Edinburgh: Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle & Northeast Coast

Traveling through Scotland’s northeast with a small group tour can be a fantastic way to see a region rich in history, striking landscapes, and royal connections. This 2-day adventure, offered by Timberbush Tours, promises a blend of iconic castles, rugged coastlines, and cultural highlights—all from Edinburgh.

What we love about this experience is how it balances well-known sights like Balmoral Castle with lesser-visited gems such as Crathes Castle. The guide’s knowledge adds layers of insight, making the journey more meaningful. The stunning scenery of Cairngorms National Park and the dramatic cliffs of Dunnottar Castle are undoubtedly highlights.

A potential consideration is the pace—fitting so many sights into two days can mean some busy mornings and long travel stretches. Still, for those eager to see a slice of Scotland beyond the city, this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy history, scenic drives, and small-group intimacy.

Good To Know

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Diverse itinerary includes castles, coastlines, and vibrant towns, offering a well-rounded experience.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with interesting stories and local insights.
• Comfortable transportation makes long road stretches more enjoyable.
• Value for money: at $182, the tour covers a lot of ground and key sights.
• Flexibility: optional extras like the V&A Museum allow customization of your experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re craving a comprehensive glimpse into Scotland’s northeast in just two days. It combines scenic drives, historical landmarks, and cultural stops, all guided by experts who bring the region’s stories to life. It’s a great option whether you’re visiting Edinburgh for a few days or want a convenient way to explore beyond the city.

The tour’s value lies in its well-planned route and inclusive features—transport, a dedicated guide, and accommodation (if chosen)—making logistics straightforward. While not including meals or entrance fees, the trip’s focus on key sights offers great bang for your buck.

A Complete Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From Edinburgh to the Northeast Coast

The journey begins in Edinburgh, with a drive across the historic Forth Bridges, which span three centuries of engineering achievement. Traveling over these iconic structures provides an immediate sense of Scotland’s blend of tradition and progress.

Next, the tour heads towards Dundee, a city renowned for its creative edge and the V&A Museum. Opened in 2018, this is Scotland’s first design museum and the only Victoria and Albert outside London. Visitors are encouraged to explore exhibitions that celebrate design from Scotland and abroad. Reviewers mention that the museum’s innovative displays make for a fascinating stop, especially if you’re into arts and design. One traveler noted, “Gillian, our guide, was very knowledgeable and made the visit to the V&A a highlight with her stories and enthusiasm.”

A quick stop at the seaside village of St Cyrus introduces a touch of coastal charm before heading to Dunnottar Castle. Sitting dramatically on a rocky headland near Stonehaven, Dunnottar is a true showstopper. Its cliffs and water surroundings make for compelling photos and a sense of adventure. Reviewers mention that the castle’s dramatic setting is breathtaking, even if some found the walk to reach it a bit steep.

Following Dunnottar, the tour visits the charming town of Stonehaven, where you can stroll along the promenade, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the seaside views.

The day wraps up in Aberdeen, known as the “Granite City” for its sparkling architecture. The city’s buildings gleam under the sun, thanks to the abundant granite. Here, you’ll check into your accommodation and have free time to explore, dine, or relax. One reviewer appreciated the city’s vibe but also noted that some parts are more modern and less characterful.

Day 2: From Aberdeen to the Heart of Aberdeenshire

After checking out, the morning begins with a visit to Crathes Castle. With its turrets, gargoyles, and lush walled gardens, it’s a perfect spot for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. The grounds date back to the 18th century, adding layers to its story. Travelers mention that the castle’s grounds are particularly spectacular in spring and summer, providing a peaceful backdrop for walks and photos.

Driving through scenic towns like Banchory, the journey continues into the countryside of Aberdeenshire, known for its rolling hills and dense forests. The next stop is Ballater, a picturesque town that’s popular with locals and visitors alike. It’s a lovely place for a relaxed lunch and to soak in small-town Scottish charm.

