From

£91/ adult

Aberdeen Shore Excursion: Balmoral Castle & the Scottish Highlands

New for 2026. Follow in the footsteps of royalty.

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Aberdeen Shore Excursion: Balmoral Castle & the Scottish Highlands

From Aberdeen

Duration:

1 day

Led by:

Expert local guide

Group size:

Max 16 people

Travel by:

Mini Coach

Your story begins...

Let’s admit it - everyone dreams of being royalty for a day. If wandering stunning castles, manicured gardens, and wild estates set against the dramatic landscapes of Cairngorms National Park sounds like your perfect escape, this day tour is for you. Embark on this unforgettable excursion from the Port of Aberdeen, and walk in the footsteps of Queen Victoria as you journey through Royal Deeside. Explore Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s iconic summer retreat nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, and immerse yourself in centuries of Scottish history and grandeur.

Balmoral Castle

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with the Highlands so much that they purchased Balmoral Castle, starting the tradition of the Royals spending their summers in Scotland.

Falls of Feugh

Listen to the roar of this stunning waterfall where at certain times of year you can watch leaping salmon.

Royal Deeside

Long frequented by the royal family, this protected area boasts some of the finest views of nature in northeast Scotland.

Ballater

Discover this charming village, where Victorian streets meet the wild beauty of the Cairngorm Mountains, and feel the timeless connection to the Royal Family

Cairngorms National Park

Sit back, relax and gaze on the monumental peaks and glorious glens of the UK’s largest national park.

What you'll experience

Balmoral Castle

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert fell in love with the Highlands so much that they purchased Balmoral Castle, starting the tradition of the Royals spending their summers in Scotland.

Falls of Feugh

Listen to the roar of this stunning waterfall where at certain times of year you can watch leaping salmon.

Royal Deeside

Long frequented by the royal family, this protected area boasts some of the finest views of nature in northeast Scotland.

Ballater

Discover this charming village, where Victorian streets meet the wild beauty of the Cairngorm Mountains, and feel the timeless connection to the Royal Family

Cairngorms National Park

Sit back, relax and gaze on the monumental peaks and glorious glens of the UK’s largest national park.

Includes

Transport in a luxury 16 seat coach
Expert local guide
44lbs (20kg) luggage allowance
Off the Beaten Track Locations
Balmoral Castle entry and gardens access (includes 2025 Castle Ballroom exhibition)

Excludes

Food & Drinks
Flights, Transfers and Accommodation

Day 1

Pick up time: 9.30am

Location: South Harbour Port Of Aberdeen, Main gate St Fittock’s Road, , Aberdeen,

Morning

Depart Port of Aberdeen

Start your day at the Port of Aberdeen, where you’ll board your transport at South Harbour. As you leave the bustling port behind, get ready for a day filled with stunning views and fascinating stops. Today, you’ll explore Royal Deeside, a breathtaking stretch of land along the River Dee that has long been a playground for royalty.

Mid Morning

Falls of Feugh and journey to Balmoral Castle

Your first destination is the Falls of Feugh, where you'll stretch your legs and take in the views of rolling hills and a lush forest. These mesmerising cascading falls formed deep within the Grampian Mountains, and you can stand in awe on the stone bridge that straddles both banks and watch the water rush below you. And if you're lucky, you may even spot salmon jumping up the river at the beginning of autumn.

After leaving the Falls of Feugh behind, you'll journey to Balmoral Castle, the Scottish holiday home of the British royal family since 1852.

Afternoon

Balmoral Castle, Ballater and return to Aberdeen

Feel like royalty as you stroll through the magnificent grounds of Balmoral Castle, and enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Balmoral Café with delicious Scottish fare. Explore the 2025 exhibition in the Castle Ballroom, or simply soak in the royal charm of the estate for a truly royal experience.

Then, journey to Ballater, a quaint Victorian village in Royal Deeside. Discover local shops, handmade crafts, and scenic streets, all set against the stunning Cairngorms backdrop.

After a relaxed afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive back to the Port of Aberdeen. Reflect on a day filled with royal history, natural beauty, and small-town charm - an unforgettable experience.

You return to Port of Aberdeen at approximately 4.00pm.