Travel Feature: The Royal Scotsman

The haunting call of a bagpipe beckons travelers to the Waverly Station platform where Edinburgh's famous train awaits. Celebrated as a world-class travel experience, the Royal Scotsman is one of the best ways to visit Scotland. Once aboard, guests are treated to an ultra-sensory mix of Highland culture and hospitality, set to motion along a stunning backdrop of highlands, lochs and glens.

Depending on interests and time constraints, Royal Scotsman guests choose among tour vacation itineraries ranging from a two-night Highland sampler to an extended seven-night holiday tour.

A frequent choice is the four-night Classic Journey which extends up Scotland's eastern shore and across the Highlands.

The tour train gets off with a dramatic start; crossing the Firth of Forth along the 2.5-km/1.5-mi Forth Railway Bridge, a 19c engineering marvel. Beyond the estuary, guests enjoy a spot of tea as the train rolls north through the ancient Kingdom of Fife. As afternoon fades, the Royal Scotsman slides into Speyside (Keith). There, a visit to Strathisla -- oldest distillery in the North and home to Chivas Regal -- ends with a lively Ceilidh (pronounced "kaylee"); a sort of Scottish Highland square dance.

Next morning, guests are westward bound, up through the Highlands to the thousand-year-old town of Tain. Upon reaching Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh, a visit to Glenmorangie Distillery is in order. A tour of the so-called "Glen of Tranquility" includes the opportunity to raise a dram of Scotland's best-selling single malt.

Once everyone's back on board, the train proceeds along a stunning stretch through Wester Ross (Western Highlands). Guests catch a glimpse of the ancient Torridon range before the train disappears into the Achnashellach wilderness, reemerging to follow Loch Carron to the picturesque hamlet of Plockton.

Plockton's village charm and dramatic vistas make the Royal Scotsman's next stop the perfect opportunity for everyone to get out and explore. Town and country strolls are options but a "sail to the seals" -- with close-up views of the Isle of Skye -- is undoubtedly one's best bet.

That evening, after settling into neighboring Kyle of Lochalsh, formality rules a night of fine dining and entertainment.

Day three offers a second opportunity to observe some of the Scottish Highland's most beautiful scenery as the train returns east. A southern turn leads through the Spey Valley as far as Carrbridge where a Ballindalloch Castle tour is in store.

A tour of Ballindalloch, so-called "Pearl of the North," offers a rare peek at castle life and times. Home to the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546, the castle's finely appointed rooms showcase a superb collection of 17c Spanish paintings. A famous herd of Aberdeen Angus roam the estate.

Rounding out the day, a historic steam train ride aboard the Strathspey Railway transports guests to Boat of Garten where another evening of formal dining and entertainment awaits.

The fourth day's activities commence with a sidetrip to Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms Mountains. Rothiemurchus, a remnant of the Caledonian Forest, is a haven for osprey and other wildlife. Visitors may fish, watch birds, take aim at clay pigeons or simply go for a stroll. There is also a small collection of fine shops specializing in Scottish goods.

Regrouped and back on board, everyone settles in for lunch and a short sprint southward.

At Dunkeld, guests detrain for an afternoon's tour of Glamis (pronounced "glahms") Castle, setting of Shakespeare's Macbeth, birthplace of the Queen Mother and, perhaps, Britain's most haunted royal residence. The castle's origins can be traced to the 14c and it is particularly appreciated for its architectural detail and prolific gardens. A monster, a witch and the devil himself are among the alleged occupants.

Back onboard, an informal dinner is served en route to Perth where guests spend their final night. A morning return to Edinburgh marks the end of Royal Scotsman's four-night Classic Journey.

Guests aboard the Royal Scotsman receive all meals including full or continental breakfasts. World renowned chefs prepare seasonal menus featuring fresh seafood, local game and Aberdeen Angus beef accompanied by luxury wines, fine liqueurs and malt whiskeys. Two elegant dining cars accommodate parties of from two to eight guests. Special dietary needs are met with advance request.