The highlight of the day is a visit to Balmoral Castle, the Highland residence of the British royal family. It’s a significant site for those interested in royal history and Scottish heritage. Visitors can explore the grounds and see temporary exhibitions showcasing the castle’s history. The grounds’ grandeur offers fantastic photo opportunities. One reviewer said, “Balmoral was a major reason I booked this tour. Even if the castle itself was a bit underwhelming, the grounds and history made up for it.”

On the return journey to Edinburgh, a stop at Devil’s Elbow Viewpoint offers spectacular Highland views within Cairngorms National Park. Wildlife sightings are common here, adding an element of wild adventure. The final stop is in Perth, a city with a rich history. Here, you’ll have a short exploration before crossing the Forth Bridges once more, arriving back in Edinburgh.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

What to Expect in More Detail

Transportation: The tour uses an air-conditioned bus, which ensures comfort during the long drives. Small groups (limited to 16) mean you’ll get more personalized commentary and easier access to stops.

Guides: The guides are a key part of the experience, bringing stories and facts that transform sightseeing into storytelling. From the reviews, Gillian and Mark are cited as knowledgeable and friendly, making the journey more engaging.

Timing: With two days packed with sightseeing, early mornings and full days are the norm. The schedule is designed to maximize your exposure to key sights, though it can mean some travel stretches (roughly 2-3 hours between some stops).

Cost & Value: At $182 per person, the tour covers multiple major attractions, transportation, and guide services. Entrance fees to attractions like Balmoral and Crathes are not included, but the value comes from the convenience, expert guidance, and access to sites that might be hard to visit independently without planning.

Flexibility & Comfort: The tour operates in all weather conditions—just dress accordingly. Bring comfortable shoes for walking and weather-appropriate clothing. No pets are allowed, but assistance dogs are permitted.

Authentic Experiences: Insights from Travelers

One traveler praised the guide Mark for being friendly, humorous, and well-informed, adding depth to the trip. “He knew a lot to tell and made the trip engaging,” they said. Another highlighted Gillian’s lively personality and her wealth of knowledge, which made the experience very enjoyable.

Several reviewers appreciated the scenic variety—from the rugged cliffs of Dunnottar to the aristocratic elegance of Balmoral. The views at Devil’s Elbow also received praise for their stunning Highland panorama, enriching the overall experience.

While some found certain stops less impactful—such as Aberdeen’s city center if they were further from the main sights—most agreed that the combination of castles, coastlines, and nature made up for it.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a structured yet immersive experience of northeast Scotland. It suits those interested in history, castles, and scenic landscapes without the hassle of planning multiple day trips themselves.

It’s particularly good for first-timers to Scotland who want to get a sense of the country’s royal connections and rugged beauty in a short time. The small group setting also appeals to those who prefer a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere over large bus tours.

If you’re keen on exploring Scotland’s countryside, coastal towns, and grand castles in two days, this tour offers a well-balanced and enjoyable way to do so.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day tour from Edinburgh strikes a good balance between convenience and discovery. The highlights—Balmoral Castle, Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle, and Cairngorms—are highlights for most travelers. With knowledgeable guides, scenic routes, and a manageable size group, it makes for a memorable Scottish adventure.

While it’s a busy itinerary, the pace keeps your days full and engaging, perfect for those who want to pack in a lot without the stress of driving or organizing logistics. The cost is fair given the number of sites visited and the quality of the transport and guidance.

This tour truly caters to those eager to see a different side of Scotland—its castles, coastlines, and royal heritage—making it a worthwhile addition to any Scottish itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 years old are not accepted on this tour. For older children, it’s best to consider their comfort with long bus rides and walking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour operates in all weather conditions and involves walking at sites like Dunnottar and Crathes.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You’ll have opportunities for breaks and lunch in towns like Ballater, but meals are at your expense.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
No, entrance to attractions like Balmoral and Crathes Castle are not included. You may want to budget for these if you plan to explore inside.

Is the tour guided in English?
Yes, the tour is led by an English-speaking guide who shares stories and insights throughout the trip.

You can check if your dates are available here: