Balmoral and Royal Deeside tour from Aberdeen

• WiFi access on board

• Meals • Tips • Admission tickets for Balmoral Castle (General)

• Infants and young children are permitted in a pram or stroller • Service animals are accepted • Participants should possess a moderate degree of physical fitness

To receive a full refund, cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours prior to the designated departure time.

• Balmoral has been a cherished residence of the Royal family since 1850, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert selected this picturesque area as their retreat. The landscape offers breathtaking vistas of hills and mountains, fields of heather, and the impressive river Dee that flows through the estate. Listening to the audio tour is strongly recommended, as it provides stories and guidance around the estate. The Ballroom is the sole room available for visitors within the Castle. The items displayed in the Ballroom are all belongings of the Royal Family. *Please note that Balmoral Castle & Estate is closed from mid-August until early October 26. During this time, the tour stop will be switched to the National Trust for Scotland's Crathes Castle. • The Victorian village of Ballater is located in the heart of Royal Deeside, serving as the eastern gateway to Cairngorms National Park and is considered one of Scotland’s most picturesque destinations. Exploring the village reveals a variety of specialty shops and a good assortment of restaurants and cafes offering local cuisine. Pay attention to the shops bearing Royal Warrants, indicating quality and endorsement from the Royal family. Nestled alongside the river Dee and surrounded by hills and mountains, Ballater is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include the charming Victorian Railway Station and the tourist information centre with further details about the village, as well as a walk by the Victorian Barracks, which remain in operation when the Royal family is present at Balmoral. • The Cambus O' May suspension bridge crosses the river Dee and is a remnant of Alexander Gordon's estate. Constructed in 1905, the footbridge measures 50 meters in length and allows passage to the opposite bank. The Deeside Way, a route following the old Deeside Railway, runs near the northeastern end of the bridge. From the bridge, footpaths lead to Torphantrick wood and the Muir of Dinnet nature reserve, both popular for woodland hikes and wild swimming in the river. • Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a type of ancient monument unique to northeastern Scotland. Its distinct feature is a large, horizontally positioned stone, flanked by two upright stones, typically situated on the southern or southwestern arc of the circle. This stone circle encircles a burial cairn dating back roughly 4,500 years. The reasons for the existence of these structures are not fully understood, but several theories will be explored during your visit. • Located just outside Tarland is the Queen's View, regarded as one of Queen Victoria's preferred viewpoints overlooking the Howe of Cromar towards Lochnagar. A stop will be made to take in the scenery, and on clear days, 12 different hills and Munros can be seen.