Top Northeast Scotland Day Trips - page 2

Explore 600 million years of Scotland’s geological history on this dedicated half-day 'On The Rocks' GeoTour. Designed for visitors with limited time — including cruise guests arriving at Aberdeen South Harbour — this trip focuses on the landscapes, terranes, and dramatic fault zones that shaped Scotland. Travelling from Aberdeen, your journey begins at Perthumie Bay, where ancient metamorphosed ocean sediments of the Highland Terrane. From here, you’ll head south toward the Highland Boundary Fault — the dramatic line separating the rugged Grampian Highlands from the softer landscapes of the Midland Valley. You will also spend time exploring Midland Valley desert river sediments and lavas in the quaint village of Stonehaven. Led by Steve Adams, founder of Balgownie Geoscience with over 45 years of industry, academic, and field experience, this tour offers an engaging, beginner-friendly introduction to Scotland’s geology — the definitive 'On The Rocks' experience.

Delve deep into 600 million years of Earth history on this immersive full-day exploration of the Highland Boundary Fault Zone — one of Scotland’s most important geological boundaries. Designed for geology enthusiasts, students, and curious travellers, this full-day GeoTour visits multiple locations between Aberdeen and Johnshaven, offering opportunities for detailed interpretation, and hands-on engagement with some of the best coastal outcrops in the region. Led by Steve Adams, founder of Balgownie Geoscience with over 45 years of field excursion experience, this full-day field trip offers Scotland’s most comprehensive and accessible introduction to the Highland Boundary region — the ultimate 'On The Rocks' geology adventure.

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.

Step back 400 million years into Scotland’s deep geological past on this full-day Old Red Sandstone (ORS) GeoTour — a field-focused journey through some of the finest Devonian exposures on the east coast. You’ll explore multiple ORS environments along the Mearns and Angus coastline, including braided river systems, ephemeral lakes, desert floodplain deposits, and dramatic coastal cliffs shaped by early volcanic activity. After lunch in Montrose, the tour continues to Boddin Point, where ancient volcanic eruptions and Scotland’s historic lime kiln heritage combine in one of the area’s most compelling geological stops. The day concludes at Auchmithie, home to some of the most spectacular ORS cliffs in Scotland. Led by Steve Adams, founder of Balgownie Geoscience with over 45 years of academic, field, and industry experience, this tour provides a true 'On The Rocks' experience for geology enthusiasts, students, and curious travellers alike.

Visit three whisky distilleries in one day without the hassle of designating a driver or navigating public transport. This private tour is exclusively for your party so you'll enjoy a personalized experience as your guide drives you to award-winning distilleries—Strathisla, GlenAllachie, and Glenlivet—where you will enjoy tastings and insights into the world of Scotch.

The Cairns are a collection of historical monuments erected by the Royal Family to commemorate significant events, surrounded by beautiful Caledonian pine forest; they are a real hidden treasure in Aberdeenshire. There are thirteen Cairns on the Balmoral Estate, eight of which you have the option to visit on this circular guided walk. The impressive pyramid shaped Prince Albert’s Cairn sits on top of Craig an Lurachain. It was built in the beloved memory of Albert, the Great and Good Prince Consort, erected by his broken hearted widow Queen Victoria in August 1862. Your guide will point out the historical features on the Cairns walk and tell you about their connection to the Royals, who have enjoyed and influenced this beautiful estate. For nature lovers, there will also be plenty of flora and fauna to spot along the way. “Every year my heart becomes more fixed in this paradise” (Queen Victoria, 1855)

Discover Scotland’s Highland Boundary region through a unique blend of geology, history, and world-famous castle architecture on this full-day mult-location GeoTour. Designed for visitors who want to experience both of the region’s most iconic castles — Dunnottar Castle and Crathes Castle — this tour combines deep-time geology with dramatic coastal scenery, ancient architecture, and captivating Scottish storytelling. Throughout the day, your guide Steve Adams — founder of Balgownie Geoscience with over 45 years of experience — provides expert commentary linking geology, landscape, history, and culture.

