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outlander tour scotland self drive

Claire at Rannoch Moor

Tour Scotland with Outlander

Explore the land that inspired  Outlander  on this epic, 12 day  Outlander  tour of Scotland.

See where  Outlander  stars, such as Sam Heughan (Jamie) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire), shot their scenes at  Outlander  filming locations from season 1, season 2 and season 3 and visit  Outlander  book locations.

Along the way you’ll also explore historic attractions with real-life Jacobite connections, where you can delve into the true story of the Jacobite cause.

  • Distance 814 Miles 1,302 km
  • Transport Car
  • Main theme TV & Film

Day 1 Exploring Edinburgh

Spend your first day exploring the story of the Jacobites and Edinburgh’s connections with Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as  Bonnie Prince Charlie .

This is your chance to learn more about the political landscape that Claire falls into when she travels back in time to 1743, two years before the 1745 Jacobite Rising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. As you explore Edinburgh’s Old Town keep your eyes peeled for three key  Outlander  filming locations.

Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh - City Centre

outlander tour scotland self drive

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

© Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022.

In September 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie established his court at Holyroodhouse for six weeks. This is portrayed in the Outlander novels when Claire and Jamie visit the Prince at the palace and beg him to abandon his hopeless cause.

At the bottom of the Royal Mile you'll find the Canongate and Holyrood area of the Old Town which dates back over 800 years. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an elegant royal residence with links to monarchs from throughout the centuries situated at the foot of the Royal Mile. Today it is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King.

Take a tour and see Mary Queen of Scots' bedchamber and the room where her confidante, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered. If you've got time afterwards, pop into the Scottish Parliament opposite for a tour.

  • On Public Transport Route
  • Hearing Loop
  • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
  • Level Access
  • Accessible toilets
  • Cafe or Restaurant

Old Town Edinburgh

outlander tour scotland self drive

Bakehouse Close

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Edinburgh's Old Town is part of a  UNESCO World Heritage Site  (together with the New Town on the north side of the city centre) and the buildings you’ll see remain largely unchanged from how they would have looked centuries ago.

The Old Town is home to three filming locations from  Outlander . Look out for these places as you wander up the Royal Mile:

  • Bakehouse Close – this filming location is where Claire and Jamie are reunited after 20 years apart.
  • Tweeddale Court – this historic street becomes the 18th century market where Claire meets Fergus again.
  • Signet Library – the interior of this beautiful building doubles as the Governor’s mansion in Jamaica.

If you’re looking for a memorable souvenir pop into  Hamilton & Young Jewellery Designers , also on the Royal Mile, to browse Celtic and  Outlander  inspired items.

National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh - City Centre

outlander tour scotland self drive

The National Museum of Scotland

© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

Located just a short walk from the Royal Mile on Chamber’s Street, the National Museum of Scotland is full of intriguing objects and brilliant stories.

This world-class museum is the most visited attraction outside of London and is filled with incredible displays covering history, natural heritage, world cultures, design, innovation, technology and more. Best of all? It's completely free. 

Day 2 A Day Out to Bo'ness and Linlithgow

Take a ride on a vintage train and tour a beautiful ruined palace on this great day out from Edinburgh. Another lovely stop on your journey from Edinburgh (or on your way back) is South Queensferry, where you can see the iconic Forth Bridges up close.

The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway Bo'ness

outlander tour scotland self drive

The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway

Bo’ness Station on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway stood in for the wartime London railway station where Claire and Frank said goodbye before taking up their wartime duties in Outlander .

How does a leisurely ride in a comfy vintage train carriage sound to start your day?

Watch the scenery glide past from the steam or diesel-hauled train and explore the Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland's largest railway museum, which is next to Bo’ness Station.

  • Pets Welcome

Linlithgow Palace Linlithgow

outlander tour scotland self drive

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow has a direct rail connection to Edinburgh which takes just 20 minutes.

Explore the nooks and towers of this beautiful ruined palace and take a refreshing walk around Linlithgow Loch.

In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the palace on his journey south. Its elaborate courtyard fountain is said to have flowed with red wine to mark the occasion!

In  Outlander  the majestic entrance and corridors feature as Wentworth Prison where Jamie was imprisoned.

Day 3 Exploring Attractions En Route to Stirling

Travel from Edinburgh or Linlithgow to Stirling, stopping at two beautiful stately homes and a fortress castle as you go.

Hopetoun House South Queensferry

outlander tour scotland self drive

Hopetoun House

Dating from the 17th century, Hopetoun House near South Queensferry is a beautiful stately home surrounded by a vast, 6,500 acre estate.

Various parts of the house and grounds have played roles in  Outlander :

  • The Duke of Sandringham’s stately home (S1)
  • The spare room in Jamie and Claire's Paris apartment (S2)
  • The Hawkins Estate (S2)
  • The backdrop for Parisian streets (S2)
  • The stables at Helwater and the exterior of Ellesmere (S3)

Another key filming location on the Hopetoun Estate is Midhope Castle, which features as the exterior of Jamie’s beloved Lallybroch.

While no filming took place inside the castle (it's derelict inside) the exterior is instantly recognisable. Please note, Midhope is located on a private part of the Hopetoun Estate and access is restricted. If you want to visit, you need to purchase a vehicle permit from the nearby Hopetoun Farm Shop.

Find out more about  visiting Midhope Castle .

Blackness Castle Bo'ness

outlander tour scotland self drive

Blackness Castle

Stop for a visit at Blackness Castle, a 15th century fortress on the banks of the Firth of Forth.

In  Outlander  the castle features as Black Jack Randall’s headquarters in Fort William. Its internal courtyard is shown in the heart-wrenching scenes from Jamie’s incarceration.

Callendar House Falkirk

outlander tour scotland self drive

Callendar House

Stop for an afternoon visit at another grand stately home – Callendar House in Falkirk. Located within the expansive greenery of Callendar Park, the house dates from the 14th century and has hosted many famous historical figures, including Bonnie Prince Charlie.

In  Outlander  the house’s authentic Georgian kitchen appeared as part of Bellhurst Manor, the home of the Duke of Sandringham.

Day 4 A Day Trip from Stirling

Hop in the car and enjoy a day out from Stirling. Today is the day you’ll visit Doune Castle – otherwise known as Castle Leoch – as well as two other great attractions.

Drummond Castle Gardens Muthill

outlander tour scotland self drive

Drummond Castle Gardens

Drummond Castle itself isn't open to the public.

The beautiful Drummond Castle Gardens is one of Europe's finest formal gardens. In  Outlander  the gardens are shown as the ornate park and orchard of the Palace of Versailles in France.

During your visit look out for the two beautiful copper beech trees which were planted by Queen Victoria in 1842.

Deanston Distillery Doune

outlander tour scotland self drive

Deanston Distillery from the river Teith, Doune, Stirling

Formerly a working cotton mill, Deanston Distillery is now famous for the glorious whisky it produces. Take a tour to find out how whisky is made.

In  Outlander  the historic buildings stand in for Jamie's cousin's wine warehouse on the docks of Le Havre.

Doune Castle Doune

outlander tour scotland self drive

Doune Castle

The Jacobites took the castle from government troops in 1745 and, following the 1746 Battle of Falkirk, government prisoners were held there.

This striking ruin is a key location in the hit TV series  Outlander,  where it stands in for the fictional Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th century episodes. The castle is also firmly associated with  Monty Python and the Holy Grail  and is still very much a place of "pilgrimage" for  Monty Python  fans.

Day 5 Historic Towns in Fife

Wake up in Stirling before travelling over the Firth of Forth into Fife. Today you’ll visit two beautiful historic towns - Culross and Falkland.

Royal Burgh of Culross Culross

outlander tour scotland self drive

Culross Palacem seen through ornate wrought iron gates, with it's distinctive boxy form, ochre-yellow walls and terracotta roof tiles

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins, all rights reserved.

With its cobbled streets and rows of historic cottages, your visit to Culross will feel a little like stepping back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries.

In  Outlander  the Mercat Cross area in the centre of the town becomes the fictional village of Cranesmuir, where Geillis lives, while the garden behind Culross Palace stands in for Claire's herb garden at Castle Leoch.

Falkland Falkland

outlander tour scotland self drive

The picturesque village of Falkland with distinctive scottish architecture - small white cottages, turreted buildings and ornate Church.

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved.

Explore the historic streets of this picturesque town and visit grand Falkland Palace, which was built in the 1500s and became a favourite country residence for many kings and queens.

In  Outlander , Falkland is one of the first places shown on screen - the town substitutes for 1940s Inverness where Claire and Frank go on their second honeymoon.

Around town you can visit:

  • The Covenanter Hotel, which stands in for the cosy Mrs Baird's Guesthouse.
  • The Bruce Fountain, where the ghost of Jamie looks up at Claire's room.
  • Fayre Earth Gift Shop, which doubles as Farrell's Hardware and Furniture Store.
  • Campbell's Coffee House and Eatery, which becomes Campbell's Coffee Shop in the show.

Day 6 Discovering Highland History

Watch the landscape changing from pastoral lowland scenery to rugged Highland peaks as you travel from Falkland to Inverness, stopping en route to visit a replica 1700s Highland settlement.

Highland Folk Museum Newtonmore

outlander tour scotland self drive

Open Air section of Highland Folk Museum

© Highlife Highland

See what life was like for the people of the Highlands from the 1700s up until the 1960s at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore.

In  Outlander  the museum's replica 18th century Highland crofts are shown when Claire joins Dougal and his followers on their task to collect rent from the clan's tenants.

Culloden Battlefield Inverness

outlander tour scotland self drive

Culloden Battlefield

Stand on the rugged moorland where the 1746 Battle of Culloden took place and feel the atmosphere of the site where one of the most harrowing battles in British history took place.

Culloden Moor was the site of the Jacobites’ final stand in the Risings, when Bonnie Prince Charlie and his followers, including clans such as the Frasers and MacKenzies, were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland's government troops.

In the  Outlander  novels, the moor is where Jamie fights in the 1746 Battle of Culloden. Pop into the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover more about the battle.

Clava Cairns Inverness

outlander tour scotland self drive

Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava or Clava Cairns

Located just a few minutes’ drive from Culloden Battlefield, the Clava Cairns are said to have provided an inspiration for  Outlander’s  mysterious Craigh na Dun – the standing stones which sweep Claire back in time.

This sacred site was an important Bronze Age burial place. Its grave sites, cairns and standing stones date from around 4,000 years ago.

Make sure and take lots of pictures, but please don't climb on any of the monuments.

Day 7 Exploring Inverness and Loch Ness

Wake up bright and early to get the most of your day in Inverness. Spend the morning exploring the city before heading to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Inverness Inverness

outlander tour scotland self drive

Inverness Castle

This beautiful Highland city was where Claire and Frank had their second honeymoon in the  Outlander  novels.

Take a walk through the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Head along the banks of the River Ness and explore the Ness Islands, a series of small wooded islands connected by a footbridge. If you've got a few hours to fill during the day, you could visit the Inverness Botanic Gardens or the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery.

In the evening, you might catch some live folk and traditional music at pubs such as Hootanannay or Gellions Bar, and enjoy a large glass of your favourite tipple. You could also check out some of the city's events at arts and music venues, such as the Ironworks and Eden Court Theatre.

Loch Ness Loch Ness

outlander tour scotland self drive

View of Loch Ness from Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness is the setting of the film  The Water Horse - Legend of the Deep , an enchanting story about its most mysterious inhabitant, the Loch Ness Monster. Ardkinglas House in Argyll was used as the main exterior location in the film.

A trip to Inverness isn’t complete without visiting Loch Ness. This huge expanse of water is an immensely impressive sight – the loch holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. In the Outlander novels, Claire and Frank take a cruise on the water and in her 18th century life Claire meets the Loch Ness Monster here (referred to as a water horse in the novel). You can still take a cruise on the Loch today, which is a great way to take in the awesome landscape.

Urquhart Castle Loch Ness

outlander tour scotland self drive

Urquhart Castle

On the north west shore of Loch Ness you’ll find the beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle. The site has been a significant place since around AD 580, when St Columba is said to have visited. There has been evidence of a castle on the site since the 1200s.

It was the first Jacobite Rising of 1689 that marked the end for Urquhart Castle as a working castle and garrison. In 1692, following the end of the first rising, government forces blew up the castle to prevent it falling under Jacobite control in the future. Urquhart Castle has lain in ruins ever since.

Take a tour to learn about the castle’s history and explore the ruins.

Day 8 Driving the Great Glen to Fort William

Admire the views of native Caledonian pine forests, glistening lochs and open moorlands as you drive through the Great Glen on your way from Inverness to Glenfinnan. This is the glen that Claire and Jamie rode through after their wedding in the  Outlander  novels.

Glenfinnan Monument Glenfinnan

outlander tour scotland self drive

Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre

While you’re here, make sure to snap some pictures of the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct – it’s a famous filming location from the  Harry Potter  movies.

Stretch your legs and breathe in fresh Highland air as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite flag here in August 1745 (beginning the final Jacobite Rising), after arriving on the mainland from the  Outer Hebrides .

Climb the monument for views out across Loch Shiel and pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the 1745 Rising.

West Highland Museum Fort William

outlander tour scotland self drive

West Highland Museum building

Explore the history of the west Highlands and see archaeological finds and treasures from throughout the area. The museum also has a great Jacobite exhibition with plenty of lesser-known stories to uncover.

Some of the fascinating items you can see include:

  • Bonnie Prince Charlie's death mask
  • A fine silk waistcoat belonging to the Prince
  • A fan created for a grand ball at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
  • A secret portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie

Nevis Range Mountain Gondola Fort William

outlander tour scotland self drive

Nevis Range Mountain Gondola

Get a better view of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, on a gentle ride in a suspended mountain gondola up the side of Aonach Mor, one of Ben Nevis’ lofty neighbours.

Soak up the far reaching views towards Ben Nevis, Fort William, the Great Glen and the surrounding Highlands and hop off at the top station to visit the Snowgoose Restaurant & Bar, where you can have a hot drink, a tasty snack or a meal.

Day 9 Exploring Glen Coe En Route to Glasgow

Set off from Fort William on your journey south to Glasgow. Your route will take you through one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland – through the deep valley of Glen Coe.

Glencoe Glen Coe

outlander tour scotland self drive

The Three Sisters, Glencoe

You don’t need scorching sunshine to get the most from this beautiful place. In many ways Glen Coe is even more striking on an overcast, brooding day, when mist is sweeping down the glen and cloud is lying low on the hills.

Featured in  Outlander’s  opening credits, visiting world-famous Glencoe will be a highlight memory from your trip. Driving through this deep-carved glen feels like you’re entering in a secret part of Scotland. Scenes from  Skyfall  were also filmed here, in the shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor.

Pull into one of the parking places to absorb the atmosphere created by the towering peaks around you before popping into the Glencoe Visitor Centre. You can grab a bite to eat here before browsing the exhibition.

Glasgow Cathedral Glasgow East End

outlander tour scotland self drive

Glasgow Cathedral

Built in the 1100s, Glasgow Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city and one of the most intact medieval cathedrals on the Scottish mainland.

Visit to see its beautiful Gothic architecture and step down into the historic crypt, which was built in the mid-1200s to house the tomb of St Kentigern.

In  Outlander  the cathedral’s crypt doubles as L'Hopital Des Anges in Paris, where Claire volunteers to work.

George Square George Square, Glasgow

outlander tour scotland self drive

The City Chambers at George Square

In the evening, head to George Square to see the historic area that becomes the 1940s spot where Frank spontaneously proposes to Claire.

Enjoy a stroll through the square as you soak up the ornate architecture of the surrounding buildings and study the square’s many statues and monuments. There are plenty of great places to go for dinner in this area, or in the nearby Merchant City too.

Day 10 Exploring Glasgow

This is your chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow – Scotland’s largest city. There are plenty of top attractions to visit today, including Pollok House, Kelvingrove Park and the Hunterian Museum.

Pollok Country Park Glasgow South Side

outlander tour scotland self drive

Pollok House, Pollok Country park

Visit Pollok House in the south of Glasgow to see the historic building’s grand rooms and vast servants’ quarters. The main part of the house was built in 1752 – during Jamie’s time in  Outlander .

In the TV series Pollok Country Park, which surrounds Pollok House, features in a few different scenes. It doubles as the grounds surrounding Castle Leoch and also stands in for French countryside as the characters travel between Le Havre and Paris.

