Historic Outlander Themed Tour

Recuperation Day
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver Transfer
Accommodation: Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (3 Nights)

You will arrive at Edinburgh Airport and be welcomed by a Private Chauffeur Scotland representative. They will assist you with any bags and luggage and take you into the historic capital.

Today is all about relaxation. You will have the time to wind down from your travels and fully immerse yourself in Edinburgh’s beautiful historic sites. The 5 Star Balmoral provides guests with exceptional spa facilities that we recommend you take full advantage of.

In the evening, you will have a dinner reservation at The Balmoral’s Prince Brasserie which takes the best produce Scotland has to offer and combines it with French influence to rustle up some truly remarkable dishes. With outstanding views over Edinburgh and the surroundings landscape, the Prince Brasserie is a true gem of a spot to enjoy Isle of Mull Scallops, Scottish salmon, or a classic haggis, neeps, and tatties with whisky cream sauce.

Edinburgh Half-Day Walking Tour
Outlander sites which include: Signet Library, Tweeddale Court and Bakehouse Close
Accommodation: Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

In the morning you will make your way to the entrance of the hotel where you will meet your Edinburgh tour guide/Outlander Specialist, who will be eager to share the city’s world-famous wonders.

Your guide will ensure that you get to visit some of the Outlander filming locations.  The exquisite Signet Library that was filmed in Season 3 is located near the city centre in Edinburgh’s Old Town and is the home of the Society of Writers to Her Majesty’s Signet. First formed in 1594, this is a private society of Scottish solicitors that supports lawyers and legal business through an array of activities.

You will also relive the moment where Claire was reunited with Fergus in season 3, by visiting Tweeddale Court. Located on the historic Royal Mile, this is an opportunity for you to experience the real joy of Edinburgh’s Old Town by taking a step back into the centuries and losing yourself in the labyrinth of closes and wynds.

Next on the list is a visit to the famous Bakehouse Close that is the home of Alexander Malcolm’s print shop. In Outlander, it is where Claire eventually reunited with Jamie after spending many years apart.

You will also visit St Giles Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.

For dinner, our recommendations would be to pop in to Wedgwood Restaurant in city’s Cannongate area.
After a long day of exploring Edinburgh’s treasures, you will return to the Balmoral Hotel.

Hopetoun House, Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation: Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

After a relaxing breakfast, your private driver will be ready to continue your Outlander tour with three filming locations to visit today. First up you will be taken to Hopetoun House, an absolutely stunning stately home in equally impressive grounds. The architectural grandeur and ornate interior design will leave you speechless. Hopetoun House has been a useful location for the film crew of Outlander, with locations such as the red drawing room where Claire and Jamie meet the Duke to request Jamie’s pardon, Claire and Jamie’s guest room in Paris, Mary’s bedroom at Uncle Silas’s house, and the brothel in Paris.

From Hopetoun House it is a very short journey to Midhope Castle, another key location serving as the site of Lallybroch. This 16^th century tower house is an impressive and solid looking building which we first glimpse in series 1 episode 2 and which continues to feature in series 2, 3, and 4.

After exploring these exciting film locations, you will be taken to The Champany Inn, in Linlithgow, for some lunch. This truly unique steakhouse is bursting with character with its stone walls adorned with old portraits, lush navy and gold carpets, and exquisitely crafted wooden chairs. The steaks here are hung, butchered, grilled, and served on the premises, ensuring the ultimate experience. You may also want to try some of the burgers, such as The Champany Burger served with crispy bacon and lashed with blue cheese dressing.

Having filled yourself up with delicious food, you will then be taken to Blackness Castle, a 15^th century fortress used to mimic Fort William, the site where Jamie’s father died. Over the course of its history, Blackness Castle has been used as a weapons store, prison, and royal castle.

From there you will return to Edinburgh where you will enjoy a sumptuous meal at Monteith’s, situated on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile. Monteith’s work closely with their trusted suppliers to ensure your food is as fresh from the farm as it could possibly be. With a menu including smoked duck starter, haggis main, and chocolate tart to finish, you are sure to have a meal to remember before a well earned rest back at the Balmoral.

Stirling, Stirling Castle, Doune Castle, Dunblane
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation: Cromlix Hotel, Kinbuck, Near Dunblane (2 Nights)

First up today is a visit to the historic town of Stirling. Being at the heart of Scotland, Stirling certainly punches well above its weight with regards to historical substance. Scotland’s bloodiest battles have been fought here, including the Battle of Stirling Bridge and The Battle of Bannockburn where historic legends William Wallace and Robert the Bruce fought for the freedom of Scotland against the invading English army.

