Outlander, Whisky, and Highlands Tour

29th January 2024

A promise of history, romance, and the allure of the Highlands draws travelers to our 7-day Outlander, Whisky, and Highlands Tour. Visit splendid castles and walk through the moors traversed by the heroic Claire and Jamie Fraser as they navigated Highland life in the 18th century.

Explore Outlander filming locations alongside some of the "must see" locations around Edinburgh, Fife and the Highlands, with a couple of whisky distillery visits for good measure. 

In this blog we will take you through what you can expect on each day, on one of our most requested tour itineraries. However, there are many more Outlander sites throughout Scotland, and we are happy to curate tours to suit your needs. 

Day 1 - Old Edinburgh

One our first morning, we make our way directly to two sites you will recognise from the show. First up is Craigmillar Castle (Ardsmuir Prison), where Mary Queen of Scots spent time recovering from the birth of her son and to get away from her unpleasant second husband Lord Darnley. Next, we travel south to Glencorse Old Kirk, 17th century church where Claire and Jamie tied the knot.

In the afternoon you will have some time to wander through the enchanting streets of Old Edinburgh, where history whispers through every cobblestone. As you walk along the Royal Mile, you will start to understand what it felt like to be Claire as you are transported back in time by the majestic architecture surrounding you. Look out for Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scott Monument. Uncover the secrets of the city's past as you explore the narrow closes and hidden wynds, each with its own story to tell. The day sets the stage for the adventure ahead, leaving you captivated by the charm of Scotland's capital.

Day 2 - East Lothian & Glenkinchie Distillery

Heading east, we delve into the tranquil beauty of East Lothian, a region adorned with rolling green hills and golden beaches. We will visit the Battle Of Prestonpans Jacobite Museum to learn about Bonnie Prince Charlie’s 1745 triumph over Government forces. We have another Outlander filming location for you of course - the mill on Fraser Lallybroch’s estate a.k.a. Preston Mill. This is a beautiful, peaceful spot and a great palate cleanser after all the talk of battles!

Our journey takes a delightful turn as we arrive at Glenkinchie Distillery, where the art of whisky-making comes to life. Immerse yourself in the nuances of Scotch production, from malting to maturation. We conclude the day with a tasting session, savoring the rich flavors that make Glenkinchie a testament to Scotland's whisky heritage.

Day 3 - Lallybroch & Culross Village

For Outlander enthusiasts, Day 3 is a dream come true as we visit Lallybroch’s central holdings, Midhope Castle. Nestled amidst the picturesque countryside, this iconic location offers the opportunity to dive right into Claire and Jamie’s world. We will also visit Hopetoun House which was used regularly for scenes during the first three Outlander seasons. Take a look at their Outlander scenes map! https://hopetoun.co.uk/wp-hopetoun-house/wp-content/uploads/Outlander-Map-edit.pdf) 

Following the footsteps of our favorite characters, we venture north to the 15th century fortress of Blackness Castle (used as the setting for the Fort William headquarters of ‘Black Jack’ Randall in the Outlander series.) To end the day, we venture over the river Forth to a preserved 17th and 18th-century gem, the ancient burgh of Culross. Fans will know it as the village of Cranesmuir. Its cobbled streets and charming houses transport visitors to the heart of Outlander's captivating universe.

Day 4 - To the Highlands

Our first stop on Day 4 is Aberdour Castle, originally built in the early 12th century. You will know it as the abbey where Jamie is taken to recover from his injuries following his rescue from Wentworth prison. 

Inverness is the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and today’s Inverness is a bustling metropolis. While beautiful, present day Inverness couldn’t be used to portray a 20th century town. Instead, the Outlander team chose the beautiful small town of Falkland for the scene where Frank is shaken by the sight of Jamie’s ghost (Season 1 Episode 1). Falkland’s Renaissance style palace and colorful Gardens are a must see. 

We will visit Tibbermore Church, where Geillis Duncan and Claire Randall were put on trial after being accused of witchcraft, before venturing north.

We leave the Lowlands behind in the late afternoon to journey into the rugged embrace of the Scottish Highlands. The landscapes evolve into a breathtaking tapestry of mountains, glens, and lochs. As we traverse the A9, each bend in the road unveils a new vista more stunning than the last.

Day 5 - Balmoral Castle & Royal Deeside: A Royal Retreat

Our adventure takes a regal turn as we visit Balmoral Castle, the Scottish retreat of the Royal Family. Surrounded by the scenic splendor of Royal Deeside, Balmoral's turreted towers and expansive grounds exude a sense of grandeur. Explore the magnificent gardens and immerse yourself in the history of this royal residence. As you stroll through the estate, you'll feel a connection to the past, where kings and queens found solace in the embrace of the Highlands. In particular, you will see Queen Victoria’s influence, the monarch who lovingly shaped this royal residence into what you see today.

You will enjoy some free time in the town of Ballater, where the Royals like to shop during their visits, and then we will make our way along the atmospheric Glenshee mountain towards the Cairngorms National Park.

Day 6 - Highland Perthshire & Blair Athol Distillery

The Hermitage is one of Scotland’s most famous walks - loved by locals and visitors alike! It is the perfect way to start the penultimate day of our tour, and takes you through some of the best scenery in Highland Perthshire. You may recognise The Hermitage woods from season 4 and 5 when Claire and Jamie travel to America and walk through woodlands in the Carolinas.

Our journey leads to Blair Athol Distillery, nestled on the banks of the River Tummel. Here, the alchemy of whisky-making unfolds against a backdrop of heather-clad hills and ancient woodlands. Enjoy Blair Athol’s distinct character during an afternoon tasting. This day encapsulates the essence of Highland Perthshire, where whisky and wilderness exist in perfect harmony.

Day 7 - Craigh Na Dun, Crieff, and Drummond Castle Gardens

Our final day will be spent enjoying more of the Scottish Highland, beginning with Kinnloch Rannoch which was used as the backdrop for the Craigh Na Dun Outlander scenes. We will then stop for tea in the picturesque Kenmore Village on the banks of Loch Tay.

Next, we journey to Crieff, a quaint town with a rich artisanal heritage where you can explore shops selling local crafts and traditional Scottish delicacies. This route takes us through the ‘Sma Glen’ - a scenic glen with the fast-flowing River Almond running along the narrow valley floor.

Our grand finale unfolds at Drummond Castle Gardens, a masterpiece of formal gardens set against the stunning backdrop of the castle. The gardens were used as the park and orchard of the Palace of Versailles in Outlander Season 2. 

As the sun sets on our 7-day odyssey through time, we bid farewell to the Highlands and make our way back to Edinburgh.

Book Your Outlander Adventure with Best Scottish Tours

The Best Scottish Tours team, with our expertise and passion for Scotland's rich tapestry, stands ready to make your Outlander, Whisky, and Highlands adventure a reality. Get in touch to unlock the magic of Scotland, where every step unveils a new chapter in the captivating story of this ancient land.