Edinburgh: Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle and the Northeast Coast

Day 1: Edinburgh to Aberdeen

1. V&A Dundee
   1h
   Famous for its publishing industry, Dundee is home to the V&A Museum (optional extra). First opened in 2018, the V&A is Scotland’s first design museum and is also the first Victoria and Albert museum outside of London. With ever-changing exhibitions celebrating design from Scotland and around the world, it makes for a fascinating visit. It also makes for a spectacular photo, sitting on the banks of the River Tay. You might even notice a piece of history just next door, in the form of the steamship RRS Discovery.
2. Montrose
   1h
   From Dundee, we continue north to the picturesque town of Montrose where we will stop for a lunch break. The northeast coast is famous for its delicious seafood, so be sure to try and taste some if you can.
3. St Cyrus
   20m
   Enjoy a photo stop at the seaside spot St Cyrus.
4. Dunnottar Castle
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   After a short stop at the seaside village of St Cyrus we continue to the spectacular Dunnottar Castle, one of the most famous sights of the northeast. Sitting on a rocky headland and surrounded by water, not far from the village of Stonehaven, stands the castle. Tracing back to the Early Middle Ages, the castle has had a fascinating history and even played a key role during the 18th century Jacobite risings. Spend time here exploring the rugged coastline, taking in the spectacular views (don’t forget your camera) and learning all about the castle's rich history.
5. Stonehaven
   1h
   Following our stop at Dunnottar Castle, we will head towards the picturesque town that sits below it - Stonehaven. Here, there will be time to explore the seaside towns’ streets and shops, or even sample some local food from award-winning places like The Bay fish and chip shop, or Aunt Betty’s ice cream. Both sit on the seafront promenade and are well-known across the northeast.

Day 2: Aberdeen to Edinburgh

1. Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
   1h 15m · Admission ticket not included
   With magnificent turrets, gargoyles and a beautiful walled garden, Crathes Castle is a fantastic place to visit. Spend time here taking in the history of the 16th century castle and explore its spectacular grounds which go back to the 18th century. Whilst here, keep an eye out for some of the local wildlife that are known to visit the area like roe deer, red squirrels and herons.
2. Ballater
   1h
   We continue westwards, through scenic towns like Banchory and the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside, towards Ballater, where we will stop for a lunch break. Sample local food as you take in the scenery of the Victorian village, nestled in the heart of Royal Deeside and also within the Cairngorms National Park.
3. Balmoral Castle
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Our next stop is the world-famous Balmoral Castle, the much-loved Highland home of the British Monarchy. Here, we will spend time and you will be able to see the exhibitions. You will be able to learn all about the history of the castle, who has lived there, and what important events have been associated with it. As well as this, you will be able to enjoy the spectacular grounds on which the castle lies.
4. Blairgowrie
   15m
   After our tour of Balmoral Castle, we head south towards Edinburgh. On the way, we will stop at the Devil’s Elbow viewpoint. It offers spectacular Highland views and is still part of the massive Cairngorms National Park. Keep an eye out here for much of the wildlife that is known to inhabit the area. The famous viewpoint was carved out by ice during the last ice age, much like a lot of the Highlands, which gives them the dramatic views that we all know and love.
5. Perth
   30m
   As we continue further south, our final stop before we reach Edinburgh will be the city of Perth. The area here is known to have been occupied since the Stone Age, and there is still evidence of this nearby. After a comfort break here where you will have a short time to explore the historic city, we begin our journey back to Edinburgh. There will be another chance to get a look at the magnificent Forth Bridges as we cross the Forth for a 2nd time before arriving back in Edinburgh, the capital city, where our 2-day tour of northeast Scotland will end.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your tour's departure time.
• Luggage is restricted to one medium sized suitcase per person. For guidance: a medium sized suitcase is considered 60-69cm high and roughly 45cm in width.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• If booking your own accommodation, it must be within 1km of Aberdeen town centre.
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or a full refund.
• Minimum age is 4 years.
• Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark.
• Please note: from 3rd December 2024 our Edinburgh tours will depart from NCP Castle Terrace, EH1 2EW.