Excursion Balmoral castle & royal deeside tour at Aberdeen

Explore the Scottish home of the Royal Family and charming villages of Royal Deeside during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Aberdeen, River Dee Valley, Ballater, Free Time, Royal Station, Waiting Room and Carriage

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the picturesque 'Royal Village' of Ballater. This historic village is situated in the heart of the magnificent River Dee Valley, one of the most beautiful locales in Scotland, and within Cairngorms National Park. Upon arrival, some free time is made available for independent exploration. You can visit the newly-refurbished Royal Station, which houses an information centre, public library, restaurant and tearoom. In addition, the Royal Waiting Room and Carriage is a must-see. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to Balmoral Castle.

Balmoral Castle and Estate

Although Royal Deeside abounds with beauty and contains a clutch of fine castles, its centrepiece is the Balmoral Castle and Estate. Balmoral has been one of the residences for members of the British Royal Family since 1852, when the estate and its original castle were purchased privately by Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. Soon after the estate was purchased by the Royal Family, the existing house was found to be too small and the current Balmoral Castle was commissioned. Though relatively modern, Balmoral Castle is patterned after the style of a traditional Scottish castle. Built around 1854, this world-renowned castle serves as the private home of the British Royal Family, who spend up to two months here each summer.

Audio Tour of the Castle's grounds, Gardens, Garden Cottage, and Ballroom

Upon arrival, take an audio tour of the Balmoral Castle grounds, which is open to the public just a few weeks each year. Stroll through the lovely grounds and gardens of the estate, including the Garden Cottage. Here, Queen Victoria would sometimes take breakfast, deal with state correspondence and write her diaries. Next, explore the largest room in the castle, the spectacular Ballroom, with its many artefacts and works of art. Additional highlights to be seen include paintings, silverware, porcelain and the famous Balmoral tartans. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the gardens at your leisure, or browse the Royal souvenirs at the castle's Gift Shop.

Braemar, Free Time, Shopping, Lunch at Your Own Expense

Next, re-board your coach and head to Braemar. The parish of Braemar-and-Crathie have been a playground of kings and nobles of the land since the dawn of Scottish history. In the heart of the village lie the ruins of the great Castle of Kindrochit (The Head of the Bridge). During your visit to Braemar, some free time is made available for independent shopping and exploring, along with lunch at one of the local restaurants, inns or bakeries at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Aberdeen, River Dee, Lochnagar Mountain, Royal Deeside, Balmoral Castle and Estate, Audio-Guided Tour of the Castle's Grounds, Gardens, Garden Cottage, and Ballroom

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over uneven, gravel and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, and stairs inside the Balmoral Castle grounds. Walking in the villages of Braemar and Ballater is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, sturdy and closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a weatherproof jacket or coat, and credit cards and/or local currency for purchases from the ship. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18. The Ballroom Exhibition is the only room in Balmoral Castle available for viewing. All other rooms within the castle are Her Majesty the Queen's private rooms, and, as such, are not open to the public. The driving time between the pier and Balmoral Castle is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. The coaches are air-cooled. The tour sequence may vary. The Royal Family is usually spending their holiday at Balmoral Castle between July and October, therefore the tour can not be operated during this time.