The Outlander Car Tour
You've watched the series, you've dreamt of those locations, now visit them on this 8 day/7night tour of Outlander Scotland. April to October B&B - 4 star
Day 1 Arrival Edinburgh
Arrive in Scotland pick up your self-drive car. Depart for the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh. As one of Europe’s must see destinations Edinburgh offers much for the visitor. Check in at your hotel for your first overnight.
Day 2 Edinburgh
This morning, spend some time exploring Edinburgh where Claire and Jamie reunited after 20 years. Scotland’s historic capital is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Testimony to this is the coveted award of World Heritage Site Status recently being awarded to the city’s medieval “Old Town”, and Georgian “New Town”. Regardless of the time of year you visit Edinburgh it is a truly memorable experience with its many museums, art galleries, theatres, and cosmopolitan shops. Using your Explorer Pass, visit Edinburgh Castle with its dramatic views across the city, and entrance to the exhibition housed in the castle, ”Honours of the Kingdom”, which consists of the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Stone of Destiny. Return to your hotel for overnight.
Day 3 Edinburgh – Perthshire - Aviemore
First stop of the day is the village of Falkland and it’s Palace. Falkland village is so beautifully preserved that it’s being used as the backdrop of 1940s Inverness in the Outlander series. There are likely to be several views of the palace from the town and your entrance here is included in your pass. Falkland Palace built by the King James V in 1539. It became a favourite retreat of the Stuart Dynasty including Mary Queen of Scots. The gardens contain the original Royal Tennis Court and the oldest in Britain. This afternoon you will continue to Newtonmore where you can visit the Highland Folk Museum and delve into 18th century Scotland with a living insight into the life of Highland people as portrayed in Outlander.
Onwards to Aviemore area, where you will check in to your hotel for overnight.
Day 4 Aviemore - Inverness
After breakfast, depart towards Inverness and discover the mysterious Craigh na Dun, inspired by the stone circle of Clava Cairns, which swept Claire back in time. Experience the haunting atmosphere of Culloden where Claire and Jamie said their goodbyes and roam the streets of Inverness where Claire’s adventure unfolds while on her honeymoon. Overnight in Inverness area.
Day 5 Inverness - Sutherland
Today you will visit the romantic towns of Strathpeffer and Beauly where clans Mackenzie and Fraser of the Highlands once lived. Strathpeffer is a charming Victorian spa village, famous for its healing waters and home to a 6th Century carved stone known as the Eagle Stone. Continue towards Beauly where you can set foot in Beauly Priory where Claire met the seer, and according to the Outlander books, where the Lovat Frasers are buried. Return to Inverness for your overnight.
Day 6 Inverness – Fort William
Travelling south today, you will enjoy a visit to Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland which fell into decay after 1689 and was blown up in 1692 to prevent it being occupied by Jacobites. Most of the existing remains date from the 16th century and include a tower. Here you will also get fabulous views of the famous Loch Ness and have a chance to go down to it's banks in the hope of seeing the 'Water Horse' which so entranced Claire Randall – or 'Nessie' as she is better known here! Enjoy an enchanting journey along the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen as the newly-weds did after their wedding and admire dramatic scenery and impressive wildlife along the way.
Overnight in the Fort William area.
Day 7 Fort William - Glasgow
Travelling south again this morning, you will drive through the dramatic and historic glen (valley), scene of the 1692 massacre of part of the MacDonald clan by soldiers of King William. Its steep sided mountains offer superb walking and climbing. Red deer, wildcat, golden eagle and rare arctic plants can be seen among the breathtaking peaks and spectacular waterfalls. You can visit the new eco-friendly Glencoe Visitor Centre which houses fascinating exhibitions about the area, its human and natural history and the people who use and live near it.
Onwards into the Trossachs, you will visit Doune Castle. Built for the Regent Albany, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle. Its most striking feature is the 100ft high gatehouse which includes the splendid Lord's Hall with its musicians' gallery, double fireplace and carved oak screen. It is also the atmospheric stand in for the fictional Castle Leoch in the Outlander series. Continue to your overnight accommodation in Glasgow.
Day 8
Unfortunately it is now time to leave Scotland. Return to the airport and join your flight home.
The Little Details
- Minimum Age: Age 5+
- Min Age: 5 years
- Tour Vehicle Type: Self-Driven
- Months of Operation: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Duration of Tour: 8 days
- Departure Point: Edinburgh
- Duration of Tour: 8 days
Some Places We Will Visit
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Falkland
Visitors guide to Falkland, in the centre of Fife, a town that's frequented by tourists in large numbers in the summer and includes information on sights, accommodation and activities like walks around the place.
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Aviemore
Aviemore was once a sleepy village which was later developed into a ski and tourism resort and has fallen victim to profiteering developers who have scant regard for the local community here. However, Aviemore is great for the services being offered here for visitors.
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Pitlochry
Small Highland tour that is a frequent stopping place for coaches travelling along the A9. Somewhat a one road town of shops and cafes.
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Strathpeffer
Phone code: +44 (0)1997 Population: 1,384
Just along from the Cromarty Firth is Strathpeffer, which gets busy in the summer with coach parties, but it's a pleasant place and there are some excellent walks in the surrounding hills. Visitor guide to Strathpeffer, in the Scottish Highlands, includes info on how to get there, walks, sleeping and transport plus details on Dingwall and the Cromarty Firth.
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Beauly
Beauly is located on the north bank of River Beauly 10 miles to the west of Inverness in Scotland. The main attraction is Beauly Priory or the Priory Church established in 1230 by John Bisset. This attractive town got its name from the French word “beau lieu” means beautiful place. It is also said that the name came from a comment made by Mary Queen of Scots when she visited here, she was much impressed by the place.
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Glencoe
Dramatic landscape with a dramatic history. Few who visit the glen are unmoved by its majesty and power.
Castle Visited
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Urquhart Castle
Semi ruinous castle in strong position beside Loch Ness controlling the route North. Captured by Robert the Bruce by clever negotiation. Visitor centre open all year.
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Doune Castle
Built for the Regent Albany, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle that is familiar to film buffs for its role in Monty Python's Life of Brian.
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