Discover the secrets of Diana Gabaldon s internationally best-selling novel Outlander. Our eight day bespoke itinerary unearths the heritage and history of the beautiful country which inspired Gabaldon to write the tale of Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall and prompted the hugely acclaimed TV series to be filmed here. A combination of expert guides and exclusive experiences will transport you back to 1743. See for yourself the landmarks where Scotland s future was decided in historic castles and on bloody battlefields. Scotland takes a starring role in this journey, taking you from the wilderness of the Highlands to the majesty of the capital city passing ruined castles, mysterious lochs and eerie glens as you follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire. Day One: Arrival in Scotland At Edinburgh Airport you will be met by your chauffeur-guide before you travel into the city centre. As you make your way to the hotel, see how the Old Town, characterised by narrow and cobbled streets, contrasts with the neo-classical New Town. Your home for three nights is located in the heart of the Old Town on the Royal Mile. Each room is completely unique with hallmarks of theatre and romance with plenty of individual and quirky touches. Take time to relax and rejuvenate following your international flight.
Day Two: Exploring Edinburgh Spend the day with a top local guide exploring the city. Known as the Jewel in Scotland s Crown, visit Edinburgh Castle and see the statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. Marvel at the beautiful and ancient Crown Jewels and the mighty cannon, Mons Meg. Later, walk down one of the most famous streets in the world, the Royal Mile. Nearby, discover a secret warren of hidden streets deep beneath the city that have remained frozen in time since the 17 th century. Your private guide will bring the vaults and their inhabitants to life. See Carubbers Close, the Canongate Kirk and perhaps follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie by pausing for a drink in the World s End pub - the nearest thing to Moubray s Tavern. At the foot of the Mile, with the dramatic backdrop of Arthur s Seat, is the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Official Residence of HM, The Queen and the Royal Family in Scotland. It was here that Claire and Jamie have an audience with Bonnie Prince Charlie. This baroque Palace is perhaps best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots and was the setting for many of the dramatic episodes in her turbulent life.
Day Three: Outlander in the Edinburgh Area Travel to the small town of South Queensferry and see the iconic Forth Railway Bridge, built in 1890. It is a much celebrated Scottish landmark and a milestone in the development of railway civil engineering. Cross the bridge and continue to Culross, a town that is the nearest thing to a 16 th century village anywhere in Scotland and the setting of the village of Cranesmuir in the Outlander TV series, home to Claire s herb garden. Continue to Blackness Castle on the Firth of Forth. Its formidable appearance led it to stand in as Fort William during filming. From here, to one of Scotland s finest stately homes, Hopetoun House. The house was built between 1699 and 1702 and much of the original 18 th century furniture and wall coverings survive today. In the grounds of the estate, is Midhope Castle, a 16 th century tower house which doubles as Lallybroch.
Day Four: North to the Highlands Depart with your chauffeur-guide this morning and visit the town of Falkland, featured in the television series of Outlander as 1940s Inverness. The Church became Dalneigh Parish Church, the Covenanter Hotel became Mrs Baird s Guesthouse and Lomond Pharmacy was transformed into Campbell s Coffee House. The coffee shop has retained its new identity and is the ideal location for a morning coffee. Continue to magnificent Blair Castle, the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl. The castle enjoys one of Scotland s finest settings and is home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe s last remaining private army. Later, as you near Nairn, enjoy a private guided walk on the emotive battlefields at Culloden, site of the infamous battle in 1746 where the Jacobite supporters lost to the armies of the British Government. Here you can see where Jamie valiantly fought and visit the Clan Fraser burial stone. Your home for two evenings has been described as the most beautiful Regency House in Scotland and is set on 20 acres of well-tended lawns, woodland and streams. The Chef has a highly coveted Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes.
Day Five: The Highlands and Outlander Take time to explore the highland countryside today with a focus on the Outlander series. First visit Clava Cairns, one of Scotland s most evocative and sacred prehistoric sites. In this peaceful location, in a small wood by the river are three exceptionally well-preserved burial cairns, each surrounded by stone circles. The site is thought to be an inspiration for Craigh na Dun and even has a split stone which could lead you back to 1743 Travel to Beauly in the heart of Clan Fraser lands where you can visit Beauly Priory and the tomb of the 11 th Lord Lovat ( The Old Fox ) and in the series where Claire meets Maisri, the Seer before continuing to Strathpeffer, a Victorian spa village. Nearby is Castle Leod, one of the most beautiful, romantic and unspoilt castles in the Highlands and the seat of Clan Mackenzie. Here, enjoy a private tour and diary commitments permitting, meet the laird himself. Diana Gabaldon is honoured as a Guardian of the Castle and has planted a tree in the grounds. Time permitting, visit Loch Garve, home of the water kelpies.
Day Six: Loch Ness Travel to the shores of Scotland s most famous stretch of water, Loch Ness and board a luxury motor cruiser which would be reserved exclusively for you to experience the loch as Claire and Frank did. A sumptuous buffet will be served while you enjoy the impressive, rugged scenery and unique views of the ruins of Urquhart Castle. In the 18 th century, this was the setting for Claire s encounter with the water horse. Continue to Fort William, commanded by Black Jack Randall in the series, and take First Class seats aboard one of the World s Great Train Journeys, the Jacobite Steam Train. Your route takes you over the high arches of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, following one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Scotland. Step off the train and meet your chauffeur-guide and travel back along the Road to the Isles. See the Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel - a lone kilted highlander stands atop an 18m column surrounded by spectacular Highland scenery, marking the place where the Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the standard that heralded the second Jacobite Rising in 1745. Return to Fort William and to your accommodation for this evening, which nestles in the foothills of mighty Ben Nevis.
Day Seven: Glencoe and Doune Depart Fort William this morning and travel through eerie Glencoe, site of the infamous massacre of Clan Macdonald of Glencoe by government troops in 1692. The massacre saw thirty eight members of the clan pursued and killed and another forty women and children died of exposure after their homes were burned. Continue to Doune Castle for a private tour. The Castle, built for Robert Stewart, the Regent Albany. A magnificent late 14 th century castle, it has taken a starring role as the main outdoor location for Outlander, standing in for fictional Castle Leoch at the time of the Jacobite Rebellion. From here, to magnificent Stirling Castle, perhaps one of Scotland s most important castles. It was said that he who held Stirling, held Scotland. Thereafter continue to your final property, a beautiful Victorian mansion dating back to 1874. It has recently undergone extensive refurbishment and has opened its doors to great acclaim.
Day Eight: Homeward Bound Meet your chauffeur-guide in the foyer of your hotel for transfer to Edinburgh airport to board your onward flight. End of Services