Top Aberdeen Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Combine the majestic heights of Royal Deeside with the epic cliff-top site of Dunnottar Castle. For almost 150 years, the British royal family have travelled to the River Dee for their holidays. With almost unlimited cash and resources, why do they always come here? We think there’s an easy answer. This area encapsulates everything everyone loves about Scotland. You find grand castles enclosed by pine forests. You look up at the highest plateau in Britain in the Cairngorms National Park. And there’s enough nearby distilleries to satisfy any royal event. So, who wouldn’t want to escape to the fresh air of this location? On this tour, we combine her Majesty’s favourite holiday spot with a trip to Dunnottar Castle, one of the most historically important and visually arresting sights in Scotland. Hop aboard this tour, see an epic castle, and discover whether you have the same taste as the royals.

The battles, beauty, and whisky: This is your perfect introduction to Scotland. You shed a tear as you hear the tales and tragedies of Scotland’s Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You try to take your best photo as you pass by Scotland’s famous mountains and castles. And you lick your lips as you drink in the spirit of Scottish whisky in Dufftown, ‘the Whisky Capital of the World’. What’s more, you get as close as possible to the legendary Loch Ness Monster on an optional boat trip. So, take this trip and enjoy the best of Scotland in a day.

Although most famous for its castles, Scotland has an interesting culinary heritage. Get a true taste of the country during a full-day tour that visits the Glen Garioch Whiskey Distillery and three major historical attractions. Letting someone else drive means you’ll have more time to focus on northern Scotland’s stunning scenery and can skip worrying about getting lost on rural roads.

Whisky distilleries abound in Scotland and deciding where to go can be tricky, while driving between distilleries takes tastings off the table. That’s not a problem on this intimate small-group tour, as your driver-guide transports you to two specially selected distilleries in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach. There, learn about the history and production of whisky, before sampling for yourself.

From bodysnatching and beheadings to witchcraft and whippings, we share real life stories of crime and punishment from the last 500 years on this self-guided GPS audio tour. Along the way you’ll see major Aberdeen landmarks, from Marischal College to the Mercat Cross, and learn how they were witness to darkest chapters in the city’s history. Scot Free Tours sheds a light on the baffling and often unjust laws of the last five centuries – and reveals that past is not as far away as we think. Thousands of people have loved our 5-star rated live tours and now you can experience them with freedom of an audio guide! The tour plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smartphone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. Start the tour in the app, put your phone in your pocket, and let us guide you around Aberdeen. The total walking distance is 3km and takes about 45 minutes without stopping, but you can pause anytime!

This tour introduces you to mountain biking and the Aberdeenshire landscape. We set-up a full suspension mountain bike for you and teach you some simple techniques so you can go anywhere off road. We ride the off-road trails around the estate learn about its history, the landscape and the fauna and flora. You will ride past the mansion house, through the northwest gate, and on up to the stone-age hill fort.

Explore the murkier corners of Aberdeen at your own pace with this highly acclaimed self guided audio walking tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from the Mercat Cross, you'll weave your way through hundreds of years of history while discovering the stories of piracy, slavery, and insurrection that the city hides in plain sight.  Hear about "Indian Pete" and his efforts to banish child slavery.  The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. It plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. It does not need a network connection to work. If you've got an hour and want to see some of the grisly and gloomy corners that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!  

Aberdeenshire is known for its density of castles and historic buildings but, without your own transportation, getting around can be tricky. Skip the hassle of navigating public transit with this private tour. In the company of just your group and a guide, explore the history-rich region and enjoy the flexibility of adapting the itinerary to your specific interests.

The Speyside region of north-eastern Scotland is renowned for its single malt whiskies, which are sold all around the world. On this tour, immerse yourself in Scotland’s whisky-making history and heritage as you visit three Speyside distilleries in one day. Visit distilleries such as Macallan, Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich, or Aberlour; learn about the whisky-making process on a guided tour; and sample a selection of different whiskies.

