The Outlander Trail

This is a great self-drive itinerary to follow the Outlander Trail and learn more about Scottish history. At your own pace, you'll make your way from Edinburgh into the Highlands, passing by the many locations that inspired Diana Gabaldon in writing the books and were featured in the TV series.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN EDINBURGH

Upon your arrival in Edinburgh, make your way to your hotel in the city centre. For those arriving early in the day, we recommend spending the afternoon walking through the city, strolling along the Royal Mile and exploring the Old Town and New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also plenty of museums and landmarks to visit within the city centre, including St Giles Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE CAPITAL

Spend the day delving deeper into the culture and history of Edinburgh. This way you can visit more of the local Outlander filming locations. You may recognise the World's End Pub and Holyroodhouse Palace at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Toward the top of the town, you could go for afternoon tea at the Signet Library, another filming location from season 3.

You could also spend the day visiting Glasgow. Much of the Randall's time in Boston was filmed in Scotland's largest city.

Spend another night in Edinburgh.

DAY 3: INTO THE KINGDOM OF FIFE

This morning pick up your rental car and start your road trip. Your first stop can be at Hopetoun House, the stately home that doubles as the residence of the Duke of Sandringham. Later, visit Blackness Castle, which stands as Fort William in the series. You'll then cross into Fife where you can visit as much as time allows. You'll definitely recognise the historic towns of Culross and Falkland from the series.

Spend the night in Fife.

Driving distance: 157 km / 98 miles

DAY 4: HIGHLANDS, CULLODEN AND STANDING STONES

Today you head into the rugged Highlands, following in the steps of Jamie and Claire. On the way to Inverness you can stop at the charming village of Dunkeld or to visit the 13th-century Blair Castle. You may enjoy a visit at the Highland Folk Museum, which was used as a Mackenzie village in the series.

Later, you can retrace the fictional story of Jamie at the Battlefield of Culloden Moor, and learn about the very real faith of the Highlanders of 1746. Nearby, visit the ancient Clava Cairns tombs and standing stones, the inspiration for Craigh na Dun.

Spend the night in the Inverness area.

Driving distance: 150 km / 93 miles

DAY 5: ALONG LOCH NESS

Pretend you're on your "Outlander honeymoon” and visit Inverness this morning. You'll may also want to visit the nearby ruins of Beauly Priory, featured in the series. Later, drive south to Loch Ness, where you could pop by the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition or visit the Urquhart Castle ruins on the shores. You can also opt to take a detour to admire the picturesque Glen Affric, which is reminiscent of season 1 when Jamie and Claire journey across the Highlands.

Spend the night in the Fort William area.

Driving distance: 125 km / 78 miles

DAY 6: TRAVEL PAST GLENS AND LOCHS

Today’s drive will take you through the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park back to Edinburgh. If you didn't have time earlier during your tour, you could opt to spend your last night in Glasgow to visit Scotland's largest city.

First, journey through Glen Coe and take in its impressive scenery. Later on, you'll have a choice of a few activities, from enjoying a boat tour on Loch Katrine to tasting the local flavour at Deanston Whisky Distillery. The final stop of the day is Doune Castle, the one and only Castle Leoch.

Spend the night in Edinburgh.

Driving distance: 225 km / 140 miles

DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM SCOTLAND

Today you say goodbye to Scotland. If your flight is in the afternoon, you may take your last few hours to do some last-minute shopping, visit one of Edinburgh’s many museums, or take one last stroll through the charming city centre.