Edinburgh: Private Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience

Exploring the Scottish Highlands and Outlander filming locations can be a dream come true, especially when done in style and comfort. This private tour from Edinburgh, operated by Balmoral Executive Travel, combines the magic of the iconic TV series with real history, stunning landscapes, and a touch of luxury. With a dedicated guide and a flexible itinerary, it’s designed to cater to fans, history enthusiasts, and curious adventurers alike.

What we love about this experience is the personal touch—your own chauffeur-guide, exclusive access to key filming sites, and the chance to customize your day. That said, the price of $1,144 for up to seven people might seem steep, but considering the private transport, expert guiding, and the exclusivity of the stops, it offers solid value for those seeking an intimate, hassle-free Scottish adventure.

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a day filled with Scotland’s legendary scenery, historic castles, and Outlander magic, all wrapped up in a comfortable vehicle with a knowledgeable guide. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a more personalized experience over larger group tours.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour tailored to your interests, ideal for Outlander fans and history lovers.
• Luxury transportation in a Mercedes V-Class ensures comfort and style throughout the day.
• Visit iconic filming locations, castles, and historic sites like Linlithgow Palace and Blackness Castle.
• Flexible itinerary with stops at renowned sites like Culross, Doune Castle, and Midhope Castle.
• Insightful guides with over 25 years of experience, providing depth and context.
• Stunning scenery and photo opportunities in the rugged Highlands and scenic towns.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup in Edinburgh — Starting the Day Right

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup in Edinburgh, where you’ll meet your private chauffeur-guide. This setup immediately sets a relaxed tone, with the vehicle waiting just outside your accommodation. The Mercedes V-Class is roomy, luxurious, and equipped with Wi-Fi and USB chargers, meaning you can settle in comfortably while your guide starts sharing interesting tidbits about the day ahead.

Tuilyies Standing Stones, Dunfermline

Your first stop is a quick photo opportunity at the Tuilyies Standing Stones near Dunfermline. While not a major attraction, this site offers a glimpse into ancient Scotland’s archaeological past and makes for a fascinating start to your day — especially if you enjoy the mystique of standing stones and prehistoric sites.

The Royal Burgh of Culross

Next, you’ll explore Culross, a charming Scottish town that looks like a film set. Known for its cobbled streets and historic buildings, Culross is a favorite among Outlander fans because it served as the filming location for the fictional village of Cranesmuir and Claire’s herb garden. Walking through Culross feels like stepping onto the set of the series, but what’s more compelling is the town’s genuine history and well-preserved architecture.

Doune Castle — Outlander and Monty Python

A highlight for many is a visit to Doune Castle, which has served as the filming location for Castle Leoch in Outlander and Monty Python’s Holy Grail. The castle’s atmospheric ruins and panoramic views give you a real sense of medieval Scotland. The guide often shares interesting behind-the-scenes stories, making this stop both visually impressive and engaging.

Linlithgow Palace — Queen Mary’s Residence

Your next destination is Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. These ruins evoke a regal air and provide a fantastic photo backdrop with its towering walls and scenic lochs. Besides its royal significance, fans of Outlander might recognize this as a filming location or simply appreciate its historical importance.

Blackness Castle — The Black Jack Randall Headquarters

Blackness Castle stands proudly on the Firth of Forth, with its fortress-like appearance and scenic setting. Known as the “Ship of the Forth”, it played a role in Outlander as Black Jack Randall’s headquarters and is steeped in Scottish naval history. The views from the castle are spectacular, and your guide will fill you in on the sinister stories associated with it.

Midhope Castle — Outlander’s Lallybroch

No Outlander fan’s day would be complete without a visit to Midhope Castle, the iconic “Lallybroch” home of Jamie Fraser. Although the interior isn’t open to the public, the exterior remains a popular photo spot. The castle’s rustic charm and wooded surroundings embody the series’ Highland setting, making it a must-see.

Return to Edinburgh — Wrapping Up

After a full day of exploring, your chauffeur guides you back to Edinburgh, giving you the chance to reflect on all the sights and stories. The comfortable ride allows for relaxation and perhaps some final photos or questions about Scotland’s history and filming locations.

What’s Included & Not Included

This tour covers most of what you need for a seamless experience — hotel pickup and drop-off, private chauffeur-guide, fuel, Wi-Fi, bottled water, and chargers. You’ll travel in style and comfort, which is especially valuable when covering distances across the Highlands and towns.

However, meals, additional attraction fees, and any group accommodation are not included, so planning for lunch or snacks is a good idea. Also, if you’re bringing little ones, it’s best to contact ahead for child or baby seats.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

While $1,144 might seem a lot upfront, the price includes personalized attention, luxury transport, and expert guiding, which many larger group tours can’t provide. The stops are thoughtfully chosen, blending Outlander filming locations with historic sites, so you get a rounded experience of Scotland’s culture and scenery.

The flexibility to customize the day means you can focus more on sites that interest you, whether that’s the castles, filming locations, or scenic towns. For Outlander fans, the chance to walk through Lallybroch or Claire’s herb garden in Culross makes this a memorable, fan-focused experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for outdoor lovers, history enthusiasts, Outlander fans, and anyone wanting a private, hassle-free day in Scotland. It’s perfect if you want the convenience of a chauffeur-guided day with a tailored itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with a small group or family.

It caters to those who appreciate luxury, comfort, and personalized service without sacrificing the authenticity of Scottish sights. However, it’s best suited for travelers who value quality over budget and want to make the most of their time with an expert guide by their side.

The Sum Up

The Edinburgh: Private Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience offers a compelling mix of Highland scenery, historic castles, and TV-famous filming locations, all delivered in style. With a private guide and luxury vehicle, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, engaging, and personalized exploration of Scotland’s most iconic sites.

This tour shines brightest for Outlander fans eager to see their favorite locations up close, but it also appeals to anyone interested in Scottish history, castles, and breathtaking landscapes. Its value lies in the careful curation of stops, the comfort of private transport, and the depth of local knowledge offered by seasoned guides.

While the price might be a consideration, many find that the convenience, exclusivity, and memorable experience justify the expense. If you’re seeking a day of Scottish stories, stunning views, and a touch of TV magic, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour can accommodate children, but it’s best to contact the provider beforehand to arrange child or baby seats.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with a starting time that may vary based on availability.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, private chauffeur-guide, fuel, Wi-Fi, bottled water, USC chargers, and vehicle hire.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or buy lunch during the day.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is customizable to suit your interests, allowing you to focus more on certain sites or add personal touches.

What makes this tour different from larger group options?
The private nature means more personalized attention, flexibility, and comfort, with a dedicated guide focused solely on your group.

This private tour from Edinburgh offers a well-rounded, immersive experience of Scotland’s most iconic scenes and sites—perfect for those who want to blend history, scenery, and TV magic in one memorable day.