8-Night Outlander Tour

Day 2

Accommodation

Historic Victorian 4-Star Hotel - Edinburgh, Central Scotland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
Discounted car parking is available from a secure APCOA car park located a ten minute walk for the hotel. Bring your car to the front of the hotel to unload your luggage and receive directions to car park.

Included Unique Activities

Secrets of the Royal Mile & Edinburgh Castle

Discover an Edinburgh beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks. This beautiful city, steeped in awe-inspiring history, has been perfectly preserved. The wynds, closes, courtyards, and homes of Edinburgh’s Old Town are a journey through time. Come with us and explore the lives of generations of Edinburgh residents, from Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, to the everyday folk who spent their entire lives within the city’s medieval walls. Your storyteller will enchant you as they walk with you through the culture, politics, and everyday events. You’ll see these tales evidenced in the present as you discover the Royal Mile. From the Royal Mile, you’ll walk straight over the drawbridge to Edinburgh Castle.

Suggested Sightseeing

Edinburgh, Central Scotland

On The Map: Edinburgh is located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth and is the capital of Scotland. Situated in Scotland’s Central Belt, the city center is 2 ½ miles southwest of the shoreline of Leith. Situated 332 miles north of London, and 46 miles east of Glasgow, Edinburgh is the bold heart of Scotland that invites exploration.

From ancient Edinburgh Castle, perched on a dormant volcanic plug, to narrow lanes and royal Georgian neighborhoods, this city is enchanting. Walk along the medieval walls. Expect surprising vistas and views of the sea. Discover quirky shops, whisky tasting, world-class restaurants, pub crawls, and friendly talk. Edinburgh is one joyous find after another.    

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Central Scotland

On The Map: The Royal Mile is located in Old Town Edinburgh, and runs between Edinburgh Castle & Holyrood Palace.

It has a number of famous historical sites and buildings, as well as an impressive array of shops, restaurants, and pubs. (The Royal Mile is actually more than a mile by 107 yards.) There are several independently named streets that connect, making up the Royal Mile. These are Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Cannongate, and Abbey Strand. The major attractions on the Royal Mile are Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, The National Museum of Scotland, and Camera Obscura—Scotland's oldest purpose-built attraction.  

Edinburgh Castle, Central Scotland

On The Map: Edinburgh Castle is located at the top of the Royal Mile, at the west end of Edinburgh's Old Town.

From its lofty position on Castle Rock, the castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline. There has been a fortification of some kind here for thousands of years. The castle has existed through layers of time and history, and it is indeed magnificent. Having etched the city’s skyline for 800 years, the Castle is a national symbol. A vital part in Scotland’s historic struggles, the castle houses the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the legendary 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun, and the National War Museum of Scotland. In addition to guided tours provided by the castle stewards, there is an audio guide tour available that takes you around the castle, explains its architecture, and tells its dramatic history.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh, Central Scotland

On The Map: The Britannia is berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith - just 2 miles north of the heart of Edinburgh. Majestic Tour Buses depart regularly from Waverley Bridge in the centre of town, and stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens en route.

Discover the floating palace that served the British Royal Family for over forty years from 1954. This magnificent ship has played host to some of the most famous people in the world. But, above all, she was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family. The Queen played a large role in the design of the ship, personally approving plans and choosing the furniture and decor. She was once quoted as naming the yacht as the one place she could truly relax. Now in Edinburgh you are welcome on board to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residences. Experience what life was like on board The Royal Yacht Britannia with a fascinating audio tour of five decks. Highlights of the tour include the elegant State Apartments, the Crew’s Quarters, the Engine Room and the stunning Royal Deck Tea Room. Complimentary audio guide in 22 languages. Open year round with free parking at Ocean Terminal. 

The Outlander Experience, Central Scotland

Travel back in time to Edinburgh in the mid-18th century, when Claire and Jamie found themselves at the heart of the Jacobite uprisings! Visit the Old Town locations of Diana Gabaldon’s brilliant Outlander series - from the might of Edinburgh Castle to the royal splendour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the closes that lie between. Visit The Canongate Kirk, where Colum Mackenzie met Claire and Jamie for the last time. See the site of the Tolbooth Jail where the Fraser men of Lallybroch were imprisoned for desertion. Hear stories of witchcraft, the Jacobites, the Royal Stuarts, curses, clans and how the fictional story of Jamie and Claire intermingles with the true history. Explore the World’s End tavern, and many other taverns mentioned in the books, which are still open today. This guided tour is not included in your Authentic Vacations package, as it only runs on Saturdays & Sundays from April to October, and Saturdays only from November to March. If your itinerary includes weekend overnights in Edinburgh, and you would like to add this tour to your vacation, please just let us know!

