The 6 Best Royal Deeside & Balmoral Tours

1.Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 196 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $78Our pick

Set out from Aberdeen with a driver-guide such as Alan, Neil, or Darryl for a nine-hour tour through Aberdeenshire. Visit dramatic Dunnottar Castle, pause at the Falls of Feugh, and walk in Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. Transport, guiding, and a group capped at 16 are included. Castle admission, meals, and drinks cost extra.

“Trip was beautiful. Dunnottar castle was great. If you love nature then the cairngroms park is worth to see it. We had beautiful weather. I will come back soon. Thanks to our driver Alan, he gave us all the informations.💪👍”

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2.Balmoral & Royal Deeside Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $144

Travel from Aberdeen into Royal Deeside in a group of no more than seven. Visit Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Cambus O’ May Bridge, Tomnaverie Stone Circle, and Queen’s View with guides such as Alex, Jamie, Jacqueline, and Calum. Balmoral admission costs extra, and the castle is replaced by Crathes Castle when closed.

“This experience was absolutely AMAZING!! Our driver/guide, Alex, was incredibly knowledgeable and a great driver! The drive and sites were unspeakably outstanding and van was a quite comfortable.”

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3.Round-Trip Transportation to the Braemar Highland Games from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $89

Travel by minibus from Edinburgh to the Braemar Gathering, with a driver-guide, scenic stops along the way, and about 12 hours on the road. Hear Scottish history from guides such as Brian, Bryan, Graham, or Willie, then watch piping, dancing, tug-of-war, wrestling, hammer throwing, and track events. Admission is separate.

“Graham is one of the best tour transportationists (did I just invent a fun, new word?!) we’ve had the pleasure to ride with. He was informative, and funny, but not obnoxious. He is a safe driver, and gracious in dropping off at better locations for everyone at the end too and saved time doing so!”

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4.Balmoral Craigievar Dunnottar Crathes Castles Tour from Aberdeen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 9 to 10 hours (approx.)

Start at 8 am with private pickup in Aberdeen and spend 9 to 10 hours visiting Crathes, Balmoral, Craigievar, and Dunnottar. Guide Malcolm tailors the route for your group, adds local history, and leaves time for a traditional Scottish lunch. Castle entry fees are extra, and Balmoral usually opens only from April to mid-August.

“We truly enjoyed touring the northeastern Scottish countryside and exploring Crathes, Balmoral, and Dunnothar castles and their associated histories. Nothing was rushed or complicated. Malcolm was very friendly, informative, and accommodating - highly recommended day tour!”

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5.Aberdeenshire and Royal Deeside Private Half-day Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $229

Travel privately from Aberdeen with guide Malcolm to three memorable castles: cliff-top Dunnottar, ornate Crathes, and historic Drum. You can adjust the order and pace, stop outside for free, or pay separately to enter Dunnottar and Crathes. Pickup and drop-off are included in the Aberdeen area.

“Totally customizable. We could set the pace and modify the order of sights. Thatreally worked for us.”

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6.Private Balmoral Glamis Dunnottar Castles Tour from Aberdeen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Start with pickup in Aberdeen and spend 9 to 11 hours visiting Crathes, Balmoral, Glamis, and Dunnottar Castles. Malcolm guides the private drive with local stories and can adjust the route. Lunch is arranged at a castle or The Fife Arms, with Royal Lochnagar whisky tasting available instead of one castle.

“Malcolm was a fabulous host and tour guide. We really enjoyed the added touches of his knowledge and experience about the land and its history, the people. He selected a fabulous little café for lunch. Perfect memory for our trip to Scotland.”

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