Scenic Scotland aboard the Royal Scotsman

Journeying to the very heart of the Scottish Highlands, the luxurious cabins of The Royal Scotsman, the UK’s only luxury sleeper train, transports guests across the ruggedly beautiful terrain to explore the very best of Scotland. This month sees the liveried carriages return to the Highlands as the 2012 season for The Royal Scotsman commences. Meals crafted from the best local ingredients, many of which are picked up from local suppliers along the journey, sleeping in cosy cabins aboard the train whilst it’s stabled in remote stations, access to some of Scotland’s most beautiful stately homes and tours of the finest whisky distilleries are just some of the highlights. The season, which runs until October, has regular departures from Edinburgh Waverley Station touring the rugged Scottish Highlands visiting sites including Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis and the beautiful Morar Sands. The collection of itineraries includes the two night ‘Highland’ journey giving a taste of Scotland’s rich heritage; the three night ‘Western’ Journey which explores Scotland’s wildest side up the scenic West Coast; the four night Classic Journey covering some 720 miles and visiting some of Scotland’s most iconic sights including Glamis Castle; the five night Grand West Highland Journey is a combination of the Western and Highland journeys and The Grand North Western Journey which combines the Classic and Western journeys. The highlight of the season is the Grand Tour of Great Britain, an annual, seven night journey which sees the train cross the border to tour some of Britain’s greatest sites including Bath, Oxford, Conwy, Cambridge and York. The changing landscapes can be admired from the lounge; the open veranda of the train’s Observation Car, whilst dining on traditional Scottish fare enjoyed in one of the two dining cars or from an en-suite State Cabin, beautifully fitted out in rich woods and inlaid marquetry. Chartering the train for a special occasion lets guests decide on a theme, whether it be food, history and heritage, fishing or golf, a carefully devised itinerary showcasing the best of Scotland will be created with a range of off train excursions. Prices start from £2,350 per person, including all meals, drinks, accommodation and excursions. The Royal Scotsman season runs until 26th October 2012.