Royal Aberdeenshire

Royal Aberdeenshire

14 Views
8 Days From

$1647

$1600

Royal Aberdeenshire

8 Days Starting and ending in Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Visiting: Aberdeen, Forvie Nature Reserve, Banchory, Stonehaven

Tour operator:

Ramble Worldwide

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

10 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

12-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1647 $1600 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$47

NB: Prices correct on 16-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Beaches, mountains, castles, coastal paths, forest trails, panoramic viewpoints, waterfalls, cities, picturesque villages, a whisky distillery, sea air, seals, dolphins, red squirrels, rare birds, fine art, great food and a lovely hotel. This holiday truly has something for everybody.

We are based in historic Aberdeen City near its many cultural delights. We have two days and a professional guide to explore here and Old Aberdeen. However, this is not a city tour. We’ll also be exploring some of the finest scenery in Britain. We spend two days on Deeside. A highlight will be walking the paths around the Balmoral estate, combined with a distillery tour. We go to Crathes Castle with its beautifully laid out gardens – be on the lookout for red squirrels! Enjoy a day at Stonehaven south of Aberdeen and a walk to Dunnottar Castle, surely the most dramatic location we visit. Finally, we have a day walking amongst the sand dunes at Forvie National Nature Reserve with great wildlife spotting opportunities.

Each night we return to the Sandman hotel and spa, one of the most luxurious places to stay right in the heart of Aberdeen.

Royal Aberdeenshire is sold with flights included, however we also offer this holiday without flights. You may prefer to take the stunningly scenic train ride up the east coast. From London the journey takes about eight hours, but it’s time well spent as there are few more scenic train routes in Britain.

Highlights

  • Explore the grand civic buildings of Aberdeen, known as the 'Granite City'.

  • Visit the Maritime Museum and the award-winning Art Gallery in Aberdeen.

  • Walk through the Forvie Nature Reserve and spot seals, dolphins, and Eider ducks.

  • Discover the Balmoral Cairns Trail and enjoy a whisky tasting at Royal Lochnagar Distillery.

  • Tour the historic Old Aberdeen, including the University, Botanic Gardens, and St Machar's Cathedral.

  • Visit Crathes Castle and its beautiful gardens, and see the Falls of Feugh.

  • Enjoy panoramic sea views and explore Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Aberdeen

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

We arrive in Aberdeen from various regional destinations. The Sandman Hotel is centrally located a 5 minute walk from the main shopping area. The transfer from the Airport to the hotel takes about 30-40 mins depending on traffic. The hotel is also 10 minutes’ walk from the station for any choosing to arrive by train. We will eat in the hotel tonight and every night of the holiday.

Day 2 : Aberdeen City

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast we will meet our Green Badge Guide in the lobby of the hotel. As with so many things the Scots have a different system of describing guide qualifications to the English. Rest assured you are in highly qualified hands. On our half day tour we will walk through Aberdeen City gaining some insight into the grand civic buildings that dominate the city centre. Aberdeen is known as the ‘Granite City’ for obvious reasons. Our tour will end at Foot of Dee, known in the local dialect as ‘Fitdee’. This is the old fishing village on the north bank of the River Dee where it reaches the sea. 

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the Maritime Museum and the recently reopened Art Gallery. This is Aberdeen’s crowning glory. Recently refurbished at great expense it won the Museum of the Year prize in 2020. It is an outstanding gallery even for those who have little interest in art. It also has an excellent café and is about 500m from the hotel.

Day 3 : Forvie Nature Reserve

Location: Forvie Nature Reserve

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Using public transport, we head north on a local bus to Newburgh on the banks of the River Ythan. From here we walk on generally level paths out to the Forvie Nature Reserve. We can then walk through secluded sand dunes to Hackley Bay. Look out for seals, dolphins and flocks of Eider duck on the shoreline along with many other bird species. A good spot for coffee or a picnic lunch is the ruin of Forvie Kirk which is en route. Overall, the walk will be about 5 miles along sandy trails. After visiting the Forvie National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, we will await our transport back to Aberdeen.

Please note whilst the distance covered on this walk is longer than one might expect on a Grade 2 holiday the walking is easy under foot and almost level. We think Grade 2 most accurately describes the walking experience.

