Top Aberdeen Day Trips

Discover the beauty and royal heritage of the Royal Deeside on this small-group tour from Aberdeen. Head first for Balmoral Castle where you can walk in the footsteps of the royals who have called the castle home. Afterward, head through the east Cairngorms to Ballater, a charming Victorian village of Ballater with royal connections. On the way back to Aberdeen, you'll visit the Cambus O'May suspension bridge, the Tomnavarie Stone Circle, and the Queen's View, one of Queen Victoria's favorite Aberdeenshire views.

(70)

from $141

Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.9

(89)

from $141

Likely to Sell Out

Balmoral and Royal Deeside Shore Excursion from Aberdeen

Start your day at the Port of Aberdeen, for a journey filled with breathtaking views and captivating stops. Your first destination is the stunning Falls of Feugh, just a short drive away. Stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty of the cascading waters, with a chance to spot salmon swimming upstream, adding to the magical scenery. Next, immerse yourself in the grandeur of Balmoral Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. Wander the castle grounds at your own pace, enjoy a delightful lunch at the Balmoral Café, and dive into the royal history of this majestic residence. From the tranquil gardens to the elegant interiors, Balmoral offers a truly royal experience. Then, head to Ballater, a charming Victorian village nestled in the Cairngorms National Park. Explore quaint streets, browse local shops for handmade crafts, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. End your day with a scenic drive back to Aberdeen, reflecting on the beauty and history you’ve experienced

Balmoral and Royal Deeside Shore Excursion from Aberdeen

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.7

(13)

from $131

Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(164)

from $129

North East Coastal Trail Small Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(84)

from $78

Get out of the city for a more-rounded experience of Aberdeenshire's diverse landscapes. This small-group tour from Aberdeen takes you along the stunning coastline to Dunnottar Castle, perched on a cliff with sweeping views of the North Sea; to the charming village of Stonehaven; to Mill of Benholm, a real gem hidden in the Mearns; and Greyhope Bay for the chance to spot dolphins and seabirds. Along the way, sample a selection of local treats.

Dunnottar Castle and Coastal Heritage

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.8

(24)

from $141

Begin your journey in Royal Deeside at the Rob Roy McGregor statue, where the story of Scotland’s legendary outlaw sets the scene for your adventure. Travel through the stunning Aberdeenshire into the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by mountains, forests, and timeless Highland scenery. Your highlight is Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s beloved summer retreat. Wander the beautiful grounds, explore the estate at your own pace, and soak in the atmosphere of this iconic royal residence. This private tour is designed for up to six guests and shaped around your interests. With a friendly, knowledgeable driver‑guide and a flexible itinerary, you’ll enjoy an authentic Scottish experience filled with history, landscapes, and unforgettable moments. Our mission is to create authentic, memorable tours and adventures.

Balmoral Castle & Royal Deeside tour

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(2)

from $882

A great private tour (your group only) that explores stunning castles, coastal curiosities, caves, Count Dracula and an opportunity to taste Cullen Skink. Our day starts with one of Scotland’s most impressive castles, Dunnottar, perched on a headland of impregnable rock. We then head to an 800-year-old fortress called Fyvie Castle. Lunch is a superb restaurant in the historic coastal town of Cullen. Here you will have the opportunity to try the world-famous Cullen Skink. After lunch it is Bow Fiddle Rock, an outstanding natural feature, then the famous village of Pennan, as seen in the movie “Local Hero”. Then the unique geological feature called the Bullers of Buchan and after the dramatic Slains Castle which famously inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Closer to Aberdeen we visit Newburgh to see the wild seal colony that has lived there for centuries. Along the way there may be birds to be watched, dolphins to be spotted and seals to be seen. You can choose your own itinerary.

Aberdeenshire Castles and Wild Coastal Trail Private Day Tour

Aberdeenshire Castles and Wild Coastal Trail Private Day Tour

9 to 10 hours

from $1,018

Your journey begins where Scotland’s history meets the wild edge of Aberdeenshire. As Dunnottar Castle rises above the cliffs and the North Sea crashes below, the fortress appears like something from legend. Weathered by storms yet still standing proud. Exploring its tower, old bakery, brewery and lion’s den, you can almost hear echoes of those who lived and fought here. From the rugged coast, the day softens into Royal Deeside, following the River Dee through native woodland to the foothills of the Cairngorms. Here, just a mile from Balmoral Castle, the Royal Lochnagar Distillery offers warmth, tradition and whisky crafted from the pure Scarnock springs. With the scent of oak in the air and mountains on the horizon, this tour becomes more than a visit; it’s the feeling of standing somewhere truly extraordinary.

