Highland Trail Inspired by Outlander

Visit Scotland

Day 1

Welcome to Edinburgh

A captivating tale of Redcoats and rugged Highlanders is revealed on this Outlander-inspired jaunt through the dramatic landscapes of Scotland.

Begin your journey in the enchanting capital of Edinburgh with some free time to ramble through its medieval streets before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a hearty dinner.

Day 2

Discover Enchanting Edinburgh

Soak up the mystical atmosphere of Auld Reekie this morning as you join a Local Specialist for an intriguing sightseeing tour of the city, including a visit to Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock.

Tread in the footsteps of Jamie and his beloved sassenach, embarking on an Outlander walking tour through Old Town's winding cobblestone lanes. Spend the rest of the day at leisure seeking out more locations of Outlander fame like the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Day 3

Explore Outlander Film Locations

Visit the 15th-century walls of Blackness Castle on the shores of the scenic Firth of Forth – the backdrop for the infamous Fort William prison in Outlander season 1.

Then, cross the Forth to the fictional village of Cranesmuir, real-life Culross, delving into tales of witchcraft and spells. Here you'll see Claire's herb garden and Geillis Duncan's home in the remarkably well-preserved 16th-century town centre.

Day 4

See Outlander Sights and Journey to Dundee

Traversing the lush green Lowlands to the Kingdom of Fife, you'll arrive in Falkland.

This former royal burgh was the Outlander film location for 1940s Inverness and the springboard to Claire's spellbinding story. See the Covenanter Hotel, which doubled as Mrs Baird's B&B in the series, before heading to the home of golf, St. Andrews. Your final stop for today is Dundee, where you'll see the impressive Tay Rail Bridge and view the RRS Discovery, the last traditional wooden three-masted ship built in Britain, which served as Robert Falcon Scott's Antarctic exploration vessel.

Day 5

Venture into the Scottish Highlands and Inverness Dive Into Culture

Celebrate rural Scottish heritage at the Highland Folk Museum, with its recreated 18th-century township, once used as a location in the filming of Outlander season 1.

Dive Into Culture and gain insights into rural life in Scotland from the 18th century to the mid-20th century, admiring the extensive collection of artefacts. Continue through the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to explore the cultural capital of the Highlands, Inverness.

Day 6

The Sights of Culloden and Thurso

Start the day with a visit to the bloody battlefield of Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army was defeated in 1746.

The windswept moors on which this final battle took place played a significant role in the Outlander series as the catalyst which forced Claire and Jamie to part ways. Relive the brief, but brutal battle at the contemporary Visitor Centre, before heading to Thurso, the most northerly town in mainland Scotland, and your home for the next two nights.

Day 7

A Day on the Orkney Islands

See the village of John o' Groats before catching the ferry that crosses the Pentland Firth to arrive at South Ronaldsay, one of the Orkney Islands.

The legend of Orkney's mythical Selkies, which shift their aquatic form on land to walk as humans, is revealed in Outlander and explored today as we roam these mystical islands bound for the remains of the Neothilic Skara Brae village, which was lost for millennia. Wander freely amongst the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar before the ferry ride back to the mainland.

Day 8

Over the Sea to Skye

Travel south to soak up the seafaring heritage of Ullapool, a fishing town on Loch Broom and home to Thomas Telford's famous herring port.

Traverse the rugged countryside and see the spellbinding spot where three lochs meet and are guarded by the island fortress of Eilean Donan Castle. Continuing to the picturesque Isle of Skye, hear about Bonnie Prince Charlie's daring escape 'over the sea to Skye' aided by Jacobite heroine, Flora MacDonald. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Day 9

Continue to Fort William and Crieff

Leave the craggy landscape of Skye behind, boarding a ferry back to the mainland arriving at Mallaig.

Your journey continues through Fort William via the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, the now famous 'Harry Potter' bridge which Hogwarts Express crosses on its journey across the Scottish Highlands. Impressive in their own right are the exquisite views of Britain's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, which you’ll get to admire before travelling past the precipitous mountains of Glencoe to see the 'Glen of Weeping'. Learn from a ranger about the conservation of endangered species on Glencoe National Nature Reserve. Despite the tragedy that befell the Clan MacDonald here in 1692, the irresistible beauty of this place cannot be denied and you’ll spend a quiet moment paying tribute to the brave clansmen who lost their life in the massacre.

Day 10

Experience the Local Whisky Dive Into Culture

Today, you'll Dive Into Culture and learn about the local whisky industry at one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.

Hear about how the distillery was founded and how it operates. Sample a wee dram of Scotland's much-loved golden nectar and perhaps buy a bottle as a special souvenir of your trip to the Highlands.

