A luxury train that roams the Scottish countryside, offering beautiful views and haute cuisine, is considered one of the world’s best rail journeys. Belmond’s Royal Scotsman runs 12 services across Scotland, all departing from and returning to Edinburgh Train Station.

Routes can be anywhere between two and seven nights on board, and prices range between £4,000 and £14,700 per passenger. There are services dedicated to the Highlands, the west coast, stately homes, Scottish history, malt whisky and castles – offering everyone something they’ll enjoy. Along the journey, there are views of every variety – countryside, beaches, castles, forests, lakes and mountains – to be seen out of the train’s windows.

Different routes will offer various activities, including pigeon shooting and fishing, as well as private tours of historical sites and distilleries.

There is also on-board entertainment, such as group ceilidhs, evening drinks and a gala dining experience with other passengers.

With only 40 guests aboard, passengers can stay in grand suites with butlers and private dining, as well as double, twin and single cabins.

The train’s two dining cars celebrate seasonal Scottish ingredients with all haute cuisine three-course meals prepared on board. The bar is well-stocked with wine, liqueur and malt whisky

There’s even a dedicated spa carriage, where the Dior specialists are trained to synchronise the motions of the treatments with the natural lilts and tilts of the train.

Those who have travelled on the Royal Scotsman have described it as “completely unforgettable” on Tripadvisor, calling it “worth the money” and a “first-class experience”.

Conde Nast Traveller said: “In today’s age of slotting into your airplane seat and ignoring fellow passengers sitting mere inches away, it’s a romantic idea.

“Perching on a plush tartan sofa with intriguing new faces all around, and forgetting you have access to the internet as rolling countryside unfurls beyond the windows.

“It’s precisely why we’ve all come. The journey – this train – is our destination.”