Film tie-ins have surfaced on toys, fast food, and even cologne, but Disney has taken movie marketing to the next level with “Scotland: A Brave Adventure,” a nine-day tour from Adventures by Disney beginning in March 2013 with visits to locations that inspired Disney/Pixar’s latest animated movie, Brave, opening June 22.
For Disney fanatics, the itinerary takes travelers to Dunnottar Castle, a ruined medieval fortress in the Scottish Highlands that forms the home of the film's heroine, Merida; the Callanish Standing Stones, a ring of stone structures on the Isle of Lewis that alters her fate in the movie; the Black House of Arnol and the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, a traditional home that served as inspiration for the Witch House; and the Rothiemurchus Estate, one of the largest natural forests in Britain, where you can indulge in Merida’s favorite pastime of riding Highland ponies. And to remind you whose pockets you’re lining, a Disney movie night is scheduled on day three.
To keep the non-fans excited, other adventures include canoeing on Loch Ness, a freshwater lake and home of fabled monster “Nessie,” an exclusive after-hours tour of Edinburgh Castle, a private guided tour through the National Museum of Scotland, and scone making and whiskey tasting on the Isle of Skye.
While “Scotland: A Brave Adventure” is currently Adventures by Disney's only movie-themed trip, a few other Adventures itineraries cry out for a bit of cinematic pixie dust: Tour the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney (Finding Nemo, anyone?), journey to China to experience stick-fighting demonstrations that would please any Mulan fan, or venture on a South African safari for face-to-face encounters with The Lion King.
Prices for the Scotland tour start from $5,149 for adults and $4,889 for children, with all scheduled meals, activities, and transfers included. Each departure also comes with two Adventure guides who act as tour guides and concierges for the trip.
See our Scotland destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights, packages, and more travel deals.