Magical tour through Scotland: following in Harry Potter's footsteps
On the Tracks of the Hogwarts Express, from the Mystical Highlands to the Scottish Castles that Inspired the Magical World of Harry Potter.
Duration
7 days
From
€1,850/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Family, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Have you always dreamed of traveling aboard the Hogwarts Express and diving into the mythical settings of the Harry Potter films? This tour takes you directly to the most iconic Scottish filming locations of the saga. Follow in the footsteps of your favorite wizard and experience an enchanting adventure, from Edinburgh to Fort William, passing through Glasgow and Glencoe Valley.
Admire the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, used by the Hogwarts Express, explore the spectacular landscapes that brought to life the universe imagined by J. K. Rowling and discover the cities that inspired the creation of the saga. Between mysterious castles, legendary lochs, wild valleys and history-laden streets, this journey blends cinema, nature and heritage. A magical adventure that will enchant both Harry Potter enthusiasts and lovers of Écosse and its fascinating landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Edinburgh: a magical journey through Scotland: following in the footsteps of J. K. Rowling
Scotland, with its mystical landscapes and enchanting atmosphere, was a major source of inspiration for J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter saga. This tour invites you to discover the iconic locations that marked the writing of this famous fantasy series, paying tribute to the author's Scottish heritage and the magical universe she created.
In Edinburgh, start at the Elephant House, the café with the red storefront where Rowling wrote the first lines of her saga in 1997. Although the café closed its doors in 2022 following a fire, the storefront remains accessible and testifies to the origin of the Harry Potter phenomenon. Just beside it, you can admire the plaque that reads "Birthplace of Harry Potter".
Next, head to the Balmoral Hotel, where Rowling completed the writing of the seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Suite 552 now bears the author's name, and you will discover the graffiti she left on the wall with the words: "J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room on 11 January 2007".
The magic continues with the discovery of Victoria Street and Cockburn Street, colorful streets in Edinburgh that inspired Diagon Alley. These vibrant streets, filled with charming little shops, recall the atmosphere of the famous magical street in the Harry Potter world. It is not uncommon to find joke and novelty shops, just like those of the Weasley twins in the saga.
Finally, immerse yourself in the universe of the saga's characters by visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery, a mysterious and haunted place where Rowling drew names for her characters: Sirius Black, Rufus Scrimgeour and even Voldemort find their origin there.
This tour is an immersion in the magical universe of Harry Potter through the places that shaped the saga, for an adventure as fascinating as it is magical.
Edinburgh: magical journey through Scotland: in the footsteps of J. K. Rowling
Less well-known than in Edinburgh, a few monuments in Glasgownonetheless immerse you in the magical universe of Harry Potter. One of the most emblematic places is Glasgow University, perched on a hill in the Hillhead district. Founded in 1451, this prestigious institution played a key role in the city's development.
The university is a perfect example of Gothic architecture, with its dark stones, its cloisters with wide arcades, and its mysterious passageways. This impressive ensemble exudes an esoteric atmosphere that will surely remind you of the settings of Hogwarts, the school of magic in Harry Potter. It is widely recognized that J.K. Rowling was inspired by these places to recreate the unique atmosphere of the famous school.
The university is open to the public and entry is completely free, allowing you to discover this magical place at your own pace. Located just minutes from the Kelvinhaugh district, with its parks, gardens, museums and lively city centre, this visit fits perfectly into a day of discovery in Glasgow, a dynamic and youthful city where everything can be done on foot or by public transport.
Take full advantage of it to explore all its treasures.
Glasgow: Following in the Footsteps of Harry Potter
On your way to Fort William, you will be struck by the wild beauty of the Glencoe valley, a picturesque landscape where majestic mountains and shimmering lakes stretch out on the horizon. This location served as a backdrop for several iconic scenes from the Harry Potter films.
At Glencoe, you will easily recognize three famous sets: Hagrid's hut, the bridge leading to the entrance of Hogwarts, and a few scenes set on the shores of Loch Etive, heading towards Fort William.
