Scotch Malt Whisky Tour
The Route
Embark on a special classic journey through Scotland with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, the world’s foremost malt whisky club and specialists in single-cask, single-malt whiskies. Outdoor adventure and spirits lover, you are among friends.
Estimated departure: 13:45 – arrival: 09:40
Our train is subject to national railway constraints and timings are purely indicative. Please check your final itinerary for confirmed timings.
This journey is recommended for guests aged 18 and over.
Scotch Malt Whisky Tour
4 Nights
Embark on an adventure with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, our partner for this unique journey through Scotland
Departing from Edinburgh, travel north across the Firth of Forth over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. Enjoy the majestic views offered as you pass Loch Luichart, the Torridon Mountains and the Cairngorms National Park.
Check availabilityIncludes
Luxury Accommodation
Four nights aboard the Royal Scotsman luxury train with 24-hour steward service
Fine Dining
All meals aboard the train: full Scottish breakfast, two-course lunch, three-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petit fours. All beverages including alcoholic drinks
Historical Tours
A private tour of the Benromach distillery, a visit to Rothiemurchus Estate, and a specialist single-cask whisky tasting with your Whisky Ambassador. A one-year membership to the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and a visit to their headquarters.
Entertainment
Traditional ceilidhs on board, evening entertainment in the Observation Car and dining experiences
Day One
Edinburgh
Meet your whisky ambassador in the Balmoral Hotel and enjoy a welcome dram before departure. The Royal Scotsman departs Edinburgh Waverley Station and travels north across the Firth of Forth over the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge.
A light afternoon tea is served as you glide through the former Kingdom of Fife, followed by an exclusive Whisky nosing and tasting with whisky expert and prolific author, Charles MacLean. Whether novice or aficionado, you will be in good hands with Charlie as he guides you through the mysteries of the ‘water of life’. An old-school bon viveur, and author of 18 books on the subject, Charlie’s grasp of the history and heritage of the whisky industry is second to none.
Day Two
Tain
After a full Scottish breakfast, alight from the train in Tain for a visit to Glenmorangie House and Glenmorangie Distillery. Established in 1843, Glenmorangie is one of Scotland’s most renowned distilleries. Celebrated for its range of high-quality single malts, it puts a firm emphasis on craftsmanship, heritage and experimentation with cask finishes. Learn about the traditional whisky production methods before enjoying a tutored tasting. This is followed by a light lunch before you rejoin the train in the late afternoon.
Relax on board this afternoon as your journey takes you on one of the most scenic railway routes in the UK. 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 Three
Carrbridge
Savour a full Scottish breakfast as the train travels east towards Carrbridge, followed by a specialist single-cask tasting with your whisky ambassador in the Observation Car. Then, head to our luxury dining cars, where a light and refined lunch is served.
Disembark in Aviemore to visit the 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 for an 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 Four
Rothiemurchus
After breakfast, travel by coach to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park and select among a variety of outdoor pursuits such as wild swimming, archery or fly fishing.
Return to the train in Kingussie and enjoy a leisurely lunch while the journey takes you south, before disembarking to visit Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford village. Your private VIP tour features nosing straight from the cask and a tutored tasting of three Tullibardine Highland single malts.
Re-join the Royal Scotsman in Perth and prepare for a formal dinner en route to Dundee. Tonight, the infectious beat of the music may inspire you to join in some lively Scottish country dancing on the station platform, a fitting finale to your Whisky Journey.
Day Five
Edinburgh
As your train leaves Dundee in the morning, crossing the Tay Bridge into the former Kingdom of Fife and making its way back to Edinburgh, savour a full Scottish breakfast with your fellow guests.
Story
The Lingo to Know When Ordering Scotch Whisky
The whisky might be smooth, but knowing which one to order can be anything but. For us, award-winning spirits writer Millie Milliken explains how to make sense of a whisky menu if you’re a beginner – and tell you everything you’ve always wanted to know about the famous liquor.
Read our guide to learn tips, know how to differentiate a single grain to a blended Scotch and discover the industry’s pioneering brands. Slàinte Mhath!