Dunnottar Castle & Royal Lochnagar Distillery

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

(1)

from $1,031

Discover the beauty of Aberdeenshire on a personalized private tour tailored just for you. With a dedicated driver-guide, explore the region at your own pace and choose your must-see destinations. Benefit from your guide’s local insights and knowledge to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to visit historic castles, stunning coastlines, or charming villages, this tour offers the flexibility to craft your ideal day out in Aberdeenshire. - Enjoy a fully customizable itinerary based on your interests - Private driver-guide ensures a personal and intimate experience - Explore Aberdeenshire at your own pace with expert local advice - Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for adventure

Aberdeen Shore Excursion - Private Tour

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $1,289

Deep in the stunning Ballochbuie Forest (part of the Kings’ Balmoral Estate) lies the “Honka House”. This log cabin was a gift from Finland for the Queens silver wedding anniversary and has been a favourite picnic spot for the Royal's ever since. Near the retreat are the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt, over which Queen Victoria had a beautiful iron bridge installed in 1878 and it is still in use today. The tour will be set at your own pace and there will opportunities to stop and admire the views. Our tour also takes us over the famous 18thC Invercauld Bridge. After the walk the can visit the amazing Fife Arms Hotel for lunch. The hotel is an attraction in itself. After lunch we can visit Balmoral Castle depending on seasonal open times and if time, the stunning Crathes Castle. Please contact us re dates. The walk is available all year, even if the Royal Family are in residence. Please note the walk is an approx 4.5 miles long on well maintained and mostly gentle paths.

Private Balmoral Walking Tour to Queens Secret Cabin & the Castle

9 hours

(1)

from $455

Discover one of Scotland's most iconic castles and the great geological fault that shaped its dramatic setting — all in a single half-day from Aberdeen. This relaxed half-day tour from Aberdeen (with convenient cruise ship pickup at South Harbour) takes you to Dunnottar Castle, the spectacular clifftop fortress that protected Scotland's Crown Jewels. Along the way you'll walk metamorphosed ocean-floor rocks more than 600 million years old, take in panoramic views across the Highland Boundary Fault, and explore Stonehaven's coastal geology — volcanic flows and ancient river deposits side by side. Your guide is Steve Adams, a working geologist with 45 years of experience and a knack for making rocks come alive. He'll show you why Dunnottar stands exactly where it does and how Scotland's contrasting landscapes were forged along this single great fault line. No geology background needed. Most of our guests don't have one.

Likely to Sell Out

Aberdeen Half Day: Dunnottar Castle & Highland Boundary Geology

Aberdeen Half Day: Dunnottar Castle & Highland Boundary Geology

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $109

A scenic guided walk through Royal Deeside’s New for winter2026

Small-Group Guided Walk at Linn of Quoich in the Cairngorm National Park. Discover one of Royal Deeside’s most beautiful riverside walks on this guided walk to the Linn of Quoich and Punch Bowl. Ideal for visitors who want an easy-to-moderate hike with big scenery, this experience combines rushing water, Caledonian pine forest, Highland history, and the chance to spot local wildlife. With a qualified mountain leader guiding the route, you can enjoy the landscape at a relaxed pace while learning about the area’s natural and royal heritage.

A scenic guided walk through Royal Deeside’s New for winter2026

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $1,018

Aberdeen & Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group one Day Tour

7 to 8 hours

(13)

from $502

Whisky distilleries abound in Scotland and deciding where to go can be tricky, while driving between distilleries takes tastings off the table. That’s not a problem on this intimate small-group tour, as your driver-guide transports you to two specially selected distilleries in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. There, learn about the history and production of whisky, before sampling for yourself.

Speyside Whisky Trail Day Tour from Aberdeen Including Admissions

Speyside Whisky Trail Day Tour from Aberdeen Including Admissions

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.7

(35)

from $143

A truly amazing day out visiting some of the most stunning, famous & iconic castles in Scotland, Crathes, Balmoral, Glamis & Dunnottar. (Aberdeenshire is spoilt with castles). The day is fully guided by your driver/guide and or castle staff. Lunch is in superb local restaurant. This is a private tour for your party & includes pick up/drop off. The route and itinerary can be changed to suit. Please advise us of any changes. Balmoral have extended their opening dates from Oct to Aug. Glamis is open Spring to Winter. Contact us for details. If you would like to visit a distillery instead of a castle, let us know so we can book a tasting tour. Advance booking required for distilleries. Most castles grounds are free to access (except Balmoral & Glamis) but all charge for internal tours. All attractions subject to seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details. Please note at Dunnottar there is a gentle slope from carpark to see it, but to go inside there is a long staircase.

Private Balmoral Glamis Dunnottar Castles Tour from Aberdeen

from $1,030

Rather than following someone else's trail, choose your own adventure on this private whisky tour of the Highlands. A must for any whisky fan, work with your tour guide to create your ideal tour, taking in some of your favorite distilleries, or discover something new. Talk with distillers and your guide about the history of Scotland’s most famous export, and learn all there is to know about the history of whisky making.

Private Highland whisky tour from Edinburgh- Build your own tour!

7 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

3.8

(10)

from $597

Meet Johnnie Walker - Private Whisky Tour - From Edinburgh

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

from $780

This half-day adventure is the perfect way to check off a variety of dispersed castles in Aberdeenshire in a day. Enjoy the luxury and comfort of having your own private driver and a tour that's tailored to suit your requirements. Potential stops include Drum Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, the Royal Deeside masterpiece of Crathes Castle, and the ruined fortress of Dunnottar Castle.