Kelvingrove Park & the University of Glasgow Glasgow

outlander tour scotland self drive

Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery

Stroll through the lush grounds of Kelvingrove park, which becomes the Boston park where Claire enjoys walking.

Afterwards pop over the road to explore the historic University of Glasgow buildings. In  Outlander  the university becomes Harvard University, where Frank teaches.

Hunterian Museum Glasgow West End

outlander tour scotland self drive

Hunterian Museum

Located in the historic University of Glasgow buildings, the Hunterian Museum has lots of fascinating exhibits and stories for you to uncover, including medicine, zoology and anatomy.

Make sure to visit Mackintosh House too, to see the home that Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed with his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh.

Open: all year

Ashton Lane Ashton Lane, Glasgow

outlander tour scotland self drive

Ashton Lane

In the evening head to the city’s West End for dinner and drinks. Look out for Ashton Lane with its twinkling fairy lights, quirky places to eat and independent cinema.

Day 11 Exploring Ayrshire & Galloway

Drive south west from the vibrant city of Glasgow to explore Ayrshire and the lush landscapes of Dumfries & Galloway, Sam Heughan’s homeland.

Dean Castle Country Park Kilmarnock

outlander tour scotland self drive

Dean Castle Country Park

Surrounded by mature woodland, 14th century Dean Castle in Kilmarnock appears in series two of Outlander as Beaufort Castle, near Beauly in the Highlands. In the show Claire and Jamie visit Lord Lovat at the castle to try and persuade him to send his men to aid Charles Stuart.

Although Dean Castle is currently closed for restoration, the beautiful country park – with its walking routes, Urban Farm, visitor centre and café – is the ideal place to stretch your legs and explore.

If you have time you can also visit the nearby  Dick Institute Museum and Gallery  – also in Kilmarnock – to view the collections from Dean Castle which are on display at the museum during the castle’s refurbishment.

Dunure Harbour Dunure

outlander tour scotland self drive

The Harbour At Dunure, South Ayrshire.

© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Drive along the Ayrshire coast until you reach the pretty harbour village of Dunure.

In  Outlander , Dunure doubles as Ayr Harbour, where Claire and Jamie leave Scotland in pursuit of Young Ian. Another great stopping point is Dunure Castle (less than a mile away) which features as Silkie Island in the show.

Drumlanrig Castle Thornhill

outlander tour scotland self drive

Gardens Drumlanrig Castle Queensberry Estate, Dumfries and Galloway

Take a tour of this beautiful 17th century castle, near Thornhill, and explore period rooms filled with artwork, French furniture and antiques. Afterwards take a stroll in the castle’s 90,000 acre estate which includes championship mountain biking trails.

In  Outlander , the exterior, living rooms and bedrooms of Drumlanrig Castle became Bellhurst Manor, including a bedroom that was once slept in by Bonnie Prince Charlie, as he made his way north to Culloden.

Galloway Forest Park Newton Stewart

outlander tour scotland self drive

A view over the treetops to Loch Ken in the middle distance, with thickly forested mountains beyond.

© Dumfries & Galloway Council / Mark Geddes, all rights reserved.

The lush Galloway Forest Park is close to where Sam Heughan (Jamie from  Outlander ) grew up in Dumfries & Galloway. Head to  Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre  to take a refreshing stroll along the shore of Clatteringshaws Loch.

Close by, you can see wild creatures in natural surroundings at the  Red Deer Range  and the  Wild Goat Park .

Day 12 Heading Back to Edinburgh

Your final day takes you from Dumfries & Galloway back to Edinburgh, stopping at some great historic attractions en route.

Traquair House Innerleithen

outlander tour scotland self drive

Traquair House Courtyard

© Traquair House

Explore Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, a former royal hunting lodge dating from 1107 which remains a family home to this day.

Wander round the beautiful rooms, tour Traquair House Brewery and navigate your way around the maze.

While you’re there find out more about Traquair House’s Jacobite connections - in the 1700s the earls of Traquair supported the Jacobite cause. Bonnie Prince Charlie even visited the house in 1745.

Robert Smail's Printing Works Peebles

outlander tour scotland self drive

Robert Smail's Printing Works

Pop into this historic print works to see how items such as stationary and newspapers would have been printed before the time of computers.

Although the printing works date from 1866 (after Jamie’s time in  Outlander ) this quirky historic attraction will give you a feel for what life may have been like for Jamie in his print shop on the Royal Mile in the  Outlander  novels.

Craigmillar Castle Edinburgh

outlander tour scotland self drive

Craigmillar Castle

Located on the south side of Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle has plenty of interesting rooms and hidden nooks for you to explore. The oldest part of this ruined castle – the tower house – dates from the 1300s.

In  Outlander  Craigmillar becomes Ardsmuir Prison, where Jamie is incarcerated.

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Crystal Travel & Tours

Outlander Tour of Scotland | 8 Day Self-Drive

outlander tour scotland self drive

Not only is Outlander filmed in Scotland but almost everything the books and show are based on can be found there too. While Craigh na Dun, Castle Leoch, and other part of the show are figments of author Diana Gabaldon’s incredible imagination, they are inspired by locations in the Scottish Highlands. You will also get to go back in time like Claire and experience a world that you didn’t think could exist – including Inverness (both in the show and in real life) and some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery you will ever see.

Even if you don’t watch the show or only have a passing interest, this tour allows you to see so much of Scotland’s uniqueness, its myths and legends, romantic landscapes, castles, and intriguing history that you will never want to leave.

  • George Square
  • Glasgow Cathedral & Necropolis
  • Seaside town of Oban
  • Rannoch Moor
  • Urquhart Castle
  • The real Inverness & the show Inverness
  • Culloden Battlefield
  • Castle Leoch & Craigh na Dun
  • MacKenzie village and many other filming locations

Inclusions & Extras

Automatic economy car with:

  • Unlimited mileage
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
  • Theft protection (TP),
  • Value added tax (VAT)
  • Third party liability
  • Location service charge (LSC)\

Accommodation

  • Glasgow (1)
  • Inverness (2)
  • Edinburgh (3)

Other Inclusions

  • Deluxe travel wallet with comprehensive travel documents, luggage tags and driving map.
  • Expert service from dedicated sales guide before, during and after your trip.

Day 1: Arrive & Stay in Glasgow

Arrive in Glasgow and find your accommodation to drop off your bags. Today you will explore the here-and-now before you travel back in time on this Outlander inspired tour. Glasgow is a Scottish city draped in the Scottish theme. The city is easy to explore by foot so just make sure you have your comfortable shoes on or alternatively you can take a guided city bus tour. It is dotted with many museums and galleries which are well worth exploring. There is no better place to start than Glasgow’s George Square. The historic George Square in Glasgow was turned into a 1940s set to film Frank’s spontaneous proposal to Claire in the Outlander series.

The magnificent Glasgow Cathedral is a must see when touring this beautiful city. Glasgow Cathedral was at the very heart of the early development of Glasgow as a city. Originally built in the 1100s, and substantially enlarged in the 1200s, it survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 almost intact and stands today as the most complete medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland. It is now time to recharge the batteries and have some lunch. The city is dotted with plenty of bars and restaurants serving traditional Scottish cuisine. For some buzzing night-life, Glasgow’s West End is where it is all happening. Enjoy the lively bars and restaurants as well as plenty of street entertainment. Try not to stay out all night as you have an early rise tomorrow.

Overnight in Glasgow

Day 2: Loch Awe & Oban

After an early rise this morning, it is time to follow in Claire’s footsteps and go back in time. You will leave Glasgow and make your way to Oban. You can take an optional twenty minute detour to Pollok Country Park. This is where your Outlander experience begins. Its extensive woodlands and gardens provide a quiet sanctuary for both visitors and wildlife. It plays host to the scene where Claire searches for medicines and herbs to treat the ill in the show. It also doubles as the grounds surrounding the fictional Castle Leoch.

Leave Pollok Country Park and make your way North to Oban. En route you will embrace beautiful Scottish scenery as you travel along the shores of Loch Lomond with views of Highland peaks. At Tarbet you might like to get out of the car and embark on a short cruise to appreciate the beauty of this famous loch and admire panoramic views of the Highlands. Travel across the mountains to Inveraray Castle. This imposing Campbell family home with four conical spires was built between 1746 and 1789. Stop off at Kilchurn Castle on the shores of Loch Awe. Continue your drive to Oban on the west coast and visit Oban Distillery to see how whisky is distilled and sample some at the end of the tour.

Overnight in Oban

Day 3: Glencoe & Urquhart Castle

Today is when you are about to dive in to the ultimate Outlander experience. Leave Oban and make your way north towards Inverness. You can take a detour to visit The Great Moor of Rannoch. This is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Europe. It is a beautiful outdoor space stretching out far north and west from Rannoch Station. Alternatively, and the most direct route to Inverness will take you through Glencoe towards Fort William. It is a romantic route offering a magical mix of native Caledonian pine forests, glistening lochs and enchanting moorlands. You may not be able to enjoy it from horseback, as the newly-wed Claire and Jamie did after their wedding, but you can admire scenic landscapes and great wildlife along the way.

Keep an eye out for the legendary and elusive Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Monster is referred to as the water horse in the novel. You will witness the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle, perched on a rocky peninsula, on the very edge of the loch. You can also take in the nearby village of Beauly. It’s associated with Clan Fraser of Lovat from whom Jamie descends. Here, you can also visit the tranquil ruins of Beauly Priory where Claire meets Maisri the seer.

Overnight in Inverness

Day 4: Culloden Battlefield & “Craigh na Dun”

Roam the streets of Inverness where Claire’s adventure begins while on her second honeymoon with Frank. You can venture beyond Inverness in search of the mysterious Craigh na Dun, which swept Claire back in time; the nearby Clava Cairns are said to have provided an inspiration for this site. Visit it and experience the mystical atmosphere for yourself.

After some lunch it’s time to visit the Battle of Culloden. Visit this eerie but atmospheric site where many clans, including the Frasers and MacKenzies, fought in the 1745 Jacobite Rising alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie. You can learn more about the events leading up to, during, and after the Battle of Culloden at the award-winning Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre with the exciting interactive exhibition, immersive film and battlefield tour.

In the evening you can take a tour of Tomatin Distillery on the outskirts of Inverness. Founded in 1897, the distillery boasts 12 stills and at one time had the largest capacity of any whisky distillery in the world. Make your way back to your accommodation and a have an early night or get out and explore the city.

Day 5: MacKenzie Village & Edinburgh

Head back down south through the Scottish Highlands to the thriving city of Edinburgh. You will have a notable Outlander filming location to see en route. This is the Highland Folk Museum which doubled as a Mackenzie village during season one. The Highland Folk Museum brings to life the domestic and working conditions of earlier Highland peoples. Here you can learn how the Scottish Highland ancestors lived, how they built their homes, how they tilled the soil and how they dressed, in a friendly and welcoming environment. You will arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening. Find your accommodation and settle in for the night. Have an evening meal and relax in your surroundings.

Overnight in Edinburgh

Day 6: Stirling Castle & “Castle Leoch”

Today you will take a day trip outside the city as you visit additional, filming locations on this Outlander tour. Travel about an hour north of the city to Doune Castle. Tour the castle and find out how grand banquets would have once been prepared in the kitchen as well as admiring its 100 ft high gatehouse and stunningly preserved great hall. The stunning Doune Castle, near Stirling, plays a leading role in the show substituting for the fictional Castle Leoch – home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th century episodes.

As you make your way back towards Edinburgh you might like to stop-off in the town of Culross in Fife. Take a stroll around the town and journey back in time with its cobbled streets and alley-ways inspired by the 18th century. Behind the impressive historic Culross Palace is where you can find the gorgeous herb garden that Claire works. It’s planted with lawns, herbs and vegetables of the period. This is a real highlight for a true Outlander fan.

Alternatively or additionally you can visit the town of Falkland in Fife. This is the location of one of the first scenes in the TV series. Here you may recognize the familiar cozy look of Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouse in The Covenanter Hotel, stand by the Bruce Fountain where Frank witnesses the ghost of Jamie looking up at Claire in the first episode, Campbell’s Coffee Shop is just across the road, or further down the street is Fayre Earth Gift Shop which stood in for Farrell’s Hardware and Furniture Store.

Day 7: Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle

Today you can explore Edinburgh by foot. See the bustling Princes Street and the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian New Town. Walk along part of the Royal Mile where compact medieval houses reach 11 floors tall. Have some lunch and enjoy the finest Scottish cuisine in any of the local bars or restaurants. In the afternoon you can take a tour of the Scotch Whisky Experience to learn all about the whisky making process. The rest of your afternoon will be spent visiting Edinburgh Castle. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland. In addition to guided tours provided by the castle stewards, there is an audio guide tour available in eight languages. Enjoy your last evening in Scotland and have a Scottish Whiskey to celebrate the ultimate Outlander experience.

Day 8: Return Home

Make your way to the airport in plenty of time for your flight home.

This tour is independently operated by Crystal Travel & Tours. It is not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with Starz or anyone associated with ‘Outlander’.

outlander tour scotland self drive

We are more than happy to include a flight quote separately to your package so that you can decide if you would like to book with us or on your own.  While booking flights can seem straight-forward, there are often hidden fees or classes of service that do not include seat assignments, meals or checked bags. We have been booking flights since 1985 and know the best routings and have great contracts that mean we often have better prices than what you will see online.

In Scotland, we generally try to book hotels that are at a 4 star level or higher. In some situations, we will book some 3 star or B&B properties but we do require them to be at a certain standard. We try to ensure a member of the team have stayed at each property in recent years or that we have done a site inspection.

Planning Deposits

Your first vacation quote, and up to two revisions, for trips of 9 or fewer days, and 45 days in advance of travel, are complimentary. If an itinerary requires further revisions subsequent to this, we will require a non-refundable deposit of $75 per person in order to continue.

If you are requesting a quote for a vacation that is 10 days in length, or with travel dates within 45 days, or to a non-core destination, a deposit of $75 per person will be required in order for us to begin working on your proposal.

Planning deposits can then be put towards the cost of the trip should you decide to proceed with the booking.

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outlander tour scotland self drive

outlander tour scotland self drive

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The Outlander Scotland

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Inspired by the beloved Outlander series with a self-drive road trip through Scotland’s iconic landscapes and historic sites. Follow the Outlander Trail from Edinburgh, the historical capital, into the Highlands, where you’ll encounter ancient ruins, charming settlements, and breathtaking scenery that served as inspiration for Diana Gabaldon’s novels. Explore real-life locations that brought Castle Leoch, Craig Na Dun, Fort William, Inverness, Jamaica, Paris, and even Boston and Harvard to life in the series. Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating beauty of Scotland as you trace the footsteps of Jamie and Claire.

outlander tour scotland self drive

Arrive in Edinburgh where your accommodation awaits. Your self-drive or chauffeured car will be waiting for you at the airport. Spend the afternoon leisurely exploring the city. Delve into the UNESCO-listed Old and New Towns, and discover Edinburgh Castle's grandeur. With numerous museums and landmarks nearby, your evening promises a delightful introduction to Edinburgh's charm.

Rest for the night in Edinburgh.

outlander tour scotland self drive

Take a full day to explore Edinburgh's Old Town and uncover its hidden Outlander filming locations. Holyroodhouse Palace served as the backdrop for Claire and Jamie's encounter with Bonnie Prince Charlie, while the World's End Pub on the Royal Mile is a recognizable spot where they visited. For a taste of luxury, indulge in afternoon tea at the Signet Library, which doubled as the Governor's mansion in Jamaica. Additionally, consider a day trip to Glasgow to explore Season 3's locations, representing Boston and Harvard.

outlander tour scotland self drive

Explore Fife's scenic route today, starting with Hopetoun House, known for its role as the Duke of Sandringham's residence in Outlander. Next, visit the boat-shaped fortress Blackness Castle, featured as Fort William. In Fife, don't miss Culross and Falkland, recognized as 1940s Inverness, where Claire and Frank honeymooned.

Rest for the night in St. Andrews.

outlander tour scotland self drive

Today, immerse yourself in the Highlands and follow Jamie and Claire's footsteps. Start with a visit to the picturesque village of Dunkeld and the historic Blair Castle. As you drive through the Cairngorms National Park, stop at the Highland Folk Museum, used as a Mackenzie village in the series. Near Inverness, don't miss Culloden Moor, where Jamie fights for Scotland, and Clava Cairns, an inspiration for Craigh na Dun. Experience the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of these Outlander filming locations.

Rest for the night in the Inverness Area.

outlander tour scotland self drive

Explore the surroundings of Inverness, known as "the Capital of the Highlands." Start by visiting the ruins of Beauly Priory, where Claire meets Maisri the Seer. Then, head south to Loch Ness. Visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition to learn about the lake and its monster, or explore the Urquhart Castle ruins on its shores. Alternatively, detour to picturesque Glen Affric, reminiscent of scenes from season 1 of Outlander.

Rest for the night in the Fort William area.

outlander tour scotland self drive

Today's drive takes you through the Trossachs and Loch Lomond area before returning to Edinburgh. Pass through the scenic and historical Glen Coe valley, where some of the first scenes of the TV series were filmed. You can also enjoy a nature walk to spot wildlife, take a boat tour on Loch Katrine, or visit Deanston Whisky Distillery. Don't miss Doune Castle, recognized as Castle Leoch from season 1 of the series.

On your departure day, consider indulging in some last-minute shopping, exploring one of Edinburgh's renowned museums, or taking a leisurely stroll through the charming city center, soaking in the atmosphere before bidding farewell to this captivating destination. Your self-drive or chauffeured car will be returned at the airport.

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  • Package Includes

A scenic voyage along the Outlander Route to uncover and delve into numerous filming locales.

Stroll amidst the Clava Cairns, a source of inspiration for the iconic Craig Na Dun standing stones.

Follow the path of the Highlanders as you visit the historic Culloden Battlefield.

Stroll through the charming conservation village of Culross in Fife, offering a captivating glimpse into 17th-century life.

Discover Doune Castle, the magnificent ruins that served as the iconic Castle Leoch in the Outlander series.

Explore the charming village of Falkland, which provided the picturesque backdrop for the 1940s Inverness honeymoon scenes in Outlander.

Immerse yourself in MacKenzie village life at the Highland Folk Museum, where you can experience the rich history and culture depicted in Outlander.

Marvel at the splendid Hopetoun House, a stately home featured in several episodes of Outlander.

Discover the striking Blackness Castle, which served as the backdrop for Fort William in the series Outlander.

Explore historic sites that trace the footsteps of Jamie and Claire's adventures.

Edinburgh - 3 Nights

St. andrews - 1 night, inverness - 1 night, fort william - 1 night, accommodation (comfort plus/deluxe) for 6 nights, daily breakfast, rental car of your choice, all ferry crossings, as per itinerary, a detailed and well-organized travel itinerary with necessary documents, a convenient travel backpack, a universal travel adapter, a handy rain poncho, luggage strap and tags for easy identification, a practical documents wallet to keep your essentials organized.

outlander tour scotland self drive

Contact Us Today

Are you finally ready to bite the bullet and treat yourself to the vacation you sooo deserve? Then it’s time to get in touch with us! Contact us at Go Irish Tours where we will answer any questions or queries you may have. We’ll help you to build your Irish dream vacation from scratch and you’ll be assigned a travel guide who has a vast and in-depth knowledge of our Ireland trips. This guide will be with you from beginning to end, ready to help you with any problems. Click here to contact us, ask us a question or schedule a phone call to talk about our Ireland package deals. We will provide you with information on any and all of our Ireland trip packages, helping you get to grips with planning and deciding. We can’t wait to hear from you!

See what people are saying about this trip

Andrew Baker

January 1, 2021

Our GoIrishTours experience on the Scottish Supreme Package was fantastic! The castles, especially St Andrews Castle & Cathedral and Stirling Castle, were awe-inspiring. The Loch Ness Cruise was a highlight. A must-do for anyone visiting Scotland!

Elizabeth Turner

July 15, 2019

A big shoutout to GoIrishTours for an amazing Scottish adventure! The Coach Tours- Scottish Supreme Package was a perfect choice. Glamis Castle and Edinburgh Castle were stunning, and the Traditional Afternoon Tea was a delightful treat.

Daniel Taylor

August 8, 2019

Absolutely loved every moment with GoIrishTours on the Scottish Supreme Package. The castles, especially Cawdor Castle and Stirling Castle, were breathtaking. The Loch Ness Cruise added a touch of adventure. A perfect trip!

Laura Smith

October 5, 2021

GoIrishTours made our Scotland trip truly special! The Coach Tours- Scottish Supreme Package was a perfect blend of history and beauty. St Andrews Castle & Cathedral and the Loch Ness Cruise were unforgettable. Can't recommend it enough!

Jonathan Harris

June 06, 2018

Our Scottish adventure with GoIrishTours was nothing short of amazing! The Scottish Supreme Package took us to incredible places like Stirling Castle and Loch Ness. The Traditional Afternoon Tea was a charming addition to the tour.

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Our insider knowledge of Ireland is an essential part of building our tours and trips.The Travel Butler service is designed to ensure you get the best, truest Irish experience possible. The service is is personalised and tailored to each customer and their chosen tour. We have explored countless paths and services throughout the island which has given us an edge when it comes to rates, recommendations and VIP privileges.If you’re looking for a vacation company that can provide you with a legitimate, interesting and utterly authentic trip to Ireland, then look no further. Go Irish Tours is devoted to ensuring our customers get to witness the Emerald Isle in all its glory – hidden gems, day trips and perfect pints of Guinness included!

outlander tour scotland self drive

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Wind & Cloud Travel

Outlander: on tour with Claire & Jamie

8-day self-drive discovery, upcoming tour dates.

  • more than 20 film locations
  • Culloden Battlefield

Bei dieser Schottlandreise dreht sich alles um Outlander.

Our Outlander experience covers some of the most-loved film locations and will transport you right back to the 18th century. On your itinerary you will find familiar sounding places such as Cranesmuir’ Eldridge Manor, Mrs. Baird’s Bed&Breakfast, Farrell’s General Store, Campell’s Café, Dalneigh Parish Church, Culloden battlefield and Castle Leoch, to name but a few.

On your way around the various locations you will pass through some beautiful Highland scenery, such as the Cairngorm National Park, Loch an Eilean, Glen Affric and Glencoe, a truly astonishing landscape shrouded in mystery and with a dramatic history. Outlander Fans will recognise it from the opening scene of the first episode of Season 1. Your trip ends in the magnificent capital Edinburgh, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Walk in the footsteps of Jamie & Claire, stay in hand-picked authentic accommodation and enjoy the famous Scottish hospitality. This tour is a must for every Outlander fan!

Our round trip through Scotland includes many popular Outlander film locations

Highland Museum

Einige der Outlander Drehorte auf der Rundreise liegen in Culross.

Clava Cairns

Die Drehorte der Outlander Serie stehen im Mittelpunkt dieser Reise durch Schottland.

Blackness Castle

Die Drehorte von Outlander sind Teil der Rundreise durch Schottland.

Edinburgh Castle

Die Outlander Film Locations in Schottland sind Schwerpunkt dieser Reise.

Highland Cottage

Our round trip through Scotland includes many popular Outlander film locations

Dates & Prices

Day 1: Fife and Culross

Individual arrival in Edinburgh . A short drive will take you to the iconic Forth Bridges in South Queensferry , where you will cross over the Firth of Forth into the region Fife. This former kingdom is a true paradise for Outlander Fans. Many famous scenes of the series were shot in nearby localities and castles. A definite highlight not to be missed is the picturesque historic village of Culross, which features as ‘ Cranesmuir ‘ in the series. Culross Palace , with its beautiful herb garden – which Claire often visited – offers splendid views over the village and the Firth of Forth. Accommodation: Fife

Day 2: Balgonie Castle, Falkland and Aberdour Castle

After a hearty Scottish Breakfast you will be ready to explore some other Outlander locations. Balgonie Castle , for example, served as a model for Eldridge Manor , where Jamie was taken care of after he was rescued from Wentworth prison. The 14th century Castle is idyllically located on the southern bank of the river Leven and surrounded by fields. Your next stop, the beautiful town of Falkland , is equally charming. And every Outlander Fan will be familiar with its High Street, as it substituted for Inverness, where Claire and Frank spent their honeymoon after the Second World War. Here you will also recognise ‘Mrs. Baird’s Bed&Breakfast’, ‘Farrell’s General Store’, ‘Campell’s Café’, ‘Dalneigh Parish Church’ and a lot more. In the afternoon you can visit Aberdour Castle , which was built in 12 th century. It looks a lot like Abbey Beaupre in France, where Jamie found refuge. Accommodation: Fife

Day 3: Newtonmore and Central Highlands

Today you will drive through the Cairngorm National Park, passing beautiful heather-covered moorland and impressive granite plateaus. The mountains in the Central Highlands display the finest collection of different landforms outside arctic Canada, and some peaks are snow-capped even during the summer months. Stop at the Highland Folk Museum of Newtonmore, the setting of the village of Clan MacKenzie, and learn more about how people really lived in the 18th century. Afterwards your trip takes you to Inverness , the capital of the Highlands. On your way you will pass the Drumnochter pass and the highest Distillery in Scotland, Dalwhinnie , which was built on an old smuggling route. If you want to take a walk around one the nicest lakes of the country, make sure to stop at Loch an Eilean and enjoy the fresh air and stunning panoramas. Also nearby is the forest of Tulloch Ghru , where some of the main scenes were shot. For example Jamie and Claire’s ride from Craigh na Dun to Castle Leoch. Accommodation: Inverness

Day 4: Culloden Battlefield, Castle Leod and Beauly

Culloden Battlefield is the location where Jamie and Claire had to say their goodbyes before the devastating Battle of Culloden (Season 2). The visitor centre is brilliant and allows you access to the actual battlefield. Also well worth a visit is the romantic Castle Leod near the Victorian Spa town of Strathpeffer. For more than 500 years it has been the home of Clan MacKenzie and was used as Castle Leoch , the headquarter of Callum and Dougal MacKenzie. Close by is the village of Beauly , which has a connection to Clan Fraser of Lovat, Jamie Fraser’s Clan. Here you can explore the peaceful Beauly Priory . In the novel it’s the setting for Claire’s meeting with clairvoyant Maisri. In the evening you can experience the lively nightlife of Inverness, with its pubs and live music. Accommodation: Inverness.

Day 5: Glen Affric, Loch Ness and Fort William

Today you will travel through Glen Affric, one of the most beautiful and diverse valleys in the West Highlands. Here you will drive on the old road that once connected Clan MacKenzie in the west and Clan Fraser on the East Coast. In ‘The Outlandish Companion’ it also features as the area, where Lallybroch is located. Afterwards you might want to visit the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle , just like Claire and Frank did. From here you have unrivalled views over Loch Ness , probably the most famous Lake in Scotland, and also go on one of the many boat tours on offer. If you’re lucky you might even spot the elusive  monster, affectionately known as Nessie. Continue your drive south alongside the Caledonian Canal and you will reach Fort William in the afternoon. Due to its location – on the Atlantic coast and right at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain – the town is best known as one of the Outdoor Capitals of the UK Accommodation: Fort William

Day 6: Glencoe and Rannoch Moor

A scenic drive along the beautiful sea loch Loch Linneh takes you to Glencoe , a truly astonishing landscape shrouded in mystery and with a dramatic history. Outlander Fans will recognise it from the opening scene of the first episode of Season 1. But mostly, it’s natural beauty simply makes it a highlight of any journey through Scotland. The next stop on your trip is the uninhabited area and vast expanse of boggy moorland of Rannoch Moor, one of Europe’s last remaining wildernesses. It’s the place where Claire disappeared in the stone circle. The stunning scenery is a must-seen for everyone, not only for Outlander Fans. Later on you can visit Doune Castle , which was the setting for Castle Leoch as well as the ruin Claire and Frank visited in the 20 th century. The castle also featured as ‘Winterfell’ in Game of Throne as and was used as set for the Monty Python movies. Afterwards you make your way to Edinburgh . Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 7: The Capital and Blackness Castle

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. On a city tour you will explore the Old and Newtowns of Edinburgh, which gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995 . On the famous Royal Mile you will find the  Canongate Kirk and the tavern ‘ World’s End’ , where Claire and Jamie helped Mr. Willoughby. To learn more about the historic facts of the Jacobite uprisings, you can visit the National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle. A short drive takes you to South Queensferry , where Midhope Castle is located. Better known among Outlander Fans as Lallybroch , it is home and place of longing for Jamie. And while you’re here, you might as well see two other locations: Hopetoun House , residence of the Duke of Sandringham in Season 1, and Blackness Castle , which was used as Fort William. Because of its shape, which resembles a boat, it is also called “the ship that never sailed”. You can reach the ruins by car or walk through the beautiful Hopetoun Estate . Accommodation: Edinburgh

Day 8: Linlithgow Palace and Departure

In the morning, on your way to the airport, you will stop and visit Linlithgow Palace . It was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and for a long time the favourite domicile for the royal court during their journeys between Edinburgh and Stirling. It is the oldest of her remaining residences. Here you can explore the place Jamie was held captive. It is said that wine was running out of the fountains for Bonnie Prince Charlie. In the evening you have to say goodbye to this wonderful and hospitable country and an impressive journey.

Tour includes

  • 7 overnight stays in 3-4* B&B accommodation (en-suite)
  • Scottish breakfast
  • hire car for 8 days from/to airport including insurance and Sat Nav
  • Scotland road map
  • comprehensive info pack including leisure and restaurant recommendations
  • 24/7 emergency hotline

Not included

  • lunch and dinner
  • additional driver

Optional add-ons

  • £69 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow B&B, based on 2 people sharing (£41 single supplement)
  • £89 pp additional night in Edinburgh/Glasgow hotel, based on 2 people sharing (£61 single supplement)
  • from £50 per day car hire extension

Additional Information

Duration: 8 days Participants: from 1 pax Start: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport Finish: Edinburgh/Glasgow Airport

This tour can also be done by public transport, as an alternative to driving.

When deciding on your travel dates, please bear in mind that we require at least 6 weeks to prepare. Every trip is meticulously planned and organised, and the information pack is compiled with great care and attention. We also have to allow time for the information pack to be delivered (postal delivery can take on average 4 weeks in Europe). If you do want to travel at short notice, please contact us by email. Thank you for your cooperation!

Hotel rates on request

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Outland Adventure

Customizable Trip

Price is based on sample itinerary and subject to change with further customizations.

Quiraing at sunrise, Scotland

Follow the journey from the series Outlander on this 10-Day Self-Drive trip.

Enter the world of the Outlander series on this self-drive trip through romantic Scotland. Explore Edinburgh's Georgian New Town, the Old Town and the Royal Mile, where you can shop for a Fraser tartan. Delve into the cobbled streets and courtyards, locating spots like Bakehouse Close where the series’ main characters, Jamie and Claire, reunite in season 3. Discover Jamie's favorite drink, whisky at a renowned distillery. Spot Claire’s herb garden and Gellis Duncans’ house in Culross. Head to Pitlochry, passing through Falkland, the filming location for 1940s Inverness where the series begins. Cruise Loch Lomond and explore Dunure, doubling as Wilmington. Return to Glasgow and enjoy a walking food tour in the evening as you finish the trip.

VIEW DAY-BY-DAY TRIP ITINERARY

Customize this Self-Drive Trip

Tell us where you want to go, what you’d like to do and when you want to go. Our Celtic Travel Experts will recommend hand-selected accommodations, the best experiences and even your car rental. This is us Taking You Personally.

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Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

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What’s Included on a Self-Drive Trip?

Fully customizable itineraries

Planning support from Celtic Travel Experts

Car rental from Hertz® or Enterprise

Pre-booked accommodations from Catherine’s Collection – quality

properties, including castles, manors and B&Bs

Access to Catherine’s Collection of hand-selected activities and experiences with Local Specialists

24/7 support from a team of local experts in Dublin

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MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

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Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

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Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Scottish Highland Trails

Explore Outlander Scotland 

outlander tour scotland self drive

EXPLORE OUTLANDER SCOTLAND

“I am come home”

Obsessed with Claire and Jamie?  Let’s be honest, who isn’t?!  Take a private tour around Scotland with Scottish Highland Trails and delve into the wonderful world of Outlander, visiting a mix of filming locations as well as historic sites with links to the Jacobite Rebellions.  We will work with you to create the perfect bespoke Outlander itinerary, with options ranging from short tours to extended multi-day itineraries designed to show the very best of Scotland.  The itinerary below fits nicely into seven days, but we can tailor shorter (or longer!) tours – let us know how long you’ve got, and we’ll do the rest.