Explore 600 million years of Scotland’s geological history on this dedicated half-day 'On The Rocks' GeoTour. Designed for visitors with limited time — including cruise guests arriving at Aberdeen South Harbour — this trip focuses on the landscapes, terranes, and dramatic fault zones that shaped Scotland. Led by Steve Adams, founder of Balgownie Geoscience with over 45 years of industry, academic, and field experience, this tour offers an engaging, beginner-friendly introduction to Scotland’s geology — the definitive 'On The Rocks' experience.

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.

Step into the heart of Aberdeenshire on a private journey where Scotland’s history, legends, and whisky traditions come alive. Your relaxed itinerary gives you time to explore Crathes Castle, a fairytale fortress surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful gardens. Inside, stories echo through every room from whispered ghost tales to the Horn of Leys, gifted to the Burnett family by Robert the Bruce in 1323. Continue to Glen Garioch Distillery (pronounced “Geery”), one of Scotland’s oldest Highland single malt distilleries. Founded in 1797, it offers an authentic tour and a relaxed tasting where you can savour the craftsmanship behind each dram. This experience blends heritage, storytelling, At Cairngorm Tours, our mission is to create authentic, memorable tours that connect you with the real Scotland. This experience is crafted for travellers who want more than sightseeing they want stories, heritage, and moments they’ll talk about long after they return home.

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.

Discover the secrets of the world's most popular whisky, and skip the worry of designating a driver. This private tour takes you to three different Highland distilleries where you learn about the single malts that have been included in the Johnnie Walker blends over the past 100 years. Tour the distilleries and enjoy tastings of three whiskies at each.

We offer a private tour to the heart of whisky country. Visit any Whisky Distilleries you want, and an example itinerary is in the Tour Details. All are subject to availability and most distilleries require advance booking for a Guided Tasting Tour, but not for just a tasting. On a Distillery Tasting Tour you will learn the secrets of how Scotland's most famous drink is crafted and then you have the opportunity to sample the beautiful offerings. We can recommend which distilleries to visit if required, but wherever we take you, you know you can sit back and relax and let us do the driving. Some of the most popular distilleries on Speyside are Macallan, Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Aberlour, Glenfarclas, Ballindalloch, Balvenie and GlenAllachie. We will book the internal guided tasting tours for you and invoice you separately via PayPal. We will also book you in to a great local restaurant for lunch. Option to include a Castle or Cooperage Tour. Please contact us for details.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on a captivating full-day private tour from Aberdeen that seamlessly blends history and natural beauty. The journey begins at the stunning Dunnottar Castle, perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the North Sea. Continue to the picturesque town of Banchory, nestled along the River Dee, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore its charming streets and perhaps enjoy a riverside stroll. Lastly, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife and scenic landscapes, offering a perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts. Throughout the day, you’ll travel in comfort with included transportation and a local tour guide, making this a seamless and memorable Scottish adventure.

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.

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.

Discover the highlights and a few off-the-beaten-track sites of Scotland when you book this private tour that begins in St. Andrews. Visit the "Gateway to the Scottish Highland" to observe lochs, mountains, castles, and a whisky distillery. Learn about the history of Scotland, take a picture with the famous Scottish cows, and enjoy a typical lunch at a local pub (own expense) all in a day.

Discover the majesty of Scotland on this captivating day tour. Begin your journey at The Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, before marveling at the grandeur of Stirling Castle. Traverse through the beautiful Glencoe Valley, where the tragic history of the Glencoe Massacre unfolds against stunning backdrops. Pause in Fort William, soak in the views of Loch Lochy, and venture to Loch Ness for a chance to cruise its waters or meet Highland Cows. Finally, explore the pristine Cairngorms National Park and conclude your adventure in the charming town of Aviemore. - Visit The Kelpies and Stirling Castle on your Scottish adventure - Explore Glencoe Valley and learn about its historical significance - Optional cruise on Loch Ness with scenic views of Urquhart Castle - Discover the beauty of Cairngorms National Park and Aviemore town

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.