Ultimate Scotland & the Highlands: Castles, Witches and Lore!

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Overview

Ultimate Scotland & the Highlands: Castles, Witches and Lore!
Edinburgh, UK
May 17 - 26, 2026
The Wanderlust Rose image
The Wanderlust Rose
$3,950
Deposit: $600

About this trip

We're going to SCOTLAND! 


Join me in Spring 2026 for my group trip to Scotland—a place I completely fell in love with in 2025 while road-tripping through the Highlands with my two sisters. From the moment we wandered through the fairy-tale streets of Edinburgh to the wild, dramatic beauty of Glencoe, I knew I had to come back—and bring YOU with me!


We are teaming up with the top-rated tour company in Scotland and have booked beautiful hotels for us during the trip (like the luxurious Scotsman Hotel, Culloden Hotel & Melville Castle!)


This trip is perfect for Harry Potter fans excited to see the Hogwarts Express, an Outlander lover ready to visit the real standing stones and the Battlefield of Culloden, or a nature enthusiast craving misty moors, ancient castles, and breathtaking Highland scenery.


We’ll be spending 10 epic days together with a local Scottish guide and private coach, hitting all the iconic spots and a few hidden gems you’d never find on your own. We’re talking castle stays, dramatic landscapes, whisky tastings, cozy pubs, and stories that bring Scottish history and myth to life.


In general, Scottish hotels tend to be very pricey, especially in more rural or scenic spots. We will be splurging and staying in castles and some beautiful historic properties. However, in Isle of Skye, our hotels are more traditional. We have the best hotels possible but in general, the island is older and there are no hotels with elevators and often no air conditioning.



25% non-refundable deposit holds your spot. Trip is non-refundable 90 days out.

What's included

9 days accommodation

Throughout our trip we'll stay in premium accommodation, centrally located with historic connections

Overnight in a castle

2 Days Isle of Skye Tour

Edinburgh Castle

Entree and audio guide

Urquhart Castle Visit

Scottish Highlands Tour

Welcome dinner

Scottish driver/guide

Spacious AC vehicle

Daily breakfast

Photos of your trip

Professionally shot photos of you around Scotland, edited and delivered in a Google Drive

3 Nights Edinburgh

Enjoy a 3 night luxurious stay at the Scotsman Hotel

Edinburgh walking tour

Loch Ness Boat Tour

Keep your eyes peeled for "Nessie" the infamous Loch Ness Monster!

Culloden Battlefield

Eilean Donan Castle

Optional Whiskey tasting

At Talisker Distillery Portree

The Kelpies

Unique historic hotel

Bonnie Prince Charles has stayed here!

Reindeer Farm Visit

Edinburgh Dungeon Tour

Speyside Cooperage

Hagrids Hut Location

Take a short hike to see the location of Hagrid's Hut from the Harry Potter movies

Harry Potter Sights

Visit key sights from the books/movies all around Scotland

Loch Lomond Visit

Midhope Castle

Better known as Outlander's Lallybroch, we'll get to visit this historic property from the series!

Dunvegan Castle

Hogwarts Express Viewing

Gather on the hillside and watch the Jacobite train pass by! This is the real life Hogwarts Express used in the movies.

What's not included

Airfare

Airport transfer

Tips for our local guide

Some meals & drinks

Travel insurance

Day 1

Day 1 image

Welcome to Edinburgh

Welcome to Edinburgh! 


Freshen up in your room before our included welcome dinner that night! 


We'll do introductions and maybe go out for a "wee dram' after dinner to see some live music. 


We will be staying at the beautiful centrally located, Scotsman Hotel right by the famous Royal Mile!! You couldn't ask for a better location! 

Day 2

Day 2 image

Explore Edinburgh

Today we’ll be exploring the beautiful city of Edinburgh! We’ll kick things off with a walking tour to dive into the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks including many Harry Potter points of inspiration like Diagon Alley and Voldemort's grave. 


Afterward, we’ll head into the iconic Edinburgh Castle to explore its fascinating past. 


Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to have a butter beer overlooking Victoria Street or enjoy shopping for some Harris Tweed souvenirs! 


This evening we will be visiting some of the best pubs in Edinburgh to listen to live music. 