At the top of one of Scotland’s most important sites, Stirling Castle provides a panoramic view of the wondrous hilly landscape that surrounds the city. Here you will be taken back to the 16^th century, with the help of costume characters that will act as court officials, bodyguards, maids of honour, and servants.

From there you will have a lunch reservation at Fletcher’s, a family-run and friendly restaurant in Stirling. Fabulous floral décor on the walls and a grand exterior provide a touch of class matched only by the menu which is vast and delicious. From meze boards to loaded fries, and grilled steaks to burgers, pizzas, and the rest, there is absolutely no way you will leave here hungry.

The journey continues across the central belt until you reach Doune Castle. Built in the 14th century, the castle has a set of unique characteristics such as its 100 foot-high gatehouse as well as one of Scotland’s best preserved great halls. The Outlander series took advantage of this by featuring it as Castle Leoch (fictional seat of Clan MacKenzie). Not camera-shy, Doune Castle has also been used in Game of Thrones and Monty Python.

From there you will make the journey to your accommodation for the next two nights which is The Cromlix Hotel in Dunblane. The Cromlix is owned by none other than Scottish tennis sensation Andy Murray and is a refurbished Victorian mansion sitting in glorious countryside and woodlands.

You will also dine in the Cromlix’s Glasshouse Restaurant. Their cuisine is a celebration of simplicity and a ‘feast for the senses’.

Drummond Castle and Gardens, Crieff, Glenturret Distillery
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation: Cromlix Hotel, Kinbuck, Near Dunblane

The first stop of the day will be Drummond Castle and Gardens, which made its appearance in the second series of Outlander as the ‘Gardens of Versailles’. Just as it stunned viewers of Outlander, this exquisite castle and gardens impresses tens of thousands of visitors each year. With original designs dating to the 17^th century, and an update in the 19^th century, relax and take a stroll through history.

Your lunch stop today is a real gem, The Tea Garden at Comrie Croft in Crieff. This cute little spot has outdoor seating with spectacular views over the Perthshire countryside. Not only that, you will also be able to spot some of the produce that will end up in the kitchen out in the fields. With tasteful, artistic décor and a heavenly menu, The Tea Garden is sure to hit the spot.

Your next stop today will be Glenturret Distillery where you will enjoy a tour of Scotland’s oldest working distillery, with records proving there was a working distillery on this site in 1763, a quite extraordinary length of time to be producing such high quality whisky.

After another fun-filled, adventurous day you will return to the Cromlix.

Culross, Aberdour Castle, Falkland
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation: Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa, Pitlochry (2 Nights)

The first stop on day six is a visit to Culross in Fife. This location was first used in season 1 when the Mercat Cross area somehow became Cranesmuir, the fictional home of Geillis. This site was also used to film Claire’s herb garden, so keep your eyes peeled for things you recognise.

Up next is Aberdour Castle, a fantastic example of expert stonework allowing buildings to stand for hundreds of years as this place was built in the 12^th century. In Outlander, this was the filming location used to shoot shots of the monastery which becomes a welcome sanctuary for Jamie after his utterly terrible time in jail.

For lunch today you will not have to travel far as there is a delightful little café at Aberdour Castle serving all the classic sandwiches, teas, coffees, and a range of sweet treats.

After lunch you will visit Falkland, Scotland’s first conservation village, and a beautiful one at that boasting Falkland Palace, where the kings and queens of the Stuart dynasty held Court. As you stroll through the centre of the village, try to spot where they transformed Falkland into Scotland in the 1940’s, as well as 1960’s Inverness.

You will then be driven to your accommodation for the night, Fonab Castle. This 5 star hotel and spa has been restored to the highest standards and enjoys picture perfect views across the Perthshire countryside and the river Tummel. In the evening you will enjoy exquisite fine dining in the outstanding surroundings of the Brasserie. Boasting a huge array of premium Scottish produce, including Loch Creran oysters, Orkney scallops, and Highland red deer, the Brasserie has a little something for everyone.

Kinloch Rannoch to Glencoe
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation: Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa, Pitlochry

The seventh day will see you embark on an astonishing tour of the region, taking in the most significant of Outlander sites.

You will begin with a visit to Kinloch Rannoch, which is fast becoming a bucket list site to visit for many as the site that inspired Outlander’s fictitious stone circle, Craigh na Dun.

