Outlander Experience, Scotland

This morning after breakfast, spend some time exploring Edinburgh where Claire and Jamie reunited after 20 years. Testimony to this is the coveted award of World Heritage Site Status recently being awarded to the city’s medieval “Old Town”, and Georgian “New Town”. Using your Explorer Pass, visit Edinburgh Castle with its dramatic views across the city, and entrance to the exhibition housed in the castle, ”Honours of the Kingdom”, which consists of the Scottish Crown Jewels, and the Stone of Destiny. Return to your hotel. Overnight in Edinburgh. (B)

Today after breakfast, first stop of the day is the village of Falkland and it’s Palace. Falkland village is so beautifully preserved that it’s being used as the backdrop of 1940s Inverness in the Outlander series. There are likely to be several views of the palace from the town and your entrance here is included in your pass. Falkland Palace built by the King James V in 1539. This afternoon you will continue to Newtonmore where you can visit the Highland Folk Museum and delve into 18th century Scotland with a living insight into the life of Highland people as portrayed in Outlander. Overnight in Speyside area. (B)

After breakfast, depart towards Inverness and discover the mysterious Craigh na Dun, inspired by the stone circle of Clava Cairns. Experience the haunting atmosphere of Culloden where Claire and Jamie said their goodbyes and roam the streets of Inverness where Claire’s adventure unfolds while on her honeymoon. Overnight in Inverness area. (B)

Today after breakfast, you will visit the romantic towns of Strathpeffer and Beauly where clans Mackenzie and Fraser of the Highlands once lived. Continue towards Beauly where you can set foot in Beauly Priory where Claire met the seer, and according to the Outlander books, where the Lovat Frasers are buried. Return to Inverness for your overnight. (B)

Today after breakfast, travel south this morning, you will enjoy a visit to Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland which fell into decay after 1689 and was blown up in 1692 to prevent it being occupied by Jacobites. Most of the existing remains date from the 16th century and include a tower. Here you will also get fabulous views of the famous Loch Ness and have a chance to go down to its banks in the hope of seeing the ‘Water Horse’ which so entranced Claire Randall – or ‘Nessie’ as she is better known here! Enjoy an enchanting journey along the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen as the newly-weds did after their wedding and admire dramatic scenery and impressive wildlife along the way. Overnight in the Fort William area. (B)

Today after breakfast, travel south again this morning, you will drive through the dramatic and historic glen (valley), scene of the 1692 massacre of part of the MacDonald clan by soldiers of King William. Red deer, wildcat, golden eagle and rare arctic plants can be seen among the breathtaking peaks and spectacular waterfalls. You can visit the new eco-friendly Glencoe Visitor Centre which houses fascinating exhibitions about the area, its human and natural history and the people who use and live near it. Onwards into the Trossachs, you will visit Doune Castle, Built for the Regent Albany, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle. Its most striking feature is the 100ft high gatehouse which includes the splendid Lord’s Hall with its musicians’ gallery, double fireplace and carved oak screen. It is also the atmospheric stand in for the fictional Castle Leoch in the Outlander series. Continue to your overnight in Glasgow. (B)

Today after breakfast depart Scotland. Return to the airport and join your flight home. (B)