If you’re planning a short break but have exhausted the usual country house haunts then look no further than Scotland’s ultimate train journey the luxurious Royal Scotsman, which has recently launched its 2005 season brochure.
The new schedule offers stylish all-inclusive short breaks that will take you to the heart of the Scottish wilderness. The Royal Scotsman gives real access to Scotland’s natural beauty and colourful characters, with time away from the train to visit grand Scottish estates, enjoy rousing ceilidh’s or simply stroll along the pristine white sandy beaches of the West Coast.
Accommodating just 36 guests in comfortable Edwardian style carriages, a journey aboard The Royal Scotsman is akin to travelling with a country house party and provides guests with traditional Scottish hospitality and fine dining combined with sumptuous surroundings and attentive service.
All-inclusive prices mean there are no extra costs to contend with at the end of your stay, apart from the souvenirs you pick up along the way.
The 2005 season starts on 30 April with the 3 night ‘Western’ itinerary which travels along the dramatic West Highland line, considered one of the world’s great rail journeys, to the edge of Scotland’s great wilderness. An exclusive boat trip on Loch Awe and a private visit to Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute, Britain’s most spectacular Victorian gothic mansion are welcome interruptions as you glide past stunning landscapes that include Loch Lomond, Gare Loch, Ben Nevis and the beautiful Morar Sands. Cost per person is £2,250.
Alternatively, the 2 night ‘Highland’ itinerary is perfect for those who love outdoor pursuits.
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Try your hand at clay pigeon shooting at the Rothiemurchus Estate near Inverness, or venture out with the estate’s rangers on a Highland safari to discover local wildlife in its natural habitat. A visit to Cawdor Castle, romantically linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth is another feature within the ’Highland’ itinerary. Cost per person is £1,590.
When not off exploring, the changing landscapes can be admired from the lounge or open veranda of the train’s Observation Car, traditional Scottish fare enjoyed in one of the two dining cars or guests can simply unwind in their en-suite State Cabin, beautifully fitted out in rich woods and inlaid marquetry.
All itineraries start and end at Edinburgh Waverley Station and range from the 1 night ‘Wee Dram’, giving guests a brief taste of Scotland’s rich heritage to the 7 night ‘Grand North Western’, which is an opportunity to really savour the very best of Scotland. The season runs until 29 October and prices start from £610 per person.
For further information or to book call The Royal Scotsman on 0131 555 1021 or visit www.royalscotsman.com. Alternatively journeys can also be booked through Orient-Express on 0845 077 2222 or www.orient-express.com
ENDS
Note to Editor
In November 2004 the operators of The Royal Scotsman, Great Scottish & Western Railway Company, entered into an agreement with luxury rail company Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. and The Royal Scotsman became a new addition to this prestigious groups’ portfolio of luxury hotel, train & cruise experiences.
Orient-Express Hotels is a hotel and leisure company focused on the luxury end of the leisure market. The company owns and/or operates thirty eight highly individual hotels, six tourist trains, two river cruise businesses and three restaurants, all of which are located in areas of outstanding cultural, historic or recreational interest.
For further press information and images contact Orient-Express Public Relations:
Kathryn Malone on 020 7805 5064 kathryn.malone@orient-express.com
Anna Nash on 020 7805 5050 anna.nash@orient-express.com
Images available at www.mediarocket.co.uk/theroyalscotsman