Day 3

Day 3 image

Explore Edinburgh

Enjoy a free morning to visit one of Edinburgh's many free museums or join me to visit some of the key Outlander locations around the city like Jaime's print shop!


Later, you'll get the chance to meet with my friend, a professional kilt maker who will explain all about the history of tartans and kilts! 


In the afternoon, we'll visit the Ediburgh Dungeon for a live action retelling of Edinburgh's dark history! 


In the evening, you'll have the option to join a ghost tour if you're interested in the city's haunted past. 


Day 4

Day 4 image

Edinburgh to Fort William

We’ll hit the road from Edinburgh, and our first stop is the Kelpies, two towering horse-head sculptures. They’re inspired by ancient Scottish legends, kelpies are shape-shifting water spirits said to lure unsuspecting travelers to watery fates. 


After that,  we will go to Luss for some lochside views, enjoy lunch and a castle visit in Inveraray, grab a snap at Kilchurn Castle, and finish with a breathtaking stop in Glencoe.  


Enjoy dinner and overnight in Fort William.

Day 5

Day 5 image

Fort William to Portree

Today we head to the beautiful Glenfinnan Viaduct, famously featured in the Harry Potter films as the Hogwarts Express, this is a beautiful stop and we will see the train passing by with its iconic steam coming out. 


After this, we head to the stunning Eilean Donan Castle, including time for lunch. 


After that, we make our way to the iconic Isle of Skye! 


The Isle of Skye is a stunning but remote part of Scotland, and with that comes a bit of rustic charm. Hotels here are more basic, and none of them have elevators—so be prepared for stairs. Due to limited availability on the island, our group will be split between two cozy hotels just a 2-minute walk apart.

Day 6

Day 6 image

Explore Isle of Skye

Today is all about exploring the island's raw natural beauty. The Old Man of Storr, a towering pinnacle of rock steeped in legend and one of Scotland’s most photographed spots. 


We continue to the Quiraing, a surreal landslip offering panoramic views of cliffs, plateaus, and hidden glens. We will see much of Skye's beautiful landscape today, but we will also learn more about the Scottish famous whiskey at the Talisker Distillery. 


Day 7

Day 7 image

Nessie, Culloden Battlefield and Outlander Stones

Today we will be looking for Nessie on Lochness we will be sailing this famous loch and getting a close-up look at the eerie Urquhart Castle—it’s the perfect mix of history and mystery. 


After our cruise, we’ll visit Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle of the Jacobite rising took place. This is a very impressive place when you learn more about the history that took place there. 


Our final stop of the day is Clava Cairns, an ancient burial site that’s got a real ‘Outlander’ vibe.

Day 8

Day 8 image

Cawdor Castle & Speyside Cooperage

We’ve got a pretty special day ahead. First up is Cawdor Castle—it’s got that real storybook vibe, with lush gardens and loads of character (plus, it's a great spot to grab lunch). 


After that, we’ll head to the little town of Elgin, wander the town a bit, and check out the cathedral ruins—they’re massive and magical, even in their crumbled state. And to wrap things up, we’re heading to the Speyside Cooperage, where we’ll watch folks actually making whisky barrels by hand.

Day 9

Day 9 image

Cairngorms and Highland Traditions

Today we’ll head into the mountains to visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd. They’re super gentle and used to people, so you’ll be able to walk right alongside them (and maybe even give one a little nose rub). 


After that, we’ll dive into Highland history at the Folk Museum. It’s like stepping into a time machine—with old cottages, real fires burning, and people showing how things were done way back when. (And for Outlander fans, you'll recognize this from season 1!) 


After, we'll make the drive back to Edinburgh and check into our castle stay!

Day 10

Day 10 image

Time to say goodbye!

Final farewell breakfast at the castle then time to say goodbye! 


All photos will be shared in a Google Drive following the trip! 

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1. Edinburgh, UK

Edinburgh, UK

About your organizer

Hi, I'm Emily Rose! In 2018, I sold all my stuff and moved into my suitcase to travel full time and work around the world! After 33 countries and 29 states, I decided to start bringing others along on my adventures with me! Check out my website TheWanderlustRose.com or my Instagram (@thewanderlust_rose) for all things travel and adventure. I can't wait to meet you!

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