Not far from there, do not miss the Steall Falls, spectacular waterfalls 120 meters high, which were filmed during scenes where Harry faces the dragon or during Quidditch matches of the Triwizard Tournament.
For an even more magical immersion, board the steam train that runs between Fort William and Mallaig. This train, nicknamed the Hogwarts Express (but officially known as the Jacobite Steam Train), will allow you to cross the famous Glenfinnan viaduct. This two-hour journey is the perfect opportunity to relive the magical experience of Harry Potter, while enjoying Jelly beans on board!
Along the route, you will pass Loch Eilt, the famous Hogwarts lake, where you will find a small mysterious islet, known as « Dumbledore's white tomb ». This enigmatic place, which appears in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, exudes a bewitching atmosphere, perfect for fans of the saga.
A journey through these iconic locations will offer you a magical experience, plunging into the heart of the Harry Potter universe settings.
Glencoe and Fort William: A magical journey in the heart of Harry Potter scenery
Glencoe → Perthshire
Although often considered a stopover region by tourists, Perthshire is a hidden gem of Écosse, rich in magnificent landscapes and exceptional discoveries. This region, though little-known, features on the list of must-visit places for Potterheads, as it inspired J.K. Rowling in writing the Harry Potter saga.
During this magical tour, immerse yourself in the spectacular panoramas of Perthshire, which contributed to the creation of some of the saga's settings. The wild landscapes, lush forests and winding rivers of the region fueled the author's imagination, offering moments of pure magic and mystery, perfectly in tune with the fantastical world of Hogwarts.
Let yourself be enchanted by these captivating places and discover the panoramas that inspired the writer, for an immersive experience in the heart of magical Écosse.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Air transport and travel insurance
- The single room supplement
- Franchise buyback, additional driver, or a vehicle with automatic transmission
- Lunches, dinners and other services not mentioned
Included
- Custom creation of your itinerary
- 3 nights in 3* accommodation in Edinburgh and Glasgow, in rooms with bathroom and toilet facilities
- 4 nights staying with local families, in rooms with bathroom and toilet facilities
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 days of car rental with manual transmission, comprehensive insurance and taxes
- Your tickets for the Jacobite train, round trip in first class
- The reservation and prepayment of all your services
- Your travel journal
- Telephone support 7 days a week in French
- Carbon footprint offset of your trip with local organizations
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Scotland for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
Scotland is part of the United Kingdom. To enter, nationals of the EEA and Switzerland must be in possession of a valid passport for the entire duration of the stay. Since Brexit, the national identity card is no longer accepted as a travel document to the United Kingdom for the vast majority of travelers.
Canadian nationals must also present a valid passport for the duration of the stay.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the United Kingdom.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 6 months on British territory. It is not possible to extend this stay from within the United Kingdom beyond this duration for a tourist stay.
British authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the stay,
proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, invitation, etc.).
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Since the beginning of 2025, the United Kingdom has implemented the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a mandatory electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals, including citizens of the EEA, Switzerland, and Canada.
The ETA must be obtained before departure and is electronically linked to the traveler's passport. It allows multiple entries to British territory and is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The application is made online via the application or official website of the British government.
The required information includes notably:
passport information
personal information and contact details
answers to questions relating to eligibility
Travel with children
Minors must be holders of their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of the United Kingdom in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims declaration procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Since Brexit, you can stay in the United Kingdom (including Scotland) visa-free. A valid passport is required (identity cards are no longer accepted since 2021). An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) will soon be mandatory: check the timeline. Before booking, verify the rules applicable to your nationality with the UK consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between €220 and €360 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€150-400 return from Paris) are additional. Car rental is almost essential for the Highlands.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to the traveler's profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Professional Association for Tourism Solidarity) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Edinburgh and Lowlands
Celtic Soul Guide, based in Sligo, Irlande
Scotland is felt as much as it is visited. There is in the Highlands a strength, a light, and a memory that stay with travelers long after they leave.
— Fabienne
