Furnished with inlaid marquetry and full-length wardrobes, the cabins are a truly luxurious. They come in single, twin or double setups, with each bed a delight of tartans and soft Scottish wools. What’s more, each comes with its very own en suite, complete with shower, washbasin and WC. Need any assistance? Your personal steward is just a push of a button away, 24 hours a day. For further relaxation, head to the spa carriage, where treatments range from massages to facials.
This delicate sense of style and place continues into the dining cars, where meals are served among mahogany panelling. Here, chefs trained in Michelin-starred restaurants dish up the best in Scottish fare, inspired by the train’s route. Think steamed mussels, pigeon salad and rich game all washed down with an all-inclusive spread of fine wines. Then, the all-inclusive indulgences continue in the bar car, where champagne and a 30-strong collection of whiskies are offered up in a convivial atmosphere. You’ll be able to watch as the scenery drifts by from an armchair or the open-air verandah.
There’s a delightful selection of specialist departures, including itineraries that focus on whiskey distilleries and private tours of the country’s grandest country estates. The train’s signature routes, however, range from three to five days, with select options reaching up to a week. While all offer spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands, the longer let you get more off the beaten track, taking in the likes of remote islands and waterfalls. Throughout, you can expect a full range of including touring, from boat trips to garden tours.
