4 Days: Midhope Castle - Great Glen - Linlithgow Palace - Doune Castle - Clava Cairns - Culross

Tour overview:

Step into the world of Outlander on this unforgettable four-day journey through Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes and iconic filming locations. Beginning in Edinburgh, this immersive tour takes you deep into the Highlands and across historic villages, castles, and ancient sites that bring the beloved story of Jamie and Claire to life. Follow in the footsteps of the characters as you explore famous locations such as Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), the dramatic valley of Glencoe, and the haunting battlefield of Culloden Battlefield. Perfect for fans of the series and lovers of Scotland alike, this adventure offers an unforgettable journey through the landscapes, legends, and locations that inspired one of television’s most beloved stories.

Day 1 - Doune Castle & Glencoe

We leave Edinburgh and follow the trail of the best-known locations featured in the *Outlander* TV Series.

First, we travel to a place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie's beloved home, Lallybroch. While the cozy interior of the house has been recreated in the film studios, visitors can't explore the castle's ruins, or you can sit on the iconic steps of Lallybroch and imagine waiting for Jamie or Claire to walk through the beautiful archway in the courtyard.

Then, the journey takes us through the gentle countryside past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument before reaching Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch, the ancestral home of Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th-century episodes. 

We continue north and enter Trossachs National Park, in the majestic Highlands.

We travel past shimmering lochs and craggy mountain peaks to the wild and desolate landscapes of the Rannoch Moor before arriving at Glencoe, a valley renowned for its rugged slopes and rich history. After lunch, the journey takes us to Glenfinnan. The monument here commemorates the meeting of Bonnie Prince Charlie with his loyal supporters and marks the beginning of the doomed Jacobite Rising. 

Our final stretch of the journey takes us past the dark, peated mysterious waters of Loch Ness to Inverness, often referred to as the Capital of the Highlands. The evening is free for you to enjoy.

Day 2 - Urquhart Castle, Glen Affric & Loch Ness

We start our day with a journey to the heart of Clan Fraser lands. Here you can pay your respects at the tomb of Lord Lovat, the ‘Old Fox’ of the Jacobite Rebellion, who’s Jamie’s manipulative grandfather in the saga. 

Next, is a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains, and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. It’s also an ideal spot for Jamie to hide. Outlander fans, we know you’re drawn to ancient, mysterious structures, so we take you to Corrimony Chambered Cairn. This weathered, 4,000 year old burial site stands as a silent testament to the ingenuity and spiritual connection of the ancient people who lived here. 

Next, we continue to Drumnadrochit, a charming Highland village on the shores of Loch Ness. Here, you can decide to explore the majestic ruin of Urquhart Castle that has been standing on the banks of Loch Ness for 1,000 turbulent years. And while you’re there, be on the lookout for Nessie. 

After a day spent exploring the rich history, stunning nature, and ancient wonders of this corner of the Highlands, we return to Inverness for a second evening.

Day 3 - Clava Cairns & Culloden

Today’s stop evokes a lot of emotions; it’s the forbidding Culloden Battlefield. This site plays a crucial role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. 

It’s not far from the battlefield where the couple said their tearful goodbyes before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. And it’s where the final Jacobite Raising came to a harrowing end, bringing on the persecution of the Highland way of life. You can explore the visitor centre and the site and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. Next, we visit the mysterious site of Clava Cairns. This well-preserved complex of ring cairns and standing stones is as ancient as it is beautiful. And it’s also said to be the inspiration for the standing stones of Craigh na Dun.  

We travel through Cairngorms National Park to Aviemore. Our next stop is Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum. The site houses replicas of 18th-century turf-roofed Highland crofts and gives you a glimpse into past Highland life. You’ll remember this place as one of the MacKenzie clan villages where Claire and the MacKenzie party stop to collect the rent. Our final stop for the day is Killicrankie. This river gorge is now a place of serenity but was once the stage of the Battle of Killiecrankie – a Jacobite battle which was one of the goriest in Scottish history. 

After seeing some of the most important sites from the Outlander universe, we arrive in Perth for the night. Known as a royal burgh, it was once the capital of Scotland before the crown was moved to Edinburgh.

Day 4 - Culross & Blackness Castle

We start the day with a quick stop in Falkland. This charming village will steal your heart with cobblestone streets, quaint stone houses, and a palace. Outlander fans relive the show’s opening scenes here, because Falkland represents 1940s Inverness. Look for familiar sights like Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouse and the Bruce Fountain. 

Heading south, we visit the charming village of Culross. In Outlander, Culross posed as the fictional village of Cranesmuir and the home of Geillis Duncan and her ill-fated husband, Arthur. Exploring the town’s cobbled streets is like taking a step back in time. Look carefully and you may even find Claire’s herb garden behind the impressive, historic Culross Palace. 

We stop at Linlithgow for lunch and an optional visit to the Palace, known as Wentworth Prison in Outlander. Next is Blackness Castle, a fortress featured as Fort William in the series, where you can walk the ramparts and explore Jack Randall's fictional headquarters. Then, it’s Midhope Castle, Jamie’s beloved Lallybroch. While the interior is recreated in studios, you can sit on the iconic steps and imagine Jamie or Claire emerging through the archway. The day ends at Hopetoun House & Gardens, a stunning 18th-century estate near Edinburgh that serves as various backdrops in the show, including the Duke of Sandringham’s residence. 

After having been immersed in the history and landscapes that inspired Outlander, we return to Edinburgh in the early evening.