Day 11

Admire Scottish Castles and on to Glasgow

Head to Doune Castle, which served as the film location for Castle Leoch in Outlander.

See the site where Clan Mackenzie welcomed and hosted Claire upon her arrival in 18th-century Scotland, then head to Stirling and its magnificent castle, a symbol of Scottish national pride and once home to Scottish royals including Mary, Queen of Scots. Explore its halls, chapels and bedrooms, see the famous 'Stirling Heads' and admire the poignant Wallace Monument and battlefield of Stirling Bridge from its 16th-century walls. View the site of the Battle of Bannockburn, before arriving in Glasgow. This evening, perhaps join an Optional Experience.

Day 12

Glasgow City Tour and a Medieval Farm Visit Connect with Locals

This morning, begin with an orientation tour of Glasgow, taking in views of the iconic Glasgow City Chambers, George Square, and the River Clyde.

  Visit the masterfully crafted St. Mungo's Cathedral, the Outlander film location for 'L'Hopital des Anges' in Paris. It was here that Claire persuaded Mother Hildegard to let her put her medical knowledge to good use. Later, explore Glasgow at leisure. In the afternoon, you'll visit Callendar House, where the authentic Georgian working kitchen served as Bellhurst Manor, the home of the Duke of Sandringham, in season two of Outlander. Your journey through Highland stories culminates with a special Be My Guest Farewell Dinner with the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard. Here, you’ll Connect With Locals over a home-cooked meal, while they share fascinating tales of Rob Roy, before returning to your hotel in Glasgow.

Day 13

Farewell Glasgow

As the chapter closes on your Outlander-inspired journey through the wilds of Scotland and centuries of fascinating heritage, say farewell to your newfound friends and prepare to return to reality.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)

12 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Kinlochard: Join your hosts, the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard for a home-cooked Scottish lunch, amidst tales of Rob Roy and a few foot-tapping ceilidh tunes.

Dive Into Culture

Newtonmore: Visit the Highland Folk Museum which brings Highland history to life, showcasing how the 18th-century Highlander lived and worked.

Pitlochry: Warm your heart with a little Scottish whisky at a traditional distillery in the Scottish Highlands.

Iconic Experience

Edinburgh: Explore the city with your Local Specialist as you travel along Princes Street to see the Scott Memorial, the neoclassical Adam facades of New Town and the official Scottish residence of the King, Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Firth of Forth: See the 15th-century walls of 'the ship that never sailed', Blackness Castle.

Firth of Forth: Visit the quaint streets of Culross, Oulander's Cranesmuir.

St. Andrews: Visit the university town where the famous beach scene from 'Chariots of Fire' was filmed and see the golf course where the sport was created.

Scotland: Stop in Falkland, a former royal burgh and Outlander film location. 

Dundee: See Dundee's highlights, the Tay Rail Bridge and RRS Discovery, on an orientation upon arrival. 

Scottish Highlands: Admire picturesque lochs and glens as you travel through the Scottish Highlands.

Inverness: At the exciting Culloden Visitor Centre, discover why the Battle of Culloden lasted only an hour yet changed the Highland way of life forever.

Orkney Islands: Cruise to the windswept Orkney Islands. Come face-to-face with relics spanning human history, from pagan stone circles to reminders of wartime tragedy.

Eilean Donan: Stop for a photo of this gorgeous castle.

Ullapool: Enjoy time at leisure to explore the historic fishing village of Ullapool.

Glenfinnan Viaduct: See the Glenfinnan Viaduct, along which the Hogwart's Express once crossed in the Harry Potter series. 

Fort William: Near the foothills of Ben Nevis, stop in Fort William for a stroll along the charming High Street.

Doune: See Doune Castle, famous for its appearances in film, literature and television. 

Stirling: Visit Stirling and see its castle, once the seat of Scottish royalty.

Glasgow: See the grand public buildings of Glasgow, including George Square. 

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Glencoe: Join a wildlife Ranger in Glencoe and learn about the rich biodiversity of wildlife including insects, invertebrates and mammals, such as otter and fallow deer. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Edinburgh

Discover Dundee, Orkney Islands, Glasgow and Stirling

Visit Edinburgh Castle, filming locations for: Fort William, 18th-century Cranesmuir, 1940s Inverness, Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore, Culloden's  Battlefield, Skara Brae on Orkney Island, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Glencoe, a whisky distillery in Pitlochry, Stirling Castle, St. Mungo's Cathedral in Glasgow

See Ben Nevis and the Battlefield at Bannockburn

View Inverness Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and Glencoe

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