Visit three whisky distilleries in one day without the hassle of designating a driver or navigating public transport. This private tour is exclusively for your party so you'll enjoy a personalized experience as your guide drives you to the Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Macallan distilleries where you will enjoy tastings and insights into the world of Scotch.

Explore Aberdeen at your own pace with this acclaimed self guided audio tour of Aberdeen.  Beginning from Holburn Junction at the west end of Union Street, you'll weave your way through timeless streets while discovering the stories that the city hides in plain sight.  The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. It plays audio automatically at exactly the right time and place using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, which also works offline. If you've got an hour and want to see all the major historical and cultural themes that Aberdeen has to offer – this is the tour for you!  

Perfect for true whisky enthusiasts, this private, 4-day tour will introduce you to many of Scotland’s top distilleries—including every distillery on Islay. On the first day, meet your guide at your preferred Scottish address and head via comfortable car to Oban via Loch Lomond, for your first distillery visit and bed-and-breakfast stay. The next day, board a ferry to Islay. During your stay, you’ll enjoy tutored tastings, behind-the-scenes distillery tours, and more.

Time Exposure Travel will take you on a walking tour round some of the most interesting historical areas of Aberdeen, chosen from the attractions listed above. In Old Aberdeen some the areas we will explore include the buildings of the 15th Century University, at 12th Century Cathedral with an amazing heraldic ceiling and a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, other fascinating areas and even visit a secret graveyard very few locals even know about. Tours can be tailored to suit. Please note access to Chapel interiors is subject to availability. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

This is a private tour for your group only. Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer and we will take you on a private tour to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting, chosen from the tour details section below. A suggested itinerary could be: • Old Aberdeen - See fascinating medieval history • Dunnottar Castle - one of the worlds most iconic castles, • Crathes Castle - a 16th century castle on Deeside with amazing gardens • Royal Lochnagar Distillery - the famous malt from the grounds of Balmoral Castle You can choose your own itinerary. Please note access to the castle interiors and Distillery tours are subject to seasonal opening times. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments. Pick up and drop off is from your Hotel, Airport, Train Station or Cruise Ship

Time Exposure Travel will take you on a tour to some of the most interesting historical areas of Aberdeen, chosen from the attractions listed in the itinerary. In Old Aberdeen some the areas we will explore include the buildings of the 15th Century University, a 12th Century Cathedral with an amazing heraldic ceiling and a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, other fascinating areas and a secret graveyard very few locals know about. In the city centre and in the shadow of impressive historical buildings, you learn about the brutal realities of medieval times, including burnings, drownings, hangings, and floggings. Also, Aberdeen has been the site of military invasions, riots and body snatching and you also find out about the local officials who colluded in the 18th century to kidnap young children and sell them as slaves in America. Our tour covers 800 captivating years. Access to Chapel interiors is subject to availability. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT.

A beautiful tour of the Highlands This full day tour has plenty to see and do. With up to 8 stops along the route on the day and breathtaking scenery of the mountains and hills of the Cairngorms nature reserve, we have a lot of ground to cover during the day. We will visit castles, nature and mountains, art installations, see ancient structures and a thriving city all in one day.

This is a private tour for your group only. Scotland has many treasures to offer and a lot of them are in Aberdeenshire. We will take you on a private tour to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting and you will learn about the attractions and their history and have a great day out Tours can include – Iconic Castle(s), Distilleries, Historical Areas, Stunning Scenery (examples listed from which we choose a route), Optional Lunch. Our example itinerary includes - Dunnottar Castle- One of the worlds most iconic castles impregnably built on a sheer headland. - Drum Castle - A stunning 13th Century Castle dating back to Robert The Bruce. - Crathes Castle - A 16th Century masterpiece on Royal Deeside. Minimum passengers: one. Maximum passengers: four. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

WHISKYWHEELS PRIVATE HIGHLAND WHISKY TOUR + We pick you up + We help you create your own tour to the Highlands This private Whiskywheels tour is fantastic for those wishing to sample what the Highland whisky distilleries have to offer. Fully customizable tour. + We can usually manage around 4-6 stops depending on availability (more are possible if you want to break records) We book and arrange the tour for you. Let us know what you want to do. The distilleries ask for a small fee for entry. Choose a mix of whisky tastings and distillery tours. Fantastic and entertaining tales from each distillery from local experts who know their whisky. Message us to pick your own itinerary or let us create it for you with your requirements. Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle with a reliable driver who can point out sights on the way and provide assistance all day. We will have 45 to 60 minutes for lunch at a Scottish style pub or Inn depending on your requirements.