SAMPLE SEVEN DAY OUTLANDER TOUR

This route is suitable for either a SELF DRIVE or a CHAUFFEUR DRIVE private tour

Accommodation : various options are available depending on your needs and budget, from B&B/guest house to country inn to luxury hotel.  Simply let us know what your requirements are, and we will take it from there.

Day One: Edinburgh

Kick things off in Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, with visits to

  • The Palace of Holyroodhouse : official residence of the Queen in Scotland, this historic palace hosted Prince Charles Edward Stuart and his court for six weeks during the Jacobite Uprising of 1745
  • Explore the nooks and crannies of the city’s Old Town and soak up the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the narrow passageways (or “closes”) of the Royal Mile were used as filming locations including Bakehouse Close and Tweeddale Court

Overnight in Edinburgh

Day Two: Edinburgh & Surrounding Area

Explore a bit further afield today with options to visit

  • Hopetoun House: This beautiful mansion which is the ancestral home of the Hope family doubles as the Duke of Sandringham’s stately home. The grounds and stables have also featured in the Outlander TV series
  • Midhope Castle AKA Lallybroch, Jamie’s home, is on the Hopetoun House estate
  • Linlithgow Palace : the beautiful fountain in the palace courtyard was said to have run with red wine during the visit of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745! The entrance was used during filming to recreate Wentworth Prison where Jamie is incarcerated

Day Three: Fife

  • Blackness Castle : known as “the ship that never sailed”, this impressive medieval fortress on the banks of the River Forth is used as Jack Randall’s HQ in Fort William
  • Wander the streets of Culross, a beautiful village by the River Forth, and visit the historic Culross Palace. Various scenes were filmed here including exteriors of Cranesmuir and Geillis Duncan’s house.
  • Falkland : the village was transformed into Inverness for filming. One of the local inns was Mrs Baird’s guest house, and you can see the fountain, where the ghost of Jamie looks up at Claire’s room. Visit historic Falkland Palace, a favourite of the Stuart kings.
  • Aberdour Castle : AKA the abbey of Ste. Anne de Beaupré, where Jamie is taken to recuperate after his torture in Wentworth Prison
  • Dysart : the picturesque fishing port stands in for Le Havre in Season 2

Overnight in the Fife area

Day Four: The Highlands

Head north today through beautiful Highland scenery to visit

  • First stop is the Highland Folk Museum , a living history museum where you can learn more about life in the Highlands in the 18 th The traditional (reconstructed) Highland black houses here were used in filming to double as the village where Dougal collects rents from the clansmen
  • Continue north to Culloden Battlefield , just outside Inverness. The excellent visitor centre tells the story of the fated 1745 Jacobite Rebellion and the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite Army on Culloden Moor.  Walk out on the battlefield to see the graves of the clans, including of course Clan Fraser
  • Clava Cairns : The standing stones and burial cairns here date from around 4000 years ago. Inspiration for Craigh na Dun!

Overnight in Inverness

Day Five: Inverness and the Great Glen

  • Spend some time in Inverness , exploring Claire and Frank’s honeymoon destination before heading west through the Great Glen to Loch Ness
  • Take a sail on Loch Ness and visit the beautiful ruined Urquhart Castle , blown up by government troops to prevent it falling into Jacobite hands in the late seventeenth century
  • Visit Fort William. The West Highland Museum houses a fascinating collection of artefacts including objects belonging to Bonnie Prince Charlie, Jacobite glassware and weapons.

Overnight in Fort William

Day Six: Glencoe to Stirling

  • You start the day heading south from Fort William to Glencoe . The simply stunning mountain scenery here hides a dark past – the massacre of the Clan Macdonald which took place here in 1692.
  • You leave Glasgow heading east towards Stirling. No Outlander tour would be complete without a visit to Doune Castle AKA Castle Leoch, which was also a real-life Jacobite stronghold in the 18 th century
  • Scenes featuring Jamie’s cousin’s wine warehouse in Le Havre were filmed at nearby Deanston Distillery. Of course, it is whisky which is produced here, and not wine – take a tour (and a sample!) to learn more about Scotland’s national drink
  • Visit the impressive fortress of Stirling Castle , a favourite of the Stuart kings. Besieged by the Jacobite Army not long before the Battle of Culloden in 1746

Overnight in Stirling

Day Seven: Stirling to Glasgow

  • Drive west to Stirling with an optional detour to Loch Lomond on the way to enjoy the beautiful scenery here and perhaps take a sail on the loch
  • Continue south from Loch Lomond to visit the University of Glasgow Gilmorehill Building which doubles as Harvard, where Frank works as a professor
  • Visit Glasgow Cathedral , built in the 1100s and the oldest intact cathedral in mainland Scotland. The under church was used to film the scenes in Season Two, where Claire works a nurse in the Hôpital des Anges, Paris
  • See George Square , today the heart of the bustling centre of Glasgow and surrounded by impressive 19 th century buildings including the prestigious City Chambers. The scene of Frank’s proposal to Claire

Our Outlander Tour ends here! Overnight in Glasgow OR return to Edinburgh

Freedom! Scotland gears up to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath

John Muir, the "father of national parks", honoured with statue in Dunbar

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Sample itineraries , chauffeur drive tours , tour the highlands & islands , east of scotland golf , west of scotland golf , day tours .

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outlander tour scotland self drive

Outlander Self Guided Tour

It is hard to NOT fall in love with James Frasier in Outlander. The show is highly accurate in its portrayal of the Scottish history and atrocities that were inflicted upon the Scots. Take your own Outlander Self Guided Tour and learn just how resilient the Scottish truly are. I have visited Scotland twice now, both times in May where I only ran into one slightly drizzly day. I would recommend planning for at least two weeks to really see the highlights of Scotland and the high points of Outlander filming locations for Season 1. 

Outlander Self Guided Tour

First Stop Doune Castle in Perthshire : (Castle Leoch)

Medieval stronghold near Stirling Castle, built in the 14th century by Robert Steward, Duke of Albany.  This was a really fun visit because the show didn't have to change much about this well-preserved castle. There is an audio guide tour that actually has the actor who plays James Fraser (Sam Heughan) in Outlander that is narrating, and yes ladies, it is as lovely as it would seem.

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Culross Fife (Crainsmuir)

 This is where Claire and her Husband Frank stayed at the beginning of season one. This is where we saw the ghost of Jamie looking up at Claire in the window. I honestly wish I could have spent more time in this charming little town! There are small little B&B's and hotels that look like they could have been operating in the middle ages. It is actually one of the most well-preserved cities from the 17th Century. There is a path by the sea with beautiful wildflowers and a FANTASTIC little tea shop tucked up around the left-hand side of the center of town that has a fantastic cup of tea. Funny enough, this is also where  Sam Heughan  had his own cup of tea and I literally sat right by the signed photo of him (insert sigh) sipping on a wonderful warm cup of Scottish Tea whilst nibbling on my bannock.

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Blackness Castle (Fort William)

This is where Jamie (in Outlander) was flogged and kept a prisoner. It is the setting for Black Jack Randall's Fort William. Coincidentally, it actually used to be a prison for the worst of the worst. The prisoners were put in a pit at the tip of the castle where, when the tide would come in, it would actually flood the prison cell. The prisoners would get soaked with the frigid water and many would end up freezing to death because of the bitter cold that often envelops Scotland. Even just standing in the guard room above the cell, in the middle of June, was VERY COLD.

This particular cell was at the very tip of the castle and would require the prisoners to be lowered into the pit by a rope. The castle itself is known as 'the ship that never sailed' because it looks like a flagship in its unusual shape. It is easy enough to do a self-guided tour as there are placards dotted throughout the castle with detailed descriptions and drawings to explain what life would have been like for these prisoners. I arrived early in the morning and didn't realize that you can actually park close to the castle itself, but I parked far away and ended up walking quite a ways to get to the entrance. It was a nice peaceful walk over the bridge to the castle itself. I let my imagination run wild with imagining how it would feel to be a prisoner taken to this castle. Can you imagine trudging to this place knowing you were likely walking into death's cold and harsh embrace? It was a sobering thought indeed.

outlander tour scotland self drive

Aberdour Castle (Abbey of St Anne)

Where Claire cared for Jamie after his time in Wentworth Prison in the first season of Outlander. This 12th-century hall is the oldest standing stone castle in Scotland and features 17th Century painted ceilings. The feeling in this place was so relaxing, homey, and really like you could have stayed overnight and had crumpets and tea in the morning. I can almost imagine Cinderella singing with the birds in the attic above ;) It is often used as a place where couples get married and maybe that is why there is such a great feeling within Aberdour's walls. There are also BEAUTIFUL gardens within a stone's throw of the castle. You can stroll around the perimeter and smell the lovely roses, reflecting on how lucky you are to be able to visit a place like this that has withstood the test of time and amazingly still holds so much whimsical, romantic charm.

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Glencourse Old Kirk, Midlothian 

The church where Jamie & Claire were married, Glencourse Old Kirk in Midlothian. I wasn't actually able to make it to this location; I kept getting lost and was a little stressed about driving on the other side of the road for the first time, lol. The BMW I was driving got a little scratched on the wheel covers.....oops. Because of the fact I didn't know how to properly drive in Scotland, I kept getting lost because the address I had for this place was utterly useless -- bottom line, I didn't make it here.

Apparently, during filming, they made the Glencourse Old Kirk seem abandoned, when in fact it is actually quite nice inside with red carpeting, seating and an altar. It is located on the Glencourse House Grounds and if you look it up on the GPS, it actually says it's a private road, so proceed with caution so we all don't get in trouble for pursuing a picture at this adorable and romantic little church.

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Newtonmore  (The Highlander Villages)

This was far more impressive in person than it appears in photos. The drive to the village is long, but to be able to see this perfect recreation of 17th century Highlander life made it completely worth it. Make sure to bring enough cash to enter the Village as they do not accept cards. You start out by wandering through a recreated 18th-century village. As you wander through the village, every step brings you further back in time. By the end, you are able to wander through the woods to this quaint and perfectly replicated village of the 17th Century Highlands.

There were ducks, chickens, cows, and even a carpenter that was making new homes. The thatched roofs were made of twigs & then heavy stones were tied around and attached to the roof to help keep the roof down during the strong winter winds in the Scottish Highlands. There is even a house for the Coo's (Scottish for Cows ;) so that during the winter months they do not freeze to death. The people of that time period would actually welcome the animals into their home on the cold nights so as to help heat the inside of the home. I asked one worker dressed in period clothing if she was able to see when they were filming Outlander. This lovely woman laughed and said that the film crew would get really frustrated with the all the noise that one of her chickens used to make and would ask her to make the chicken cluck on cue and the rooster not crow so much.

Apparently, the chicken and the rooster do NOT like to have a whole lot of people around. So there was quite a lot of fuss about how to keep the animals quiet while they were filming. One thing about Scottish people is that they are really dedicated to their animals. I mean, even the Queen of England has dedicated a whole plot INSIDE Edinburgh Castle to the Royal Furbaby guard dogs :) Just knowing how dedicated they are to animals made me enormously proud to be Scottish.

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Hopetown House , Edinburgh (Duke of Sandringham's House)

This house is open to the public during the summer months and has specific opening hours. Most international museums have a 'last call' entrance, where if you don't make it to the museum or residence one hour before closing time, then you are out of luck. I hope to visit Scotland again next year so I will have a chance to visit this place because it looks absolutely stunning. The house is located in Queensferry which is about 20 min outside of the center of Edinburgh. You will likely need to either pay for a tour, a taxi or take an Uber and hop around to the other tourist locations nearby like Stirling Castle and my favorite, Midhope House (aka Lallybroch).

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Tulloch Ghru  

When Claire & the Clansman head to Castle Leoch in the first Season and is also in the opening credits. It is located just outside of Aviemore, I had a bit of a hard time finding it but with all the beautiful landscape around you, I doubt you will be sad if you don't find the EXACT location.

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Outlander Self Guided Tour

Linlithgow Palace , West Lothian (Wentworth Prison)

Once the royal seat of the Stewart kings of Scotland and Mary Queen of Scots' birthplace. Mary Queen of Scots only actually was at Linlithgow Palace for seven months before she was moved to Stirling Castle for better protection. There is a lovely hill and picnic tables near the ruined palace. The roof collapsed from a fire set by the British soldiers, unfortunately, but you can wander through the ruins and imagine what all the rooms must have looked like in the 1500's.

There is an eerie feeling inside, but once you step outside and are surrounded by a beautiful lake and lush green hills with a church right next door, that eerie feeling goes away. I may have been tainted by Outlander and the dark things that befell our beloved James Fraser here. After coming home, I learned that Linlithgow is actually said to be haunted with two different apparitions of ghosts seen on the property, both women in dresses, one blue, and one white. (Take this with a grain of salt though, Scottish people tend to be very superstitious, but I guess with all the history of this country -- I would be too).

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Midhope House  (Lallybroch)

This is a partially ruined 16th Century tower house near Edinburgh by the Hopetown House. I literally felt like I was Claire walking up to the house for the first time, at the beginning of Season One. The outline of the house is so iconic for the series I literally started giggling and skipping down the road. This is the first time in my life that I have actually visited a place that was associated with a TV series or movie of some sort. I found I really like visiting countries or locations this way because it helps the imagination make what was once an abandoned old house come alive with people, flashes and images of 'what once was.' I loved every peaceful second here. 

If trying to navigate here, I would definitely put the address into the car navigation system. Upon driving to this particular location I traveled along a few dirt roads with charming fields and sheep grazing lazily on them. When you arrive, it looks like you are pulling into someone's private farm. There is parking down the road, but everyone suggests to get here early as it can be crowded with tourists who have been touched by the 'Outlander effect.' Be respectful of the property, please. Observing is great, but don't try and break in.

It has not been up kept up due to the expense and could be very dangerous inside with unstable flooring. The filming on the inside of Lallybroch was actually done in a studio, not inside the house. They also used computers to change the windows to look like it was lived in and not in ruins. (For the actual history of the house and more information, click on the link embedded in 'Midhope House.')

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Clava Cairn  (The Standing Stone Circle)

Inverness IV2 5EU, UK: The one on the TV series was partially rebuilt in the middle of a farm somewhere in Scotland, allegedly. But this one is so similar you will barely notice. Plus you get the added benefit of experiencing the burial grounds that are here as well. I felt like it added a certain mysticism to the place. I think after being here, I truly felt like magic did exist in this beautiful country at one point. It's an easy drive and there is no fee to enter.

I recommend getting there fairly early so you can see the way the sun hits the stones. Be gentle on the stones, and please don't climb on the burial grounds; it's bad form, people. I don't care how big you think you are on your social media channel -- this is my heritage and ancient history. Consider yourself warned.

Outlander Self Guided Tour

  Your Map for The Self-Guided Tour

I utilized Google maps and wrote down the exact address for each of the locations. If it was rural, I took note of the town name so that I could at least ask for help when arriving in that particular town. I found everything fairly easy to locate and if I was lost, I just pulled out my phone and plugged the address into Google Maps, and I was easily able to find each location.  Here is the map for your own Outlander Self Guided Tour (via Rental Car). This map does not include leaving from Edinburgh or a stop in Inverness to see Culloden .

Outlander Self Guided Tour

Renting A Car in Scotland

Most cars in Europe are manual transmission but there are automatic transmissions available, you just have to actively search for them. I also recommend getting navigation within the car itself. Many of the places you will drive through are very remote and often do not have cell phone service. Also, make sure that the car has unlimited miles in the contract itself so you can enjoy traveling without having to worry about the cost of the miles. Last but not least, if you are NOT used to driving on the opposite side of the road (for all my left seated and American drivers) PLEASE GET INSURANCE!

I was literally screaming the first 30 minutes in the car on the way out of town because people get SO CLOSE when they pass you. I also arrived at the rental place ( Europcar ) as soon as they opened, or the bus could get me there so I would miss all of the morning traffic.

Slàinte mhòr agus a h-uile beannachd duibh.

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outlander tour scotland self drive

outlander tour scotland self drive

~ In the footsteps of Outlander 2024 ~

It's time to sign on to... outlander tours of scotland 2024.

Jamie and Claire Tour in Scotland

And Off-Book Tours...

The Romantic Borders Tour Spring in Scotland

What Makes the J&C Tour special?

