The Land That Inspired “Outlander”
Overview
Scotland offers a wealth of stunning landscapes, historic landmarks and filming locations for the Outlander series, making it a perfect destination for fans. On this self-drive itinerary, immerse yourself in the world of Outlander while exploring the breathtaking beauty of Scotland. The series, based on Diana Gabaldon’s books, is a historical drama with elements of romance, fantasy and adventure. It premiered in 2014 and has gained a devoted global fanbase for its gripping story, lush cinematography and performances.
Some filming locations to mark along your itinerary are:
- Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) Location: Near Stirling. This 14th-century castle serves as Castle Leoch, the home of Clan MacKenzie. It’s a prominent location in Season 1.
- Blackness Castle (Fort William) Location: Near Linlithgow. Blackness Castle portrays Fort William, where some of the darker events of the series occur, including Jamie's flogging.
- Culross (Cranesmuir) Location: Fife. Culross represents the fictional village of Cranesmuir, including Geillis Duncan's house.
- Falkland (Inverness) Location: Fife. This charming village doubles as 1940s Inverness, where Claire and Frank stay at the start of the series.
- Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) Location: Near South Queensferry. The beloved home of Jamie Fraser, also known as Broch Tuarach.
- Glencoe Location: Highlands. Glencoe’s iconic landscapes feature in the opening credits, setting the tone for the series’ breathtaking visuals.
- Kinloch Rannoch (Craigh na Dun) Location: Perthshire. The mystical standing stones of Craigh na Dun are pivotal to the plot. While the stones themselves are a fictional creation, Kinloch Rannoch offers stunning views.
- Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison) Location: Linlithgow. The ruins of this royal palace stand in for the grim Wentworth Prison.
- Edinburgh & Surroundings: Bakehouse Close, Royal Mile & Craigmillar Castle, Signet Library, Tweeddale Court, Summerhall, Hopetoun House
Format
Locations
- Edinburgh
- Aberdeenshire
- Inverness
- Fort William
- Stirling
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Edinburgh (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
- 8 nights of accommodation in selected category, including breakfast daily
- 8-day car rental in your selected category
- Third-Party Liability Insurance / Vehicle Theft Protection / VAT / Airport location fees
- Unlimited mileage for 7-day durations or longer
- Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
- Entrance to Doune Castle
- Entrance to Culloden Battlefield
- Loch Ness by Jacobite - Freedom Cruise
- Earn Aeroplan® points
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly to Edinburgh.
Day 2
Welcome to Edinburgh
Today, you’ll arrive in Scotland, where you will pick up your car at the Edinburgh Airport. You’ll then make your way to Edinburgh, the bustling capital of Scotland and travel back in time through atmospheric cobbled streets around the Royal Mile, where Claire and Jamie reunited after 20 years. Packed full of history, the buildings here have remained largely unchanged since the 16th century.
Enjoy an overnight in Edinburgh
Day 3
Edinburgh - Exploring
This morning, after a generous Scottish breakfast, explore historic Edinburgh. Make your way to Edinburgh Castle (entrance Included), a mighty fortress sitting on top of Castle Hill and overlooking the entire city. Within the castle, you will have the opportunity to visit the National War Museum, an amazingly thorough source of inspiration about Scotland’s dramatic past. In the afternoon, you may wish to visit the National Museum of Scotland and explore the diversity of Scottish history.
Enjoy an overnight in Edinburgh
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4
Fife & Aberdeen
It is now time to leave the capital and embark on your scenic journey around Scotland. Your first stop is Fife, where you can visit the town of Culross and its Palace. A little further is the picturesque town of Falkland, which stood in as Inverness in Seasons 2 and 4 of Outlander. You may choose to visit the palace or simply enjoy a coffee in Campbell’s Coffee Shop on the high street. Travel on through Dundee and Angus.
Enjoy an overnight in Aberdeenshire
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Aberdeenshire
The city of Aberdeen and surrounding Royal Deeside provide a lot of Outlander vibes. Explore castles such as Dunnottar and Crathes or take a stroll through Old Aberdeen with its cobbled streets, cathedral and world class university. Those who prefer to get close to nature can stop in at Pitmedden Garden for a historic walled garden experience.
Enjoy an overnight in Aberdeenshire
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
The Jacobite Trail
Today, after breakfast, you’ll drive through Speyside and visit Culloden Battlefield (entrance included). Soak up the rich history and haunting atmosphere of a land that witnessed the key battle of the 1745-46 Jacobite uprising. In your search for the fictional Craigh na Dun, where Claire is being swept back in time, venture to Clava Cairns and experience the mythical atmosphere of this 4,000-year-old site. In the afternoon, wander through the clans’ ancestral lands to the unspoilt town of Beauly, home of the clan Mackenzie. Explore the ruins of the ancient Beauly Priory.
Enjoy an overnight in Inverness
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
The North
Head further north today and take in the imposing Dunrobin Castle, built with French flair. The gardens were also inspired by those at Versailles. If you haven’t yet stopped in at a Scotch Whisky Distillery, today would be a good opportunity with The Singleton & Glenmorangie in the area.
Enjoy an overnight in Inverness
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
The Highlands
Heading to Loch Ness, you will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle and perhaps spot the world-famous Loch Ness Monster whilst on a cruise (Jacobite Freedom Cruise included). Driving along the scenic route through the Great Glen,you can take a short detour on to the road to Loch Garry. Admire its awe-inspiring landscapes, fascinating wildlife, glistening lochs and enchanting moorlands. In the afternoon, you will head to Fort William.
Enjoy an overnight in Fort William
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Glencoe & Stirling
Today, you will drive through the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Make a stop as you drive through the stunning scenes of Glencoe before continuing to Doune Castle, otherwise known as the fictional Castle Leoch in the TV series (entrance Included). The nearby Deanston Distillery provided the setting of Jamie’s cousin’s wine warehouse. At the end of the afternoon, you will arrive in Stirling.
Enjoy an overnight in Stirling
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Return Home
After breakfast, you’ll return your car to Edinburgh Airport before boarding your return flight home.
*Due to early flights back to Canada, we recommend returning your car the day prior to avoid delays.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important Information
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April 1, 25 – Oct 31, 25
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Not included
- Meals & beverages, unless noted
- GPS, Fuel, Parking fees, traffic violation tickets, car upgrades, inter-city toll fees, additional insurance coverage, child car seats, luggage racks, additional rental nights, late drop off fees, cross border fees
- Damage to tires, damaged wheels, lost keys
- Gratuities
- Local city taxes (payable in Euro at destination)
- Porterage
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Car – Self Drive
- Small Eco Manual
- Medium Compact Automatic
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The order of the itinerary may change and the sequence and consecutive number of overnights per city could vary. Accommodations are confirmed within each county or region. The itinerary above is for reference only.
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Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m. -
If applicable, payable in destination in local currency