• Balmoral Castle - Balmoral Castle & Estate will be closed from August 10th to October 1st, 2025. During this period, the tour stop will be redirected to the National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle.

Balmoral has been a cherished family residence for the Royal family since 1850, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert selected this picturesque area as their retreat. The landscape offers breathtaking views of hills and mountains, fields of heather, and the majestic River Dee flowing through it.

The estate served as the late Queen Elizabeth’s private country retreat in Scotland and was a beloved home. King Charles III holds a deep affection for the castle and its grounds, often enjoying walks throughout the estate.

It is highly recommended to listen to the audio tour, which shares stories and guides visitors around the estate.

The Ballroom is the only room open to visitors within the Castle. The items in the Ballroom are from within the Castle and belong to the Royal Family.

• Ballater - The Victorian village of Ballater is located in the heart of Royal Deeside, at the eastern entrance to the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most picturesque visitor destinations.
  A walk around the village reveals a fascinating array of specialty shops and a good selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy local food and drink. Notice the shops displaying Royal Warrants on their storefronts, indicating quality and support from the Royal family.
  Situated alongside the River Dee and surrounded by hills and mountains, Ballater is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Be sure to visit the charming Victorian Railway Station and the tourist information centre, which provides more details about the village. Walk past the Victorian Barracks, still in use when the Royal family stays at Balmoral.

• Cambus O’ May Suspension Bridge - The Cambus O’ May suspension bridge spans the River Dee and is a legacy from the estate of Alexander Gordon. Built in 1905, the footbridge is 50 meters long and allows visitors to cross to the other side. The Deeside Way, a trail following the former Deeside Railway, passes the north-eastern end of the bridge. Footpaths from the bridge lead to Torphantrick Wood and the Muir of Dinnet nature reserve, popular spots for visitors who enjoy woodland walks and wild swimming in the river.

• Tomnaverie Stone Circle - Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a type of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. Its distinctive feature is a large stone on its side, flanked by two upright stones, usually on the south or south-west arc of the circle. The stone circle surrounds a burial cairn dating back about 4,500 years. Although relatively little is known about the purpose of these structures, several theories can be explored during a visit.

• B9119 - Just outside Tarland is the Queen’s View, reportedly one of Queen Victoria’s favorite views over the Howe of Cromar towards Lochnagar. Visitors will stop to admire the view, and on a clear day, it is possible to see 12 different hills and Munros!

• On-board WiFi

• Lunch
• Gratuities
• Balmoral Castle Tickets (General Admission)

Starting from Aberdeen we trace the river Dee to Balmoral where you can walk in the footsteps of generations of Royals who have called this estate home.

*Balmoral Estate is closed from 12th of August 24 until 1 October 24. We visit the National Trust For Scotland’s Crathes Castle during the closure.

Take a stroll in the charming Victorian village of Ballater, explore the local heritage, the Victorian train station and the views of the area.

Next, we visit the iconic Cambus O’May suspension bridge, before we continue our journey to the Tomnavarie Stone Circle.

Finally, on our way back to Aberdeen, we stop at Queen Victoria’s favourite views of Aberdeenshire.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.