Signature Series programs, a part of our Signature CollectionSM, are fast, easy-to-book itineraries for independent travellers, offering a private alternative to popular group destinations. Choose one of our suggested Signature itineraries, for an independent holiday honed to perfection by over four decades of expertise. With your own exclusive party of family or friends, you'll enjoy the best destinations, finest hotels, "must-see" sights and the services of expert local guides - as well as private transfers and selected meals. Our Signature itineraries give you private travel at its best.

Days 1-2: USA or Canada / Edinburgh, Scotland
Depart by overnight flight to Edinburgh, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. The Balmoral

Day 3: Edinburgh
A full day of sightseeing with an expert local guide includes Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, the Queen's official residence in Scotland. End your day in Leith to tour the former Royal Yacht 'Britannia.' The Balmoral B

Day 4: Edinburgh / Keith
Transfer to Edinburgh's Waverley Rail Station to begin your luxurious four-night train journey. The Royal Scotsman departs after lunch and travels north across the Firth of Forth by means of the magnificent Forth Railway Bridge. This is one of the first cantilever bridges, designed and built by Benjamin Baker in the late 1880s. It is considered one of the greatest achievements of the Victorian Age, and is known as an "eighth wonder of the world."

Enjoy afternoon tea as you continue your journey through the former Kingdom of Fife and across the Tay Bridge. Following the east coast, pass through Arbroath, Montrose and Aberdeen before arriving in Huntly. Disembark for a traditional Scottish ceilidh (dance) at Strathisla.

Rejoin the train in Keith for an informal dinner and overnight stabling.

Day 5: Keith / Kyle of Lochalsh
Breakfast is served as you depart Keith and travel west towards Elgin. Disembark in Elgin, where you embark on your choice of sightseeing excursions. You may visit the Glen Grant distillery and gardens, founded by James and John Grant in 1840. The distillery is set around a small courtyard with turreted and gabled offices in the "Scottish Baronial" style. Alternatively, you may visit the cashmere mill at Johnston's of Elgin, which has been operating in the same site for over 200 years. Tour the facilities where Johnston's carries out all the processes of dyeing, spinning, weaving and finishing on site, transforming raw fiber into finished cashmere garments.

Return to the train and head west to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands. Afterwards continue westward toward Kyle of Lochalsh on what is arguably the most scenic train route in Britain.

Lunch is served as you pass through Dingwall and Garve, which lie under the shadow of Cnoc na h-Iolaire. The rail line passes Loch Luichart and the Torridon Mountains. Pass through Achnasheen, and climb to Luib summit and Achnashellach forest before descending to Strathcarron. Then follow the edge of Loch Carron through Attadale, Stromeferry and Duncraig before arriving in Plockton.

At Plockton you will have the opportunity to become your own guide and explore this picturesque Scottish Highland Village. Be at one with nature as you take a boat trip to see the colony of wild seals and relish the magnificent views across the Isle of Skye to the Applecross Mountains. There is also a woodland walk, which leads to a viewpoint overlooking the loch. Alternatively visit the local art gallery or simply wander through the charming village. Afterwards rendezvous at the Plockton Hotel, where there is time to enjoy a dram or two before returning to the train at Kyle of Lochalsh where Royal Scotsman stables overnight.

Your formal dinner this evening precedes entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day 6: Kyle of Localsh / Boat of Garten
After breakfast visit Eilean Donan Castle. One of the most photographed castles in Scotland, it stands on a rocky promontory at the meeting point of three sea lochs. Eilean Donan dates from the time of the Picts who lived in Scotland before the 10th century. It survived many bombardments before being razed to the ground during the Jacobite rebellion in 1719. Two hundred years later, it was restored to its former glory.

Depart Kyle of Lochalsh and retrace part of the previous day's route as far as Dingwall. Have your cameras ready for the views of Plockton across the bay to the left, where you can see whitewashed cottages with fishing boats riding at anchor.

Travelling around the edge of Beauly Firth, cross the northern end of the Caledonian Canal before reaching Inverness.

Continue south to Carrbridge, disembarking for a visit to Ballindalloch. One of Scotland's most romantic castles, it is set in the magnificent surroundings of the Spey Valley. Ballindalloch has been the home of the Macpherson-Grant family since 1546 and exemplifies the elegant and comfortable country house so beloved by Victorians in the Highlands.

Return to the train at Boat of Garten on the private Strathspey Railway for overnight stabling. After a formal dinner on board, meet Highlander Ray Owens who will bring to life the stories of Scottish heroes, offering true insight into the turbulent past.

Day 7: Boat of Garten / Dundee
Disembark this morning at Boat of Garten where there are a number of different options. Golfers can enjoy a round at Boat of Garten Golf Club, a demanding test of sporting skill in a magnificent Highland setting. Fishermen have the opportunity to try their hand on a loch at Aviemore. You can also choose to explore the surrounding countryside on a leisurely, guided walk in the Highland Wildlife Park - or simply enjoy exploring this beautiful Speyside setting on your own.

Rejoin the train and have lunch as you journey south through Blair Atholl and Pitlochry on your way to Perth, where you disembark for a visit to Glamis Castle. Seat of the Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne and childhood home of the late H.M. Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, Glamis has been home to the Bowes-Lyon family since 1372 when Sir John Lyon was granted the thaneage of Glamis by King Robert II. Since then the Castle has been visited and lived in by many members of the Scottish and British Royal Families.

Rejoin the train in Perth for overnight stabling and enjoy an informal dinner.

Day 8: Dundee / Edinburgh / Hopetoun / St. Andrews / Gleneagles
After breakfast, return to Edinburgh where your unforgettable journey aboard The Royal Scotsman ends. Continue to Hopetoun House, a Georgian masterpiece with extensive parkland. Later, visit the historic university town of St. Andrews en route to your renowned hotel in the Perthshire countryside. Gleneagles B

Day 9: Gleneagles
A full day at leisure to enjoy the facilities of the Gleneagles estate. Your driver-guide and private vehicle are at your disposal should you decide to do some further touring in the region. Gleneagles B

Day 10: Gleneagles / USA or Canada
Transfer to the Edinburgh or Glasgow airport for your departure flight. B