The Country That Invented Wild Beauty: Edinburgh, the Highlands and the Royal Scotsman

City: Edinburgh

A Welcome Package will be provided and will include any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip. For your added comfort, a Meet and Greet assistant will welcome you upon your arrival at the airport. They'll be waiting for you outside of customs, holding a sign with your name on it. Your assistant will help to coordinate meeting up with your private driver at the airport, and accompany you to your hotel for check-in.

Head out on a full-day private tour through Scotland’s hilly capital, Edinburgh, founded over 1,200 years ago, complete with traditional afternoon tea and breathtaking city views. Meet your private Blue Badge guide and transportation to begin your journey in the New Town, co-listed with the Old Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the famous Princes Street, featuring the ornate 200-foot-high Scott Monument, alongside historic Georgian and neo-classical architecture. With a structure-free south side, Princes Street offers panoramic views back across the scenic Old Town, considered one of the most beautiful skylines in Europe. Midway through your tour, visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock with an imposing stance over the historic old town. Stroll the courtyard and learn about the historic royal residence from your guide while you explore the interior, where you can see the lavish rooms and even the Crown Jewels. Elevate your experience as you are treated to a traditional afternoon tea at the castle, complete with unparalleled views of the city. Next, venture into the renowned Royal Mile in the UNESCO-listed Old Town. This historic street is bookended by the 12th-century Edinburgh Castle at one end and the 16th-century Holyrood Palace at the other, the residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Along the way, spot the prominent St Giles’ Cathedral, a religious focal point for nearly 900 years, and pass the National Museum of Scotland, learning about the city’s hidden subterranean passages running below street level. Conclude your day with a transfer back to your hotel.

City: Edinburgh

Departing with a private driver-guide, you'll set out today for a full day tour to St Andrews and its scenic surrounds in the county of Fife. As a coastal area 1.5 hours northeast of Edinburgh, fishing still has a role here, but ultimately, it is to St Andrews, Scotland's oldest university town and the home of the world-famous Royal and Ancient Golf Club, that most visitors are drawn. Stroll the historic old town, where two of the original medieval gates are still in tact - the West Port, and the Sea Yett. See the oldest church in St Andrews, the Holy Trinity which dates to 1144, featuring a beautifully restored medieval exterior. Visit the cliff-top ruins of the 16th-century St Andrews Castle as well as the the stunning graveyard and ruins of the 12th -century Cathedral of St Andrew. South of St Andrews, the tiny stone harbors of the fishing villages of the East Neuk - Anstruther, Crail, St Monans and Pittenweem - are undeniably appealing, and worth dedicating some time to as you visit this part of Fife.

City: Edinburgh, Inverness

Departing with a private driver-guide this morning, transfer from Edinburgh to Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, ensuring an abundance of stunning Highland scenery en route; rugged mountain ranges, serene lochs, and sweeping vistas. Along the way, you'll stop for a visit and tour of Blair Castle and its gardens and grounds, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. Dating back to the 13th century, see over 700 years of Atholl family history brought to life within exquisite 18th century interiors. The castle enjoys one of Scotland’s finest settings in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Afterward, continue to Inverness.

City: Inverness

Meet your driver-guide at the hotel for a full day tour through Inverness, including a shared cruise on the legendary Loch Ness. In the afternoon, your driver-guide will show you more places of interest around Inverness at your request. Please note: Per Person entrances fees have not been included to allow for maximum flexibility. Please let your Sales Advisor know if you would like all entrances included and this can be added.

City: Inverness

Embark on a private coastal journey from Inverness, uncovering Scotland’s medieval grandeur, luxury craftsmanship, and charming seaside villages. As you depart Inverness with your private guide and transport, the first stop of the day is Elgin Cathedral, once the principal church of the bishops of Moray. Even as a ruin, the cathedral shines as one of Scotland’s most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings. Admire the intricate 13th-century west facade, seek out Scotland’s tallest gravestone, and step inside the octagonal chapter house. Next, visit the historic Johnstons of Elgin Mill, cashmere suppliers since 1797. Enjoy a guided tour and gain insight into the production process, engaging with experienced craftspeople producing luxury pieces, using traditional methods and techniques and receiving a personalized embroidered cashmere scarf. Explore the quaint fishing village of Pennan, comprised of a mere few dozen houses on a single street. This cozy corner of the coast is home to a small harbor, an excellent spot for watching local wildlife. Conclude your day with a return transfer.

City: Inverness, Edinburgh

Journey south out of Inverness with your private driver-guide en-route to Edinburgh. Your first stop of the day will be Culloden Moor, scene of the tragic last battle fought on British soil between the Jacobites and the Government troops. Next, its on to Clava Cairns, home to an exceptionally well-preserved pre-historic burial cairn built almost 4000 years ago. The day's adventure continues with a visit to Tomatin Distillery to discover just how the “water of life” is crafted along with a refreshing taste of the finished product. Your last stop of the day will be the picturesque town of Pitlochry, geographical center of Scotland. Here you'll enjoy some free time to stretch your legs and explore some of the charming shops the town has to offer. The journey concludes with a drive over the Forth Road Bridge before returning to central Edinburgh.

City: Edinburgh

Day one: Begin your journey in style as you board the Royal Scotsman, an icon of luxury rail travel. This three-night adventure through the Scottish Highlands blends breathtaking scenery, fine dining, and timeless elegance for an unforgettable experience. Travel west from Edinburgh along the legendary West Highland Line, passing lochs, glens, and the dramatic Glenfinnan Viaduct. Enjoy luxurious staterooms with 24-hour steward service and gourmet meals paired with fine wines. Step off to explore Morar’s silver sands, the Glenfinnan Monument, or Nevis Gorge, and visit the magnificent Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute. Evenings bring traditional entertainment, intimate dining, and lively gatherings in the Observation Car. Day one on the train: Edinburgh The train departs Edinburgh in the early afternoon and heads west through Falkirk, reaching Craigendoran, where the train joins the West Highland Line. Enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea and look out for 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. Indulge in a splendid dining experience and entertainment in the Observation Car.

City: Glenfinnan

Day Two: As the train continues west, passing through Fort William – the largest town in the West Highlands – don't miss the views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK. Disembark at Arisaig and stroll along the gleaming Morar Sands marvelling at the views of the Isle of Skye’s majestic Cuillin Mountains. Lunch is served as the train retraces its route back to Fort William. Then, our local guide dives into the Glenfinnan Monument’s history, before drinks and some light bites in the traditional cosy bar of The Old Station Restaurant located at Spean Bridge Railway Station. Feeling energetic? Walk through the Glen Nevis valley to the marvel of the cascading Steall Waterfall. Return to the train in Fort William and relax on board before dinner is served as you travel south towards the tiny Argyll village of Bridge of Orchy. Afterwards, enjoy a nightcap whilst listening to the evening entertainment in the Observation Car.

City: Edinburgh

Day three: After enjoying a delicious brunch onboard, head to today’s destination, the charming Isle of Bute. Enjoy a fascinating visit to Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland, before returning to the town of Wemyss Bay. A gala dinner awaits while on the move to Kilmarnock, our stabling location for the evening.