Day 3

Accommodation

Preferred Warm Luxury B & B - Stirling, Central Scotland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10:30am.
Call to pre-arrange check-in after 8:00pm.

Included Unique Activities

Blackness Castle (Outlander: Fort William) Admission

Blackness Castle is a 15th-century fortress, near the village of Blackness, Scotland, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. It was built, probably on the site of an earlier fort, by Sir George Crichton in the 1440s. The port has served the royal burgh of Linlithgow in medieval times. Recently, Blackness Castle was a filming site for the Outlander series and stood as Fort William in the series. There is much to see at the castle and it is well worth a visit. The Castle is open daily and hours vary depending upon the season. 

Linlithgow Palace Admission

Linlithgow Palace was one of the principal residences of the monarchs of Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries. Mary Queen of Scots was born here in 1542. Although maintained after Scotland's monarchs left for England in 1603, the palace was little used, and was burned out in 1746. It's a gorgeous place to visit, and still in very impressive shape. In Outlander, Linlithgow was used to film the 'Wentworth Prison' entrance and corridors in Episode 15, scene of Jamie's horrific torture by Captain Black Jack Randall.

Suggested Sightseeing

Linlithgow , Central Scotland

Enroute Sightseeing

Outlander: Blackness Castle ("Fort William"), Central Scotland

On The Map: Blackness Castle is located 4 miles northeast of Linlithgow on the Firth of Forth, off the A904 Road. GPS: 56.005881, -3.516271.

Blackness Castle was constructed in the 15th century for the Crichtons - one of Scotland's most powerful families. The impressive fortress has often been nicknamed the 'ship that never sailed' as a result of it's striking ship-like appearance, when viewed from above. The forbidding structure was undoubtedly built with one purpose in mind: War. Even so, its impressive artillery installations could not stop it falling to Oliver Cromwell in 1650. The castle was subsequently repaired and has since seen use as a royal residence and prison. In more recent times, the castle has featured in movies and TV shows - Hamlet, Ivanhoe and of course, Outlander. In Outlander, Episode 6, the Castle's courtyard was the scene of Jamie's gruelling whipping, and in Episode 8 the outside of the Castle was used to depict Fort William - Black Jack Randall's Headquarters.

Outlander: Midhope Castle ("Lallybroch"), Central Scotland

On The Map: Midhope Castle is located adjacent to the Hopetoun House Estate, just 10 miles west of Edinburgh. GPS Coordinates: 55.992047, -3.487670

Midhope Castle is located in the tiny village of Abercorn, which is near South Queensferry, a couple of miles west of Edinburgh Airport on the Firth of Forth. It was built in the 16th century and features as Lallybroch, ancestral home of Jamie Fraser, in Outlander. The castle provides an authentic backdrop for many memorable scenes in the show. Please note that Midhope is a private property and entrance to the buidling is not permitted. The nearby Hopetown House is open to the public however, and also stars in Outlander, as the impressive residence of the Duke of Sandringham.

Outlander: Linlithgow Palace ("Wentworth Prison"), Central Scotland

On The Map: Linlithgow Palace is located 20 miles west of Edinburgh, on the A803 Road, just off the M9 Motorway: GPS: 55.979172, -3.600926

Linlithgow Palace was one of the principal residences of the monarchs of Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries. Mary Queen of Scots was born here in 1542. Although maintained after Scotland's monarchs left for England in 1603, the palace was little used, and was burned out in 1746. It's a gorgeous place to visit, and still in very impressive shape. In Outlander, Linlithgow was used to film the 'Wentworth Prison' entrance and corridors in Episode 15, scene of Jamie's horrific torture by Captain Black Jack Randall.

Overnight Location

Stirling, Central Scotland

On The Map: Stirling is located in Central Scotland, less than 45 minutes on the M80/A80 from Glasgow to the southwest and 1 hour on the M9 motorway from Edinburgh to the southeast.

Stirling is a taste of both the Lowlands and the Highlands. It is packed with castles and tales of people who are larger than life, and it is blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty. “Hold Stirling and you control the entire country…” This simple strategy has ensured that a castle, or some sort of fortification, has existed here in Scotland since prehistoric times. Stirling is associated with King Arthur, and some believe it was the locale for Camelot.

