Have you ever wanted to Travel around Scotland in style? Well you can experience it with Belmond. keep reading to find out all about the Grand Taste of the Highlands and Scotland's Classic Splendours
Belmond is owned by LVMH, they have amazing itineraries through the countries in which they have properties and trains/ cruises operating. On this occasion we set to see Scotland on two tours.
Scotland's Classic Splendours
The Royal Scotsman - Scotland's Classic Splendours journey began from Edinburgh and headed towards Firth of Forth via the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. With a 4 night stay on the train, 24 hour steward service, meals including- Scottish breakfast, Three course lunch, Four course dinner including cheese board, coffee and tea.
We enjoyed the delicious food on board while admiring the beautiful sights we passed on the journey, including Glamis Castle.
The train was beautiful, and the cabins were spacious. The staff were professional, friendly and attentive. Below is the breakfast that was served with a view.
The food served on board was fresh and delicious.
We reached Loch Carron, where we watched seals and soaked up the Applecross Mountains surrounding us.
We were presented with a variety of whiskeys to taste. The onboard connoisseur taught us about the history of Scotland’s national drink, uisge beatha or ‘the water of life’, this name given by the ancient Celts to the fiery amber nectar we now call Scotch whisky.
The journey continued to Ballindalloch Castle, known as the "pearl of the north", is a Scottish castle located in Banffshire, Scotland’s most prolific whisky region. It has been the family home of Macpherson-Grants since 1546. with 500 years of history, there are plenty of personal heirlooms and memorabilia belonging to the current occupants scattered amongst the general finery. With Spanish paintings, one of best country house libraries in all of Scotland, the grand dining room with its stunning fireplace, the vaulted hall and nursery with antique toys.
We had a private castle tour around the property.
Next we visited Glamis Castle, which is associated with the royal family, in particular as the childhood home of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Each room has its own story and the evolution of the castle.
Grand Taste of the Highlands
This time we spent five nights in the Royal Scotsman Luxury train - Grand Taste of the Highlands, again with a 24 hour steward service. Meals including- Scottish breakfast, Three course lunch, Four course dinner including cheese board, coffee and tea. The train departed from Edinburgh and headed through Falkirk, to reach Craigendoran, the starting point for the West Highland railway line.
As the train continued west, passing through Fort William, we saw beautiful views of Ben Nevis, being Britain's highest mountain. We reached Glenfinnan Monument. The Monument was built over 200 years ago in 1815 as a tribute to 'the generous zeal and undaunted bravery' of those Highlanders who 'fought and bled in that arduous and unfortunate enterprise' – the 1745 Jacobite Rising
Here we explored the scenes and the beautiful surroundings, then got back onto the train for dinner, and musical entertainment with overnight stabling at Bridge of Orchy.
We reach Mount Stuart, a Victorian Gothic house with arguably the finest privately held collection of family portraits in Scotland.
A 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive landscaped and wild gardens.