of sweeping glens, towering peaks, rugged shores and mirror-calm lochs  from aboard The Royal Scotsman. It is  a truly exclusive experience, with just 36 guests, ensuring maximum comfort, personal attention and space to stretch out and relax in sumptuous luxury.  The  rich interiors reflect an Edwardian feel, with elegant lounges and wonderfully comfortable suites.

Accommodation

Suites:  These are beautifully decorated in rich marquetry and elegant fittings.  There are  dressing tables, full length wardrobes, private bathroom with shower,  high quality toiletries and bath robes etc., along with individual heating controls and panoramic windows.   Each of the comfortable cabin beds is furnished with one feather and one foam pillow and a feather duvet.  There are fourteen twin, two double and four single State Cabins, all of which provide a wonderful atmosphere in which to relax. With the train stabled at night in a quiet siding or station, you are assured a good night’s sleep.

Observation Car:  This carriage exudes elegance, with its fresh flowers, potted palms and panoramic windows.  The Observation deck at the rear of the carriage allows one to sample the freshest of air and uninterrupted views.  The Observation Car is always full of life as fellow travellers provide conviviality and  conversation redolent of a country house weekend party.

Dining Car:  Both Dining Cars are beautifully decorated with rich mahogany panelling and luxurious fabrics.  Victory provides sixteen elegant settings grouped in twos and fours, while Raven has larger tables for six or eight.  This offers you the chance to make new friends with your fellow guests or simply enjoy the company of the one you are with.  

 Catering

With game-rich glens, Aberdeen Angus beef, a wealth of seafood and rivers of wild salmon, dining on board  is an experience to savour with meals prepared from local ingredients.  All are served with regional specialities.  Lunch may be a bowl of steamed mussels overlooking a romantic harbour or seared salmon served on the train.  As evening falls, take your seat in the Dining Car.  Expect sensational dishes, like warm pigeon salad accompanied by blackcurrant dressing, spiced roast halibut, and sumptuous apple mousse.  The extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinner, and  a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies.

Each day starts with a hearty Highland breakfast or a continental style breakfast.

Special diets can be accommodated with our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food related or not.

Itineraries

The Highland Journey (2 nights)

A 540 mile round trip taking in a broad swathe of the Highlands and Scottish cities and North east coast of Scotland, visiting Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Keith, Inverness, Dalwhinnie and Perth.

Day One - Departing Edinburgh in the early afternoon, journey north through the former Kingdom of Fife, then up into the dramatic scenery of the Highlands.  After the breathtaking journey you arrive at Dalwhinnie Distillery ready for a tour and tasting of its distinctive whisky.  In the evening a sumptuous dinner is served, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day Two - After breakfast, you travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.  Rothiemurchus offers a magical setting in which to try a spot of clay-pigeon shooting or fishing or a tour of the estate.  Rejoin the train for lunch and travel to Culloden Battlefield for a private tour of this atmospheric place (made more so if the mists are swirling around), complete with a fascinating visitor centre.  It is rare to find a battle-field tour so interesting.

Back on board enjoy the spectacular vistas on the way south through Aberdeenshire and Angus.  A formal dinner is served on the way to Dundee.

Day Three - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst leaving Stirling behind and returning to Edinburgh.

Dates and Prices

2013:   May 6,13,29.   June 19.   July 31.    August 20,22,28.   September 25.

£2,350 per person (twin and single cabin).     £3,760 single occupancy of twin cabin

The Western Journey (3 nights)

This 660 mile route from Edinurgh takes you East, then North into the some of the most dramatic mountain and coastal scenery Scotland can offer, including Ben Nevis which is the highest peak in both Scotland and  the United Kingdom.

Day One - As the train departs Edinburgh in the early afternoon, heading west through Falkirk, reaching Craigendoran, guests enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea and soon catch a first glimpse of Loch Lomond.  After climbing up the waterfall-rich Glen Falloch, the train continues north to the village of Spean Bridge for the night.   Enjoy a splendid formal dinner and entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day Two - Continuing west through Fort William, there are views of Ben Nevis.  Disembark at Arisaig, for a stroll along the gleaming Morar Sands marvelling at the views of the Isle of Skye’s majestic Cuillin Mountains.  Or choose to stay on board to hear a talk by a local expert who reveals the fascinating history of the West Highland Line.

Lunch is served as the train retraces its route back to Fort William, the largest town in the West Highlands.  After lunch, our Highlander accompanies you to Glenfinnan Monument to explain the history of the area  before tea at Inverlochy Castle.

