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.
Automatic economy car with:
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
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
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
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.
Overnight in Inverness
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
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.
Overnight in Edinburgh
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.
Overnight in Edinburgh
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’.
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