The Royal Scotsman follows the east coast up to Keith before heading across to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton, making your way to Inverness and then south to Perth to enjoy a personal invitation to visit Ballindalloch, with its magnificent house and gardens. Along the way there is time and opportunity for fishing, clay pigeon shooting or guided walking along Caledonian pine forest trails.
Think of the finest country house on wheels, add in great food, conversation and sunsets over unforgettable landscapes, and you have a taste of the Royal Scotsman.
Accommodation
The Sleeping Cars are beautifully fitted out in rich parquetry, each providing a comfortable and intimate area to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Scotland.
Each cabin includes:
• Private bathroom with shower, wash-basin and toilet and hot water
• High quality toiletries
• Fresh fluffy white towels
• Lower beds
• Each bed is furnished with one feather and one foam pillow, feather duvet and cotton quilted bed covers
• Dressing table
• Full-length wardrobe
• Hairdryer
• Individually controlled heating
• Cooling ceiling fans
• Opening windows
• Cabin service call button
Observation Car
The Edwardian splendour of The Royal Scotsman's observation car provides the perfect backdrop to enjoy the delights of your journey.
The observation car offers an ever-changing panorama of virgin countryside and wild coastal scenery as the train moves past rugged castles, picturesque villages and heather-pink glens, home to magnificent creatures including eagles and stags. The views may be enjoyed from the comfort of the interior or from the exhilarating open verandah.
Comfortable sofas and armchairs provide seating for all thirty-six guests and conviviality and conversation are assured. After dinner the country house party ambience is enhanced by entertainment which creates a distinctly Scottish mood.
Dining & Cuisine
Dining on The Royal Scotsman is an exquisite experience. Our fixed menus reflect the many seasonal changes and are consistently regarded as amongst the very finest in Britain.
The train's chefs create dishes to exacting standards despite the restricted space. Dining on board the beautifully decorated, mahogany-panelled dining room is an experience to savour with meals prepared with local ingredients, such as Scottish smoked salmon, and served with wine for all tastes.
Our extensive cellar provides a range of fine wines to accompany lunch and dinner, and we offer a fine range of liqueurs and malt whiskies. The choice of a full Scottish cooked breakfast or a continental breakfast is available every morning.
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're with.
Formal and Informal Dinners:
There are formal and informal dinners aboard The Royal Scotsman, usually on alternate nights. For the formal dinners we encourage a tuxedo or kilt for gentleman and a cocktail dress or similar evening wear for ladies. For the informal dinners a jacket and tie is the norm for gentlemen, except at times of unusually hot weather.
Many guests like to wear a kilt for the formal dinners and we would be pleased to recommend an Edinburgh based kilt hire company, who can make all the arrangements for you, including delivery to your hotel, or direct to the train (please note than an additional charge will apply).
Special Diets and Allergies:
Special diets can be accommodated with our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food related or not, so that we can do our best to make your journey with us as enjoyable as possible.
Itinerary
Your vacation includes:
• All table d'hôte meals
• All alcoholic and other beverages
• All sightseeing excursions as shown in the itinerary
• Accommodation on board
Journey Highlights:
• Forth Railway Bridge crossing the Firth of Forth
• Dalmore Distillery, one of the oldest in the Highlands
• Routing to Kyle of Lochalsh, one of Britain's most scenic
• Views of the Torridon Mountains, including the Luib Summit
• The picturesque region around Plockton
• Views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains
• Ballindalloch in the Sprey Valley
• Legendary stories as told by Ray Owens
• Visit Rothiemurchus Estate
• Visit Scone Palace, home to the Earls of Mansfield
• The stunning Scottish Highland Countryside
Itinerary:
Day 1: Edinburgh-Keith
Meals: Afternoon Tea & Dinner
Day 2: Keith-Invergordon-Plocckton-Kyle of Lochalsh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Kyle of Lochalsh-Carrbridge-Boat of Garten
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Boat of Garten-Aviemore-Dunkeld-Perth-Dundee
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Dundee-Edinburgh
Meals: Breakfast
Please note: itineraries are subject to change and full details will be confirmed with your tickets.
For full details regarding the itinerary for this journey, click on the "Download Itinerary" button.
Departure Information
2011
Sep 5, 12, 19, 26, 30
Oct 10, 14
2012
Apr 23, 30
May 10, 14, 18, 28
Jun 3, 11, 21, 25
Jul 2, 16, 23, 30
Aug 9, 23, 27
Sep 3, 13, 17, 24
Oct 1, 5, 15, 22
The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh at 1.42pm on day one and arrives back in Edinburgh at 9.46am on day five.
Additional Information
Smoking Policy:
In accordance with Scottish Law, smoking is not permitted onboard the train at any time.
Check-In Procedure:
The Royal Scotsman departs from Edinburgh Waverley Station. Guests are asked to check-in at the National Express First Class lounge at least 40 minutes prior to departure. You will be met by our Host and members of Crew who will transfer your luggage to the train.
Luggage and Storage On-board:
Cabins on board The Royal Scotsman have limited space. We recommend that each guest travels with one suitcase and one carry-on bag. Twin State Cabins have luggage storage space under each bed which is 71cm x 23cm. 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. Prior to boarding, please attach a Royal Scotsman luggage label/tag to each piece of your luggage.
What to Wear:
For daytime excursions and relaxing on board the train, we recommend casual, comfortable clothing. In the evening we recommend a jacket and tie for informal dinners and black tie/tuxedo or kilt for formal dinners.
To Book
This product is not currently available to book through our online booking system.
To book, please contact one of our Rail Specialists on 1300 360 823 or email details of your requirements to info@railtickets.com.au
Orient Express requires a Passenger Information Form to be completed in order to confirm bookings.
Download a copy of the form here.
Terms and Conditions
Bookings require a 30% deposit at the time of confirmation, with full balance payable 60 days prior to the departure date.
Once a booking has been made cancellation penalties apply:
21 or more clear working days before train departure date: 30% cancellation penalty;
3-20 clear working days before train departure date: 70% cancellation penalty;
Within two days of departure or no show: 100% cancellation penalty (no refund).
Once a booking has been made and a change is required then the following administration fees apply:
More than 56 working days before departure date: One free change then 10% amendment fee;
21-55 clear working days before train departure date: 20% amendment fee;
3-20 clear working days before train departure date: 60% amendment fee;
Within two days of departure or no show: 100% amendment fee.
Administration Fees are imposed for change of passenger’s names, departure dates or compartment types.
Photo credit: Images courtesy of Orient Express © Orient Express Trains