Energetic guests can choose instead to walk to beautiful Steall Waterfall.  Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before an informal dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day Three - As the train arrives in the charming Isle of Bute, an  island rich in geology, history and wildlife, with a varied landscape, guests enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland.  Return to Wemyss Bay for a formal dinner and overnight on board.

Day Four - Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train makes its way back to Edinburgh.

Dates and Prices

2013:   May 3,10,31.   June 21,28.   July 12.   August 2,9,30.   September 6,27.   October 4.

£3,440 per person (twin and single cabin).    £5,500 single occupancy of twin cabin

The Classic Journey (4 nights)

This 720 mile journey is the ultimate in a Scottish experience, taking in Dundee, Montrose, Aberdeen, Keith, Inverness, Plockton, Dalwhinnie and Perth.   Whilst travelling in luxurious comfort through breath-taking scenery, one has the option to indulge in activities such as  fishing, clay pigeon shooting, golf, a woodland walk and a boat trip.  There is a whisky tasting at Glen Ord Distillery, a visit to  Ballindalloch Castle and gardens and also to Glamis Castle.

Day One  - As the train leaves Edinburgh in the early afternoon, it travels north, crossing the firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge, affording one spectacular views.  Whilst indulging in a leisurely afternoon tea, the train passes Arboath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Keith.  In the evening enjoy an informal dinner and perhaps a nightcap with your fellow guests in the Observation Car.

Day Two - Breakfast is served as the train leaves Keith and travels through Inverness, on its way to the Glen Ord Distillery where one disembarks for a tour of the distillery and a whisky tasting.   Later enjoy a delicious lunch as the train heads towards Kyle of Lochalsh.  Here you can explore Plockton – perhaps take a boat trip to see wild seals or enjoy a dram in the Plockton Hotel.  Spend the night on board in Kyle of Lochalsh.  Dinner is formal, followed by entertainment in the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.

Day Three - After breakfast you can choose to visit  Eilean Donan  castle.  As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognised all around the world.  It is situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and was first inhabited around the 6th century.    Rejoin the train to  head north to Inverness, then south to Carrbridge where guests disembark and explore the romantic Ballindalloch Castle.  Ballindalloch is one of the most beautiful and renowned castles in Scotland.  Known as the Pearl of the North, it is located in the heart of Speyside, surrounded by majestic hills.  It is one of the few privately owned castles to have been lived in continuously by its original family. The Macpherson-Grants have resided here since 1546.  The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway and after a formal dinner, our highlander regales guests with tales and weaponry displays.

Day Four - The day begins with a visit to the stunning Rothiemurchus Estate, one of the glories of wild Scotland, where fishing, clay pigeon shooting, or a tour of the estate can be enjoyed.  Rejoining the train at Kingussie, lunch is served during the journey south to Dunkeld, where you disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle.  This beautiful castle has been the home of the Lyon family since the 14th century, though the present building dates largely from the 17th century.  Glamis was the childhood home of  Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who married King George VI, and was later known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.  After rejoining the train in Perth, relax and enjoy an informal dinner. Overnight stay on board in Dundee.

Day Five - After breakfast the train heads back to Edinburgh, arriving during the morning and marking the end of the adventure.

Dates and Prices

2013:   April 21,25,29.   May 17,25.   June 3,15,24.   July 15,19,27.   August 5,12,24.   September 13,17,21,30.   October 15

£4,330 per person  (twin and single cabin).    £14,290 single occupancy of twin cabin

The Grand Tour of Great Britain (7 nights)

Experience a tour to remember:  Great Britain in a style of by-gone elegance.  This tour will take you through the delights of Scotland, enabling you to experience fly-fishing, walking, whisky tasting to name but a few, before travelling through England and Wales, visiting magical country houses, cathedrals and captivating cities.  There is a full programme of excursions and activities at every stop along the way.

Day One - Edinburgh to Perth, one enjoys afternoon tea on the Highland Line to Aviemore.  An early evening arrival  in the peaceful Highland village of Boat of Garten allows one time to enjoy some fresh air before cocktails, followed by an informal dinner.

Day Two - A visit to the  estate of Rothiemurchus for clay pigeon shooting and wildlife walks before returning to the train for lunch prior to visiting the atmospheric Culloden battle field, scene of the  final confrontation of the 1745  Jacobite rising.  Here one can go around the fascinating visitors’ centre before walking around the site of the battle.

