Compare Outlander Themed Tour by Celtic Tours vs Highlights of Scotland by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: US to Edinburgh.

Depart U.S. for overnight flight to Edinburgh. Package begins on day 02.

Day 2: Edinburgh.

Arrive Edinburgh.  Transfer to your hotel is included. Early evening meet your fellow travellers at a get together where you will also learn more of the Clan Fraser, told by a real member of the clan. Then enjoy All Hallow's Eve in Scotland's capital city.

Accommodation at Motel One Princes Street. (Please note, hotel check-in is generally between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. If you are arriving into Edinburgh early - the hotel will be happy to hold your luggage until your room is ready)

Day 3: Edinburgh.

Explore the cobbles streets of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh's Old Town. Discover its narrow Closes and Wynds from Holyrood Palace, via Canongate up to Edinburgh Castle. Learn the hidden secrets of these ancient street on this guided half day walking tour. Your afternoon will be free to explore further at your own pace. Overnight in Edinburgh.

Day 4: Edinburgh - Inverness.

The adventure continues when you leave Edinburgh with your guide - might it even be a red haired Scot called Jamie? You will visit at Doune Castle which is standing in for Castle Leoch in the TV program, before you continue through the magnificent Glencoe and on to Fort William, the beginning of the “Great Glen” and the Caledonian Canal. In Fort William you have the opportunity to sample ‘The Water of Life' with a whisky distillery tour and tasting. Then you will be travelling the entire length of Loch Ness, looking out for Nessie. Overnight in Inverness for the next three nights, at the Columba Hotel.

Day 5: Touring - Inverness.

You will start the day visiting the beautiful area of Glen Affric, surrounded on all sides by stunning

Caledonian pine forest. This is big Scottish Countryside, ideal for our Jamie to hide! In the afternoon you will be visiting Culloden which is playing such an important role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. Later you take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns, which would have given ‘Herself' the inspiration for Craigh na Dun. Return to Inverness for overnight.

Day 6: Touring - Inverness.

A short drive this morning will take you to Beauly, and the site of Beauly Priory and the tomb of Lord Lovat and Fraser Clan lands before continuing toutlander2.jpgo Castle Leod, seat of the Clan Mackenzie, for a private tour conducted by the Laird himself. In the afternoon you visit the Clan Centre at Storehouse to hear what life was like in the area in 1790 and learn more about the clans system in Scotland. There might be time to look out for the Waterhorse at Loch Garve! Return to Inverness for overnight.

Day 7: Touring - Edinburgh.

Today we are close on trail film locations for the Outlander TV Series. You will make a stop at the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum as well as visiting Culross and Falkland in the Kingdom of Fife. This will be giving you a lasting flavor of being part of Outlander before returning to Edinburgh for your final evening.

Day 8: Edinburgh - Home.

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the Airport for your return flight to the US.

Day 1 Glasgow

Welcome to Scotland! Glasgow is one of Europe's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities and this is where your adventure begins. It boasts world famous art collections, and is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture. The city has some of the best shopping in the UK outside of London, first-class sports and leisure facilities, as well as a vast array of restaurants, bars and exciting nightlife. You’ll have a welcome meeting att 6 pm to meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not take a stroll along the River Clyde, once at the heart of the city’s ship building industry. After the meeting, become acquainted at a nearby restaurant or grab a ‘fish supper’ in the lively Merchant City. Known for its pedestrianised areas, outdoor eating, trendy designer shops and ever-changing developments, the Merchant City is Glasgow with style, and one of the most popular areas to visit for tourists and locals alike.

Day 2 Fort William

After a short walk to the train station this morning, catch the early morning train, the world-famous West Highland Line, where your adventure really begins. The West Highland Line from Glasgow to Fort William is a captivating railway journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most breathtaking landscapes. Arriving in Fort William early afternoon gives the group time to explore this famous town. Fort William is world famous for the huge variety of outdoor activities available and of course is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis. The afternoon is free, so why not take a short walk into the countryside with your new friends or do some shopping in the town. Maybe jump in a taxi to the Nevis Range Gondola, which offers incredible elevated views of this wild region.

Day 3 Glenfinnan / Isle of Skye

This morning, complete your train journey on the West Highland Line, as the train departs from Fort William, passengers are immediately greeted by the imposing beauty of Ben Nevis, standing tall against the sky. The route then winds through the enchanting Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, and clings to the coastline before reaching the charming fishing village of Mallaig. Here, hop off the train and onto a ferry, which takes you over the sea to Skye. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands is the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The landscape of Skye is a captivating mix of dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines and undulating moorland. It's a place where the elements have shaped the terrain into awe-inspiring natural wonders, some of which you’ll explore tomorrow. When you arrive, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings. Later in the evening you can join the group leader to maybe even sample a dram or two!

Day 4 Isle of Skye

Join your guide for a short morning hike and take in the beautiful scenery. If luck is on your side, you might even have the opportunity to catch sight of some of Skye's native wildlife, such as otters or seals. After the hike, you’ll take a private bus tour to explore some of Skye’s most famous and most recognisable landscapes as you circumnavigate the Trotternish Peninsula. The Trotternish Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the Quiraing with its unique geological formations, that will leave you in awe. The towering pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, a dramatic sea cliff with a cascade of spectacular waterfalls. Your bus tour will take you along winding coastal roads and offer stops at these remarkable sights, as well as time to explore a local gallery or museum along the way. If time permits, you may visit Dunvegan Castle (entrance fees not included) before returning to your accommodation late afternoon.

Day 5 Loch Ness / Highlands / Inverness

This morning, bid farewell to the enchanting Isle of Skye on a private bus, travelling over the iconic Skye Bridge and back to the mainland. Your journey continues through picturesque landscapes, until you reach the charming village of Fort Augustus, cradled at the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness. Here, you'll be treated to a scenic boat cruise on these mysterious waters (see if you can spot the elusive monster deep below the tranquil waters!). After your boat excursion, head north to Inverness, the vibrant capital of the Highlands, known for its rich history and lively local culture. This is where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Day 6 Inverness

Start the day by hopping on a local bus to nearby Culloden Battlefield, located on the outskirts of Inverness. It was here, in April 1746, that Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite rebellion came to a bloody end. The battlefield is fascinating to walk around, and exudes a sombreness even today. Back in the city centre, take a walk alongside the River Ness. This local’s favorite follows a trail which weaves over some small islands in the river, before crossing a graceful pedestrian suspension bridge to complete the loop, finishing close to a local arts centre, looking up at Inverness Castle. The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit the castle or a local whisky store, catch a gig, do some souvenir shopping, or if you are looking for a hidden delight,, then Leakey’s bookshop in Inverness is a must-see.

Day 7 Edinburgh

A morning train from Inverness takes you to Edinburgh today. Edinburgh is famous for its literary heritage, historic cobbled streets and striking architecture. The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995, in recognition of the striking quality and contrast in architecture and streetscape between the Medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. Want to know more about ‘Auld Reekie’, the capital city of Scotland? After dropping bags at the accommodation, you’ll take an insightful tour of the city, led by someone who has previously been homeless. The rest of the day is yours to explore the winding streets and bars, visit some of the famous attractions or hit the designer stores of the city centre.

Day 8 Edinburgh

With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave any time after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in enigmatic Edinburgh, we don’t blame you – there’s so much to see and do – just speak to your booking agent.