Experience the beauty of the Royal Deeside with it's connections to the Monarchy and stunning scenery. Starting from Aberdeen we will follow the River Dee to the Royal Residence, Balmoral. Walking in the footsteps of generations of Royals who have called this castle home. From there we travel to the picture perfect highland village of Braemar for lunch and a visit to the Highland Games Centre, home of the Braemar Gathering. Next we start our journey back to Aberdeen, but not before stopping to see the Tomnavarie Stone Circle and one of Queen Victoria's favourite views of Aberdeenshire.

An amazing private tour that provides a true taste of Scotland, all in one day. Historic Castles, Highland Cows and Whisky! Feel the history, taste the beef and drink a dram! Take home amazing memories. Crathes is a stunning 16th-century Castle featuring turrets, gargoyles, painted ceilings and ancient, great yew hedges in the amazing gardens. We offer the chance to visit a working farm, meet our native breed of cattle, photograph them, learn about their history and have a lunch of succulent Premium Highland Beef which includes a local craft beer or local Gin! Enjoy an amazing tour round the Royal Lochnagar distillery which produces a world class single malt Scotch whisky. The Distillery is based in the grounds of the world famous Balmoral Castle and close to the stunning mountain, Lochnagar. All tours can be tailored to suit and subject to seasonal opening times. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

We will take you on a day trip to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting. We can provide the itinerary or you can create your own. Throughout the day you will receive Professional Photography tuition and there is the option for editing tuition after the the tour. Introduction to Photography course notes provided electronically. A suggested itinerary is: - Dunnottar Castle- One of the worlds most iconic castles. - Crathes Castle - A 16th Century masterpiece of architecture. - Lunch - Burn 'o' Vat / Loch Kinnord walk or tour of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery - Optional Photograph Editing Tuition Pick up and drop off is from your Hotel, Train Station, Airport or Cruise Ship. We can alter the tour to include Balmoral Castle, but it is not open all year. Please ask us about availability. Please note the distillery may be closed on a Monday and is subject to seasonal opening times. TET are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

During the North East Coast Tour, we will visit some of the region's most dramatic coastline. Starting with the elegant town of Banff and the impressive Duff House where the Earl of Fife entertained royalty and the Duff family married into the aristocracy. We follow the coastline to Fraserburgh and visit the iconic village of Pennan where we can admire the sea, before finding our way to the story of lighthouses at the museum of lighthouses and Kinnaird Lighthouse.

This fantastic tour from any Scottish location to the Macallan distillery is designed for Macallan fans and whisky enthusiasts. The only Macallan specific tour available daily. Have lunch in the best Whisky hotel in Speyside - the Dowans hotel. Visit Glenfiddich distillery to compare tasting notes and see their fantastic distillery.

Too early to check in to your hotel or for your flight? We have the perfect solution, a private guided tour of the area. Simply let us know where/when you need picked up and choose the length of tour that suits you. Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer – amazing castles, historical buildings, distilleries, beautiful scenery and spectacular wildlife. We will take you to areas that are as stunning as they are interesting. and you will learn about the attractions and their history. Tours can include – Iconic Castle(s), Distilleries, Historical Areas, Stunning Scenery (examples listed from which we choose a route), Optional Lunch. Pick up from Airport, Train Station, Cruise Ship and drop off is at your Hotel or Cruise Ship. Minimum passengers: 1. Maximum passengers: 4 Please contact us to check availability. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.