Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
8 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1150 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Edinburgh
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Charming and vibrant, Edinburgh is Scotland’s ancient capital city and a hub for culture and creativity. Attractions include historic Edinburgh Castle, the picturesque Royal Mile and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the home of Scottish royal history.

The Scottish Highlands
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Follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie in the wild and beautiful Scottish Highlands, with stunning lochs, imposing mountains and wild moors.

Clava Cairns
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Visit the incredibly well-preserved Clava Cairns standing stones, the remains of a Bronze Age cemetery dating back approximately 4000 years.

Isle of Skye
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Voyage ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ to one of the most spectacular islands in the world, popular for its stunning and dramatic volcanic scenery, including the Cuillin mountain range, the iconic Storr and spectacular Quiraing.

Historic Falkland
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Stay overnight in picturesque Falkland – the historic village in the Kingdom of Fife which doubles as Inverness in the Outlander TV series.

Castle Leoch
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Enjoy an unforgettable visit to the fascinating 14th century Doune Castle, which you will recognise as Castle Leoch – seat of Clan MacKenzie.

A Captivating Outlander-Inspired Tour of Scotland

This Outlander inspired self-drive tour of Scotland will transport you back in time to experience the highlights of Diana Gabaldon’s hit series of books and follow in the footsteps of beloved characters to the locations featured in the epic TV series.

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The journey begins in Edinburgh, one of the most spectacular capital cities in Europe, where you can experience cobbled streets and narrow alleyways with world-class restaurants and tourist attractions around every corner. 

Your tour then ventures into the Kingdom of Fife for an overnight stop in historic Falkland, before travelling onwards to the mystical Scottish Highlands. Here, you’ll enjoy two nights in Inverness – ‘the Capital of the Highlands’ – giving you plenty of time to explore ancient castles, mysterious standing stones, and former clan strongholds. 

Two memorable nights on the spectacular Isle of Skye are a highlight of the trip, with the impressive Cuillin mountains towering over deep glens and spectacular sea views. 

The final stop on your tour is an overnight stay amongst the rolling green hills of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. A visit to Castle Leoch, home of the MacKenzie clan, rounds off an unforgettable Outlander tour of Scotland.

 

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Edinburgh
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Arrive in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, where you’ll find world-class restaurants and shopping alongside cobbled medieval streets and one of the most recognisable castles in the world. Why not follow in Jamie and Claire’s footsteps and have a ‘wee dram’ in the World’s End Pub? Welcome to Scotland!

Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 2: Edinburgh Sightseeing
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Spend a day exploring Edinburgh’s fantastic sights. Visit Holyrood Palace – the official residence of the British monarchy in Scotland and see where Claire begged Bonnie Prince Charlie to abandon his hopeless cause. Explore the cobbled streets and hidden alleyways of the Royal Mile, or enjoy awe-inspiring views from Arthur’s Seat – an extinct volcano which looms over the city.
Overnight – Edinburgh

Day 3: Edinburgh to Falkland
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Your journey into the world of Outlander continues this morning as you depart Edinburgh for Blackness Castle, which doubles as Fort William in the TV series. The castle interior will be familiar as the scene where Black Jack Randall whips Jamie. Next stop is the historic village of Culross which stands in as the fictional Cranesmuir, before making your way to beautiful Falkland – instantly recognisable as 1940’s Inverness from the TV series.
Overnight – Falkland, Kingdom of Fife

Day 4: Falkland to Inverness
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After a hearty breakfast visit remarkable Falkland Palace & Garden, childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots, before heading north to the rolling hills and ancient forests of Perthshire. Your journey continues through the spectacular Cairngorms National Park where you’ll find the wonderful Highland Folk Museum. This ‘living museum’ has recreated a traditional Highland township and was used extensively in the filming of Outlander. Onwards to historic Inverness – your Highland home for the next two nights.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 5: Inverness Sightseeing
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The Highlands are your playground today and sightseeing opportunities are endless. You could visit Culloden Battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Highland army made their last stand against the Redcoats in 1746. Learn more about this bloody chapter in Scottish history and see where Claire and Jamie said their goodbyes.

A short drive away is the mysterious Clava Cairns. This 4,000 year old burial site with prehistoric standing stones was Diana Gabeldon’s inspiration for Craigh na Dun, and is certainly an evocative place. A second night in Inverness gives you plenty of time to explore the beautiful countryside, visit a local whisky distillery, and enjoy fantastic local cuisine.
Overnight – Inverness

Day 6: Inverness to the Isle of Skye
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World-famous Loch Ness is your first stop today, where Claire spotted the mystical water-horse. Will you catch a glimpse of ‘Nessie’ too?

Your drive today is full of ancient castles and shimmering lochs as you make your way to the Isle of Skye. Take the chance to visit Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland and former stronghold of Clan MacKenzie. The opening titles of the TV series play the Scottish folk song ‘Over the Sea to Skye’ – the journey you’ll make before spending two nights on the island.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

Day 7: Isle of Skye Sightseeing
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The magical Isle of Skye is without doubt one of the most special places in Scotland, where the dramatic Cuillin mountains and stunning seascapes combine with the warmest of Highland hospitality. A wildlife cruise allows you to explore the coast and spot seals, otters and great golden eagles.

Pay a visit to the grave of the legendary Flora McDonald, who hid Bonnie Prince Charlie from Redcoats after he fled from Culloden. Flora’s arrival in the American colonies after leaving Scotland is documented in Outlander. Skye is dotted with wonderful craft shops and galleries for souvenir hunting too.
Overnight – Isle of Skye

 

Day 8: Isle of Skye to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
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Take a scenic ferry journey back to the mainland before making your way to the Glenfinnan Monument – a poignant memorial to the thousands of Jacobites who lost their lives in the 1745 uprising. Continue through Glencoe, a spectacular glacial valley once home to the McDonald clan, where you can learn the sad story of the Massacre of Glencoe.

Travel onwards through wild Rannoch Moor into Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, where your overnight stop awaits – along with a very familiar looking castle! Doune Castle stands in as the fictional Castle Leoch in the TV series, and is the location where Claire is held captive by Colum MacKenzie. You’ll have plenty of time to explore this fascinating 14th century castle before perhaps enjoying the hospitality at a local inn.
Overnight – Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Day 9: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to Edinburgh, and depart
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After breakfast, it is less than a 2 hour journey to Edinburgh where your Outlander adventure will come to an end.

If time allows, you could stop to visit Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison in Outlander) en route. You can tour the spectacular palace, which is famously the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, or just enjoy a walk around the grounds overlooking Linlithgow Loch.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Scottish breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of Scotland with our recommended driving route
  • 9 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • Tickets for the Edinburgh City Sightseeing Tour
  • All ferry crossings (as per your itinerary)
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard
Standard Standard
Standard Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £1150

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Scottish experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £1795

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Scotland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Tax
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Intermediate
Volkswagen Passat or similar
  • Good for up to 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Fullsize
VW Sharan or similar
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission

Make an enquiry

Outlander Tour

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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