Scot AnSgeulaiche, one of your guides

  • One guide is a traditional Highland Storyteller (to Clan Maclean)
  • You'll meet real Highlanders and stay in their homes
  • You'll spend more time in nature than in a vehicle

What's it like on the Tour - the video

Jamie and Claire Tours ~ General Description

See Scotland with your feet firmly on terra firma! ...not just whipping by you through a vehicle window.

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Tour Scotland with Outlander

Arts and Culture

Explore the land that inspired Outlander on this epic, 12 day Outlander tour of Scotland. See where Outlander stars, such as Sam Heughan (Jamie) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire), shot their scenes at Outlander filming locations from season 1, season 2 and season 3 and visit Outlander book locations. Along the way you’ll also explore historic attractions with real-life Jacobite connections, where you can delve into the true story of the Jacobite cause.

Edinburgh - Stirling - Fife - Inverness - Fort William - Glasgow - Dumfries & Galloway - Edinburgh

Outlander filming locations, book locations and historic attractions.

Areas Covered

East, North, West & South

Outlander's Claire and Jamie sitting on a wall © Sony Pictures Television Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Day 1 – Exploring Edinburgh

Spend your first day exploring the story of the Jacobites and Edinburgh’s connections with Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie . This is your chance to learn more about the political landscape that Claire falls into when she travels back in time to 1743, two years before the 1745 Jacobite Rising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. As you explore Edinburgh’s Old Town keep your eyes peeled for three key Outlander filming locations.

  • Explore Stop

Palace of Holyroodhouse

Located at the foot of the Royal Mile, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is an elegant royal residence with links to monarchs from throughout the centuries. In September 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie established his court at Holyroodhouse for six weeks. This is portrayed in the Outlander novels when Claire and Jamie visit the Prince at the palace and beg him to abandon his hopeless cause. Jacobite connections to look out for in the palace: The Great Gallery, where Bonnie Prince Charlie held a lavish ball. The ‘Darnley’ bed which the Prince slept in during his stay. The bed was originally supplied for the Duke of Hamilton in 1682. You’ll find it in The Queen’s Bedchamber. Portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie and his brother, Henry Benedict Stuart, which were painted by Louis Gabriel Blanchet in 1739. You’ll find these in the Royal Dining Room. Open: all year

Book location and filming location – season 3 Edinburgh's Old Town is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with the New Town on the north side of the city centre) and the buildings you’ll see remain largely unchanged from how they would have looked centuries ago. The Old Town is home to three filming locations from Outlander . Look out for these places as you wander up the Royal Mile: Bakehouse Close – this filming location is where Claire and Jamie are reunited after 20 years apart. Tweeddale Court – this historic street becomes the 18th century market where Claire meets Fergus again. Signet Library – the interior of this beautiful building doubles as the Governor’s mansion in Jamaica.

National Museum of Scotland

Located just a short walk from the Royal Mile, on Chambers Street, the National Museum of Scotland is full of intriguing objects and brilliant stories. Head to Level 3 of the Scottish History and Archaeology galleries to discover the true story of the Jacobites. The Jacobite Challenge uses key objects to tell the story of the Jacobite cause and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s time in Scotland. Jacobite objects in the national collection include the Prince’s backsword, shield and clothes. Open: all year Find more things to do in Edinburgh Stay in Edinburgh

Day 2 – A day out to Bo’ness & Linlithgow

Take a ride on a vintage train and tour a beautiful ruined palace on this great day out from Edinburgh. Another lovely stop on your journey from Edinburgh (or on your way back) is South Queensferry, where you can see the iconic Forth Bridges up close.

The Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

Filming location – season 1 How does a leisurely ride in a comfy vintage train carriage sound to start your day? Bo’ness Station on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway stood in for the wartime London railway station where Claire and Frank said goodbye before taking up their wartime duties. Watch the scenery glide past from the steam or diesel-hauled train and explore the Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland's largest railway museum, which is next to Bo’ness Station. Open: seasonally

Linlithgow Palace

Jacobite connection and filming location – season 1 Explore the nooks and towers of this beautiful ruined palace and take a refreshing walk around Linlithgow Loch. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the palace on his journey south. Its elaborate courtyard fountain is said to have flowed with red wine to mark the occasion! In Outlander the majestic entrance and corridors feature as Wentworth Prison where Jamie was imprisoned. Open: all year Top tip: Linlithgow has a direct rail connection to Edinburgh which takes just 20 minutes. Stay in Edinburgh or Linlithgow

Day 3 – Exploring attractions en route to Stirling

Travel from Edinburgh or Linlithgow to Stirling, stopping at two beautiful stately homes and a fortress castle as you go.

Hopetoun House

Filming location – season 1, 2 & 3 Dating from the 17th century, Hopetoun House near South Queensferry is a beautiful stately home surrounded by a vast, 6,500 acre estate. Various parts of the house and grounds have played roles in Outlander : The Duke of Sandringham’s stately home (S1) The spare room in Jamie and Claire's Paris apartment (S2) The Hawkins Estate (S2) The backdrop for Parisian streets (S2) The stables at Helwater and the exterior of Ellesmere (S3) Another key filming location on the Hopetoun Estate is Midhope Castle, which features as the exterior of Jamie’s beloved Lallybroch. While no filming took place inside the castle (it's derelict inside) the exterior is instantly recognisable. Please note, Midhope is located on a private part of the Hopetoun Estate and access is restricted. If you want to visit, you need to purchase a vehicle permit from the nearby Hopetoun Farm Shop. Find out more about visiting Midhope Castle . Open: please check opening

Blackness Castle

Filming location – season 1 & 2 Stop for a visit at Blackness Castle, a 15th century fortress on the banks of the Firth of Forth. In Outlander the castle features as Black Jack Randall’s headquarters in Fort William. Its internal courtyard is shown in the heart-wrenching scenes from Jamie’s incarceration. Open: all year

Callendar House

Filming location – season 2 Stop for an afternoon visit at another grand stately home – Callendar House in Falkirk. Located within the expansive greenery of Callendar Park, the house dates from the 14th century and has hosted many famous historical figures, including Bonnie Prince Charlie. In Outlander the house’s authentic Georgian kitchen appeared as part of Bellhurst Manor, the home of the Duke of Sandringham. Open: all year Stay in Falkirk or  Stirling

Day 4 – A day trip from Stirling

Hop in the car and enjoy a day out from Stirling. Today is the day you’ll visit Doune Castle – otherwise known as Castle Leoch – as well as two other great attractions.

Drummond Castle Gardens

Filming location – season 2 The beautiful Drummond Castle Gardens is one of Europe's finest formal gardens. In Outlander the gardens are shown as the ornate park and orchard of the Palace of Versailles in France. During your visit look out for the two beautiful copper beech trees which were planted by Queen Victoria in 1842. Open: seasonally Note: Drummond Castle itself isn't open to the public.

Deanston Distillery

Filming location – season 2 Formerly a working cotton mill, Deanston Distillery is now famous for the glorious whisky it produces. Take a tour to find out how whisky is made. In Outlander the historic buildings stand in for Jamie's cousin's wine warehouse on the docks of Le Havre. Open: all year

Doune Castle

Jacobite connection and filming location – season 1 One of the major stops on your itinerary – a visit to Doune Castle. This striking ruin doubles as the exterior of Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th century. Nowadays Doune Castle might be most famous as an Outlander filming location, but did you know that the castle has real life Jacobite connections too? The Jacobites took the castle from government troops in 1745 and, following the 1746 Battle of Falkirk, government prisoners were held there. Open: all year Stay in Stirling

Day 5 – Historic towns in Fife

Wake up in Stirling before travelling over the Firth of Forth into Fife. Today you’ll visit two beautiful historic towns - Culross and Falkland.

Royal Burgh of Culross

Filming location – season 1 & 2 With its cobbled streets and rows of historic cottages, your visit to Culross will feel a little like stepping back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries. In Outlander the Mercat Cross area in the centre of the town becomes the fictional village of Cranesmuir, where Geillis lives, while the garden behind Culross Palace stands in for Claire's herb garden at Castle Leoch. Open: town – all year, Culross Palace – seasonal

Filming location – season 1 & 2 Explore the historic streets of this picturesque town and visit grand Falkland Palace, which was built in the 1500s and became a favourite country residence for many kings and queens. In Outlander , Falkland is one of the first places shown on screen - the town substitutes for 1940s Inverness where Claire and Frank go on their second honeymoon. Around town you can visit: The Covenanter Hotel, which stands in for the cosy Mrs Baird's Guesthouse. The Bruce Fountain, where the ghost of Jamie looks up at Claire's room. Fayre Earth Gift Shop, which doubles as Farrell's Hardware and Furniture Store. Campbell's Coffee House and Eatery, which becomes Campbell's Coffee Shop in the show. Open: town – all year, Falkland Palace – seasonal Stay in Falkland

Day 6 – Discovering Highland history

Watch the landscape changing from pastoral lowland scenery to rugged Highland peaks as you travel from Falkland to Inverness, stopping en route to visit a replica 1700s Highland settlement.

Highland Folk Museum

Filming location - season 1 See what life was like for the people of the Highlands from the 1700s up until the 1960s at the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore. In Outlander the museum's replica 18th century Highland crofts are shown when Claire joins Dougal and his followers on their task to collect rent from the clan's tenants. Open: seasonal

Culloden Battlefield

Book location and Jacobite connection Stand on the rugged moorland where the 1746 Battle of Culloden took place and feel the atmosphere of the site where one of the most harrowing battles in British history took place. Culloden Moor was the site of the Jacobites’ final stand in the Risings, when Bonnie Prince Charlie and his followers, including clans such as the Frasers and MacKenzies, were defeated by the Duke of Cumberland's government troops. In the Outlander novels, the moor is where Jamie fights in the 1746 Battle of Culloden. Pop into the Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre to discover more about the battle. Open: battlefield – all year, Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre - seasonal

Clava Cairns

Located just a few minutes’ drive from Culloden Battlefield, the Clava Cairns are said to have provided an inspiration for Outlander’s mysterious Craigh na Dun – the standing stones which sweep Claire back in time. This sacred site was an important Bronze Age burial place. Its grave sites, cairns and standing stones date from around 4,000 years ago. Make sure and take lots of pictures, but please don't climb on any of the monuments. Open: all year Stay in Inverness

Day 7 – Exploring Inverness and Loch Ness

Wake up bright and early to get the most of your day in Inverness. Spend the morning exploring the city before heading to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle.

Book location Explore the beautiful Highland city that Claire and Frank choose for their second honeymoon in the Outlander novels. Top places to visit in Inverness include: Inverness Museum & Art Gallery – discover the intriguing objects, including Jacobite memorabilia. Victorian Market - browse the shops under the market’s historic cast iron and wood domed roof. Inverness Botanic Gardens - see beautiful blooms and exotic cactuses. Leakey’s Bookshop - search through shelves filled with great books. River Ness - stroll along the river banks and cross the suspension bridge to the Ness Islands. Find more things to do in Inverness

Book location A trip to Inverness isn’t complete without visiting Loch Ness. This huge expanse of water is an immensely impressive sight – the loch holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. There are boat tour companies that will take you out for a cruise on this iconic stretch of water. In the Outlander novels Claire and Frank take a cruise on the water and in her 18th century life Claire meets the Loch Ness Monster here (referred to as a water horse in the novel).

Urquhart Castle

Jacobite connection On the north west shore of Loch Ness you’ll find the beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle. The site has been a significant place since around AD 580, when St Columba is said to have visited. There has been evidence of a castle on the site since the 1200s. It was the first Jacobite Rising of 1689 that marked the end for Urquhart Castle as a working castle and garrison. In 1692, following the end of the first rising, government forces blew up the castle to prevent it falling under Jacobite control in the future. Urquhart Castle has lain in ruins ever since. Take a tour to learn about the castle’s history and explore the ruins. Open: all year Stay in Inverness

Day 8 – Driving the Great Glen to Fort William

Admire the views of native Caledonian pine forests, glistening lochs and open moorlands as you drive through the Great Glen on your way from Inverness to Glenfinnan. This is the glen that Claire and Jamie rode through after their wedding in the Outlander novels.

Glenfinnan Monument

Jacobite connection Stretch your legs and breathe in fresh Highland air as you visit the Glenfinnan Monument on the banks of Loch Shiel. Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the Jacobite flag here in August 1745 (beginning the final Jacobite Rising), after arriving on the mainland from the Outer Hebrides . Climb the monument for views out across Loch Shiel and pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the 1745 Rising. Open: site - all year, Monument & Visitor Centre – seasonal Tip - While you’re here, make sure to snap some pictures of the nearby Glenfinnan Viaduct – it’s a famous filming location from the Harry Potter movies.

West Highland Museum

Jacobite connection Explore the history of the west Highlands and see archaeological finds and treasures from throughout the area. The museum also has a great Jacobite exhibition with plenty of lesser-known stories to uncover. Some of the fascinating items you can see include: Bonnie Prince Charlie's death mask A fine silk waistcoat belonging to the Prince A fan created for a grand ball at the Palace of Holyroodhouse A secret portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie Open: all year

Nevis Range Mountain Gondola

Get a better view of Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, on a gentle ride in a suspended mountain gondola up the side of Aonach Mor, one of Ben Nevis’ lofty neighbours. Soak up the far reaching views towards Ben Nevis, Fort William, the Great Glen and the surrounding Highlands and hop off at the top station to visit the Snowgoose Restaurant & Bar, where you can have a hot drink, a tasty snack or a meal. Open: all year except for an annual maintenance period in winter Find more things to do in Fort William Stay in Fort William

Day 9 – Exploring Glen Coe en route to Glasgow

Set off from Fort William on your journey south to Glasgow. Your route will take you through one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland – through the deep valley of Glen Coe.

Filming location – season 1 Featured in Outlander’s opening credits, visiting world-famous Glen Coe will be a highlight memory from your trip. Driving through this deep-carved glen feels like you’re entering in a secret part of Scotland. Pull into one of the parking places to absorb the atmosphere created by the towering peaks around you before popping into the Glen Coe Visitor Centre. You can grab a bite to eat here before browsing the exhibition. Open: glen – all year, Glen Coe Visitor Centre – all year except a few weeks in December/January Tip – You don’t need scorching sunshine to get the most from this beautiful place. In many ways Glen Coe is even more striking on an overcast, brooding day, when mist is sweeping down the glen and cloud is lying low on the hills.

Glasgow Cathedral

Filming location – season 2 Built in the 1100s, Glasgow Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city and one of the most intact medieval cathedrals on the Scottish mainland. Visit to see its beautiful Gothic architecture and step down into the historic crypt, which was built in the mid-1200s to house the tomb of St Kentigern. In Outlander the cathedral’s crypt doubles as L'Hopital Des Anges in Paris, where Claire volunteers to work. Open: all year

George Square

Filming location – season 1 In the evening, head to George Square to see the historic area that becomes the 1940s spot where Frank spontaneously proposes to Claire. Enjoy a stroll through the square as you soak up the ornate architecture of the surrounding buildings and study the square’s many statues and monuments. There are plenty of great places to go for dinner in this area, or in the nearby Merchant City too. Stay in Glasgow

outlander tour scotland self drive

Day 10

Day 10 – exploring glasgow.

This is your chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Glasgow – Scotland’s largest city. There are plenty of top attractions to visit today, including Pollok House, Kelvingrove Park and the Hunterian Museum.

Pollok Country Park

Filming location – season 1 & 2 Visit Pollok House in the south of Glasgow to see the historic building’s grand rooms and vast servants’ quarters. The main part of the house was built in 1752 – during Jamie’s time in Outlander . In the TV series Pollok Country Park, which surrounds Pollok House, features in a few different scenes. It doubles as the grounds surrounding Castle Leoch and also stands in for French countryside as the characters travel between Le Havre and Paris. Open: all year

Kelvingrove Park & The University of Glasgow

Filming location - season 3 Stroll through the lush grounds of Kelvingrove park, which becomes the Boston park where Claire enjoys walking. Afterwards pop over the road to explore the historic University of Glasgow buildings. In Outlander the university becomes Harvard University, where Frank teaches. Open: all year

Hunterian Museum

Located in the historic University of Glasgow buildings, the Hunterian Museum has lots of fascinating exhibits and stories for you to uncover, including medicine, zoology and anatomy. Make sure to visit Mackintosh House too, to see the home that Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed with his wife Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh. Open: all year

Ashton Lane

In the evening head to the city’s West End for dinner and drinks. Look out for Ashton Lane with its twinkling fairy lights, quirky places to eat and independent cinema. Find more things to do in Glasgow Stay in Glasgow

outlander tour scotland self drive

Day 11

Day 11 - exploring ayrshire & galloway.

Drive south west from the vibrant city of Glasgow to explore Ayrshire and the lush landscapes of Dumfries & Galloway, Sam Heughan’s homeland.

Dean Castle Country Park

Filming location - season 2 Surrounded by mature woodland, 14th century Dean Castle in Kilmarnock appears in series two of Outlander as Beaufort Castle, near Beauly in the Highlands. In the show Claire and Jamie visit Lord Lovat at the castle to try and persuade him to send his men to aid Charles Stuart. With its walking routes, Urban Farm, visitor centre and café – it's the ideal place to stretch your legs and explore. If you have time you can also visit the nearby Dick Institute Museum and Gallery – also in Kilmarnock.

Dunure Harbour

Filming location - season 3 Drive along the Ayrshire coast until you reach the pretty harbour village of Dunure. In Outlander , Dunure doubles as Ayr Harbour, where Claire and Jamie leave Scotland in pursuit of Young Ian. Another great stopping point is Dunure Castle (less than a mile away) which features as Silkie Island in the show.

Drumlanrig Castle

Jacobite connection and filming location – season 2 Take a tour of this beautiful 17th century castle, near Thornhill, and explore period rooms filled with artwork, French furniture and antiques. Afterwards take a stroll in the castle’s 90,000 acre estate which includes championship mountain biking trails. In Outlander , the exterior, living rooms and bedrooms of Drumlanrig Castle became Bellhurst Manor, including a bedroom that was once slept in by Bonnie Prince Charlie, as he made his way north to Culloden. Open: seasonal

Galloway Forest Park

The lush Galloway Forest Park is close to where Sam Heughan (Jamie from Outlander ) grew up in Dumfries & Galloway. Head to Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre to take a refreshing stroll along the shore of Clatteringshaws Loch. Close by, you can see wild creatures in natural surroundings at the Red Deer Range and the Wild Goat Park . Open: Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, the Red Deer Range and the Wild Goat Park - seasonal Find more things to do in Dumfries & Galloway Stay in Dumfries & Galloway

Day 12

Day 12 – heading back to edinburgh.

Your final day takes you from Dumfries & Galloway back to Edinburgh, stopping at some great historic attractions en route.

Traquair House

Jacobite connection Explore Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, a former royal hunting lodge dating from 1107 which remains a family home to this day. Wander round the beautiful rooms, tour Traquair House Brewery and navigate your way around the maze. While you’re there find out more about Traquair House’s Jacobite connections - in the 1700s the earls of Traquair supported the Jacobite cause. Bonnie Prince Charlie even visited the house in 1745. Open: seasonal

Robert Smail’s Printing Works

Pop into this historic print works to see how items such as stationery and newspapers would have been printed before the time of computers. Although the printing works date from 1866 (after Jamie’s time in Outlander ) this quirky historic attraction will give you a feel for what life may have been like for Jamie in his print shop on the Royal Mile in the Outlander novels. Open: all year

Craigmillar Castle

Filming location - season 3 Located on the south side of Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle has plenty of interesting rooms and hidden nooks for you to explore. The oldest part of this ruined castle – the tower house – dates from the 1300s. In Outlander Craigmillar becomes Ardsmuir Prison, where Jamie is incarcerated. Open: all year

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Walking in the Scottish Highlands

  • Relaxing and impressive Highland walks, castles, history and whisky
  • Exploration of Blair Castle and the Hermitage with its towering Douglas Firs
  • Killiecrankie, site of the first Jacobite rebellion victory
  • Superior accommodations in captivating towns and villages
  • Whisky tastings galore at Dewar's and Blair Atholl distilleries

Imposing Blair Castle

Arrive in Blair Atholl, a small village that offers real Highland hospitality, beautiful scenery, a rich history and plenty to do, and is easily accessed from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The picturesque River Garry flows through it so why not take a stroll and take in the atmosphere of this place that is so full of rich heritage and history. Relax and enjoy the fine food and perhaps a local beer. 

PtarmiganHouse

The house sits in its own large grounds overlooking the fields, golf course and the hills beyond. All rooms have en-suite facilities and are tastefully decorated to suit the style of the house.

Dalgreine

A warm and traditional welcome awaits you at Dalgreine Guesthouse. Every room is elegantly decorated and has tea and coffee making facilities. In addition to enjoying the elegantly furnished bedrooms, you can aslo relax in the outdoor seating area in the secluded garden at the front of the house.

Please note there are not many options for eating in Blair Atholl so we suggest prebooking evening meal 

Take a walk in and around the beautiful gardens and grounds of Blair Castle, ensconced in the forested valleys of Perthshire. Ancestral home of the clan Murray, this 13th century castle is also home to Europe's only remaining private army, now used solely for ceremonial purposes. The castle itself has an imposing white façade and dominates the area. After taking in some thirty treasure-filled rooms, take a tour around the wonderful grounds and gardens and enjoy Diana’s Grove and the restored Hercules Garden. Suggestions for the afternoon are a visit to the Atholl Country Life Museum which is crammed with artifacts relating to rural Perthshire life. Or why not visit the Wasted Degrees Brewing Company and try some of their locally brewed beer? 

Today's walk connects peaceful, understated Blair Atholl with the buzzing town of Pitlochry. It is an easy undulating and varied riverside route along quiet country roads and through open farmland and meandering woodland trails. Walk via Soldier's Leap, a famous spot in Killiecrankie. The story goes that during the 1689 Battle of Killiecrankie, an English soldier made a leap of escape that spanned 18 ft across the gorge just south of the town. The walk today passes directly by the viewpoint so you can judge the legend's accuracy for yourself. Arrival in the Victorian spa town of Pitlochry, which really is in the heart of Scotland.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to walk to Pitlochry and have an easier day you can take a local train or bus from Blair Atholl which takes approximately 15 minutes.

Craigatin House &amp; Courtyard

Tucked away in secluded wooded grounds in the Highland Perthshire town of Pitlochry, this beautiful early Victorian house has now been transformed into a 14-bedroom boutique B&B, providing a unique blend of the traditional with the luxury of contemporary design. The individually designed spacious deluxe rooms all have comfortable six foot wide beds and are decorated with stylish fabrics and furnishings. 

Knockendarroch Hotel

The welcoming and luxurious Knockendarroch House Hotel offers a secluded retreat with wonderful views across Pitlochry to the surrounding hills. The hotel boasts large spacious rooms alongside elegant public areas. Wonderful meals, featuring the very best Scottish produce are served in the dining room, from where you can retire to the sumptuous lounge to enjoy a coffee or after dinner drink.

Today is a chance for you to take a walk if you choose but also to explore Pitlochry. The walk takes you on a loop from Moulin to the north of the town and out and up into the surrounding moorland, passing around Loch a' Choire and along the slopes of Ben Vrackie but not to the summit. This walk is purely optional but gives you the opportunity to see great views over the surrounding countryside. Later you can explore the town itself and some tips are to check out the High Street with its many gift shops and eateries, take a tour of the Blair Atholl Distillery or if you are lucky book tickets in advance at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, which hosts year-round plays and concerts.  

Join the Rob Roy Way for a varied walk along forestry tracks, across a short section of moorland, down along the Tullypowrie Burn, and along the River Tay into the lovely Perthshire village of Aberfeldy. If you'd like to celebrate the halfway point, pause in Grandtully and enjoy a hot cocoa at the award-winning Highland Chocolatier.

If you do not wish to walk from Pitlochry to Aberfeldy, you can catch a local bus (with one change). The journey takes around 45 mins.

Balnearn House Aberfeldy

Balnearn is a Victorian style property set within approximately three quarters of an acre of grounds. They have 10 comfortable and well-presented rooms, 7 of which have shower rooms and 3 with bathrooms.  All their rooms have flat screen televisions, tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers. If you wish to keep in contact they provide free Wi-Fi access for your convenience. Each room has a high standard en-suite or private facilities with high pressure showers and the majority have heated towel rails and we provide Scottish Fine Soap toiletries. 

Ailean Chraggan Hotel

The Ailean Chraggan Hotel and Restaurant is all about Scottish hospitality in the heart of Highland Perthshire. Each of the five spacious en-suite rooms has been tastefully refurbished to make your stay as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Their restaurant has a reputation for consistently high quality traditional food, they use the freshest fish and shellfish, seasonal game and local produce.

Fernbank Guesthouse Abderfeldy

Fernbank House is an impressive Victorian House once owned by the Earl of Breadalbane. It was built in the late 19th century and is now owned by Annette and Rory Macdonald and their family. They offer a warm welcome to their home that offers a high standard of service and comfort.

Today incorporates an easy walk with exploration of the local area. The walk takes you through the area known locally as The Birks. Originally called the Dens of Moness, the birks (from the Scots for birch trees) overlook the Falls of Moness. They were renamed when Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, penned the poem "The Birks o’Aberfeldie" in 1787. After walking back into the village then, if you wish, you can head out on a riverside trail to visit Castle Menzies, a 16th century Scottish Estate with a walled garden and tearoom. You can also explore the lovely village of Aberfeldy, including a must-visit to the Dewar's world famous whisky distillery. 

Today a transfer brings you close to the small hamlet of Trochry, from where you can begin your walk to Dunkeld via The Hermitage, an area cared for by the National Trust of Scotland. It is a stretch of magical forest with towering Douglas firs and you can also visit the 18th century folly named Ossian's Hall. You may spot wildlife such as beavers as you follow in the footsteps of notable visitors of the past including Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, Mendelssohn, and Turner as you wander through this magnificent landscape.

Upon arrival in the pretty village of Dunkeld, spend your final afternoon exploring. It sits on the banks of the Tay River and its cathedral dominates its skyline. Today it's partly a ruin and partly used as a local parish church. Enjoy strolling past the colourful houses here and browse in the little shops where you can purchase some souvenirs of your visit to the heartland of Scotland. 

thetaybank

This accommodation is located in the heart of Dunkeld and is situated on the banks of the River Tay. They have a collection of beautifully designed rooms. Enjoy sitting in the beer garden by the river and eating in their restaurant if you wish. 

AthollArmsHotel

At the Atholl Arms Hotel located at the head of the arched bridge over the famed River Tay, you will always experience a warm welcome. This award-winning hotel also has an excellent restaurant.

Dunkeld is on the main trainline and therefore you can easily take a direct train to Edinburgh, the journey time being approximately 1H45. 

This trip has a carbon score of 15kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 15kg is equivalent to 88.5 candy bars. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've  carbon counted our trips .

Other Information

This tour immerses you an area of the Scottish Highlands which has towering forests, glens, rushing rivers and tumbling waterfalls. Relaxing walks bring you to historic castles, small intriguing museums, and famous distilleries. Free time has been built into the itinerary in order for you to have the luxury of experiencing this magical area of Scotland in-depth.

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Solo Travellers

The walks on this tour are rated between easy and easy to moderate and the distances range between 7km and 15km. They are relaxing walks and take you to historic sites, including castles and Jacobean battle sites. Some of the walks have actually been created in order for you to explore and discover the local sights as you walk and bring you to the characterful towns and villages that you will stay in. Some of the walks are flexible too as you can opt to do them if you wwant to. It is very worth doing these amazing walks, but, if you wish, you can take local transportation to get between places and avoid the longer walking days.

On this tour you will stay in hand-picked 3* and 4* B&B's, guesthouses and hotels. All of the accommodations are superior and some are traditional buildings that have been converted, for example, a Victorian House converted into a hotel, a former house owned by a doctor which has been converted into a boutique B&B and a 5* restaurant that also has rooms. Mostly they are blend of old and new where possible. They are extremely comfortable and welcoming. 

Alternative Accommodation

We will always try and confirm the accommodations listed. However, if those listed are unavailable, alternative accommodation of the same or better standard than those described will be provided.

This is a popular trip and accommodation in Blair Atholl is limited. It may be the case that for your preferred departure date we can only secure the Old Manse of Blair which is located just outside Blair Atholl. The property lies in the quiet surroundings of Highland Perthshire and is a 45-minute walk from Blair Atholl town centre. We will provide taxi transfers to the Old Manse of Blair from Blair Atholl on your arrival day and to the start of your walk to Pitlochry on Day 3. 

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. We also welcome solo walkers on this tour, again a supplement is payable.

The majority of accommodations provide a cooked breakfast, so a traditional Scottish breakfast, with eggs, bacon, etc. However some may also provide a buffet breakfast, so please be prepared for either. There should be plenty of choices to make sure that you have enough energy for the day ahead.

All the walks on this itinerary are available in the Macs Adventure Smartphone App. You will find the walks on the app and simply download the walk to your smartphone and follow the little blue dot! Some walks have GPS tracks only and others have walking directions. But if you follow the little blue dot you will not get lost. A reminder though not to take the Ben Vrackie Lochan walk in bad weather.

  • Overnights in hand-picked 3 and 4* B&B's, guesthouses, and hotels
  • Daily Breakfasts
  • Luggage Transfers
  • Taxi transfer Aberfeldy to Trochry (on day 7)
  • Information Pack via your Macs Adventure "My Account"
  • Access to maps and GPX tracks on the Macs Adventure smartphone app
  • 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK & US office
  • Travel to Blair Atholl and from Dunkeld
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
  • Personal equipment
  • Entrances to museums, sites, etc
  • Additional nights before, during and after the tour

The best time of year to visit Scotland is from early-April to mid-October when the weather is best, most attractions are open and the days are long. The weather is very unpredictable all year, so it is imperative to be prepared for wind, rain, cold, warmth and sunshine! Conditions (and forecasts) can vary substantially from one day to the next, so do anticipate a variety of weathers, and embrace them as the Scots do (with a good waterproof and windproof jacket on).

Blair Atholl is 80 miles north of Edinburgh on the main transport route through the Highlands. The village also has excellent public transport connections and is served by Scotrail  trains and Citylink  bus services from Edinburgh. The journey by train takes approximately 3H by bus and approximately 2H by train. By car the journey from Edinburgh takes 1H30 and Blair Atholl is well signed from the A9.

Dunkeld, your departure point is on a trainline and you can take a train from here to Edinburgh. The journey takes around 1H45 to 2H. Buses are also available but the journey takes longer and you will need to change at least once.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person .

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes a transfer of 1 bag per person . It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Watch nesting seabirds from clifftop paths

Walking on Orkney

  • Enjoy Orcadian hospitality and fresh seafood
  • Bird and wildlife spotting from clifftop paths
  • Walk coastal paths to sea stacks & Neolithic sites

Views near Sligachan

Best of Skye In Style

  • Overnight in Skye's best accommodations
  • Discover the island's best on a guided day tour
  • Enjoy off-the-beaten-path walks

Iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct with Loch Shiel

The Highlands & Isle of Skye: Rail & Hike

  • Experience one of the UK's finest rail journeys
  • Enjoy a variety walks in the Scottish Highlands
  • Discover Scotland's highlights, history & culture

The Cliffs of Moher

Walking Ireland's West Coast

  • Walk the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in Ireland
  • Explore Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands
  • The village of Doolin, Ireland’s music capital

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Outlander Tours in Scotland

Follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire on an Outlander getaway and explore the show’s top filming locations on a guided tour or road trip. Get ready to see key attractions that feature in the hit TV and book series on an expert-curated Outlander tour.

VISIT SCOTLAND ON AN OUTLANDER TOUR

Discover the historic sites and beautiful scenery that inspired Diana Gabaldon’s famous Outlander books on one of these Outlander Scottish tours.

See the series come to life when you opt for an Outlander themed self-drive or privately guided Scotland travel package . Our itineraries are crafted with the insider knowledge of our local travel experts. This means you can be sure you’ll visit the best sites from the TV show and beyond.

Book with us and you’ll have your own dedicated travel consultant who will arrange everything, including handpicked accommodation, for you. You’ll also get personal recommendations, access to our 24/7 helpline and plenty of other benefits.

So get ready to immerse yourself in Jamie and Claire’s world on a hassle-free trip exploring the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.

Get in touch and we'll happily plan your Outlander tour. You can call our Scotland team on +44 (0)131 344 4630 or via our toll-free numbers . Alternatively, reach us via our contact form or live chat .

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Why book with nordic visitor.

  • Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
  • You can reach us 24/7 on your trip by calling our helpline
  • Flexible & customisable tour options
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  • All bookings are protected by our package travel insurance

Scotland tours based on Outlander

Visit the filming locations and other sites from Outlander on a themed road trip, or a private tour with a knowledgeable local driver-guide.

