All Northeast Scotland Tours & Excursions in 2026

This small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the world of golf, all centered around the iconic Old Course. Hear captivating stories about The Open, learn about Nike’s marketing campaigns, and enjoy fun anecdotes about celebrities, such as Sean Connery. With a professional caddie guide who worked at the Old Course in the 1980s, you can uncover fascinating facts and insider stories you wouldn’t hear otherwise.

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.

Check out some incredible coastline as you and your small-group make your way through some coastal villages in Aberdeenshire. Visit Gardenstown and Crovie, and learn about their fishing and maritime heritage. Your guide takes care of the navigation while you just relax and enjoy the day out.

Learn more about St. Andrews than is possible wandering around alone by booking this guided walking tour. In a small group, your guide will bring the town to life as you take a leisurely stroll to such attractions as St Andrews' Cathedral, St Andrews' Castle, the Old Course, the University of St. Andrews and hidden gems that most visitors miss.

Explore over 2,000 years of history on this guided walking tour through St Andrews, the birthplace of golf. Led by a professional local guide, visit all the major sites like the Cathedral ruins and the Old Course. This tour not only reveals the rich heritage of St Andrews but also its significant role in the evolution of golf itself. With something for everyone, this tour is Ideal for both the golfer and non-golfer but the tour is not suitable for under 5s. A public variation of this tour is also available on Viator: St Andrews Tours: Town, Golf and Old Course History - Enjoy a private exclusive guided tour with a professional local guide - Discover all the major St Andrews' landmarks, including the Cathedral and the Old Course - Capture memorable photos en route to having bucket list photos on the Swilkan Bridge! - Tours run daily from March to October with a duration of 2 hours

Famed across the globe as the Home of Golf, St Andrews has more than just links to offer. Discover its history and lesser-known aspects of the beautiful game when you join these golf-oriented heritage tours, led by local historian and former caddie Richard Falconer. Visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, the last resting place of over 124 noted golfers, as well as the castle and Scotland’s oldest university. Learn about the evolution of golf at the Old Course and have your photo taken on the famous Swilkan Bridge.

Soak up Scottish history and some of the country's most stunning scenery, without the hassle of driving, on this day tour from Aberdeen. After visiting the cliff top fortress of Dunnottar Castle, head for Royal Deeside to see ancient forest and magnificent waterfalls, and discover why the area is a longtime favorite vacation destination for the British royal family.

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.

Enjoy a wee walk followed by a premium cocktail in the luxurious setting of Dune cocktail bar. The perfect 2 hours spent; discovering St Andrews on foot and then a drink with your local guide. You'll spend the first part of the tour on a walking tour with your small group and guide, discovering the history and culture of St Andrews. Throughout the tour, discover St Andrews as you walk in the footsteps of golfing legends, royals, heretics who were burned at the stake, famous cats and those who live in St Andrews today! Your local guide will bring St Andrews to life. After your walk, unwind in the luxurious ambiance of Dune cocktail bar. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail from their signature menu, whether bespoke or a timeless classic, while enjoying relaxed conversation with your guide in this stylish setting. A delightful mix of exploration and indulgence, this tour is the perfect way to experience St Andrews like a local. Everything is included in the price, just show up and enjoy!

Step into Aberdeen with a friendly local discovery guide and uncover the Granite City’s character at your pace—choose a focused 1 to 2-hour intro or a rich 6-hour deep dive through elegant squares, cobbled lanes, sea-kissed streets, and story-filled kirkyards. Along the way, enjoy striking granite architecture, lively street scenes, hidden wynds, riverside or harbour viewpoints, and peaceful green spaces—stopping for photos, local tales, and insider tips that bring the city’s history and culture to life. This entirely walkable experience keeps to open-air highlights and public spaces, weaving in street art, centuries-old courtyards, and classic vistas, with time for spontaneous detours that match your interests. Expect a relaxed rhythm, plenty of anecdotes, and a genuinely local welcome—perfect for first-time visitors and curious explorers who want an engaging taste of Aberdeen.