In recorded history, we know that Alexander I dedicated a chapel here. Below the impressive Stirling Castle, Old Town Stirling is protected by 16th century walls built to keep Mary, Queen of Scots, safe from Henry VIII. And, it was here that the infant James VI was crowned in 1567. This area was also home to Rob Roy, whose exploits still echo through the Highlands. There is something about Stirling that feels like a fairy tale. Its sense of time is similar to Edinburgh, but the hustle and bustle is turned down. With its winding cobblestone streets, and the old town clinging to the slopes beneath the castle, you can feel the layers of time and heroism. Take a quiet walk in the moonlight on Stirling’s magic streets.  It’s an experience to be savored.

Day 4

Accommodation

Preferred Warm Luxury B & B - Stirling, Central Scotland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10:30am.
Call to pre-arrange check-in after 8:00pm.

Included Unique Activities

Stirling Castle Admission

Perched on a rocky crag above the town, today you will visit magnificent Stirling Castle. This castle is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Stirling occupied a key position in Scotland’s battle for independence. Seven battlefields can be seen from the castle, and the 220-foot Wallace Monument at Abbey Craig is a memorial to William Wallace’s defeat of the British in 1297 at Stirling Bridge. (Wallace is the Scottish hero upon whom the movie “Braveheart” is based.) Generations of Scotland’s royalty gathered at Stirling Castle to revel in its impressive buildings, superb sculptures, fine craftsmanship, and beautiful gardens. You have the opportunity to do that, too. Highlights include The Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Regimental Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, The Great Kitchens, and the Tapestry Studio. 

Suggested Sightseeing

Battle of Bannockburn, Stirling, Central Scotland

On The Map: The site of the Battle of Bannockburn is located just 2 miles south of the city of Stirling in central Scotland. To access the site from the M9/M80 motorways, take Junction 9 onto the A872 road.

Stirling Castle was central to the defence of the main route into northern Scotland, and between 1296 and 1314 it changed hands five times! In 1314, the castle was held by a garrison of King Edward II’s troops, and besieged by the Scots. Edward II marched rapidly northwards to relieve the garrison and Robert the Bruce chose a site at the crossing of the Bannock Burn to stop the advance of Edward’s army. The Battle of Bannockburn was a turning point for the beleaguered Scots.  Facing a thorough onslaught by the English in 1314, Robert the Bruce led the Scots to an astonishing victory. The Scots won their independence, their nation, and their pride. In 1329, in large part due to this battle, Scottish independence was ratified by the Pope. The sense of history here is tangible and Bannockburn is still a focus for Scottish pride today. You can find out what inspired this great Scottish victory at the Bannockburn Heritage Centre. Don't miss the gripping new film depicting the dramatic events of June 1314, as well as walking the battlefield under the gaze of Robert the Bruce himself, immortalised in a statue by Pilkington Jackson (pictured).

Wallace Monument, Stirling, Central Scotland

On The Map: The Wallace Monument is located just north of Stirling City. It is signposted from both the town centre and the main A91 road. William Wallace (1270 – 1305) was a powerful man with bright eyes. Standing more than six and a half feet tall, he was a veritable giant in a time when most men were five-feet-tall! Wallace spent his childhood near Stirling under the supervision of his uncle, a priest. Wallace probably led a comfortable and peaceful life as a child, and must have trained in the martial arts of the time, including horsemanship and swordsmanship. When King Edward I, known as Edward "Longshanks,” came to the throne of England in 1272, a reign of tyranny and terror began to subdue the Scots and cement English rule. Life had changed, and when Wallace came of age, he fought. The 220-ft National Wallace Monument commemorates the great man and his valiant fight for Scotland’s independence. Visitors will learn about Wallace’s dramatic tale in detail, as well as other national heroes like Robert the Bruce and Rabbie Burns. . Most electrifying is the “talking head’, which presents Wallace’s defense before his brutal execution in 1305. When you climb to the top, you’ll see Wallace’s amazing and massive two-handed broadsword, and the 360 degree view is extraordinary.

Stirling Castle, Central Scotland

On The Map: Stirling is located in the town of Stirling in Central Scotland. Stirling is less than 45 minutes on the M80/A80 from Glasgow to the southwest & 1 hour on the M9 motorway from Edinburgh to the southeast.

Stirling Castle sits high on a rocky crag above the town. It is a magnificent castle and is one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scotland. Stirling occupied a key position in Scotland’s battle for independence. Seven battlefields can be seen from the castle, and the 220-foot Wallace Monument at Abbey Craig recalls William Wallace’s (the Scottish Hero on which the movie 'Braveheart' was based) defeat of the British in 1297 at Stirling Bridge. For generations Scotland’s royalty gathered at Stirling Castle to revel in its impressive buildings, superb sculptures, fine craftsmanship and beautiful gardens. Today Visitors can do the same. Highlights include The Great Hall, Chapel Royal, Regimental Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, The Great Kitchens and Tapestry Studio. Guided tours of the castle help bring its rich and colourful past to life in vivid detail.

