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

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.

Balmoral Castle & Estate is closed from mid-August until early October 26. This tour stop will be replaced by the National Trust for Scotland’s Crathes Castle thereafter.

• 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 an intriguing variety 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, a sure sign of quality and support from the Royal family.
  Nestled alongside the River Dee and surrounded by hills and mountains, Ballater is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Be sure to visit the beautiful Victorian Railway Station and the tourist information centre, which provides more information about the village. Walk past the Victorian Barracks, still in use when the Royal family is staying 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 carries visitors 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)

Beginning in Aberdeen, the journey follows the River Dee to Balmoral, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of generations of Royals who have made this estate their home.

*Please note that Balmoral Estate will be closed from August 9, 2026, until early October 2026. The itinerary includes a visit to the village of Braemar, with an optional tour of Braemar Castle.

Enjoy a leisurely walk in the delightful Victorian village of Ballater, where you can explore the local heritage, the Victorian train station, and take in the scenic views of the area.

The tour then proceeds to the iconic Cambus O’May suspension bridge, before continuing to the Tomnavarie Stone Circle.

Finally, on the return journey to Aberdeen, there is a stop at Queen Victoria’s favorite views of Aberdeenshire.

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