Your journey will continue through Scotland’s wondrous landscape until you arrive at Glencoe. This area was once a super volcano and erosion has left us with a dramatic landscape which, together with its bloody history – it was the scene of the infamous massacre of 1692 – attracts visitors from all around the world.  Take a deep breath, soak in the scenery and have your camera at the ready for some inspiring photos. Many will recognise Glencoe from the opening credits of Outlander, the perfect example of the majestic Scottish Highlands.

With such amazing scenery all around you, you won’t want to leave, and you won’t have to quite yet as your hotel will prepare a luxurious picnic to enjoy surrounded by the steep and impressive hills of Glencoe.

From there you will be taken back to Pitlochry where this evening you will have an experience to remember as you dine in Fonab Castle’s unique pods. Situated in the grounds of the castle, so surrounded by beautiful trees and views of Loch Faskally, these pods offer a dining experience that is truly different. You can set the temperature, play your own music, and will be looked after by your own personal server. And of course, the food is simply delicious, so we are sure you will have an unforgettable experience.

High Folk Museum, Culloden Battlefield, Inverness
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (2 Nights)

Your first stop today will be at the Highland Folk Museum at Newtonmore. The recreated Highland Township on site here was used as a filming location for Outlander and it is safe to say since then the area has got the Outlander bug. There is an annual Outlander Day to celebrate the TV show, with many people dressed up in costume and displaying traditional skills and activities that were prevalent all those years ago, including sword fighting and dying and weaving.

You will then visit Culloden Battlefield. Powerfully emotive, drenched in history and Highland blood, this is where the Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. Explore the interactive visitor centre, view fascinating artefacts from both sides of the confrontation, and gain a full understanding of one of Scotland’s most epic battles. You will also grab a quick bite to eat from the visitor centre.

From there it’s on to Inverness and your accommodation for the next two nights, the 5-star Ness Walk Hotel, which sits right on the banks of the River Ness and enjoys an oasis of calm in Inverness, an otherwise busy city, as it is surrounded by a huge canopy of trees. Here, beautiful period features combine with sleek modern features to deliver an ambiance that oozes sophistication.

You will dine in the luxurious Torrish Restaurant this evening, where you will be warmly welcomed and have the chance to try some Isle of Lewis mussels, Orkney hand-dived scallops, Speyside lamb, as well as many other delicious dishes. There is also a vegan à la carte menu, so there will be something for everyone.

Beauly Priory, Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness, Clava Cairns
Transport: Executive Mercedes V-Class (or Similar) & Private Driver
Accommodation: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness

Your first stop today will be to Beauly Priory for a truly unique experience. Explore this beautiful place, a ruined church of a little-known order of monks (founded around 1230) in a lovely riverside location.

Next on the agenda is making your way to Loch Ness. Here you will be able to soak up the views of this magnificent loch from dry land before making your way to the village of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness. Here you will join your private boat, the “Cluaran Dubh”, meet your skipper Gordon and embark on your Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness which lasts for around an hour. You will enjoy stunning views of Loch Ness, The Great Glen, and Urquhart Castle. Gordon, your skipper, was born, raised, and still lives on the Loch Ness shores. He will enlighten you with anecdotes such as witches casting spells to protect Nessie ‘The Loch Ness Monster’ from cryptozoologists. A charming and entertaining journey with awe-inspiring scenery throughout.

You will then be treated to a fantastic lunch at the awe-inspiring Loch Ness Country House where locally sourced ingredients, first-class service with a smile, and wonderful scenery combine to serve up a perfect lunch. The hot roast shellfish platter is a true standout.

You will then make your way to the site of the historic Bronze Age circular chamber tomb, Clava Cairns. Dubbed the “real Craigh na Dun” and regarded as one of Scotland’s most well-preserved historic sites, the ruins will give you an ancient historic experience in beautifully tranquil surroundings.

For dinner this evening you will head to a firm favourite in Inverness, The Mustard Seed, which offers top class food in a relaxed atmosphere. Located in a converted church, this allows for some excellent features, such as the double height ceiling and large open fire, all of which add to a sense of The Mustard Seed being truly special. On the menu you will find such delights as breast of wood pigeon, Cajun halloumi fries, Scottish salmon, and sweet and sour tofu.

From there it’s back to the Ness Walk Hotel for a great night’s sleep before heading home in the morning.

And so now is the time when your magical journey across Scotland comes to an end. We wish you all the best and hope that your adventure here will last long in the memory. The last part of the trip will involve your chauffeur escorting you to Inverness Airport, where you can say your final goodbyes.

We hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed your time with us and look back fondly on your time here with Private Chauffeur Scotland.