Things to do in Aberdeenshire, Scotland: The Best Cultural Tours

Feel like a lord or lady as you wander through castles and manor houses. Stride ancient battlefields like a sword-wielding Highlander. And relive Scotland’s history defining moments of conceit and treachery as you listen to your driver-guide’s epic tales. On this tour, you’ll join the ranks of esteemed history lovers while you travel over sea, loch, and glen. You visit Scotland’s most impressive castles, tower forts, and palaces. And you even get a chance to take a boat trip and visit Scotland’s highest whisky distillery. This tour is your ticket into Scotland’s medieval past and royal history.

Inclusions: 3 nights en-suite accommodation in a B&B or 3-star Hotel (breakfast included), Professional driver guide, Transportation by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach (small groups max 16 passengers)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off, Meals and refreshments, Admission fees

Whether you're a whisky lover or a whisky learner, you're bound to get a taste for it in the beautiful region of Speyside. Home to around 50% of all Scottish whisky distilleries, there's almost too much to see and drink. So on this tour, we help you get the most out of the region by taking you to two distinct distilleries. It’s a chance to learn about the incredible history, process, and flavours of Scotland’s national drink.

Inclusions: Professional driver/guide, Modern, air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach, Small Group Tour (16 people max)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off, Food and drinks, unless specified, Admission fees

Soak up the spirit of Speyside on a 3-Day small-group whisky tour! Explore Scotland’s principle malt whisky producing region, which is noted for its elegant and subtle-tasting whiskies. Your small-group 3-day whisky tour will depart from Edinburgh with a maximum of 16 people and head to the north-east area of Scotland! The region of Speyside follows the path of the River Spey, stretching from the west of the Cairngorm National Park to the east coast. Boasting an impressive scene of winding lochs, green glens and dramatic peaks, the region has something for everyone. Enjoy visits to four of the region’s famous whisky distilleries, Dalwhinnie, Benromach, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet and enjoy tastings and samples galore. Speyside is home to another 42 operating distilleries, so there’s certainly plenty more to see if time permits! You will also visit Gordon and MacPhail’s legendary whisky shop in the Royal Burgh (town) of Elgin where you can shop for some of Speyside’s finest malts.

Inclusions: Driver guide, Small Group Tour (16 people max), 2 nights overnight accommodation including breakfast, with private facilities in either a B&B or 3-star hotel, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop off, Entrance fees for the distilleries

For those who only have one day to visit Aberdeen, this tour gives you an insight into what the region has to offer in a 7 hour tour. With both a visit to Castles and Distillery Tour, this excursion will give you a taste of the Grampian and our local food giving you every excuse to come back again! On Thursday's we will substitute Pitmedden Gardens for Tolquhon, as the castle it no longer open on this day. As both are close together we can view the castle from the outside.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Food tasting, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Entrance & Tour fees

The battles, beauty, and whisky: This is your perfect introduction to Scotland. You shed a tear as you hear the tales and tragedies of Scotland’s Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You try to take your best photo as you pass by Scotland’s famous mountains and castles. And you lick your lips as you drink in the spirit of Scottish whisky in Dufftown, ‘the Whisky Capital of the World’. What’s more, you get as close as possible to the legendary Loch Ness Monster on an optional boat trip. So, take this trip and enjoy the best of Scotland in a day.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, Small Group Tour (16 people max)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Admission fees

Combine the majestic heights of Royal Deeside with the epic cliff-top site of Dunnottar Castle. For almost 150 years, the British royal family have travelled to the River Dee for their holidays. With almost unlimited cash and resources, why do they always come here? We think there’s an easy answer. This area encapsulates everything everyone loves about Scotland. You find grand castles enclosed by pine forests. You look up at the highest plateau in Britain in the Cairngorms National Park. And there’s enough nearby distilleries to satisfy any royal event. So, who wouldn’t want to escape to the fresh air of this location? On this tour, we combine her Majesty’s favourite holiday spot with a trip to Dunnottar Castle, one of the most historically important and visually arresting sights in Scotland. Hop aboard this tour, see an epic castle, and discover whether you have the same taste as the royals.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach, Small Group Tour (16 people max)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Admission fees

Explore Aberdeen at your own pace with this acclaimed self guided audio tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from Holburn Junction at the west end of Union Street, you'll weave your way through timeless streets while discovering the stories that the city hides in plain sight.  The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. It plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. If you've got an hour and want to see all the major historical and cultural themes that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!  

Inclusions: Lifetime access to the 'Explore Union Street' tour, VoiceMap Application, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Smartphone, Transportation, Food/drinks, Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the color and energy of the unique Scottish Highlands Games on a day trip from Edinburgh. See men in kilts tossing the caber, putting the shot and throwing the hammer, and enjoy a memorable day out in the scenic Highlands.

Inclusions: Transport by luxury, air-conditioned midi coach, Professional guide, WiFi on board coach, Highland Games Entry Ticket

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop off

All tours are designed and tailored to the needs and preferences of my customers. The tours are small private groups, which makes for a much more personal experience.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, WiFi on board, Bottled water, Soda/Pop

Exclusions: Entry to attractions is excluded from price

Experience the timeless traditions and brilliant beauty of the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands on a 5-day tour from Edinburgh and discover the Highlands and Islands' enchanting scenery, fascinating history and people. See historical sites including Callanish Standing Stones, Arnol Blackhouse and Scone Palace. The experience includes your an excellent choice of guesthouse (B&B) or 3-star Hotel accommodation in Ullapool, Stornoway and Inverness.

Inclusions: Transport by top of the range 16-seat Mercedes minicoach, Driver/guide, Round-trip ferry transport to the Outer Hebrides, 4 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast

Exclusions: Meals and refreshments, Admission fees, Gratuities