As you make your way just a little north to the famous Gleneagles hotel, stop at Stirling Castle, the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, Stirling Castle represents one of Scotland’s most significant castles, both historically and architecturally.

During your stay at Gleaneagles, spend a day exploring the town of St. Andrews with a private guide. See the 12th-century Cathedral, the famous Old Course, the ancient university campus and castle, as well as the busy medieval streets. An afternoon spent trout fishing on the River Tay also offers a memorable experience.

Return to Edinburgh to board the Belmond Royal Scotsman for a four day journey on the timeless train. Enjoy afternoon tea as the train makes its way past Loch Lomond. Or, sit back into the bucket seats of the Observation Car and take in the scenery as the train heads north.

In the West Highlands, stop for tea at Inverlochy Castle or walk to Steall Waterfall in Glen Nevis. And on the Isle of Bute, visit Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland.

In the evenings, enjoy a mix of formal and informal dinners served in the stately dining cars, and nightcaps in the Observation Car while listening to the evening entertainment.

Disembark your luxury train, and continue your explorations of Scotland with a private discovery of Cairngorms National Park. Cairngorms represents the heart of the Scottish Highlands with its mountains and wildlife. The UK’s largest National park has a wealth of activities to match its size. This of course includes everything from exploring castles and distilleries to water sports, wildlife watching, and walking and cycling routes.

With a private guide, hike to a beautiful loch on the Balmoral Estate, Her Majesty, The Queen’s summer estate. Pass by the Glas-alt Shiel house built by Queen Victoria and take in the views across the beautiful Scottish countryside. For wildlife watching, head out on a Land Rover with a local driver. Keep your eyes open for deer, capercaillie, and golden eagles.

The Scotland by train journey heads south again. But first, you will stop off at Blair Castle for a tour of the castle and its grounds. Blair Castle has hosted the Atholl family for more than 700 years. You can therefore spend time exploring the family history through the castle and grounds.  

Later on, your guide will transfer you back to Edinburgh for an evening spent at your leisure prior to your departure.