Scotch Malt Whisky Trail Tour
Overview
The Highlights
- VIP tour of Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford village, with nosing straight from the cask, warehouse tour and extensive tasting
- Tutored tasting of three Tomatin single malts after Tomatin Distillery tour
- Private tour of Macallan Distillery, in the heart of the Speyside whisky region
- Morning at the Rothiemurchus Estate, where you may choose from fishing, clay pigeon shooting, a guided walk or relaxing by the fire with a drink
- Specialist single cask whisky tasting in the Observation Car
- Tasting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society headquarters in Edinburgh
- Fabulous five-star dining and service in the two dining cars
- All-inclusive alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, meals, sightseeing
- Wind-in-your-face viewing from the open-air observation platform
The Tour
NEW for 2025! The train will introduce two new Grand Suites (bringing the total of Grand Suites to four) and will no longer have dedicated single cabins. Single travelers will still be able to book a cabin for sole occupancy.
As the world’s foremost malt whisky club, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society — specialists in single cask, single malt whiskies — is the perfect partner for this special Scotch Malt Whisky Trail Tour on the Belmond Royal Scotsman. Guests will enjoy the company of a Society Whisky Ambassador on board throughout the journey, along with the Society’s exclusive and rare malts for sampling and discussion.
Pair this with the beautiful scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the exceptional servicer on board the Belmond Royal Scotsman for an exceptional overall journey.
IRT Insights: read about IRT’s most recent experience aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
IRT Exclusive: see our video of Society President Eleanor Hardy’s trip on the Royal Scotsman.
Countries Visited
- Scotland
Itinerary
Day 1: Edinburgh – Keith
Meet your whisky ambassador at Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel and enjoy a dram before boarding the Belmond Royal Scotsman.
The train departs Edinburgh Waverley Station and travels north across the Firth of Forth over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Afternoon tea is served as you journey through the former Kingdom of Fife.
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 dinner, relax over a nightcap in the Observation Car, and enjoy traditional Scottish entertainment by local musicians.
Day 2: Kyle of Lochalsh
Relax on board this afternoon as your journey takes you on what is arguably one of the most scenic railway routes in the country.
The line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon mountains, which geologists believe were formed before any life began. Travel onwards through Achnasheen, then commence the climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach Forest before descending to Strathcarron.
The train then follows the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig before skirting the picture-postcard fishing village of Plockton en route to Kyle of Lochalsh, gateway to the mystical Isle of Skye.
A formal dinner is served this evening, followed by coffee and liqueurs in the Observation Car.
Day 3: Tomatin Distillery
Late morning, join your whisky ambassador in the Observation Car for a specialist single cask tasting, followed by lunch on board.
Disembark in Aviemore to visit historic Tomatin Distillery and learn the secrets behind its celebrated Highland single malt. Finish your tour with a tutored tasting of three Tomatin single malts, each revealing why this is considered the “softer side of the Highlands.”
Return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway and enjoy a relaxed, informal dinner. Afterwards, make your way to the Observation Car, where local musicians are waiting to entertain you as you sip a nightcap or two.
Day 4: Rothiemurchus Estate; Tullibardine Distillery
After breakfast, travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Choose from a number of country pursuits including fishing, clay pigeon-shooting and an estate tour.
Return to the train in Kingussie and enjoy a leisurely lunch during the journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry to Dunkeld.
Disembark to visit Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford village. Join an in-depth VIP tour, offering nosing straight from the cask, a tour of the bonded warehouse and a tutored tasting of three Tullibardine Highland single malts.
Re-join the train in Perth, and prepare for a formal dinner en route to Dundee. The infectious beat of the music tonight may inspire you to join in some lively Scottish country dancing, a fitting finale to your journey. Alternatively, round off your trip with an informal sampling of the train’s whisky offerings.
Day 5: Dundee – Edinburgh
Breakfast is served as the train leaves Dundee and crosses the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife. Disembark in Edinburgh. You are invited to accompany your whisky ambassador to spend the morning at the Society’s headquarters in Edinburgh’s elegant New Town.
Dates & Prices
2025 Dates
April 14 - 18
May 19 - 22
August 4 - 8
September 15 - 19
October 12 - 16
| Accommodations | Price | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Twin/Double | From £8,300 | 25% |
| Grand Suite | From £21,300 | 25% |
- Beginning in 2025, there will no longer be Single Cabins available. Single travelers will still be able to book a cabin for sole occupancy. Contact us for pricing for sole occupancy.
- Please note prices are in British pounds. View approximate exchange rates.
- Prices are per person.
- Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
2026 Dates
April 13 - 17
August 10 - 14
October 5 - 9
November 2 - 6
| Accommodations | Price | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Twin/Double | From £9,100 | 25% |
| Grand Suite | From £23,000 | 25% |
- Please note prices are in British pounds. View approximate exchange rates.
- Prices are per person.
- Pricing varies based on availability and date. Prices are subject to change daily. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure.
Book Your Journey
Reviews From Our Travelers
The Royal Scotsman staff is superb… the chef even gave me a copy of his recipe for the excellent risotto he had prepared.
In a word, wonderful. I am so happy. I have traveled my entire life, but aging has put limits on my mobility. I was beginning to despair--would I be able to make more of my dreams come true? With the help of Rachel Hardy, the IRT team, and their associates at Remote Lands, I was able to see everything I had hoped for--and more--in comfort. Amazing! I am so grateful.
Excellent! They took care of every detail and made sure we didn’t had any inconvenience at any time. Their hard work and personal attention to every detail was obvious. In a complicated country like India, they made sure we had the maximum enjoyment in every place we visited. Their professionalism and hard work assured it was an unforgettable experience.
More
Are you a whisky lover traveling with a non-whisky lover? This tour offers options of general interest for those not wishing to visit distilleries and/or participate in tastings. See the Scotland’s Classic Splendors itinerary for the non-whisky itinerary.
Greater Savings on Longer Tours: Book the Grand Western Scenic Wonders Tour (combines Scotland’s Classic Splendors and Western Scenic Wonders itineraries) and save!
Inquire About This Journey
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