Highlights
Starting from Aberdeen we trace the river Dee to Balmoral where you can walk in the footsteps of generations of Royals who have called this estate home. Take a stroll in the charming Victorian village of Ballater, explore the local heritage, the Victorian train station and the views of the area. Next, we visit the iconic Cambus O'May suspension bridge, before we continue our journey to the Tomnavarie Stone Circle and Migvie Kirk where we learn more about the ancient culture of the Picts. Finally, on our way back to Aberdeen, we stop at Queen Victoria's favourite views of Aberdeenshire. (When Balmoral closes for the season, we will substitute Crathes Castle)
About This Deal
Departure Point
- Next to the William Wallace Statue in front of His Majesty's Theatre on Rosemount Viaduct. (AB10 1NP)
Return Details
- Next to the William Wallace Statue in front of His Majesty's Theatre on Rosemount Viaduct. (AB10 1NP)
Duration
7 hours and 30 minutes
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: Tomnaverie Stone Circle
Tarland, Scotland AB34 4YQ
Balmoral is a treasured family home for the Royal family since 1850, when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert chose this beautiful region to create their great escape. A landscape with stunning views of the hills and mountains, fields of heather and the majestic river Dee that flows through it. The estate was the late Queen Elizabeth's private country retreat in Scotland and a beloved home. King Charles III has a great affection for the castle and grounds and often spends time walking through the estate. We highly recommend listening to the audio tour. The audio will share stories and guides you around the estate. The Ballroom is only room open to visitors within the Castle. The objects in the Ballroom are from within the Castle, and are all objects that belong to the Royal Family. Note: ***Balmoral Castle & Estate usually closes on the 1st of August 2024. This tour stop will be changed to the National Trust for Scotland's- Crathes Castle thereafter.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: B9119
B9119, Tarland, Scotland AB34 4TL
The Victorian village of Ballater sits in the heart of Royal Deeside, at the eastern gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most scenic visitor spots. A stroll around the village reveals an interesting range of specialty shops and good selection of restaurants and cafes to enjoy some of the local food & drink. Notice the shops which display Royal Warrants on their store fronts, a sure sign of quality and support from the Royal family. Sitting 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 has more information about the village. Walk past the Victorian Barracks, still in use, when the Royal family are staying in Balmoral.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Ballater
Ballater
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 m 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.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Cambus O' May Suspension Bridge
River Dee, Cambus O’ May, Ballater
Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a kind of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. Their characteristic 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 to about 4,500 years ago. Relatively little is known about why we have these structures, there are several theories which you’ll discover on your visit.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Migvie Stone
Migvie
Migvie Kirk is a deconsecrated church on the Tillypronie Estate. In the centre of the kirk is group of stone chairs, carved with biblical texts, Pictish symbols and Ogham scripts. On the north wall is a huge oblique cross set into the plasterwork, and there are three stained glass windows, that illustrate the integration of Christianity into the Pictish practices. The combination of Pictish symbols and Christian ones illustrates a time when the two cultural traditions were melding together.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Estates, , Ballater
Just outside Tarland is the Queen's View, reportedly one of Queen Victoria's favourite views over the Howe of Cromar towards Lochnagar. We will stop to admire the view and on a good day, where you can see 12 different hills and Munros!
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Entries & Tour fees
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the Grampian Escapes Tours Ltd in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Fine Print
14-day cancellation rights do not apply; no refunds or exchanges permitted. Voucher valid only for date and time listed; may not be exchanged or redeemed for other dates. Purchaser name and phone number must be provided at checkout; this information will be shared with Viator and the tour operator for purposes of order fulfillment. Groupon promo codes may not be used for this offer. Groupon voucher Terms of Sale do not apply. See the tour operator's terms and conditions for this offer here.
Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts.