All Northeast Scotland Tours & Excursions in 2026

Explore the highlights of beautiful, vibrant Aberdeen on this fascinating two-hour private walking tour with an expert local guide. As a port city, Aberdeen has a fascinating maritime history, a scenic coastline, and an interesting history. Also known as the Granite City, for its imposing and historic architecture, Aberdeen was built at the convergence of the Don and Dee rivers where they meet the Atlantic. The name translates as 'mouth of the river Don' - aber is a Pictish word meaning river mouth, and the Don is named after the Gallo Roman goddess of springs and Rivers, Divona. Today it is famous as the off-shore capital of Europe, but prehistoric settlements and villages show the area has been inhabited for over 8000 years. There are also a fantastic 45 green parks for walking and relaxing - as well as the nearby international golf courses and of course many, many historic whiskey distilleries - Scotland's national tipple!

Transfer directly from your hotel or accommodation to Aberdeen Airport in Dyce and avoid the hassle of city traffic. The journey to the airport can be busy, so use your time to relax or get some work done in comfort while your driver takes care of the journey. Arrive in good time ready to meet your onward connections.

Skip the public transport and take an executive transfer for your journey from St. Andrews to Edinburgh. This door-to-door service includes pickup from your destination of choice in St. Andrews and provides a swift transfer to any location in Edinburgh aboard a luxury vehicle. This is the most personalized way to get to your destination without breaking the bank.

Uncover the secrets of Scotland's "City of Discovery." This self-guided audio tour of Dundee leads you beyond the city's main tourist attractions and gets you under the skin of a city with a polarizing reputation. Simply download to your phone, pause whenever you like, and explore at your own pace.

Experience the quiet luxury of Royal Deeside on a private guided walk within the Balmoral Estate. Explore Ballochbuie Forest, a treasured remnant of ancient Caledonian pinewood, before crossing the River Dee by the historic Old Brig o’ Dee and continuing through peaceful woodland tracks, riverside scenery and the secluded Garbh Allt falls. This exclusive tour combines Highland landscapes, royal heritage, local storytelling and unhurried time in one of Deeside’s most distinctive forest settings. Along the way, enjoy River Dee viewpoints, hear the story of the military road built after Culloden, discover ancient forest habitat and visit the Honka Hut area associated with Queen Elizabeth II. Reserved solely for your booking, the experience can be shaped around your pace and interests. Door-to-door transport is included from your accommodation within the agreed pickup area.

This private walking tour uncovers the darker side of St. Andrews history. Walk through medieval streets where centuries-old legends still echo. Hear stories of bishops, scholars, and figures tied to the town’s past. Explore ancient pathways once used by monks and clergy. Stand near the cathedral ruins where history meets mystery. Visit the castle grounds shaped by conflict and power. Learn how belief and folklore shaped this coastal town. This experience blends cultural heritage with atmospheric storytelling. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Aberdeen's granite streets have been holding stories for 6,000 years — now it's your turn to find them. This app-led scavenger hunt takes you through the Granite City on foot, following phone-based riddles from one landmark to the next. No guide, no fixed start time. • Spot the Music Hall, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, and Aberdeen Art Gallery up close — with clues that reveal what the signs don't say • Start whenever suits you, go at your own pace, and take as long as you like — there's no time limit • Great for families, friend groups, and colleagues; photo challenges guarantee some memorable group moments Available in 24 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian — see the full list when booking and choose yours when you start the game in the app. Around 2 hours - any group size. Aberdeen has been hiding stories in plain sight for centuries — your phone has the first one.

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.

Aberdeen is an often-overlooked Scottish city but this small-group walking tour shows you why it should not be missed. Your guide brings the history of "the Granite City" to vivid life as you stroll between the university's 15th-century buildings, the 12th-century cathedral with a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, and a secret graveyard that even many locals don't know about.

Discover the charm of Aberdeen on tailored city tours that highlight its rich history and modern attractions. From the iconic and stunning architecture of Marischal College to the tranquil Duthie Park & Winter Gardens, each tour offers a unique perspective of this vibrant city. Uncover hidden gems like Fittie, a picturesque fishing village, and admire Aberdeen's most spectacular landmarks. With options to customize your itinerary, these tours are perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Experience the best of Aberdeen’s history while enjoying unforgettable sights along the way. - Explore the historical city landmarks to the coastal beauty - Tailor your tour to include must-see attractions or hidden gems - Learn fascinating facts about Aberdeen # Vehicle used is fully insured to carry passengers # # Company has PL and EL insurance. # # Aberdeen City Tours Ltd is Companies House registered # # All drivers are advanced drivers and full first aid qualified #

Discover a side to Aberdeen that you won't get on a typical sightseeing tour. This self-guided audio tour takes you through the ancient streets of the Granite City and deep into the depths of its murky past. Hear tales of bodysnatching, witchcrafts trials, and more as you stroll between such historic landmarks as Marischal College and the Mercat Cross.

This private heritage tour by car reveals Scotland’s cultural legacy beyond St. Andrews. Begin in the medieval town shaped by religion and academia. Visit the cathedral ruins that once led the nation’s faith. Travel through coastal landscapes influenced by maritime tradition. Discover a historic distillery that reflects centuries of craftsmanship. Explore a royal residence linked to Scotland’s monarchy. Conclude at the UNESCO-listed Forth Bridge, a landmark of industrial achievement. This journey connects architecture, engineering, and cultural identity. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

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.

This is a one-of-a-kind golf photography and video experience in the historic town of St Andrews — the Home of Golf. Unlike general tours or quick photo stops, this is a full-round, private session where a professional photographer follows you throughout your 18-hole game on the world-famous Old Course or another legendary course in the area. You’ll get premium cinematic coverage of your swings, putts, and candid moments — with up to 90 professionally edited photos and a 1–1.5 minute highlight video. The session includes iconic shots on Swilcan Bridge, views of Hamilton Grand, and the dramatic coastal fairways that make St Andrews so special. What makes this activity truly unique is the blend of storytelling, sports action, and artistic direction — capturing not just how you played, but how it felt to walk in the footsteps of golf legends. It’s an unforgettable keepsake for golfers, friends, or groups — and can be arranged on other St Andrews courses for the same price and conditions.

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.

This private walking and history tour of St. Andrews gives you the freedom to build your ideal experience through Scotland's most historic town. Choose the attractions that interest you most and explore medieval landmarks and university traditions with a dedicated private guide. Discover the ruins of Scotland's largest medieval cathedral and learn about royal connections at the nation's oldest university. Walk historic streets and visit famous golf landmarks while hearing fascinating local stories. Every stop includes multiple options so you can focus on the places and themes that matter most to you. The route follows the historic center of St. Andrews and can be adapted to suit different interests and walking preferences. Exact stops and timing may vary based on traveler selections.

We are proudly based in St Andrews, famously known as the Home of Golf and home to the historic University of St Andrews. As a locally based service, we are perfectly positioned to assist with all your local transportation needs. Our deep familiarity with St Andrews and its surrounding areas ensures reliable, efficient, and knowledgeable service, making your journeys smooth and stress-free. Let us take care of your travel while you enjoy everything this remarkable region has to offer!

Explore the lesser known history of Aberdeen, alongside discovering some of the newest street art, all along the old road into Aberdeen. Battles, kidnappings and a martyred monk – these stories all took place along the old road into Aberdeen. But the road has also been the focus of more uplifting incidents, from tales of drinking to struggles for equality. Scot Free Tours brings to life what used to be Aberdeen’s most important road, guaranteeing that you will never see it in the same way ever again. Discover hidden gems and sensational street art as we explore some of Aberdeen’s forgotten places. Scot Free Tours has been running tours since 2016. Since then we have become the top-ranked tour provider in Aberdeen, collecting TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 with more than five hundred five-star reviews.

Step into the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Experience the historic village of Glamis, near Glamis Castle, and enjoy our Classic Gin Bothy Tasting. This hosted tasting includes four carefully selected seasonal serves from our award-winning Gin Bothy gin and liqueur range (2.5cl each), perfectly paired with premium mixers, ice and garnishes to enhance their distinctive flavours. Your knowledgeable host will introduce each handcrafted spirit and share the story of Gin Bothy, from our unique "Jam to Dram" journey inspired by traditional jam-making to the award-winning spirits we create today. Our seasonal tasting menu changes throughout the year, so every visit offers new flavours to discover. Before or after your tasting, explore Bothy Experience exhibition rooms to learn about the history of Gin Bothy and Scotland's bothy culture. Then browse the Bothy Larder Shop for our full range of spirits and liqueurs, Jam Bothy preserves and locally sourced Scottish produce.

To celebrate 10 years of Grampian Escapes & Tours, we've created a tour around some of the stories that have surprised, fascinated and entertained us during a decade of exploring Aberdeen. This isn't simply a tour of ten famous landmarks. We'll travel through very different parts of the city to discover the people who lived here and the events that shaped their lives. We'll explore grand buildings, cobbled streets, a hidden fishing village, the North Sea shoreline and the heart of the modern city. There will be history, humour, some darker stories, a little Doric and a few surprises. Ten places. Ten stories. One city you probably weren't expecting.

Stonehaven is not just a pretty little seaside town. Thanks to its fireball festival and its proximity to one of Scotland's most iconic castles, photos of Stonehaven have been beamed all over the world. Our tour tells you the stories behind these images - and if that wasn't enough we have tales of mutiny, the Titanic and the Scottish Crown Jewels. This tour is perfect if you are on your way to Dunnottar Castle and want to see something of the town first. If you are staying in Stonehaven it is a great way to get your bearings and see some of the hidden nooks, carvings and art you would otherwise have missed. This audio tour takes you on a 4km walk around Stonehaven and up to the nearby War Memorial. It takes around 80 minutes without stopping but you can pause the tour whenever you choose. The audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline.

Discover the clifftop drama of Dunnottar Castle and the charm of Stonehaven on this private half-day tour with a driver who knows the area inside out. We collect you from your hotel, home or cruise ship and head straight to Dunnottar, the spectacular ruined fortress perched above the North Sea that has starred on screen and in Scotland's history for centuries. You will have time to walk down and explore the castle and its headland, with your driver on hand for the stories along the way. We then take in Stonehaven's picturesque harbour and coastline before returning you to your door. It is an easy, comfortable half day for families, couples and small groups who would rather travel privately than pile onto a full-size coach.

Our executive transfer service from St Andrews to Liverpool offers the ideal balance of comfort, convenience, and exclusivity. Using a fleet of Mercedes-Benz E-Class vehicles, we accommodate up to 3 passengers, 2 large suitcases, and 2 carry-on bags, perfect for traveling with golf equipment. Our drivers, licensed by the Edinburgh Council and background-checked, ensure a professional and secure ride. Our service extends beyond simple airport and hotel pickups; we provide customizable itineraries that make your journey as exciting as your destination. Enjoy in-car Wi-Fi and complimentary bottled water as you traverse the picturesque landscapes of Scotland and England. Our fixed-rate pricing model, transparent and competitive, eschews unexpected costs.

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.