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Harry Potter's Scotland Filming Locations group tour

As extension to the main Harry Potter, spend a few extra days in Scotland

Image by Petr Slováček
Image by Taneli Lahtinen

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that possesses a unique beauty, ancient and legendary.

Edinburgh is also the birthplace of Harry Potter as JK Rowling started to write her novels at the Elephant House cafe, located in the city.

Image by Taneli Lahtinen

Glencoe

This spectacular volcanic valley is located in the Scottish Highlands, which was the site of a terrible massacre in 1692 and known as the “valley of tears” has been used in various scenes. It also housed the hut of Hagrid with a field full of pumpkins and chimney steaming, the sundial, and the suspension bridge that leads to Hogwarts.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Edinburgh


After breakfast, you will start your tour by private coach of the Harry Potter’s films location of Scotland.

The first location is the marvellous Scottish capital, Edinburgh which is also considered the birthplace of Harry Potter.

You will have free time to explore this spectacular and stunning city.

JK Rowling wrote most of her early books at the back of the Elephant House in Edinburgh, a small tea and coffee emporium. For this reason, the Elephant House is considered the birthplace of Harry Potter.

We suggest you to try the haggis, the delicious Scottish national dish based on sheep entrails.

Stay in one of our selected 4-stars hotels..



DAY 2

Glen Etive, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Fort William


After breakfast, you will start your journey by visiting Loch Etive, where you will meet your English Speaking guide. Loch Etive is a  sea lake located in the area of Argyll and Bute. The lake is located within Glen Etive, is narrow and has the shape of a snake that extends for 18 km. It is said that the name Etive comes from the Celtic goddess associated with the lake.

Glen Etive and Loch Etive have been used as locations for filming the second part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Harry, Ron and Hermione end up in Loch Etive when they jump off the back of the dragon, after their daring escape from the Gringott in London.
The northern part of the lake towards Gualachulain was the setting of the camp in the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After Ron leaves, following the argument with Harry, Hermione ties a scarf around a tree near the lake to let him know that they are gone.

One of the main attractions of Loch Etive is Dunstaffnage Castle. Built in a panoramic position, the 13th century castle, is surrounded on three side by the ocean. It is one of the most popular attractions in Scotland, a jump back in the past to the time of legendary battles for a unique experience.

You will have free time for lunch (not included).

The next stop will be Glencoe.

This spectacular volcanic valley is located in the Scottish Highlands, which was the site of a terrible massacre in 1692 and known as the “valley of tears” has been used in various scenes. It also housed the hut of Hagrid with a field full of pumpkins and chimney steaming, the sundial, and the suspension bridge that leads to Hogwarts.

The next destination will be a short stop to Rannoch Moor, a marshy area, full of peat bogs and lochan (small lakes) perfect for creating enchanted scenery.  
In the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the Deatheaters get on the train in search of Harry at Rannoch More. The scene starts with a wide shot of the Hogwarts Express crossing the moor and then a Deatheater approaches the tracks to stop the train, getting on board.

And, if you are also a fan of the series Outlander the name Rannoch Moore or Craigh na dun will certainly not be new to you; it is precisely here that Claire touched the stones for her travel to the past and to Jamie Fraser.

You will then head to Fort William where it is located your hotel for the next 3 nights.

Stay in one of our selected 4-stars hotels.



DAY 3

Fort William, Mallaig


Today, after breakfast you will have one of the most amazing adventures of your life. You will board the Hogwarts Express.

In the Harry Potter saga, the Hogwarts Express runs over the Glenfinnan Viaduct to take students to the Hogwarts school of magic and witchcraft.

The steam train used in the train is the Jacobite Steam Train that follows the same scenic route as the film that connects Fort William to Mallaig, also known as the road to the Isles.

The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander" and "Local Hero".

Once back in Fort William, you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

Stay in one of our selected 4-stars hotels.



DAY 4

Fort William, Loch Eilt, Eilean na Moine, Loch Arkaig


Today, after breakfast you will meet your guide at the hotel hall and you will start your tour by visiting Loch Eilt and Eilean na Moine.

Between the villages of Glenfinnan and Lochailort in the Scottish Highlands, there is a freshwater lake on which rise a series of small islands, Loch Eilt which appears in several movies of the saga like Harry Potter and the glass of fire, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and in the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

The most famous location of Loch Eilt is the tiny island, Eilean na Moine where Dumbledore was buried inside a white tomb, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

The next stop will be Loch Arkaig, a freshwater lake of stunning beauty. One of the islands of the lake, Eilean Loch Airceig, houses a ruined chapel dedicated to Saint Colomba. It is also said that this lake is the place where a large amount of stolen French gold coins is buried, known as the Jacobite treasure.

The scene where the dragons flutter in the sky in the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – part 2 was filmed in Loch Arkaig.

You will have free time for lunch (not included).

The next destination will be the Steal Waterfall. With its 120-metre jump is the second highest waterfall in Scotland and it is located in Nevis Gorge within Glen Nevis.

The Steal Waterfalls appeared in several Harry Potter films, as a backdrop for broomstick flight scenes, including some Quidditch games. The waterfall also appears during the Quake Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
During the Triwizard Tournament, Nevis Gorge and Steal waterfalls are seen as the arena’s background.

After a nice time enjoying the waterfalls and the spectacular surrounding, you will go back to Fort William where you will spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Stay in one of our selected 4-stars hotels.



DAY 5

Fort William, Edinburgh


After breakfast, you will check-out the hotel and you will board on your coach for your return to Edinburgh train station where the tour will end.

For those who will need to take a flight back to their hometown, we can arrange a private transfer to the airport.

Included

4 nights accommodation with breakfast
English speaking Guide
Long distance coach
Entrances as indicated in the itinerary

Not Included

Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry and Tips
Meals except breakfast
City tax to be paid to the hotel upon check-in
Travel insurance
Anything not specifically mentioned in “Service includes”.

Please note that this tour will be subject to any social distancing measure taking place in this country and some modifications may apply to any activity per the requested period of travel. Please consult us for more information.

Image by Joan Oger
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