Outlander: Deanston Distillery ("Le Havre"), Central Scotland

On The Map: Deanston Distillery is located 8 miles northwest of Stirling, and just 1 mile west of Doune Castle. GPS Coordinates: 56.188835, -4.070058

Deanston is a working single malt whisky distillery, beautifully located at the entrance to the stunning Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. Distillery tours and tastings are available for those who may develop a thirst from all the action-packed Outlander touring! Housed in a former cotton mill, the distillery provides the setting for Jamie's cousin's wine warehouse in the French coastal city of Le Havre. Another interior scene uses the distillery's vaulted ceiling to good effect, as Claire applies her medical skills in the French wine cellar. The wine casks had been painted with a French coat of arms for the scene, but in actual fact, contain the finest Deanston single malt whisky!

Outlander: Doune Castle ("Castle Leoch"), Central Scotland

On The Map: Doune Castle is located in the town of Doune in Central Scotland. Doune is located approx. 8 miles northwest of Stirling along the A84 road to Callander. Callander is a further 16 miles northwest of the Castle. GPS Coordinates: 56.185408, -4.050178

Doune Castle has a rich and varied history, dating from the late 1300s. It's a fascinating place and visitors get a real sense of what life was like in a living, working castle. A labryrinthine collection of rooms, passageways and staircases are available to explore, and The Lord's Hall is particularly well-preserved. Many people however, visit the castle for reasons other than a history lesson! If it looks familiar, that's not surprising, as Doune regularly appears in TV shows and movies. It appears in cult 1975 movie 'Monty Python & The Holy Grail', and also stars as Winterfell in the very first Game of Thrones episode and later for the great feast scene, when King Robert Baratheon comes to call on the Starks. In Outlander, Doune stars as fictional Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan MacKenzie. The Castle is used for exterior scenes of Castle Leoch, but production designers also used molds of the architecture at Doune to build sets at the studio, for interior castle shots! Doune also features in a 20th century scene, when Claire & Frank take a daytrip to visit the castle ruins.

Overnight Location

Stirling, Central Scotland

On The Map: Stirling is located in Central Scotland, less than 45 minutes on the M80/A80 from Glasgow to the southwest and 1 hour on the M9 motorway from Edinburgh to the southeast.

Stirling is a taste of both the Lowlands and the Highlands. It is packed with castles and tales of people who are larger than life, and it is blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty. “Hold Stirling and you control the entire country…” This simple strategy has ensured that a castle, or some sort of fortification, has existed here in Scotland since prehistoric times. Stirling is associated with King Arthur, and some believe it was the locale for Camelot.

In recorded history, we know that Alexander I dedicated a chapel here. Below the impressive Stirling Castle, Old Town Stirling is protected by 16th century walls built to keep Mary, Queen of Scots, safe from Henry VIII. And, it was here that the infant James VI was crowned in 1567. This area was also home to Rob Roy, whose exploits still echo through the Highlands. There is something about Stirling that feels like a fairy tale. Its sense of time is similar to Edinburgh, but the hustle and bustle is turned down. With its winding cobblestone streets, and the old town clinging to the slopes beneath the castle, you can feel the layers of time and heroism. Take a quiet walk in the moonlight on Stirling’s magic streets.  It’s an experience to be savored.

Day 5

Accommodation

Luxury Countryside Hotel - Pitlochry, Central Scotland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10.30am

Enroute Sightseeing

Outlander: Culross (Cranesmuir), Central Scotland

Location: Culross Village is located on the north bank of the Firth of Forth, just 16 miles east of Stirling. GPS Coordinates: 56.056146, -3.630049.

Culross Village is a remarkably well-preserved town, and an excellent example of a Scottish town in the 17th & 18th centuries. As a result, it was the perfect location for Outlander, and makes several appearances in the show. The town's Mercat Cross portrays the fictional village of Cranesmuir, where Geillis Duncan lives with her husband. Claire and Geillis are marched through the streets of Cranesmuir when suspected of witchcraft.  The same backdrop is used in a dramatic scene when a thieving boy has his ear pinned to a post, but is set free by Jamie. The town is also the setting for the Jacobite encampment and makeshift hospital. The interior of Culross Palace doubles as Geillis’ parlour, and the palace garden features as the herb garden of Castle Leoch, where Claire collects plants for medicinal use.