Outlander Experience

The outlander trail, privately guided tours in scotland.

Enjoy flexible sightseeing and more Scottish cultural insights on a trip with your own local tour guide driving you around.

Scottish Highlands & Isle of Skye - Private

Scenic scotland express - private, classic scotland - private, complete scotland - private, self-drive tours in scotland.

Explore the Highlands and beyond on a custom self-drive tour. You do the driving and we handle your accommodation booking and route planning.

Classic Scotland

Scottish highlands & isle of skye, grand tour of scotland, scottish highlands & north coast 500, classic scotland at leisure, experience scotland your way.

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Scotland below.

Guided Small Groups

Privately guided, culinary experience, scottish heritage tours, the scottish highlands, best sellers, all travel styles, about scottish outlander tours.

Choose Nordic Visitor and our Edinburgh-based travel experts will use their local knowledge to create an unforgettable Outlander-themed adventure for you.

Simply pick the way of travelling that suits you from a range of Scottish self-drive tours and privately guided packages in Scotland . Read on to find out which will suit you best.

  • Discover the best Outlander filming locations in Scotland

GO ON A SELF-DRIVE TOUR OF OUTLANDER SITES IN SCOTLAND

Opting for a self-drive tour will give you the freedom to see the attractions you want while going at your own pace. And although you may be travelling independently, it won’t feel that way because on a Nordic Visitor road trip you can expect:

  • A dedicated travel consultant who’ll arrange your trip
  • A hand-noted, personalised itinerary and route map
  • 24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind
  • Handpicked accommodation at your chosen price point

Plus, these tours are designed to be flexible so you can customise your trip with extra nights or additional attractions. For instance, you could add extra nights in Inverness and take a day tour to Loch Ness .

  • Take a look at these ideas for 7-day road trips in Scotland for inspiration

VENTURE BEHIND THE SCENES OF OUTLANDER WITH A LOCAL GUIDE

Alternatively, you can explore Scotland with a knowledgeable local on a privately guided tour package, that’s completely hassle-free. This is also the perfect way to travel if want to gain extra insight into the historical events portrayed in the series.

For instance, learn about the Jacobite Rising, which came to an end on Culloden Battlefield in the mid-18th century. You’ll also find out about the fascinating history of Bonnie Prince Charlie. And discover what life was like for Scottish clans like the Mackenzies, MacDonalds and of course, the Frasers.

  • If you’re interested in the local history, make sure to read this blog on Scottish clans and ancestry: top sites to visit in Scotland

You can tailor your privately guided tour package by adding extra nights in Edinburgh at the beginning or end of the guided portion of your trip.

Extending your stay here will give you more time for exploring Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital city. Beyond Edinburgh’s top attractions, you’ll find winding cobbled alleyways, lush parks, and endless fine dining options.

That said, if you have something specific in mind don’t hesitate to contact our local travel experts to discuss a bespoke Scotland itinerary .

MEET OTHER OUTLANDER FANS ON A GROUP TOUR

You could also opt for a Scotland guided small group trip . Although not solely focused on Outlander sites, you’ll still see locations from the show on many of these tours.

A guided group package is ideal if you want to visit a few of the show’s top filming locations with an expert driver-guide to answer your questions. Plus, sightseeing in a group of up to just 15 guests means you’ll enjoy a more personal experience than you’d get in a larger group.

  • Read an interview with a Nordic Visitor travel expert on the top Outlander sites to visit in Scotland

SEE THE OUTLANDER FILM LOCATIONS IN PERSON

No matter how you choose to travel on one of these Scotland Outlander tour packages you’ll want to take in the best of the show’s sights.

You’ll find that Nordic Visitor’s Outlander themed tours of Scotland showcase many of the prime filming locations featured in the series. These include Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile and Fife’s quaint fishing villages. As well as imposing Doune Castle, which you might recognise as “Castle Leoch”.

The vastness of Rannoch Moor and the mysterious Clava Cairns are also favourites with fans of the show. The cairns are reminiscent of the fictional “Craigh na Dun” standing stones – Claire’s magical portal.

You’ll find more must-see filming locations in Edinburgh and the nearby Kingdom of Fife:

  • The Royal Mile
  • Hopetoun House

These are some of the key Scottish castles that star in the show:

  • Blackness Castle

Doune Castle

  • Midhope Castle
  • Craigmillar Castle

And don’t miss other beautiful locations associated with the series:

  • Loch Katrine
  • Trossachs National Park
  • Fort William

With a few fans of the Outlander books and TV series in our midst, we’re ideally placed for creating your Outlander experience in Scotland. So get in touch with us and we’ll take care of all the details to plan your dream Outlander trip.

Scroll down to learn more about Nordic Visitor’s services.

— LOCAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

Get the most out of your trip.

  • Head to handpicked locations chosen by local experts
  • Relax on a tour where everything is arranged for you
  • Enjoy professional service from Edinburgh-based experts
  • Travel worry-free with our 24/7 helpline

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Smooth experience

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Amazing experience!

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

An unforgettable holiday

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

An indescribably fantastic experience!

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

I can't thank Nordic Visitor enough

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Perfect vacation!

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

We were in good hands

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Highly professional service

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Absolutely wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

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Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

Book With Confidence

  • Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
  • 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
  • We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
  • Enjoy personal service from Scotland travel experts.
  • Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
  • We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Get in touch with us to book your dream Outlander trip to Scotland. Our Edinburgh-based travel consultants will use their local knowledge to answer questions you may have before your trip.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

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7-day scotland road trips: itinerary ideas from local experts, harry potter locations in scotland to visit, 7 outlander filming locations to visit in scotland, scotland outlander sites: tips from a local expert.

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The Outlander Day Tour: Visit the Outlander Film Locations

  • Published on: September 21, 2022

Filming location for Outlander day tour from Edinburgh

If you enjoy the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon and have been watching the popular TV series, then this day tour starting and finishing in Edinburgh is perfect for you. You’ll get to visit many places used as filming locations in both the book and TV show.

Outlander is set in 18th-century Scotland, France and America. The plot follows Claire Randall, a married nurse from 1945 who gets mysteriously swept back in time to 1743. There she is thrown straight into the unknown with her life completely upturned and the story’s suspense unfolds…

She has been forced to marry Jamie Fraser, a chivalrous and romantic Scottish warrior. The two lovers have become attached in what tears Claire’s heart between two vastly different lives and Jamie’s imminent death.

This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase without incurring an additional fee yourself. Many thanks for supporting this website. Please see my  legal page  for more details.

Outlander self-driving tour from Edinburgh

Outlander was developed by Ronald D. Moore and based on the books of Diana Gabaldon . The series premiered on August 9, 2014, and stars Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall/Fraser and Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser/MacKenzie.

Below is a list of filming locations close to Edinburgh. These are all 30-60 minutes away from the city – but it’s not possible to visit all of them in a single day.

Remember that the palace or castle you aim to visit is not just a building. It is a place of important heritage, a witness to history, and a home to people with many stories to tell. I would encourage you to spend more time in the area rather than just visiting the castle. It is important to support the locals, even if it is just having a coffee in the village cafe. 

Please do not take up more than 3 attractions on your itinerary since it’s best to explore a few carefully chosen places. Go for the 1-2 ‘must see’, and you’ll maximize your experience.

My favourite Outlander tour day trips are to Fife: the Falkland Palace and the village of Culross. If you have only one day or half a day to visit both places, it is worth it. But if you want a more immersive experience, I recommend at least one full day in each place.

Outlander Filming Locations for a Day Tour from  Edinburgh

Linlithgow palace  .

Was used as Wentworth Prison in series 1 and where Jamie was imprisoned. The infamous scene of Jamie being raped and tortured was filmed in Linlithgow Palace. It was once the favourite residence of the Stuart monarchs and here you will hear the stories about some of their most colourful characters, including Mary Queen of Scots, who was born in the palace in 1542.

It initially set the palace as a rest stop for royals travelling between Edinburgh and Stirling Castle. Most often associated with Mary, Queen of Scotland , it became Outlander famous before. Today, only the ruins remain, but its beautiful location on the banks of Linlithgow Loch makes it a popular tourist Outlander theme day trip from Edinburgh . 

Linlithgow Palace. Photo@Visit Scotland

Linlithgow Palace. Photo@Visit Scotland

Hopetoun House

Outlander tours from Edinburgh would not be complete without visiting this stately home. The house is the setting for the home of the Duke of Sandringham in Series 1. These scenes were filmed inside the Red Drawing Room.

The Sea Trail and West Lawn to the rear of the House were the locations for the dual between the Duke and the head of the McDonald clan.

The courtyard behind the Stables Tearoom features regularly as a Parisian street location in Series 2.

Midhope Castle, made popular as ‘Lallybroch’ the home of the Frasers in Outlander, is located on Hopetoun House estate but is not a visitor attraction. You can only access the exterior of the castle and only during opening times. The castle is located on private ground, so access is restricted. You need to obtain the ticket before you visit Midhope Castle. Please check the details on the Hopetoun House website.  

hopetoun-house

Hopetoun House@Photo credit Visit West Lothian

Falkland Palace and village

The shooting took place in Falkland Village, which is home to the Falkland Palace . The village is re-cast as 1946 Inverness, where Claire and Frank stay on their second honeymoon. It was while researching Frank’s ancestry that Claire and Frank attended a pagan ceremony.

They found out they were onto something special when they saw one in the standing stones nearby. She returns alone to the stones and falls through time to 1743. Other featured locations in Falkland include The Covenanter Hotel as Mrs Baird’s guesthouse; the Bruce Fountain, where the ghost of Jamie looks up at Claire’s room; Lomond Pharmacy, which doubles as Campbell’s Coffee Shop; and Fayre Earth Gift Shop as Farrell’s Hardware and Furniture Store, where Claire stops to look at a vase in the window

Falkland Palace_Outlander Day tours from Edinburgh

Falkland Palace

Falkland Palace is a walk through a day in the life of Stuart monarchs at Falkland Palace. This palace, a favourite place of Mary, Queen of Scots , has elaborate Flemish tapestries and antique furniture. The grounds feature acres of classic English gardens designed by Percy Cane, with the oldest existing real tennis court in Britain and ruins of Castle Falkland. Not to mention, an ancient orchard with a wildflower meadow as well. The Falkland Palace and the village make a wonderful Outlander theme day tour from Edinburgh. 

The Covenanter Hotel as Mrs Baird’s guesthouse

The Covenanter Hotel as Mrs Baird’s guesthouse

Doune Castle

Doune Castle plays a main role in Outlander and is used to represent the fictional castle Leoch. It was also a royal residence for the Stuart monarchs until its abandonment in 1727.  Doune Castle is showcased as a Castle Leoch home of Clan Mackenzie. But this splendour castle was filmed also for other productions like Monty Python or Game of Thrones.

Doune Castle

The original Castle, the half of this we see today, was built to impress and show authority. It’s unclear however how big the castle was and if some parts of the castle were lost or not completed. Doune Castle officially became a royal castle in the 15th century. Visiting Doune Castle and the surrounding pretty village makes a perfect full-day Outlander tour from Edinburgh .

Outlander tour from Edinburgh to Culross 16th Century Village

It was used in series 1 and 2 of Outlander and featured as the fictional village of Cranesmuir and also the Jacobite encampment in series 2. The Royal Burgh of Culross is owned by the National Trust of Scotland and has been used for several filming scenes in the Outlander movie. Culross played a base for the fictional Cransemuir in season 1 and suddenly became a popular tourist attraction.

Culross

Culross Village

The pretty cobbled streets, hilltop abbey and enchanting original homes make it such a lovely place that gives you the feeling of being transported back to the 16th century. Often named the most picturesque village in Scotland, it’s a beautifully restored 17th and 18th-century town example. Culross is a wonderful place to spend all day. Wander around along the cobbled street and visit the Culross Palace to make a full day of Outlander theme tour from Edinburgh.

The Blackness Castle as “The Ship that Never Sailed”

An impressive fortress and a popular filming location for Outlander is the headquarters for blackjack Randall in the story. The building dates back to the 15th century, had many uses throughout European history and received its nickname of “The Ship that Never Sailed” from its ship-like design.

The best views of the River Forth and the surrounding landscape are from the Central Tower of the Blackness Castle . This is the best place to get a view of the castle and admire its beauty – whether you’re taking in the sun or feeling the wind. 

Blackness_Castle

Blackness_Castle @Photo Visit Scotland

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The Ultimate Outlander tour

The ultimate outlander tour, dive into history and some of the best outlander locations.

Are you a fan of the Outlander series? This tour is for you! Follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire and discover the mythical filming locations of this historic saga filmed in Scotland. A wonderful opportunity to discover beautiful sites and to go back to the key moments of the saga: from Midhope Castle to Blackness Castle, Kinloch Rannor and Linlithgow Palace, let's go for a week-long trip in the 18th century Highlands.

Culloden

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Check out our itinerary idea, don't forget we can customize this trip ! We can’t wait to show you around !

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Our “from” price is based on mid-season prices and for a group of 8 people.

What's included ?

  • Trip organisation (customisation and bookings)
  • Accomodation
  • All Breakfasts
  • Personalised guidebook
  • Navigation maps with preloaded walking tours ans maps
  • 24/7 emergency telephone support

What's not included ?

  • Lunches and dinners
  • Entry fees to attractions such as distilleries or museums
  • Luggage transfer (can be added at an extra cost)

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Self-Drive Holidays in Scotland

Discover majestic mountains, soul-stirring landscapes & magical islands.

Scotland is an awe-inspiring land, where ancient castles nestle amidst majestic mountains and the soul-stirring landscapes of the Highlands give way to a rugged coastline. With an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty, myriads of islands, world-renowned whisky distilleries, and warm hospitality, Scotland is a wonderful holiday destination.

The holiday suggestions on our website are examples of the amazing trips we can offer , which are created uniquely for you by our award-winning specialists. Think of the itineraries below as inspiration for your specialised tailor-made escape. These can be customised to suit your preferences and individual requirements.

Our packages include hand-picked accommodation, a personalised information pack, and 24-hour support from our dedicated team. Discover the highlights of Scotland at your own pace.

Hebridean Island Hopping

North coast 500, shetland & orkney: escape to the edge, escape to the highlands, great british road trip, outlander tour, isle of skye & scottish highlands winter escape, isle of skye & the outer hebrides, discover ayrshire & arran, historic borders of scotland & england, highlands & islands malt whisky trail, speyside malt whisky trail, stay in scottish castle hotels, scottish seafood trail, north east 250, edinburgh & the highlands in winter, highlights of scotland, winter whisky escape, from london to the scottish highlands, highland honeymoon, coll & tiree: a hebridean escape, james bond tour, islay & the west coast whisky trail, argyll & mull of kintyre, castle to castle, winter in a scottish castle hotel, literary scotland, southern scotland winter road trip, grand road trip of scotland, west coast explorer, magical islands of mull, iona & skye, islands of arran, islay, mull & skye, romantic highland getaway, island honeymoon, burns country & the scottish borders, orkney & the far north, north east 250: scottish winter road trip, myths & legends of scotland, scotland on screen, historic scotland, west coast honeymoon.

