From Edinburgh: Outlander Experience 2-Day Tour

Travelers with a love for Scottish history, breathtaking landscapes, and Outlander fans alike will find this 2-day guided adventure quite appealing. Priced at $337 per person, it offers a chance to explore legendary sites like Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, and Midhope Castle, along with the mysterious Clava Cairns and Loch Ness. The tour, led by knowledgeable guides like Steven and Brodie, balances sightseeing with storytelling, making it both educational and entertaining.

What we particularly appreciate about this experience are the detailed storytelling at each stop — especially at the castles — and the striking scenery that makes every photo opportunity worthwhile. Plus, the small group size (limited to 16 participants) ensures a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.

On the flip side, a potential challenge is the packed itinerary, which leaves little time at some locations—so if you’re hoping for a relaxed, linger-longer experience, this may not be the best fit. This tour suits those eager to cover a lot of ground in a short time, especially if Outlander’s scenery and filming locations are your main focus.

Key Points

• Authentic filming locations like Lallybroch (Midhope Castle) and Doune Castle bring Outlander’s story to life.
• Guided storytelling enhances the experience, with guides sharing Scottish history and fun facts.
• Stunning Highland scenery provides ample photo opportunities and memorable views.
• Small-group setting offers a more personal experience and better interaction with guides.
• Comprehensive itinerary covers castles, battlefields, and landscapes, but can be somewhat rushed.
• Value for money given the inclusion of transport, one night’s accommodation, and many sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Outlander Tour Experience

The Logistics: What to Expect in Practice

This 2-day tour kicks off from a designated meeting point in Edinburgh, with the exact location depending on your booking choice. The tour is run by Highland Experience Tours and typically includes transportation in a comfortable vehicle, a driver/guide, one night’s accommodation with breakfast, and entrance to Doune Castle. The small group size—capped at 16 participants—helps keep the experience personable and allows for better interaction with your guide.

The tour operates on a check availability basis, with flexible start times, so you should plan to confirm your schedule beforehand. The entire experience lasts around 2 days, and you’ll want to check the weather forecast, especially for outdoor stops like the Highland Folk Museum and Loch Ness, since Scottish weather can be unpredictable.

Day 1: From Edinburgh to the Highlands

Your adventure begins with a departure from Edinburgh, heading straight into the heart of Scotland’s Highland landscape. The first major stop is Blackness Castle, often called “the ship of the Forth” for its fortress-like structure overlooking the river. While some reviews note this site may close unexpectedly for filming or other reasons, it remains a quintessential Scottish castle with stunning views and a strong cinematic connection.

Next, you’ll visit Doune Castle, famously featured in Outlander and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This well-preserved medieval fortress is a highlight, with its scenes of Jamie and Claire’s adventures making fans’ hearts beat faster. One reviewer mentioned that we didn’t get to see Doune Castle on a trip, which can happen due to short notice closures, so it’s wise to manage expectations.

Afterward, the group heads deeper into the Highlands, passing through charming villages like Falkland—a town that doubles as a filming location—and enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way. Expect to stop at Clava Cairns, a prehistoric cemetery complex about 4,000 years old. It’s a quiet place that feels almost otherworldly, perfect for reflecting on the ancient history of the land.

Day 2: Highland Heritage and Loch Ness

The second day takes you northward toward Inverness, the heart of the Highlands. The tour includes a visit to the infamous Culloden Battlefield, where the last pitched battle on British soil was fought in 1746. Guides often share vivid stories of the Jacobites and the significance of this site—an emotional highlight for history buffs.

From there, some tours explore the Highland Folk Museum, offering a glimpse into living history and traditional Scottish life. Reviewers praise guides like Brodie for making these stories lively and engaging. The landscape around Loch Ness is a fitting finale, where you might catch a glimpse of the famous monster or simply enjoy the serene waters and dramatic hills.

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What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability. Multiple reviews highlight guides like Steven and Brodie as being engaging, informative, and passionate about Scottish history and Outlander’s filming locations. Their storytelling adds depth to the sites, turning mere ruins and landscapes into parts of a living story.

The scenery is another major draw. Scotland’s rolling hills, ancient castles, and mysterious lochs create a cinematic backdrop that will impress even those not familiar with Outlander. For fans, standing in the actual locations where scenes were shot elevates the experience.

The inclusion of accommodation and meals adds convenience, and the value offered—covering transportation, entrance fees (like Doune Castle), and lodging—makes this a solid choice for travelers who want a comprehensive Highland experience without the hassle of planning each detail themselves.

Points to Consider

While many reviewers rave about the trip, some mention the tight schedule and wish for longer at certain sites like Culloden or the Folk Museum. The bus can be loud, especially during gear shifts and acceleration, which can detract from the experience. Also, not all locations are guaranteed to be open or accessible, like Midhope Castle, which can close unexpectedly for filming.

For solo travelers, be mindful that single-room options might be limited or come with an added fee, and luggage restrictions (maximum 15kg, 55cm x 40cm x 20cm) mean packing light is essential.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for Outlander fans eager to see the actual filming locations and explore Scottish castles and landscapes. It’s also great for those who enjoy guided storytelling and want a well-organized way to see a lot of Scotland’s highlights in a short time. If you’re looking for a relaxed, linger-longer trip, this might feel a bit rushed, but if you want to cover a lot of ground with expert guides, it delivers.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Outlander-themed tour from Edinburgh offers a well-rounded introduction to Scottish castles, battlefields, and scenic landscapes. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge help bring the sites alive, making it especially appealing for fans of the series and history buffs alike.

The value for the price—covering transportation, accommodation, and many key sites—is quite good, especially given the small group size and personalized experience. It’s a convenient, engaging way to get a taste of Scotland’s rugged beauty and storied past in just a couple of days.

If your goal is to see the most iconic Outlander filming locations while enjoying the scenery and learning about Scottish history, this tour is a strong choice. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate guided storytelling, are comfortable with busy schedules, and want a memorable, immersive experience.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts two days, with start times varying depending on your booking. It includes transportation, accommodations, and site visits over the two days.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included, so you’ll need to plan for your own lunches and dinners. Some stops might have options, but advance planning is advised.

Can I visit Midhope Castle?
Midhope Castle, also known as Lallybroch, is part of the tour but may close unexpectedly for filming, so access can be limited without notice.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 16 people, offering a more intimate experience compared to large bus tours.

Are children allowed?
Children under 3 are not permitted. For others, check with the tour provider about suitability, especially considering the pace and outdoor nature of the trip.

What’s the price, and is it worth it?
At $337 per person, the tour offers good value, especially considering transportation, lodging, and site admissions are included. It’s a convenient way to see many highlights without extra planning.

What should I bring?
Bring weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, and light luggage (max 15kg/55cm x 40cm x 20cm) as luggage restrictions apply. Prepare for potentially variable weather and some walking.

In the end, this Outlander experience balances convenience, storytelling, and scenery, making it a memorable way to see Scotland’s highlights in just two days. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply love Scottish castles and landscapes, it’s a tour that offers a lot of value packed into a manageable schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: