KEY INFO

  • Luxury Sightseeing Train Journey
  • Luxury Accommodation in Edinburgh
  • Private return chauffeured transfers to/from Edinburgh or Airport
  • Full touring program & meals and drinks as specified onboard
  • Accompanied onboard by a Whisky Ambassador & 24-hour Stewards
  • Entrance to Royal Military Tattoo & Festival - August only
  • Accommodation onboard Train - Luxury cabin
  • Can customise length of tour & pick up/drop off location etc – simply call to find out
  • 7 Day Tour

Scotland Whisky Trail by Luxury Train & Taste of Edinburgh

7 Days from £5999

per person based on 2 Adults sharing

OVERVIEW

Explore Scotland’s incredible whisky heritage on our Whisky Trail. Take a private tour of three distilleries and indulge in a unique cask whisky tasting experience with your personal whisky ambassador.  You will also have a choice of country pursuits to take part in on your visit to Rothiemurchus Estate.  There will also be traditional entertainment as well as a 24-hour steward service and, of course, all meals and drinks on board are included.  Luxury accommodation in Edinburgh is also included in this trip. Spend some time in Scotland’s capital city — take in the culture and learn about our ancient country’s fascinating history.  Entrance to Edinburgh Castle is also included in this tour and if your chosen dates coincide with the Festival in August, then a trip to see the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo will also be included. This really will be the trip of a lifetime and one very few people have had the privilege of sampling. If you’d like to see Glasgow as well as Edinburgh, you may like to take our Glasgow and Edinburgh Two Cities tour.

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HIGHLIGHTS

Accommodation in a Luxury Cabin on-board the train

Whisky Ambassador from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

Relax in the observation carriage and take in the gorgeous scenery

Travel through the Torridon Mountains

Formal and informal dinners onboard

Visit the private Strathspey railway and stay in Boat of Garten

The train stables every evening in a quiet siding or station to assure guests enjoy a good night's rest

The onboard Bamford Haybarn Spa offers a range of indulgent treatments for guests throughout their journeys

Onboard entertainment in the form of traditional Scottish musicians

Specialist single cask whisky tasting & VIP distillery tour with a master blender

Be regaled by a Highlander with stories of the exploits of local legends and a demonstration of authentic weaponry

Teas and coffees are served any time in the Observation Car

Visit Cairngorms National Park

Lively Scottish country dancing exhibition, or even take part if you so wish.

Edinburgh Highlights: • Entrance to Edinburgh Castle • Walk around and drink in the atmosphere of the festival (August only) • When the festival isn’t in town there are less crowds making it easier to and explore beautiful Edinburgh at your leisure • Tickets to see the spectacular Royal Military Tattoo show in Edinburgh Castle (August only)

See the gorgeous west coast of Scotland and enjoy awe inspiring views out to picturesque Isle of Skye

Journey across the Forth Railway Bridge an engineering wonder from the 19th Century

Daily table d’hôte meals & beverages included onboard

Onboard Bamford Haybarn Spa offers a range of indulgent treatments (at own expense) for guests throughout their journeys

Take part in some country pursuits, shooting, fishing or walking, or simply relax by an open fire.

A 24-hour dedicated cabin steward assists passengers with their every need 

Day 1 ITINERARY

You will be met at the airport and transferred by private chauffeur drive to the exclusive luxury of The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. If you have arrived early the concierge will keep your bags for you until official check in time, leaving you at leisure to explore Edinburgh.

Take a stroll down Princess Street and into the Prince Street Gardens or have a look around the New Town and grab something to eat or drink near St Andrews square. There is also the option of hopping onboard one of the many tour buses to help you orientate yourself and learn about the city.

In the month of August, the festival will be in full swing, from street performers on the Royal Mile to the Royal Military Tattoo at the castle, everywhere you go the place will be full of atmosphere, maybe book a show or 2 to really immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

Day 1 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Meet and greet, welcomed to Scotland
  • Chauffeured to your luxury hotel
  • Check in to the exclusively luxurious Balmoral Hotel
  • Discover beautiful Edinburgh

Day 2 ITINERARY

After breakfast you will be met by your whisky ambassador in the Balmoral Hotel and enjoy a welcome dram before departure. The train heads out of Edinburgh station and travels north to cross the Firth of Forth via the magnificent 1.5-mile long Forth Railway Bridge, which was built in the 1880s and is considered by many to be a modern wonder of the world.