An Absolute Escapes client exploring the Isle of Harris (credit - Kevin Warburton)

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Stac Pollaidh (Visit Scotland, Kenny Lam)

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  • Admire the majestic splendour of mountains that Assynt has to offer
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Our client enjoying the views at Esha Ness, Shetland (credit - Poul Møller)

From £1385pp

  • A unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture.
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View from The Storr on the Isle of Skye

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Tower Bridge at sunrise, London

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  • The breathtaking scenery of the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye
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Culross

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  • Follow in Jamie and Claire's footsteps across Scotland
  • Explore historic Edinburgh - Scotland's magical capital city
  • Discover Doune Castle, aka Castle Leoch in the Outlander TV series

Buachaille Etive Mor near Glencoe

From £1000pp

  • Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile & Holyrood Palace
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Portree, The Isle of Skye

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  • The magical Isle of Skye and the spectacular Cuillin Mountains
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Culzean Castle

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  • Experience the tranquillity of island life on the spectacular Isle of Arran
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Melrose Abbey, Scottish Borders

From £975pp

  • Discover medieval castles and abbeys in the Scottish Borders
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Talisker Whisky Distillery, Skye

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  • The Malt Whisky Trail including visits to Glenfiddich & the Macallan Distilleries
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Glenlivet distillery

From £620pp

  • Tour the famous Malt Whisky Trail including Glenfiddich and Macallan distilleries
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Inveraray Castle

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  • Enjoy spectacular views over Loch Fyne from your west coast castle hotel
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Ee Usk

  • Spectacular coastal scenery and wonderful locally caught seafood
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  • Oban - the ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’ and ‘Gateway to the Isles’

Snow Road, Cairngorms National Park

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  • Incredible mountain landscape and Britain’s highest road in the Cairngorms National Park
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  • The Malt Whisky Trail including Glenfiddich, Balvenie and Glenlivet Distilleries

Loch An Eilean, Cairngorms National Park

From £675pp

  • Visit Edinburgh's Old Town - a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile & Holyrood Palace
  • Relax in the delightful Highland town of Pitlochry, nestled in the heart of Highland Perthshire
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Reflection on Loch Lomond

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  • Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile & The Palace of Holyrood House
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Single malt whisky by the cosy fire

From £700pp

  • Discover Scotland’s world-famous Malt Whisky Trail which includes Glenfiddich and Macallan distilleries
  • Tour Dewar’s World of Whisky & The Famous Grouse Experience
  • Visit spectacular Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile & Holyrood Palace

City of London

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  • The spectacular scenery of the Lake District National Park
  • Discover Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile & Holyrood Palace

Portree, Isle of Skye

From £990pp

  • Soak up the peace & tranquility of the beautiful Scottish Lakeland
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Traditional Croft, The Isle Of Tiree

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  • Enjoy the tranquility of Hebridean life in one of the sunniest places in the British Isles
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Driving through Glen Etive

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  • Visit Scotland’s largest collection of James Bond memorabilia and enjoy a cocktail at the 007 Bar
  • Scotland’s stunning West Coast, including locations from The Spy Who Loved Me and From Russia With Love
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Sunset over Lagavulin Distillery, Islay

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  • Experience the beautiful Isle of Arran and sample The Arran Malt
  • Explore the world-famous distilleries on Islay, including Laphroaig, Ardbeg & Lagavulin
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Tobermory, Isle of Mull

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  • Mull of Kintyre, a unique and unexplored corner of Scotland
  • Oban, the beautiful hub of the Southern Hebrides and Gateway to the Isles
  • The Cowal Peninsula, a mouth-watering introduction to the Western Highlands

Blair Castle in Perthshire

From £995pp

  • Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family
  • 13th Century Blair Castle nestling in the heart of Highland Perthshire

Red deer in Glencoe

From £1555pp

  • Enjoy atmospheric views over Loch Fyne from your west coast castle hotel

Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott

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  • Explore the Scottish Borders, birthplace of Sir Walter Scott
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The ruins of Greenan Castle by Ayr

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  • Explore charming Ayrshire which inspired Scotland's Bard, Rabbie Burns
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The road bridge to the Isle of Skye

From £2330pp

  • The spectacular beauty and grandeur of the rugged coastline of Wester Ross
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Castle Stalker

From £1005pp

  • Oban - the beautiful hub of the Southern Hebrides & Gateway to the Isles
  • The magical Isles of Mull and Iona

Sligachan, Isle of Skye

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Baby highland cattle on Isle of Mull

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  • Experience 'Scotland in Miniature' on the beautiful Isle of Arran
  • World-famous whisky distilleries on Islay, including Laphroaig, Ardbeg & Lagavulin
  • The magical Isle of Skye, home to the spectacular Cuillin Mountains

Loch Cluanie in the Scottish Highlands

  • Soak up the peace & tranquillity of beautiful lochs surrounded by snow-capped mountains
  • Explore the gloriously romantic Isle of Skye during the quieter months of the year
  • Visit some of Scotland’s most romantic castles including Eilean Donan and Urquhart Castle

Isle of Kerrera

From £1055pp

  • Experience 'Scotland in Miniature' on the Isle of Arran
  • The gloriously romantic Isle of Skye and the Cuillin Mountains
  • Historic Castles including Duart, Dunvegan & Eilean Donan

Burns Monument seen From Brig O'Doon In Alloway

From £1070pp

  • Explore the charming region of Ayrshire, which inspired Scotland's Bard, Rabbie Burns
  • Experience the unspoilt beauty of Dumfries and Galloway, home to the only Dark Sky Park in Europe

Puffins on the Orkney Isles

From £1065pp

  • Walk the winding flagstone lanes of the historic fishing port of Stromness
  • Explore Skara Brae where Britain’s earliest inhabitants once lived
  • Walk into Sandwood Bay, one of the most isolated & beautiful beaches in the British Isles

Winter scenery in the Cairngorms National Park

From £890pp

  • Drive through an incredible wintery landscape, including the snow capped mountains of the Cairngorms National Park
  • Try an array of warming whiskies on the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail
  • Take advantage of the peaceful countryside to look up at the magical stars of the night sky

Eilean Donan Castle

From £1535pp

  • Experience life on the edge in the Outer Hebrides, including the mysterious Standing Stones of Callanish
  • Visit dramatic Dunnottar Castle - one of the most striking and romantic ruined castles in Scotland
  • Get lost in the breathtaking scenery of The Cairngorms - Britain’s largest national park

Jacobite Steam Train

From £1505pp

  • The magical Isle of Skye and the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula
  • Glencoe, Scotland's most famous and atmospheric glen featured in Skyfall
  • Ride the Jacobite Steam Train aka The Hogwarts Express

outlander tour scotland self drive

From £1110pp

  • Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile and Holyrood Palace
  • Infamous castles including Stirling, Urquhart & Eilean Donan
  • Historic and evocative battlefields such as Culloden Battlefield

Castle Stalker on Loch Laich

From £1060pp

  • Explore the Kyles of Bute, a romantic introduction to the West Coast
  • Discover the magical Isles of Mull and Iona
  • Cruise the west coast in search of dolphins, and basking sharks

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Outlander Classic Tour 2024

We have been running these guided Outlander Tours for over twenty years now, and are delighted at their success. As well as 'Outlander sites', we put the story into context and explore a little of what life was like for a Highlander in the 18th century.

We include a few places not associated with the story - historic places that consistently delight our clients: the brochs at Glenelg, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye.

Each tour is for a maximum of six people, travelling in a nine seater vehicle.

Arrival Dates are as follows:

If you are a group of three or more looking for an Outlander Tour and there is no space available for your chosen dates, please email us at [email protected] and we will see if we can lay on another tour or else arrange a trip just for your group.

Tour Details

The general outline of the tours is as follows...

Arrival Date.

Experience teaches us that people prefer to give themselves a full day to recover from the flight, adjust to the time zone and explore a little on their own. We are therefore including two nights at a chic Bed and Breakfast close to Edinburgh city centre before you meet your tour guide.

A taxi from the airport will cost about £ 25.

Arrival Day Plus One

Time to get out and about... see Edinburgh Castle with your free pass (allow at least two hours), the Royal Mile (we provide you with a guide of 'Outlander places') and perhaps the Palace of Holyroodhouse .

Day One with the Tour Guide

We all meet in the foyer at 0915 and head north. First stop is Falkland in Fife, used in the TV series for Inverness. Next, see what it looks like to stand in the dock and be accused of witchcraft (you'll just have to imagine the baying crowd!).

After lunch we are in the Highlands and on our way to the Highland Folk Museum to see the traditional village used in the rent gathering scenes. The next two nights are at a charming B&B in the Highland town of Nairn.

Outlander Tour at Castle Leod with Lord Cromartie

We start the morning with the magical bronze age Clava Cairns and stone circles.   Then the new visitor centre at Culloden  offers a detailed explanation of the battle, the background to the conflict and its brutal aftermath. Then we head by Inverness to the Fraser of Lovat clan lands, including a visit to the tomb of the 11th Lord Lovat ('The Old Fox') and Beauly Priory (where Claire met Maisri the prophetess).

That evening, you will have the chance to hold a claymore, targe and dirk yourself and learn more about the life of a clansman and his traditional dress.

We head west by Loch Ness and Glenmoriston (where Prince Charles Edward hid for three weeks in 1746) and by Glenshiel, past  super-picturesque Eilean Donan Castle ,  to the dramatic Mam Rattigan Pass (fantastic views) and over to Glenelg. Here we see the best examples of brochs on the Scottish mainland.

The local inn provides an excellent lunch. The only remaining turntable ferry in Europe takes us across the narrows to Skye. That night is at a small hotel on Skye.

Cameras out today and we pray for good weather as we see 'Kilt Rock', look across to the pillar known as the 'Old Man of Storr', wind up to the dramatic Quirang viewpoint and across to Uig. This landscape is not much changed from the 18th century and helps us understand what life was like then.

Lunch is at Dunvegan , where a visit to the magnificent castle and gardens of the Chief of Clan MacLeod is included. That afternoon we hear from a local (though internationally-known) storyteller.

We take the ferry across the Sound of Sleat to Mallaig, then drive the west coast by Loch nan Uamh (from where Prince Charles Edward left in September 1746) and Glenfinnan (where he raised his standard in August 1745), to Fort William (sadly almost nothing left of the original fort).

Heading inland we see Glencoe (famous for the massacre of the MacDonalds in 1692) Rannoch Moor and, if time, the Falls of Dochart and stay nearby.

TV locations day. First up is Doune Castle , (Castle Leoch of course). Then to Culross, a fascinating 16th century time capsule, used for Cranesmuir and other places. From here we head to Blackness (Fort William) and Midhope (Lally Broch). That night you are staying in a splendid castle outside Edinburgh.

Midhope Castle

Midhope Castle

We start the day with a private tour of the church where Jamie and Claire were married. Then onto Hopetoun House (Duke of Sandringham's house and several other locations) and then a optional visit to Craigmillar Castle , used for Ardsmuir in Season Three.

The experience of several years has taught us that there are always individual things (like shopping!) that people absolutely have to do on the last afternoon and so the group gets depleted. We have therefore decided to end the tour in mid afternoon in Edinburgh. Last night at the same B&B where you started.

Culross aka. Cranesmuir

Culross, aka Cranesmuir

Price, Transport, Guide, Accommodation and Shopping

The cost of the tour is GBP £3250  (USD $4000 at the time of writing).

The tour is priced for people travelling on their own. If you are happy to share a room, there is a reduction of GBP £400  per person.

The tour will be for a maximum of six people travelling in a nine seat vehicle.

Breakfast is included throughout; lunch is not included. Dinner is included for one night. At the other overnight stops there is a range of bar and restaurant meal options.  

Luggage: we suggest a cabin sized case plus hand luggage for easy access at your seat.  If you are continuing your trip please ask us about left luggage facilities in Edinburgh. 

There will be plenty of opportunity to buy souvenirs but this is not really a tour for serious shopping!

What's Included?

  • Bed and Breakfast for nine nights
  • Dinner on one night
  • Services of tour guide for seven days
  • Entry to Edinburgh Castle
  • Entry to castles and sites specified 
  • Entry to Culloden
  • Storyteller on Skye
  • Jacobite weapons presentation
  • Entry to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens

Not included:

  • Lunches, drinks and snacks
  • Dinners except for one night
  • Trip insurance

We ask for a non-refundable deposit of GBP £500  per person.

The balance is payable thirteen weeks prior to the start of the tour.

Occasionally, if a listed attraction becomes unavailble, we exchange it for an equivalent.  

The tour is for a minimum of three guests (or four if all are singles). If less than three have booked on, certain elements of the tour may not be available. Details on request. 

Many sites on this tour involve short walks along unpaved paths or up uneven steps. Please let us know in advance if you have any mobility restrictions.

Cancellation

We strongly recommend that you take out trip insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Exchange Rates

At the time of writing the exchange rate is approximately $1.23 USD to one pound sterling (GBP). We use www.xe.com for our calculations and this means that:

  • The GBP £3250  holiday cost is currently USD $4000
  • The GBP £400  per person reduction for sharing is currently USD $490
  • The GBP £500  per person non-refundable deposit is currently USD $615

If you would like to know, more about the trip then send an email to me, Diana Gray .

If you would like to go ahead and book a place, you can make your non-refundable   deposit of GBP £500  below...

Note - please use Ref: 'OUTL ' and in the notes put the date of the tour you wish to go on.

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  5. 12 Day Outlander Itinerary

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COMMENTS

  1. 12 Day Outlander Itinerary

    Tour Scotland with Outlander. Explore the land that inspired Outlander on this epic, 12 day Outlander tour of Scotland. See where Outlander stars, such as Sam Heughan (Jamie) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire), shot their scenes at Outlander filming locations from season 1, season 2 and season 3 and visit Outlander book locations.

  2. Outlander Tour of Scotland 2024 & 2025

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  3. Outlander Tour of Scotland

    Outlander Tour of Scotland | 8 Day Self-Drive. 7 Nights | 4 Accommodations. Overview. Itinerary. Map. Hotels, flights & FAQ. Not only is Outlander filmed in Scotland but almost everything the books and show are based on can be found there too. While Craigh na Dun, Castle Leoch, and other part of the show are figments of author Diana Gabaldon ...

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  6. Outlander Scottish Tour

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    Drive along the Outlander Trail to experience and explore many of the filming locations. Walk through the Clava Cairns, one of the inspirations for the Craig Na Dun standing stones. Retrace the steps of the Highlanders at the Culloden Battelfield. Wander around the conservation village of Culross in Fife, a perfect peak into 17 th -century life.

  9. Outlander Self Guided Tour

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  10. The Jamie and Claire Tour: Outlander Tours of Scotland

    The Outlander tour of Scotland created by fans for fans of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander novels. When we first developed the tour we held an online survey for Outlander fans: What would your ideal Outlander tour of Scotland look like? The Jamie and Claire Tour is the result. The tours have developed to include Starz locations and off-book, second ...

  11. Outlander Tour of Scotland

    Not only is Outlander filmed in Scotland but almost everything the books and show are based on can be found there too. While Craigh na Dun, Castle Leoch, and...

  12. 12 Day Outlander Itinerary

    Explore the land that inspired Outlander on this epic, 12 day Outlander tour of Scotland. See where Outlander stars, such as Sam Heughan (Jamie) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire), shot their scenes at Outlander filming locations from season 1, season 2 and season 3 and visit Outlander book locations. Along the way you'll also explore historic ...

  13. Outlander Filming Location Tour

    Scotland 8-Night Outlander Tour. Self-Drive. From $3148 $2,948 per person* * based on 2 people traveling. Vacation Includes; Map & Itinerary ... an extra day in the larger cities. They all had a story to tell, and we just had enough time to scratch the surface. Self-drive - while less expensive alternative, the person doing the driving misses ...

  14. Outlander Tour

    Follow in the footsteps of highland warrior Jamie and his love Claire, and discover the lands which inspired Outlander on this self drive tour of Scotland.

  15. Scotland Outlander Tour Packages 2024/2025 : Nordic Visitor

    So get ready to immerse yourself in Jamie and Claire's world on a hassle-free trip exploring the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands. Get in touch and we'll happily plan your Outlander tour. You can call our Scotland team on +44 (0)131 344 4630 or via our toll-free numbers. Alternatively, reach us via our contact form or live chat.

  16. The Outlander Day Tour: Visit the Outlander Film Locations

    Outlander self-driving tour from Edinburgh . Outlander was developed by Ronald D. Moore and based on the books of Diana Gabaldon. The series premiered on August 9, 2014, and stars Caitriona Balfe as Claire Randall/Fraser and Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser/MacKenzie. Below is a list of filming locations close to Edinburgh.

  17. The Ultimate Outlander tour

    Day 3 - Linlithgow - Pitlochry. Today you will drive to the charming village of Pitlochry in Perthshire. En route visit 2 Outlander filming locations: Culross and falkland: it is here in this village representing the 1940s inverness, that Claire and Frank spend their honeymoon. A beautiful inland drive through the wilds of Scotland.

  18. Self-Drive Tours & Road Trips in Scotland

    From £1000pp. Self-Drive Holidays. Duration 7 Nights. Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile & Holyrood Palace. Experience Glencoe, Scotland's most famous and atmospheric glen, set beneath snow-capped mountains. Visit the magical Isle of Skye and the Cuillin Mountains during the quieter winter season. Find out more.

  19. Outlander Classic Tour by Clans and Castles

    The cost of the tour is GBP £3250 (USD $4000 at the time of writing). The tour is priced for people travelling on their own. If you are happy to share a room, there is a reduction of GBP £400 per person. The tour will be for a maximum of six people travelling in a nine seat vehicle.