4. Belmond Royal Scotsman

Would you like to learn more about the Scottish countryside in a complete Downton Abbey style? Then you have to board the Royal Scotsman that delivers complete justice to its title. Passengers choose from several distinct itineraries beginning from Edinburgh that range from 2 to 7 days, but the classic voyage aboard the state is the 4 day travelling that moves into the Scottish highlands.

Ranking among the world’s most luxurious trains, the train’s mahogany-clad cars marry Edwardian elegance with the comforts of a country house. Ten intricately designed carriages, including the sublime Bamford Spa, form a real palace on wheels. Each suite cabin features sophisticated mahogany marquetry and inviting tweed furnishings and soft Highland wool. You can relax in the elegant lounges while the rugged Scottish landscape glides by and enjoy the view.

The train also comes with guided tours to distilleries and excursions to castles around Scotland. This being UK’s only luxury class sleeper express includes a famous bar stocked with over 50 varieties of its own whisky.

Note that the best time to travel aboard of this wonderful train is possibly fall that offers a distinctive purple-tinted perspective of the Scottish meadows coloured by the blossom of wild heather.