Outlander: Aberdour Castle (Monastery), Central Scotland

On The Map: Aberdour Castle is located in the village of Aberdour, just 15 miles east of Culross. GPS Coordinates: 56.055717, -3.297747

The oldest portions of Aberdour Castle dates from 1200, making it one of the most ancient masonry castles in all of Scotland. Once a luxurious Renaissance home, the castle was significantly expanded in the 15th, 16th & 17th centuries. The terraced garden offers wonderful views across the Firth of Forth and dates from the mid-16th century, insuring its historical position as one of the oldest gardens in Scotland. In Outlander, Aberdour Castle doubles as the monastery to which Claire & Murtagh bring Jamie to recover from his prison ordeal. The Old Kitchen and Long Gallery of the castle were used for filming.

Outlander: Falkland ("Inverness"), Central Scotland

On The Map: Falkland Village & Palace are located just 17 miles southeast of Perth in eastern Scotland. GPS Coordinates: 56.257534, -3.206710.

The village of Falkland became 1940s Inverness in Season 1 and 1960s Inverness in Seasons 2 of Outlander. Claire and Frank secretly watch a pagan ceremony at standing stones on a nearby hill, and when Claire later returns alone to the stones, she falls through time to 1743. Other featured locations in Falkland include The Covenanter Hotel as Mrs Baird’s cozy 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 which becomes Farrell’s Hardware and Furniture Store, where Claire stops to look at a vase in the window. Falkland Village is home to Falkland Palace, residence of the Stuarts for 200 years – and a favourite place of Mary, Queen of Scots. Once the Outlander sites have been fully explored, the partly restored Renaissance palace is the perfect place to while away an afternoon. Part of the castle has crumbled, but there’s still plenty to discover inside the surviving sections. The original and reconstructed rooms are packed with 17th-century Flemish tapestries, elaborate painted ceilings and antique furnishings.

Overnight Location

Pitlochry, Central Scotland

On The Map: Pitlochry is located in the very heart of Scotland. Cairngorms National Park is very close by to the north, and Edinburgh less than 1.5 hours to the south via the A9 road.

When Queen Victoria fell in love with the Highlands of Scotland, Pitlochry was a quiet village surrounded by the pine-covered hills of the Central Highlands. It became famous when she named it one of the finest resorts in Europe, and visitors began arriving to discover the magic of the Highlands. This vibrant town in the wooded valley of the River Tummel runs along a main street that’s lined with shops and eating places. It bustles with visitors, but relax and go with the flow. Look behind the busy-ness, and you’ll see the charming, Highland Victorian town that is still Pitlochry. Pitlochry is farther from the sea than any other place in Scotland, and it makes a good base for exploring the surrounding scenery, which is spectacular.

Day 6

Accommodation

Luxury Countryside Hotel - Pitlochry, Central Scotland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 10.30am

Included Unique Activities

Highland Chocolatier Hot Chocolate

Known as the Highland Chocolatier, Iain Burnett is a world-class chocolate artisan based in the heart of Scotland. Iain makes a wide range of spiced pralines and dipped fruits, but it’s the Velvet Truffles which have brought him worldwide recognition as a Master Chocolatier and Truffle Specialist. He and his highly skilled team of chocolatiers meticulously hand-craft truffles which are beautifully boxed as "Unenrobed" pure truffle ganache covered only in cocoa or fruit powder, or "Enrobed" meaning they are delicately covered in a paper-thin layer of chocolate before being decorated with colourful cocoa butter designs.  

Visit chocolate heaven in this magical setting in Grandtully, Highland Perthshire and indulge with a decadent hot chocolate. Awarded "The Best Hot Chocolate in Europe" at the International Chocolate Awards, the thick melted chocolate ganache is served with different milk options in the Chocolate Lounge. While there, browse the extensive collection of award winning chocolates in the gift shop for treats to take home! 

Suggested Sightseeing

Pitlochry, Central Scotland

On The Map: Pitlochry is located in the very heart of Scotland. Cairngorms National Park is very close by to the north, and Edinburgh less than 1.5 hours to the south via the A9 road.

When Queen Victoria fell in love with the Highlands of Scotland, Pitlochry was a quiet village surrounded by the pine-covered hills of the Central Highlands. It became famous when she named it one of the finest resorts in Europe, and visitors began arriving to discover the magic of the Highlands. This vibrant town in the wooded valley of the River Tummel runs along a main street that’s lined with shops and eating places. It bustles with visitors, but relax and go with the flow. Look behind the busy-ness, and you’ll see the charming, Highland Victorian town that is still Pitlochry. Pitlochry is farther from the sea than any other place in Scotland, and it makes a good base for exploring the surrounding scenery, which is spectacular.

Highland Folk Museum, Cairngorms, Highlands

On The Map: The Highland Folk Museum is located in the village of Newtownmore in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, and 45 miles south of Inverness along the A9 Road. GPS Coordinates: 57.069993, -4.103645.