Continuing east to Keith, one has the opportunity to visit the Strathisla Distillery, which dates from 1786, and many of the  buildings have changed little, from the old cobbled courtyard to the distinctive double pagodas, making it one of the most picturesque distilleries in Scotland.  Rejoin the train in Keith and continue through Speyside towards Dundee on the banks of the Firth of Tay.

Day Three - Heading south into England, one passes the Lake District National Park.  On arrival in Chester there is a walking tour of this beautiful city, founded by the Romans and  one of the best preserved in England, with many medieval buildings.  A tour of the Cathedral includes a drinks reception.

An informal dinner is served back on the train as it crosses into Wales through fabulous scenery.  After dinner disembark for a visit to the historically fascinating Gwydir Castle, a beautiful building dating back to the 14th century and reputedly one of the most haunted houses in Wales.

Day Four - History abounds within the walled town of Caernarfon with its picturesque castle, built in the 13th century.  Following the visit one can enjoy a ride on a narrow-gauge railway.  Then we travel back to England.

Day Five - Breakfasting whilst travelling south through the beautiful scenery to Bath is a wonderful memory.   Bath, a city of  impressive Georgian buildings, had many famous visitors in its hey-day coming to take the waters and socialise in this fashionable city.  It was central to many writers’ novels, such as those by Jane Austen.  It is full of eclectic shops and interesting buildings, around which one can wander after the guided tour of the historic Roman Baths and Pump Rooms.

The train journey from Bath to Oxford, the city of  dreaming spires, passes through a pretty part of the world, before reaching Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons where one has dinner in this idyllic setting.  Rejoin the train and travel to the Nene Valley Railway.

Day Six - The journey continues to another beautiful destination, Cambridge, with visits to the historic Corpus Christi college, including the Parker library with its medieval and Renaissance manuscripts.  Guests can enjoy a leisurely punt on the River Cam, admiring Cambridge from this famous viewpoint.  Overnight stabling in Scarborough.

Day Seven - On arrival in the pretty historic city of  York, there is the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour or wander the cobbled streets by oneself, before morning coffee in the fine Georgian building of Fairfax House. Rejoining the train, you travel up through scenic Northumberland arriving into Alnmouth by early evening, where you disembark for a celebratory private viewing of Alnwick Castle, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.  This is  followed by an exclusive farewell dinner, prior to returning to the train.

Day Eight - Departing from Alnmouth early in the morning, the train continues up one of the most scenic rail routes in England, following the coastline through Berwick and crossing the border back into Scotland where our final destination is Edinburgh after breakfast.

Dates and Prices 

2013:   July 5.   

£8,930 per person  (twin and single cabin).    £14,290 single occupancy of twin cabin

General Information

Included:  State cabin accommodation, daily meals, all alcoholic and other beverages, entertainment, sightseeing excursions as shown in the itineraries, all applicable taxes.

Not included:  insurance, gratuities, souvenirs.

Dress Code:   For daytime excursions and relaxing on board the train, casual, comfortable clothing is recommended.    In the evening a jacket and tie for informal dinners and black tie/tuxedo or kilt for formal dinners.  In association with Kinloch Anderson, Kiltmakers to HRH The Queen,  guests have the opportunity to hire a kilt for their journey on board or to purchase their very own tailor-made Highland Dress.

Luggage:   Cabins have limited space.   One suitcase and one carry-on bag are recommended.  Twin State Cabins have luggage storage space under each bed which is 28″ wide x 9″ high (71cm x 23 cm).  If necessary, facilities are available at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh for storage of extra luggage during your Royal Scotsman journey.  However should you be staying at an alternative hotel, please ask the Hotel Manager.

Prices:   Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin compartment.

Passport and Visas:  If you are not a UK citizen, you must have a valid passport that will remain valid beyond the duration of your journey. Depending on which country issues your passport, you may need a visa for entry into the UK.  Please check with your travel agent or government agency before travelling to the UK.

Booking & Reservations

All prices are at publicly-quoted rates.

We will be happy to answer any questions and make the booking for you  -  contact us in the UK : +44 (0)1249 890205 or info@luxurytrainclub.com      Please sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed of interesting trains and special offers.

Calendar

• 19/06/2013SCOTLAND Royal Scotsman: The Highland Journey
• 21/06/2013SCOTLAND Royal Scotsman: The Western Journey
• 24/06/2013SCOTLAND Royal Scotsman: The Classic Journey
• 28/06/2013SCOTLAND Royal Scotsman: The Western Journey