Aberdeenshire Castles Cows and Whisky Private Day Trip

7 to 8 hours

from $799

Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla

12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(31)

from $882

The Speyside region of northeast Scotland is renowned for its single malt whiskies, but enjoying them typically requires designating a driver. Skip the hassle on a private tour that allows you to fully immerse yourself in Scotland’s whisky-making history and heritage as you visit three Speyside distilleries in one day. Visit distilleries such as Macallan, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, or Aberlour; learn about the whisky-making process; and sample a selection of different whiskies.

Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

12 to 14 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(20)

from $1,079

Experience Scotland’s geology, landscapes, and whisky heritage in depth on this immersive full-day Whisky 'On The Rocks' GeoTour. Your day begins at Aberdeen before travelling south to Perthumie Bay, where metamorphosed ocean sediments reveal Scotland’s origins deep beneath ancient seas. From here, you’ll continue to the clifftops above Stonehaven Golf Club, enjoying sweeping views across the Highland Boundary Fault — one of Scotland’s most important geological divides. You’ll spend time exploring the Midland Valley Terrane, beginning with the volcanic intrusions and Old Red Sandstone river and lake deposits at Cowie Shore. After a relaxed lunch (location TBC), the tour continues via the iconic Dunnottar Castle to Crawton, where you’ll walk among superbly exposed Devonian lava flows, coastal waterfalls, and a nationally important seabird colony. The day concludes at Fettercairn Distillery, where you’ll enjoy a full guided tour and tasting.

Likely to Sell Out

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from $149

Door to door pick up/drop off & Private Tour with driver/guide. Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer, and we take you on a private tour to some amazing castles and areas that are stunning as they are interesting. Our suggested itinerary covers four castles, all very different to each other and 1000’s of years of history. -Crathes Castle–A 16thC marvel with amazing gardens -Balmoral Castle–The Scottish home to the Royal Family (not open all year) -Lunch at lovely restaurant -Craigievar Castle–The iconic Pink Disney Castle -Dunnottar Castle-one of the world's most iconic and a must see Whisky distillery Tasting Tour option - contact us. We are happy to change the itinerary to suit you and route may depend on hotel location. Most castles are free to see from the outside, except Balmoral. Interior tours are chargeable and subject to seasonal opening times. Contact us for details. Please note Balmoral is not open all year. Alternative castles & attractions can be visited.

Balmoral Craigievar Dunnottar Crathes Castles Private Tour

from $948

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What are people saying about Aberdeen

Coastal Villages of Aberdeenshire

Peter_G, Jun 2026

The tour was even better...

The tour was even better than I expected. Our tour guide Jamie was knew the area and gave us a lot of information along the way. We had a small group of 7 so could be flexible. The Aberdeenshire villages were gorgeous, with dramatic ups and downs. We saw Pennan, where Local Hero was filmsed but the most amazing place was the Bullers of Buchan. I highly recommend this tour for folks who want to see the villages.

Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour

Cecilia_E, Jun 2026

Exceptional Balmoral and Royal Deeside Tour Experience with Jacqueline

Our tour was truly one of the highlights of our visit to Scotland. The breathtaking scenery, rich history, and beauty of the estate made for an unforgettable day. A very special thank you to Jacqueline, who made the experience exceptional. Her warmth, professionalism, and extensive knowledge brought the history of Balmoral to life. She was attentive, engaging, and went above and beyond to ensure everyone felt welcome and enjoyed the tour. Jacqueline’s passion for Scottish heritage was evident throughout, and her storytelling added a personal touch that made the visit even more meaningful. Her music playlist is memorable. She answered questions patiently and made every guest feel valued. We left with a deeper appreciation of Balmoral, Scottish history, and the legacy of the Royal Family. Thank you, Jacqueline, for making our visit so memorable. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Scotland. Dr. Cecilia Evangelista Philippines

Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen

Brian_P, Jan 2026

Amazing Tour!

What an amazing day! As a winter, Sunday tour we had all the sites completely to ourselves. Our guide Allan was absolutely wonderful. So glad I booked this trip from Aberdeen, the pictures from Dunnottar Castle alone are worth the price of the tour. Highly recommended. Thank you for a great day Rabbi's.

Loch Ness and the Highlands Small-Group Day Tour from Aberdeen

Sabine_S, Oct 2025

Great experience, worth the money!

It was a lovely trip, Alan (or Allan?) our tour guide was a gem, entertaining us during the ride with little anecdotes and interesting (fun)facts and took really good care of us ♥ (And it seemed he really cared not just doing his job). He stopped at interesting spots (quite a lot of them like Carr-Bridge, Caledonian Battlefield, some impressive viaduct, Balnuaran of Clava, Craigellachie Bridge and more, even to pat Dougal and Hamish (2 highland cows - what sweeties). The boat ride on Loch Ness was also very nice especially because we were really lucky with the weather. Nessi though wasn't spotted :-). Unfortunately there isn't really enough time to explore more on your own but if you want that, you have to rent a car and do it on your own. All in all a very nice day out! Only minor "complain": Alan (or Allan - sorry that I can`t remember), please expand your playlist :-). I really do love the idea behind it, but hearing 500 miles 5 times is too much. It`s still in my head :-). Thanks for a great day!