The Highland Folk Museum brings to life the domestic and working conditions of earlier Highland peoples. Visitors to this living history Museum can learn how our Scottish Highland ancestors lived, how they built their homes, how they tilled the soil and how they dressed, in a friendly and welcoming environment. An award winning visitor attraction, the Museum not only encapsulates human endeavour and development in Highland life from the 1700s to the present day, but offers an opportunity to explore a beautiful natural setting, home to red squirrels and tree creepers. The Museum provided the perfect backdrop for many period scenes in the wildly popular Outlander series, including when Claire and Dougal go on a somewhat awkward rent collecting mission in Season 1. The museum is open from April to October each year, and admission is free!

Cairngorms National Park, Central Scotland

On The Map: The Cairngorms is Scotland’s largest National Park, and it occupies a huge region in the northeast. The nearest major town is Aberdeen to the east, but Cairngorms NP is central to all of Scotland's major cities.

The Cairngorms have the highest, rugged mountain range in Britain, rising to 4,296 feet. This country is heaven for walkers, skiers, rock climbers, and nature lovers. A number of rare bird species are attracted to the thriving, unusual alpine flora. Rock-climbers and skiers particularly love the challenge of the Cairngorms. Its craggy sides attract climbers from around the world—they practice at the Cairngorms before trips to the Himalayas!

During the summer, a funicular railway climbs Cairngorm. The views over the Spey Valley are spectacular. There’s also a steam railway, dating from 1863, that runs from Aviemore and Broomhila. This is a great way to get up-close to nature if you’re not into the thrills-and-chills of mountain sports. Also, many estates in the valley supplement their income by introducing visitors to the Highlands. See Britain’s only herd of reindeer and walk among them. The Cairngorm Reindeer Center is happy to introduce you to these lovely animals. With mixed woodlands at the base, and the summit forming a sub-polar plateau, the Cairngorms present a huge variety of flora. Ancient Caledonian pines, once common in the area, still survive in Abernathy Forest. Fragile and flourishing, Arctic flowers thrive in the heights.

Outlander: Kinloch Rannoch (Craigh Na Dun), Central Scotland

On The Map: The Village of Kinloch Rannoch is located on the eastern shore of Loch Rannoch, just 20 miles west of Pitlochry on the A9 & B847 Roads. GPS Coordinates: 56.702822, -4.189878.

Possibly the most iconic Outlander location, Kinloch Rannoch was used for the site of Craigh na Dun. (The stones themselves were created by the show and unfortunatley are not real!) It is here, in the very first episode, that Claire visits the stone circle and is thrown back in time to 1743. This spot is revisited throughout the series at different times. Although there is no actual stone circle, the site of the stones is instantly recognisable. Drive until you are the south of Dunalastair Reservoir, east of Loch Rannoch. There, you will find a turn-off on towards the east side of the reservoir. Look in the direction of this track and you will instantly see the site of Craigh na Dun.

Glencoe, Highlands

On The Map: Glencoe runs east-west along the route of the main A82 road. Fort William is a mere 16 miles to the north, while Glasgow is 90 miles to the south

'Glen Coe' is probably Scotland’s most famous and scenic Highland glen – and deservedly so - it really does merit the description 'spectacular'. The best approach is from the south on the A82, one of the major routes through the Highlands. The road climbs over the bleak expanse of Rannoch Moor and drops down between the steep scree-strewn sides of Glencoe. Awesome mountains such as Buachaille Etive Mor and the Three Sisters loom on either side, with riverine scenery at the bottom of the glen. The area is a paradise for walkers and climbers in all seasons, and skiers and snowboarders in the winter. The name Glencoe means 'Valley of Weeping', and has a haunting atmosphere as a result of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. This was carried out by the British army, when the chief of the MacDonalds of Glencoe had been slow to swear allegiance to William of Orange. The picturesque village of Glencoe lies at the northwest end of the glen. In the TV series Outlander, Glencoe features in the show's opening credits. It has also starred on the big screen, in Harry Potter movies, Highlander and Rob Roy.

Day 7

Accommodation

Stylish Modern Hotel - Glasgow, Central Scotland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Validated car parking is available from £15 per day at Cambridge Street and Charing Cross car parks. Both car parks are within 10 minutes walk of the hotel. On-street parking is available around the hotel for £4 per hour.

