Mercat Cross, Stirling

Departing from Edinburgh in the morning, we will head north across the Firth of Forth towards the Tuilyies Standing Stones, much like the ones we frequently see in Outlander, used as markers of where travellers can pass through and travel in time. From there, and no doubt after a few attempts at time travel, we head towards the Royal Burgh of Culross. This picturesque village is a textbook example of a 17th century village in Scotland. You might recognise the village from Outlander, as it feature as Claire’s herb garden, and the Mercat Cross in the show’s Cranesmuir Village. We continue towards Doune Castle (optional extra), which featured as Castle Leoch in Outlander, the seat of Clan MacKenzie. You might also recognise this medieval stronghold from many other different films and tv programmes such as Game of Thrones and Monty Python and the Holy Grail. On our way, we will pass the historic and imposing Stirling Castle, which sits proudly over the city of Stirling, high on volcanic rock. You can visit Stirling Castle on our Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies tour from Edinburgh. Our tour then heads south, towards the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow, where you will have time to grab some lunch, and also visit Linlithgow Palace, Outlander’s Wentworth Prison (optional extra). The palace, with it’s impressive grounds overlooking stunning scenery, was originally used as a relaxing retreat for the Royal Family on journeys between Edinburgh and Stirling Castle. From Linlithgow, we travel to Blackness, home to Blackness Castle (optional extra), affectionately known as “the ship that never sailed” due to its triangular shape, which juts out into the Forth. In Outlander, Blackness Castle is used as the set for Fort William, the headquarters of Black Jack Randall. Look down the Forth towards Edinburgh and you will be met with a view of the 3 bridges that span the water. Our final stop of the day depends on the time of year that you travel. In the summer months, we will continue to Midhope Castle (optional extra). This 16th century townhouse was the backdrop to Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s family home. Spend time here for photos and soak up the atmosphere and keep an eye out for Jamie, just in case. Should Midhope be closed for filming, or if your tour is in winter, we will instead continue to the Forth Bridges. Spanning 3 centuries of Scottish engineering and innovation, these impressive structures connect the Kingdom of Fife to the Lothians and serve as a vital transport link for the country. Then, your Outlander tour will return to Edinburgh where you can stay in town and explore some of the city centre’s sights. Or, just head back to your accommodation and binge some more Outlander.

Walk into the footsteps of the iconic Mary Queen of Scots on a guided walking tour in Edinburgh and discover the dramatic events that shook the city during her short and turbulent reign. Go from Holyrood Palace, where she lived, to Edinburgh Castle, where she gave birth to her son James VI of Scotland and I of England. Along the way, hear what happened to her during her six-year reign and find out what kind of woman she was. Enjoy an easy-going pace designed for the comfort of all travellers. Stop at various city highlights, including the John Knox House, Mercat Cross, and the impressive St. Giles Cathedral. Then, finish up your tour on the castle esplanade. PLEASE NOTE - This tour DOES NOT go inside any of the places we stop at.

Let's share a dram and explore famous landmarks and gritty street art, while I tell you tales of Glasgow’s crime and macabre past. Hear about its ties to the slave trade, its gangs, its godfathers, its ghosts, and its twisted serial killers. Let's toast with single malt Scottish Whisky and have some traditional snacks whilst learning about the 'real' Glasgow, from a real Glaswegian. Bursting with trademark dry Glaswegian humour and feisty, entertaining tales, this is a unique tour experience not to be missed. 'People Make Glasgow' and this is a tour dedicated to the people and their thrilling, hilarious, and sometimes terrifying adventures. Want to know about Bible John? The Human Crocodile? The Gorbals Vampire? Arthur Thompson and his kin? Then look no further! These are not the stories you will find in museums, they cannot be summed up in a book. Glaswegians are known to spin a yarn and are the world’s greatest storytellers ─ your guide will add their own anecdotes passed down from family, including both the historical facts and the mythical imaginings clearly defined. Walk the affluent streets of the Merchant city, be faced with Glasgow's famous High Court of Justiciary, saunter through the cultural Glasgow Green Park, and head out to the Barras Market and Barrowland Ballroom before ending in the central historic heart of our city.

Experience Stirling's medieval wall on this day tour. Scotland has had 11 fortified cities in its history, one of which was Stirling. You’ll walk along majestic streets, such as King Street, where you’ll talk about famous poets as well as the city's most relevant buildings. You'll also go up to the highest part of the city, where the old medieval market was located as well as the place where public executions were held. In the 19th century, Stirling owned the worst jail in all of Great Britain. It was a wet and nasty place that was crammed with prisoners consisting of men, women, and children. They ranged in age from minor offenders to adults, and included murderers as well as people awaiting their trial and debtors. On the other hand, the church of Holy Rude in Stirling hosted King James VI's coronation, who was the son of Mary Stuart. This church alongside Westminster Abbey is the only church still in use to have seen such events in Great Britain. Your local guide will take you through the streets of this wonderful town, where you will encounter King Street, the medieval wall, Mercat Cross, the Old Jail, the Tollbooth, the John Cowane Hospital, the Old Cemetery, Pyramid Star, and the Holy Rude Church, among others.

