10 Day Outlander Grand Tour

Day 1 is a fabulous introduction to the Outlander series as we head for Craigmillar Castle (Ardsmuir Prison) known for its connection to Mary Queen of Scots, who sought refuge there in the 1500’s. Next, we travel south to Glencorse Old Kirk (17th century church where Claire and Jamie tied the knot). Later, we spend the afternoon in Edinburgh Old Town with a visit to the Palace of Holyrood House with Mary Queen of Scots' historic Chambers. Overnight Edinburgh.

Day 2 we leave Edinburgh and travel to South Queensferry to visit Hopetoun House (the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham) and Hopetoun Castle (Lallybroch). Next, we visit the 15th century fortress of Blackness Castle (the Fort William headquarters of ‘Black Jack’ Randall) before travelling over the river Forth to visit Aberdour Castle (St Anne de Beaupré's monastery in France). Overnight Stirling.

Day 3 takes in Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) and then onto view 14th century Callendar House (the kitchen was used as the kitchen as Bellhurst) where we can have tea/lunch. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here in 1745. If there is time available we would also visit Linlithgow Palace. We tour through Culross village (Cranesmuir) with Culross Palace on our way to visit Stirling Castle to take in its turbulent history. Overnight Stirling.

Day 4 we tour into the Kingdom of Fife and visit Balgonie Castle (Dougal and the MacKenzies rest here ahead of raiding Wentworth Prison). We then visit the small town of Falkland (used to portray the city of Inverness) and if desired visit Falkland Palace. We end the day with a visit to beautiful Tibbermore Church (Geillis Duncan and Claire Randall were put on trial here after being accused of witchcraft). Overnight Perth.

Day 5 takes us into the Highlands of Scotland as we visit the beautiful village of Dunkeld before travelling out to Kinnloch Rannoch in the Tay Forest Park and view the setting used as Craigh Na Dun. Later, we tour north to visit Newtonmore and the Highland Folk Museum (MacKenzie village) and spend the afternoon touring through the Cairngorms National Park to the highland settlement of Inverness. Overnight Inverness.

Day 6 we head out for a visit to Culloden Battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. Immerse yourself in the history on offer and take a walk on the historic battlefield. Later on, we visit some real-life standing stones at Clava Cairns, take a drive out to the beautiful town of Beauly before spending the afternoon in Inverness city. The word ‘Beauly’ coming from the French for “what a beautiful place”. Overnight Inverness.

Day 7 is a relaxing journey west via Loch Ness where we will stop to visit Urquhart Castle on the shores of the loch. Later, we head west through Glenshiel, admiring this stunning landscape as we tour towards the Isle of Skye. The scenery changes as we near the rugged west coast and we will spend time visiting iconic Eilean Donan Castle, long held by the Mackenzies of Kintail. Overnight nr Skye

Day 8 is a pleasant tour of the Isle of Skye; over the Skye Bridge and passing through Broadford and then on to the Island’s main settlement, Portree, with its colourful harbour front. Heading further north we take in the most fabulous scenery and seascapes including the Cuillin Mountains, Flora MacDonald’s grave and the Old Man of Storr with Dunvegan Castle and other options a possibility. Overnight nr Skye.

Day 9 we enjoy a journey back to the mainland by ferry, arriving in the small fishing village of Mallaig for some free-time to look around before heading through Glenfinnan on our way to Fort William. At the head of Loch Shiel is the Glenfinnan Monument which marks the place where Prince Charles Edward Stuart, ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’, raised his royal standard to mark the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Overnight nr Glencoe.

Day 10 takes us south through the haunting landscape of Glencoe and on to the ‘bonnie banks’ of Loch Lomond. We will have some time out at the small village of Luss before moving on to explore Glasgow with many ornate buildings with fine period features, particularly George Square (location for Frank’s spontaneous proposal to Claire) and Glasgow Cathedral (the crypt was used as L'Hopital des Anges). End of tour.