Explore the rich golfing heritage of golf and Old Course development on this engaging private and exclusive walking tour. Delve into the history and anecdotes of the Old Course, including a visit to the iconic Swilkan Bridge and the legendary 1st and 18th fairways. This tour is perfect for golf enthusiasts and history lovers alike, offering insights into the origins of golf and its evolution. With a local expert guide leading the way, every step you take is filled with fascinating stories and notable landmarks. Join over 90,000 explorers who've made this tour a highlight of their Scottish adventure. - Duration: 90 minutes of captivating storytelling - This is an exclusive private tour option. Public tour is also available. - Tours available 7 days a week from March to October - Meeting point: Outside the Jigger Inn, Old Course Hotel, finish by the 18th Green

Head off on a Scottish seaside adventure with your very own kilted Scotsman guide. Travel up the North East coast from Aberdeen, and find hidden gems all along the coastline, including caves, historic castles and ruins, and even places to find puffins and dolphins. Stop at the village of Cullen for a light lunch, then continue your journey, enjoying scenic views as you travel.

This guided tour is a great introduction to Scotland and ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time. You'll pass by some of Scotland's most famous castles and mountains, see the ancient Clava Cairns, learn about the doomed Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You'll also visit the mysterious Loch Ness where you can take an optional boat trip.

**SELLS OUT IN SUMMER - please book early to avoid disappointment** St Andrews; the home of golf. What better way to discover St Andrews golf legacy and the Old Course than with a local expert! With a local guide, maximise your time in St Andrews on a private tour. Do something different and discover the controversies and quirks of golf, as well as a local insight into the politics of golf in the town. Get the insider scoop to the Royal and Ancient politics from a local outsider - without the bias. From the origins of the sport, and spending time on the 1st, 17th & 18th fairways, finish off with a photo on the famous Swilken Bridge, discover our incredible legacy with your local guide. You'll also see where some of the most famous shots in golf history took place (The Sands of Nakajima, Eisenhower on the Old Course etc.). Discover: Royal and Ancient Club Royal and Ancient Golf Museum 1st Tee & Fairway Putting Green 17th Green 18th Fairway Swilken Bridge …and many more hidden gems!

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

Discover one of Scotland's most beautiful castles and gardens, paired with the geological story of the Dee Valley and Highland Boundary — all in a single half-day from Aberdeen. This relaxed half-day tour (with convenient cruise pickup at Aberdeen South Harbour) takes you to Crathes Castle, the 16th-century tower house at the gateway to Royal Deeside, with its famous walled gardens and ancient yew hedges. Along the way you'll walk metamorphosed ocean-floor rocks more than 600 million years old, see panoramic views across the Highland Boundary Fault, and explore Stonehaven's coastal geology. Your guide is Steve Adams, a geologist with 45 years of experience and a knack for making rocks come alive. He'll show you why Royal Deeside looks the way it does — how the River Dee carved its valley, why Crathes 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.

Learn all about the ancient city of St Andrews along with golf history with a historian guide. As well as being the birthplace of golf, St Andrews has a world-famous university and cathedral, visited by monarchs and royalty for hundreds of years. Hear about the Pictish kings and clans who once lived here, and the Scottish royals who called this place their home. See gothic architecture side by side with humble fisherman’s cottages, and explore side streets and hidden closes you wouldn’t find on your own.

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.

This private tour allows you to indulge your love of whisky while traveling through some of Scotland's most spectacular landscapes. You'll visit four different whisky distilleries (your choice out of a possible eight) where you will enjoy expert-led tastings, which typically include three whiskies at each stop. Ideal for whisky lovers.

Get a fresh perspective on Dundee with a thrilling trip on a high-powered speedboat. Look out for native wildlife, including bottlenose dolphins and grey seals, and admire bridges, lighthouses, oil rigs, and spectacular modern architecture such as the new Victoria and Albert Museum. This is a small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 12 people, with live commentary from your driver/guide.

This half-day tour is an excellent choice for travelers keen to see the magnificent castles of Scotland. Benefit from the luxury of a private tour that’s just for your personal group, which means a flexible itinerary and timings to suit your preferred schedule. Sample stops along the way include the 13th-century Drum Castle, the 16th-century Crathes Castle, and the magnificent fortified Dunnottar Castle.

A castle, a cathedral, and the oldest university in Scotland - St Andrews is home to iconic stories that have shaped Scotland's past and present, but this tour isn't for the lighthearted. From wild rabbits overtaking the Old Course to a mysterious poisonous sausage massacre and even the plague, St Andrews is steeped in dark, mystic history. Walk in the footsteps of gangsters, murderers, and marytrs. Tour highlights: The Rabbit War Al Capone's link to St Andrews The ghost of Tom Morris The sausage massacre …& much more!

Combine the convenience of a guided tour with the flexibility of independent exploration. This audio tour lets you explore St. Andrews, and learn about its unique history, at your own pace, starting and stopping whenever you choose.