Highland Trail inspired by Outlander
Highland Trail inspired by Outlander
Highland Trail inspired by Outlander
13 Days Starting in Edinburgh, Scotland and ending in Glasgow, Scotland
Visiting: Edinburgh, Culross, Dundee, Scottish Highlands, Scotland, Thurso, Orkney Islands, Isle of Skye, Fort William, Crieff, Scotland, Glasgow
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BHODN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Scotland with the "Highland Trail inspired by Outlander" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the enchanting streets of Edinburgh to the vibrant city of Glasgow, exploring iconic Outlander filming locations and Scotland's rich history. Discover the mystical Orkney Islands, the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, and the picturesque Isle of Skye. Visit historic sites like Edinburgh Castle, Culloden Battlefield, and Stirling Castle, while enjoying cultural experiences such as a whisky tasting in Pitlochry and a home-cooked meal at a 15th-century farm. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and a blend of guided tours and free time, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for Outlander fans and history enthusiasts alike.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center
Meals Included: Dinner
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 travelers and Travel Director for a hearty dinner.
Day 2: Discover Enchanting Edinburgh
Location: Edinburgh
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Culross
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 center.
Day 4: See Outlander Sights And Journey To Dundee
Location: Dundee
Accommodation Name: Apex City Quay
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Accommodation Name: Columba
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Thurso
Accommodation Name: Pentland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Center, 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
Location: Orkney Islands
Accommodation Name: Pentland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Isle of Skye
Accommodation Name: Kings Arms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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
Location: Fort William
Accommodation Name: Crieff Hydro Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 traveling 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
Location: Crieff, Scotland
Accommodation Name: Crieff Hydro Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast
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
Location: Glasgow
Accommodation Name: Leonardo Royal Glasgow, Crowne Plaza
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Location: Glasgow
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Return ferry to the Orkney Isles
The tour includes a return ferry trip to the Orkney Isles.
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Ferry from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig
A ferry trip from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig is included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Scotland. Enjoy scenic ferry rides to the Orkney Isles and from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig, enhancing your exploration of the stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, including the Novotel Center in Edinburgh, Apex City Quay in Dundee, and Crieff Hydro Hotel, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Enjoy trusted accommodations with all necessary amenities, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
Dining Summary
5 Dinner (D)12 Breakfast (B)1 Lunch (L)
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the Highland Trail inspired by Outlander tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Highland Folk Museum to learn about 18th-century Highland life, a whisky tasting at a traditional distillery, and a special Be My Guest Farewell Dinner with the Wood family at their 15th-century farm on the shores of Loch Ard.
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Will there be opportunities to explore Outlander filming locations during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several Outlander filming locations such as Blackness Castle, the fictional village of Cranesmuir (real-life Culross), and Doune Castle, which served as Castle Leoch in the series.
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What cultural insights can I expect to gain from this tour?
The tour offers cultural insights into Scottish heritage through visits to historical sites like the Culloden Battlefield, the Highland Folk Museum, and a whisky distillery. Additionally, you'll learn about the local wildlife in Glencoe and hear tales of Rob Roy during a home-cooked meal with the Wood family.
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Are there any special activities related to Scottish wildlife on this tour?
Yes, in Glencoe, you will join a wildlife ranger to learn about the rich biodiversity of the area, including insects, invertebrates, and mammals such as otters and fallow deer.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, as well as ferry rides to the Orkney Isles and from the Isle of Skye to Mallaig.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
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