Belmond Royal Scotsman: Taste of the Highlands

Arrive into Edinburgh and make your way to your hotel, found at Edinburgh's most prestigious address – No. 1 Princes Street. A landmark in the city centre, the historic building's grand clock still dominates the skyline, while its location with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle is the perfect base to relax or explore the sights all within a short walk of its warm hospitality.

Stay: The Balmoral Hotel (Deluxe) 

Board the Pullman coaches of the Belmond Royal Scotsman in the early afternoon and settle into your wood-panelled cabin, all warm tones, detailed marquetry, rich fabrics and Edwardian country-house appeal. Then, as the train heads north from Waverley, crossing the Firth of Forth via the iconic Forth Railway Bridge, you'll relax with a sumptuous afternoon served in the intimate setting of the dining car. It's then time to sit back and enjoy the ever-more-dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands rushing past your window, later mingling with your fellow passengers at dinner, drinks and a night of Highlands entertainment in the Observation Car as you head towards Boat of Garten.

Stay: Belmond Royal Scotsman 

Kickstart the day with a gourmet breakfast in the restaurant car, then disembark to travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. This sprawling country estate is a vast region of rivers, lochs and old-growth forests, owned and cared for almost 500 years by the Grant family. It's a truly magical setting in which to try your hand at fishing or clay-pigeon shooting. Or, join a ranger-led tour of the estate, perhaps catching a glimpse of roaming deer or a soaring osprey.  Then, it's time to rejoin the train for lunch and a scenic journey to Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite Rising, before an evening visit to Strathisia Distillery. Here, an expert guide will introduce you to what is one of the world's oldest working distilleries, home to one of Scotland's most famous whiskies – Chivas. Finally, return to the train for dinner and more spectacular Highlands views as you wend your way through Aberdeenshire to Angus.

Stay: Belmond Royal Scotsman

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you leave Dundee behind and return to Edinburgh, with time to see some of the city's sights before heading home or continuing your Scotland holiday.