Scotland Whisky Trail by Luxury Train & Taste of Edinburgh

Please note this tour has limited departures throughout the year 06 Oct 2018, 13 Oct 2018, 10 Apr 2019, 18 Jul 2019, 04 Aug 2019, 06 Oct 2019 & the 12 Oct 2019. If none of these dates are suitable please click here to contact us to discuss other similar options that we can provide or click here to visit our website and send us some details and we will design your very own Private Tour of Scotland.

Day 1 - You will be met at the airport (or other location if required) 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 2 - 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 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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)