The Belmond Royal Scotsman: Grand Tour of Great Britain

Beginning among Edinburgh’s rich history, you’ll enjoy a night in one of its finest accommodations – The Balmoral Hotel. Appropriately it was originally built by the North British Railway back in 1902 as the company’s flagship property.

Today, its grand clock still dominates the skyline, while its Victorian architecture houses marbled rooms, spa treatments and a Michelin-starred restaurant. You’ll also have all of Edinburgh’s delights on your doorstep, from the Scottish Parliament to that great icon – the city’s hilltop castle.

After a morning at leisure, you’ll board the Belmond Royal Scotsman at the glass-domed Waverley Station – found just opposite your hotel. Stepping on board, you’ll arrive into a world of wood-panelled corridors and intricate marquetry, perhaps heading to the lounge car for a glass of something bubbly. For the best views, make use of the open-air observation verandah to watch as the city limits fade into rural Scottish beauty.

You’ll also begin your menu of full-board meals with an afternoon tea on the Highland Line to Aviemore. Arrive at the beautiful village of Boat of Garten, set amongst heather clad hills and native woodland. You’ll enjoy the first of your four-course dinners, capped with live entertainment in the open bar car.

Following a full Scottish breakfast, the train continues with a visit estate of Rothiemurchus for clay pigeon shooting and wildlife walks. Rothiemurchus is a shining example of a family run estate that works in harmony with the land, its wildlife and human communities. It is a special place at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, near Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands offering a warm welcome, stunning scenery and outdoor activities.

Return to the train and travel north to Inverness and visit Culloden Battlefield with a private tour by a Highlander. Culloden was the last hand-to-hand battle fought on British soil. Part of a wider European religious and political conflict, the short but bloody fight changed the course of history. Since the mid-nineteenth century the battlefield has been a place of pilgrimage for people from Scotland and throughout the world. Some visitors are descendants of those who fought. Others are gripped by the extraordinary story. With ongoing archaeological research and fresh historical interpretations, the story of Culloden is far from over.

Continue east to Keith where you will have the opportunity to visit Strathisla Distillery, the oldest working distillery in the Scottish Highlands, renowned for its "holy wells" and natural springs. Strathisla is the home and heart of Chivas Regal. Although it is the predominant influence at the heart of the world's most successful premium Scotch whisky, Strathisla is an outstanding single malt in its own right, with a fragrance and smoothness that carries through to a rich and delicious finish.

Rejoin the Belmond Royal Scotsman in Keith and continue through Speyside towards Dundee on the banks of the Firth of Tay.

Today, after breakfast, head south into England, passing the Lake District National Park. Historical walking tour of Chester, including a drinks reception in the cathedral. Chester Cathedral has a rich and fascinating heritage. It is a living community of prayer and worship, a centre of excellence in Church Music and has the finest Medieval quire stalls in the UK with some of Europe's finest carvings.

Prepare for an informal dinner as the train crosses into Wales. After dinner, disembark for a visit to Gwydir Castle which is situated in the beautiful Conwy Valley and is set within a Grade 1 listed, 10-acre garden. Built by the illustrious Wynn family c1500, Gwydir is a fine example of a Tudor courtyard house.

Today you will leave the train and visit the walled town of Caernarfon with its picturesque castle. Here your steam train awaits to transport you into Snowdonia National Park. You will then travel to the Isle of Anglesey for a private tour of Plas Cadnant Estate, one of North Wales' best kept secrets. On return to the mainland via Menai Suspension bridge and re-join the Royal Scotsman in time for dinner.

Breakfast is served on the move as the train travels south to the spa city of Bath. On arrival at Bath enjoy a guided tour of Roman baths and time to explore the World Heritage city. Nourished by natural hot springs, Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions.

Return to the train in time for a light lunch, with time to relax before disembarking at Oxford where you transfer to Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons for dinner. Le Manoir, nestled in the picturesque Oxfordshire village of Great Milton, is renowned as one of Britain's finest gastronomic experiences. Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc, Le Manoir has been delighting guests since 1984. A year later it was awarded two Michelin stars, which it has now held for a remarkable 26 years.

Rejoin the train and enjoy an after-dinner drink as the train travels to the Nene Valley Railway near Peterborough where the train stables overnight.

Today you visit Cambridge with its many pubs, restaurants and cafes, explore the independent shops around the historic market place or be inspired by the museums and art galleries. Visit historic Corpus Christi College, including the Parker library with its medieval and Renaissance manuscripts. Enjoy a leisurely punt on the River Cam before the train heads north to overnight in Scarborough.

Breakfast is served as the train journeys from Scarborough to York, renowned for its exquisite architecture, tangle of quaint cobbled streets and the iconic York Minster, where you can join a guided walking tour of the city.

Re-joining the train, you travel up through Northumberland into Alnmouth early evening where you disembark for a celebratory private viewing of Alnwick Castle followed by an exclusive farewell dinner. Alnwick Castle is the second largest inhabited castle in England, and has been the home of the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309. Return to the train for your last night on board.

Depart Northumberland early in the morning, where you cross the border back into Scotland and travel into Edinburgh Waverley after breakfast,  you’ll disembark to continue your onward journey.