Suggested Sightseeing

George Square, Glasgow, Central Scotland

Named after King George III, George Square is the principal square in the city of Glasgow. Laid out in 1781, George Square's early history was less than glorious - indeed it was a muddy and waterlogged hollow, mainly used for slaughtering horses! Soon however, the Square was lined with picturesque Georgian houses and hotels, the most famous of which, currently called the Millenium Hotel, dates from 1840. Nowadays, the Square is dominated by the ornate Glasgow City Chambers, which opened in 1888. The Square also boasts an impressive collection of statues and monuments, with dedications to some of Scotland's most famous sons, including Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel and Sir Walter Scott. In recent times, George Square has become a popular place to visit among fans of the Outlander TV series. The Square was transformed into a 1940s set for the show, and provided the backdrop for Frank's spontaneous proposal to Claire in Season 1.

Glasgow Cathedral, Central Scotland

On The Map: Glasgow Cathedral is located just off Castle Street, at the Eastern end of Cathedral Street in central Glasgow. The church is a mere 15 minute walk east of George Square.

Quite simply, Glasgow Cathedral is the finest building surviving in Scotland from the 13th century, and It is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 virtually intact. The oldest part dates from Bishop Jocelin’s time (1174–99), and the end result was a wonderful Gothic confection of pointed arcades, slender traceried windows and an unusual array of three vaulted aisles around the presbytery and choir. The splendid achievements of the architects and builders of those far off days can be studied and admired. Not everything, however, is old and the Cathedral has one of the finest post-war collections of stained glass windows to be found in Britain. Highlights of the Cathedral include: The Crypt – constructed in the mid-13th century to house the tomb of St Kentigern; The ‘Pulpitum’ – a richly carved stone screen separating choir from nave, inserted in the early 1400s with altar platforms dating from 1503; The ceiling in the Blackadder Aisle – built around 1500 by Archbishop Blackadder, with wonderfully beguiling carved stone bosses & The Effigy of Bishop Wishart in the crypt – a friend of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, he fought for the Scottish cause against Edward I of England in the early 14th century. The Cathedral's crypt has recently been immortalized on the small screen, when it doubled as L'Hopital Des Anges in Season 2 of Outlander, where Claire volunteers to work.

Enroute Sightseeing

Outlander: Drummond Castle ("Palace of Versailles"), Central Scotland

On The Map: Drummond Castle & Gardens are just 4 miles south of the town of Crieff, 40 miles south of Pitlochry. GPS Coordinates: 56.342510, -3.871329.

Impressive Drummond Castle is comprised of a 15th Century Tower House and 17th Century Mansion. Imposing though the structure is, Drummond is much more famous for its spectacular gardens. Designed in 1630, the terraced garden is one of Scotland's oldest and definitely the country's most prized formal garden. It's little surprise then that Drummond was chosen to stand in for the gardens of the Palace of Versailles in the seciond season of Outlander. Drummond Castle has been happy to handle the 'Outlander Effect', which has seen visitor numbers increase dramatically since its appearance on the show! Visitors are welcome to visit the gardens, although the castle remains closed to the public.

Overnight Location

Glasgow, Central Scotland

On The Map: Glasgow is located in the southwest of Scotland. The city is well served by a good network of roads and motorways, including the M8 from Edinburgh to the east, and M74 from Carlisle, England to the south.

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is vibrant and downright sassy. It bubbles with sensational cuisine and raucous nightlife.  Along the revitalized River Clyde, you’ll discover Glasgow’s seagoing heritage as you wander the riverfront walkways.  Museums, galleries and trendy street-cafes abound. The extraordinary Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a marvel.  Listen to the music pouring out of pubs—it’s among the best home-grown sounds in Britain.  Step inside and nurse a pint of local brew in one of the city’s perfect watering holes. Scotland’s largest city is a cultural dynamo--no false pretences in Glasgow.  Its urban mayhem and offbeat style lets you know that this city is all about fun, friends, and the joy of life.  Glasgow is a metropolis that is 100% gregarious and down-to-earth.

Day 8

Accommodation

Stylish Modern Hotel - Glasgow, Central Scotland

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.

Validated car parking is available from £15 per day at Cambridge Street and Charing Cross car parks. Both car parks are within 10 minutes walk of the hotel. On-street parking is available around the hotel for £4 per hour.

Suggested Sightseeing

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow, Central Scotland

On The Map: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is located in the west end of Glasgow. From the city centre, the 9, 16, 23, 42 and 62 buses all stop directly outside the museum

Originally opened in May 1901, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is Scotland's most visited free attraction. With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally-significant. They include: Natural History, Arms and Armour & Art from many art movements and periods of history. Kelvingrove welcomes families with children, and its displays have been designed with children in mind. There are lots of interactives throughout the museum that will appeal to younger audiences. There's even a real Spitfire aircraft on display! The RBS Exhibition Gallery and the Community Exhibition space both have a running programme of temporary exhibitions and displays. Please note that some temporary exhibitions are subject to an entry fee. When visiting Kelvingrove you can also enjoy its wonderful cafés and shops.

Glasgow Necropolis, Central Scotland

On The Map: The Necropolis stands on a hill to the east of Glasgow Cathedral, just a short walk across the Bridge of Sighs. From George Square in the heart of Glasgow, the cemetery is a 15 - 20 minute walk to the east. Built in the Classical Revival Architectural fashion, the Necropolis was established by the Merchants' House of Glasgow in 1831. Located atop the second tallest hill in Glasgow, the site is regularly described in terms of peace, serenity and calm. The cemetery, like several in Edinburgh, was modeled on Père-Lachaise in Paris. It has been estimated that in the order of 50,000 burials have taken place here, with around 3500 tombs. The monument to John Knox, which was erected in 1825, dominates the hill. Because the hill is solid rock, many of the graves had to be blasted from the rock-face. Walking tours are run by well informed, volunteer tour guides, and should be pre-booked. Self-guided tours are also possible, and an easy to follow pocket guide to 60 of the most famous monuments is available on-site.

Scottish Football Museum, Glasgow, Central Scotland

On The Map: The Scottish Football Museum is located at Hampden Park, Scotland's national football stadium. Hampden Park is located in south Glasgow - the following First Glasgow bus routes run from the city centre to the stadium on a regular basis: 5, 7, 12, 31, 37, 44 & 75.

The Scottish Football Museum exists to promote the unique football (soccer!) heritage of Scotland, and to build and maintain a national football collection. The Scottish Football Museum is an ideal day out for families, avid football fans and novices eager to gain knowledge of Scottish football. With over 2500 objects on display, the museum is home to the world’s most impressive national collection of football related objects, memorabilia and ephemera. The fourteen galleries take you through the development of the modern game in Scotland, from the nineteenth century to the present day. Visitors get the chance to see some of football’s most exciting and unique objects, including the world’s oldest national trophy, the Scottish Cup. On the stadium tour you will experience Hampden Park like the players do on a match day - visit the underground roadway, team changing rooms, and get the chance to strike a ball in the Hampden Hotshots gallery and have the speed of your shot electronically measured! Walk down the tunnel, hear the famous "Hampden Roar" and then follow the footsteps of legends by climbing the stairs to the cup presentation area.

Glasgow Science Centre, Central Scotland

On The Map: The Glasgow Science Centre is located on North Quay, approx. 2 miles west of George Square in the very heart of Glasgow.

This project for the 21st century has something to delight, edify, and amaze anyone. The heart of the Centre is called the Science Mall (pictured). The Mall is a glass-and-silver half moon that is three stories high. Every inch is packed with hands-on exhibits, interactive amazements, live demonstrations and special-effects theaters. Next to the center is the world’s only revolving tower and an IMAX theater. You’ll see plenty of amazing things, including:  The Glasgow Tower--all 300 feet, and three stories, revolves. When you get to the top, you’ll see renderings of futuristic cities, and amazing views of Glasgow; state-of-the-art planetarium; Funny banter, flying objects, strange gases, eerie magical effects are produced—and explained—at the Science Show Theater; Make your own global decisions at Science Mall Three;  Interactive biotechnology at every level at Science Mall Two. WOW! There’s a lot more, and plenty of theaters, and it’s all a fitting tribute to the Scottish scientists who have been saving our collective backs for centuries. A great time in Glasgow for all.

Overnight Location

Glasgow, Central Scotland

On The Map: Glasgow is located in the southwest of Scotland. The city is well served by a good network of roads and motorways, including the M8 from Edinburgh to the east, and M74 from Carlisle, England to the south.

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is vibrant and downright sassy. It bubbles with sensational cuisine and raucous nightlife.  Along the revitalized River Clyde, you’ll discover Glasgow’s seagoing heritage as you wander the riverfront walkways.  Museums, galleries and trendy street-cafes abound. The extraordinary Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a marvel.  Listen to the music pouring out of pubs—it’s among the best home-grown sounds in Britain.  Step inside and nurse a pint of local brew in one of the city’s perfect watering holes. Scotland’s largest city is a cultural dynamo--no false pretences in Glasgow.  Its urban mayhem and offbeat style lets you know that this city is all about fun, friends, and the joy of life.  Glasgow is a metropolis that is 100% gregarious and down-to-earth.

Day 9

Depart From

Depart from Glasgow Airport, Central Scotland

Arrive at Glasgow Airport at least 3 hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure. This will allow ample time to check in for your flight home.