Make the most of your time in Edinburgh with our guided walking tour that combines two a walk on the historic Royal Mile and a skip-the-line entrance to Edinburgh Castle. The tour will begin on the Royal Mile, where your guide will lead you through cobbled streets, sharing fascinating stories of Scotland’s past and pointing out iconic landmarks like St. Giles' Cathedral, the colourful Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket with its vibrant atmosphere. Uncover Edinburgh castle's rich history and visit the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Great Hall, and St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in the city. Learn about the dramatic life of Mary, Queen of Scots, and experience the One O’Clock Gun firing. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to keep exploring the roofed buildings of the castle at your own pace.

Hear the stories of those who haunt the shadowed streets of Edinburgh on a guided walking tour. Discover the haunted locations and dark history of the city, with tales of murder, betrayal, and hardship. Start by meeting your cloaked guide at the Mercat Cross, a place with a mixed history of horror and entertainment. Hear tales of the restless souls set loose in the city, all whilst remaining above ground in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Royal Mile and hear about its dark past. Discover how the Edinburgh Mob took an execution into their own hands, the truth behind the ghastly apparition of Johnny One Arm, and the reason you should be fearful if there is a certain number on the door of your accommodation. Get a sense of 1800s Edinburgh as your guide unveils hidden meanings in stonework. Learn about gruesome spectacles of punishments and deadly consequences, as well as the stories of those whose torment continued into the grave.

Visit the Kelpies Departing Glasgow, we will travel towards The Helix in Falkirk, the home of the Kelpies. The Kelpies are named Duke and Baron, and these two incredible structures are the largest horse sculptures in the world. Made of steel, they represent a fascinating creature of Scottish folklore. Discover the Outlander filming location, Culross From The Kelpies, we travel north. We soon arrive at the Royal Burgh of Culross, a fantastic example of a 17th century village, situated on the coast of Fife on the northern side of the Forth River. Fans of Outlander will recognise this picturesque village as the Mercat Cross features as the shows Cranesmuir Village. Explore St Andrews We arrive in the stunning medieval town of St Andrews in time for lunch and refreshments. Here you can enjoy a walk around the historic town. St Andrews is steeped in history; it is home to oldest university in Scotland, a famous cathedral, golf course, is where Prince William met Kate, and is named after Scotland’s Patron Saint. Enjoy approximately two hours of free time to explore the wonderful cobbled streets in the centre. Follow Scottish Royalty at Falkland Falkland is a charming village in Fife, and our next stop on the tour. Known for it’s rich history, picturesque streets, and connections to Scottish royalty. The towns’ renaissance palace was once a favourite retreat for the Stuart Kings and Queens. Fans of Outlander might also recognise the streets of Falkland as 1940s Inverness in the show. On our return journey back to Glasgow, we will take a photo stop at an engineering masterpiece. Spanning 3 centuries of Scottish industry and innovation, the 3 bridges across the Forth; the Queensferry Crossing, the Forth Road Bridge, and the Forth Rail Bridge, are a spectacular sight. From here, it is only a short while before we return to Glasgow and our 1-day tour comes to an end.

Indulge in the very essence of Scotland's Highlands on our exclusive "Highland Delights" private day tour, thoughtfully crafted by TRIPorganiser, a beloved family-run business committed to authentic travel experiences. Your adventure begins at the Kelpies, where majestic equine sculptures greet you with their awe-inspiring presence. Next, explore the time-frozen charm of Culross, a historic gem nestled on the Firth of Forth. Take a meandering drive through the enchanting landscapes of Glendevon, with its rolling hills and tranquil glens. As the journey draws to a close, discover the quaint allure of Dunkeld, where a riverside cathedral graces the town. With a fully customizable itinerary, your personal interests guide the way, ensuring a day of unforgettable moments in the heart of the Highlands. Join us for a day of delights, where Scotland's untamed beauty and rich history create a tapestry of cherished memories. This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop at: The Kelpies The 30 metre high Kelpies are truly a sight to behold for the first stop of this amazing tour. These hand-crafted stainless steel structures gleam in the sun of the River Carron; just like the shape-shifting spirits they depict. Please note: these statues are absolutely callosal, so have your cameras at the ready! Next Stop: Culross As we approach our next stop, you wouldn’t be wrong to think that you’ve stepped back in time! The quaint village of Culross was founded in the 6th century on the banks of the Firth of Forth and boasts streets and streets of beautifully preserved buildings, squares and gardens; including the 16th century Culross Palace, the village hall, rows of fishermen’s cottages, and of course the historic Mercat Cross. If you’re wanting to explore some of the best preserved examples of historic living in Scotland, Culross is the place to do it! Next Stop: Crieff Today however, Crieff is much more recognised for being the home of Scotlands oldest registered distillery, Glenturret. Or you could even borrow a book from Innerpeffray Library - founded in 1680, it’s Scotland’s oldest lending library! Crieff is a stop everyone will love. Final Stop: Dunkeld It seems we’ve saved the best till last with our final stop arriving at the beautiful 18th century town of Dunkeld. The historic site offers much to see and do, including Dunkeld Cathedral, The Cross marketplace, the quaint boutique stores of Brae Street and Atholl Street, and of course when the timing’s right; the Highland Games too! This stop is packed with amazing history; like did you know that William Shakespeare has a famous link with the area? Discover more with a visit to Dunkeld!