You will then proceed through the Kingdom of Fife and across the Tay Bridge – during which you are served a leisurely afternoon tea.  A dram of whisky and a fascinating introduction into the world of Scotch will set the mood for the journey.  The train continues east along the coast, passing through Carnoustie, Arbroath and Aberdeen before arriving in the market town of Keith in the heart of the Speyside whisky region.

After an informal dinner relax in the Observation Car and enjoy some traditional Scottish entertainment by local musicians.

(Breakfast, afternoon tea & informal dinner included – please note there is a dress code for dinner)

Day 2 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Meet your whisky Ambassador
  • Board your luxury steam train
  • Travel on the modern wonder – Forth Railway Bridge
  • Enjoy some traditional Scottish music & Entertainment

Day 3 ITINERARY

Leave Keith this morning while enjoying your delicious breakfast, on the way through picturesque scenery to the capital of the Highlands’ Inverness, before heading on to Muir of Ord where you disembark to visit Glen Ord distillery, one of the oldest in Scotland.  Guests are treated to a private tour and a tasting and nosing session including an introduction to the smooth-tasting, 12-year-old Singleton of Glen Ord.  Return to the train for another spectacular highlight – a delicious lunch, as the train heads towards Kyle of Loch Alsh on what is arguably one of the most scenic routes in Britain.

The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, which geologists believe were formed before life began.  Later that afternoon you will reach the picturesque and quaint fishing village of Plockton.

Dinner is formal and afterwards there is entertainment in the Observation Car, which offers mesmerising views over Loch Alsh to the Isle of Skye.

(Breakfast, early lunch & formal dinner included – please note there is a dress code for dinner)

Day 3 HIGHLIGHTS

  • See the capital of the Highlands – Inverness
  • Enjoy a VIP private tour of a famous whisky distillery
  • Stop in Picturesque Plockton
  • Travel through the Torridon Mountains
  • Formal Dinner
  • Majestic view over Kyle of Loch Alsh to Skye

Day 4 ITINERARY

This morning, breakfast is served as the train travels east towards Carrbridge.

Before Lunch join your Whisky ambassador for a specialist single cask whisky tasting in the Observation Car, lunch is served as the Belmond Royal Scotsman continues south to Carrbridge where guests disembark to visit Glenlivet Distillery, home of the iconic malt that inspired the Speyside region.

The night is spent on board at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway. After a formal dinner, a Highlander regales guests with stories of local heroes and their derring-dos, even demonstrating some authentic weaponry.

(Breakfast, afternoon tea & informal dinner included – please note there is a dress code for dinner)

Day 4 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Glenlivet Distillery
  • Specialist single cask whisky tasting in the Observation Car
  • Stop in Boat of Garten in Cairngorms National Park
  • Listen to stories from the past recounted by a Highlander
  • See the authentic Highland weaponry and a possible demonstration

Day 5 ITINERARY

After breakfast, travel by coach n to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Here you can choose from activities such as fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk through the stunning landscape or simply relax by the fire.  Return to the train at Kingussie and enjoy a leisurely lunch, served as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld.  Disembark to visit Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford village.  Here you will have private VIP tour led by the distillery’s master blender, this tour will feature nosing straight from the cask, a tour of the bonded warehouse and a tutored tasting of a range of quality Tullibardine single malts.

Once you rejoin the train in Perth prepare for and enjoy an informal dinner onboard. Overnight stay on board in Dundee. The infectious beat of the music tonight may inspire you to join some lively Scottish country dancing on the station platform, a fitting finale to your luxury train Journey.

(Breakfast, early lunch & formal dinner included – please note there is a dress code for dinner)

Day 5 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit Rothiemurchus Estate
  • Choose from several country pursuits
  • VIP tour of Tullibardine Distillery led by the master blender
  • Stop in Dundee
  • Scottish Country dancing on the station platform

Day 6 ITINERARY

Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses back into the Kingdom of Fife over the Tay Bridge. After you disembark in Edinburgh Waverly Station you are invited by your Whiskey Ambassador to spend the morning in the Society’s headquarters in Edinburgh’s elegant New Town.

After which take a taxi to the Balmoral Hotel, your lodgings for the evening, once you have checked in again, you may wish to visit Edinburgh Castle and find out about its 1100-year history, you could also take in a show or 2 at the Festival or weather permitting walk along to George Square to have a drink and soak up the atmosphere.  Just remember to leave time to return and freshen up before finishing up this evening with a trip back to the Castle to witness the fantastic Royal Military Tattoo and finish your unforgettable trip to Scotland with fireworks.

(Breakfast included)

Day 6 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Exclusive invite from the Whisky Ambassador to the society’s headquarters
  • Check in to the Exclusive Luxury of the Balmoral Hotel
  • Explore Edinburgh
  • Watch the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo (August only)

Day 7 ITINERARY

After check out you will have the remainder of the day at leisure, you will then be transferred by chauffeur to Edinburgh airport for your onward flight.

(Breakfast included)

Day 7 HIGHLIGHTS

  • Today is spent at your leisure
  • Chauffeured to Edinburgh airport

WHAT TO EXPECT

When the claret carriages of Belmond Royal Scotsman roll into Edinburgh Waverley station, an enchanting rail adventure is about to begin. Escorting an exclusive gathering of just 40 guests, a journey aboard is an intimate and immersive way to discover Scotland’s magic.  There are 15 twin, three double and four single State and interconnecting Cabins in our sleeping cars, all with en-suite showers, writing desks, wardrobes and service buttons.  Fresh towels and amenities are provided daily, and hot-water bottles can be requested at turn down for guests in need of a cosy treat.

The Bamford Haybarn Spa offers guests the most unique relaxation space in Scotland.  Bamford’s bespoke treatments include rejuvenating facials, de-stress and deep tissue massages, and glamorous manicures and pedicures using eco-friendly Kure Bazaar polishes.  The Observation Car is the social hub of the train.  Stories are regaled with fellow guests over an evening aperitif from a comfy armchair, or the open-air veranda serves as a thrilling accompaniment to an inspiring sunset.

Dining is always a delight aboard Belmond Royal Scotsman.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the two Dining Cars,  Raven and Swift.  Raven seats guests on tables of four, setting a more intimate tone for dinners with friends and loved ones, while Swift offers tables of six or eight creating a lively dinner party ambience.

Regional specialities are created with the best local produce.  From hearty Highland breakfasts to the freshest seared fish and melt-in- the-mouth Aberdeen Angus beef, all dishes are freshly prepared on-board the train by top chef Mark Tamburini and his expert team.  Guests are treated to daily excursions including world renowned distillery tours, exclusive visits to country houses and estates and exhilarating sporting pursuits.

On your return to Edinburgh, once you have left the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society HQ and returned to The Belmond Hotel and checked in again, you may wish to visit Edinburgh Castle and find out about its 1100-year history, you could also take in a show or 2 at the Festival or weather permitting walk along to George Square to have a drink and soak up the atmosphere.  Just remember to leave time to return and freshen up before finishing up this evening with a trip back to the Castle to witness the fantastic Royal Military Tattoo and finish your unforgettable trip to Scotland with fireworks.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Accommodation –  Staying at the Luxury Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh for 2 nights Bed & Breakfast & Luxury Train Journey in a  Twin or Double Cabin onboard for 4 nights (see below for Luxury Train journey inclusions)
  • Entrance fee to Edinburgh Castle
  • Entrance to Royal Military Tattoo & Festival – August only
  • Return Private Chauffeur to and from Edinburgh airport
  • Luxury Train Journeys inclusions: Accommodation onboard, daily table d’hôte meals, all beverages, taxes, all offboard excursions and onboard entertainment
  • A 24-hour dedicated cabin steward assists passengers with their every need
  • Whiskey Ambassador from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
  • Teas and coffees are served any time in the Observation Car
  • Carriage interiors are lined with rich mahogany panels, and adorned with plush fabrics and furnishings in an opulent Edwardian style
  • A continental breakfast can be brought to guest’s cabins, along with tea or coffee
  • On alternate nights, there are formal dinners and black-tie is recommended. Gentleman may choose to wear a tuxedo or kilt, while ladies may opt for cocktail dresses or evening gowns. For informal dinners, a jacket and tie are the norm for gentlemen, Smart casual clothing is the norm for day wear, including comfortable clothes and shoes for outdoor activities. The train stables every evening in a quiet siding or station to assure guests enjoy a good night’s rest
  • Full touring program while onboard
  • Please Note: This tour has been put together in conjunction with an industry partner, as such it is unlike other Inspiring Travel tours in that the tour only departs on a limited number of dates during the year, as such the demand for this tour can be very high.  The departure dates can be accessed when you proceed to book.  If the dates or journey do not suit please call and we will endeavour to find a similar journey that match your requirements.

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