Walks

Distance: 5 miles


Time: 3 hours


Ascent: 50


Descent: 50


Day 4 : Royal Deeside

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Today we take private transport out of Aberdeen in the Dee Valley and the mountains. Our first stop will be at Crathie before setting off on the ‘Balmoral Cairns Trail’ through the grounds of Balmoral. The various pyramids were built to celebrate the marriages of Queen Victoria’s children. After the walk we go the Royal Lochnagar Distillery for a tour and tasting of the whisky. On our way back to Aberdeen, we stop in Ballater for a stroll around and possibly tea. A quick visit to the Tourist Information Centre is a must. It is located in the rebuilt former railway station. This was the end of the line as although Queen Victoria was a keen user of the railway, she would not allow it to be built any closer to Balmoral.

Walks

Distance: 5 miles


Time: 3 hours


Ascent: 100


Descent: 100


Day 5 : Old Aberdeen

Location: Aberdeen

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

We are back in the city today. We will meet our guide again for a half day tour of Old Aberdeen, until recently an entirely separate city. Old Aberdeen is a fascinating place full of history. Highlights include the University, the Botanic Gardens and St Machar’s Cathedral.  We finish the tour with a walk through Seaton Park with its beautifully laid out gardens followed by a visit to the Brig o’ Balgownie – an historic bridge situated over the Black Neuk and mentioned in one of Lord Byron’s poems. This afternoon we will have free time to further explore the gardens or perhaps revisit the museums. Your Adagio leader will be happy to advise.

Day 6 : Deeside

Location: Banchory

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

We are back in the Dee Valley today with a visit to Crathes Castle with an included visit to the castle and the beautifully maintained gardens. The castle is noted for its fine painted ceilings. When walking through the grounds keep a look out for Red Squirrels. Sightings are not uncommon here. We will take lunch in the grounds as a picnic or in the café as you prefer before continuing to Banchory town. We have a quick stop at the impressive Falls of Feugh. Look out for salmon leaping in season! We will then walk up to Scolty Tower. The walk is about 2.5 miles in total climbing 200m on a gentle gradient. The views from the top are magnificent with Aberdeen to the east and the Cairngorms to the west.

Walks

Distance: 2.5 miles


Time: 3 hours


Ascent: 200


Descent: 200


Day 7 : Stonehaven & Dunnottar Castle

Location: Stonehaven

Accommodation Name: Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Today will perhaps offer the most spectacular walk. We catch the local bus south to Stonehaven. Sit on the left for the best coastal views. Also look out for the occasional deer in the fields close to the road. On arrival in Stonehaven, we walk down to the seafront and along the boardwalk; take time to explore the picturesque harbour. For our walk we head south, climbing up out of the town on a gradient to reach first the War Memorial; it is fitting monument. From here, there are panoramic sea views and plenty of benches from which to enjoy them. From here we continue to Dunnottar Castle. Entrance to the castle is included however it is important to note there are 180 steps to descend to get to the castle gate. If this does not appeal there is a café 400m away in the car park. The views of Dunnottar Castle can easily be enjoyed without visiting. The walk from harbour to castle is 5 miles return with 150m of ascent on good paths throughout.

Whilst in Stonehaven it would be a pity not to visit the place that invented perhaps Scotland's most famous dish. Carron World Famous Fish Bar just off the main square in Stonehaven is the home of the deep-fried Mars bar. Enjoy!

Walks

Distance: 5 miles


Time: 3 hours


Ascent: 150


Descent: 150


Day 8 : Departure Day

Location: Aberdeen

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we return to the airport or train station for our journeys home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel for the duration of the tour.

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner are included each day of the tour, with the exception of the first day which includes dinner only, and the last day which includes breakfast only.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours are included, such as a half-day tour of Aberdeen City and Old Aberdeen with a Green Badge Guide.

  • Transport

    Transport is provided for excursions outside of Aberdeen, including private transport to the Dee Valley and local bus transport to Stonehaven.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to attractions such as the Royal Lochnagar Distillery and Dunnottar Castle are included.

What's Not Included

  • Lunch

    Lunch is not included and is at the participant's own expense.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and participants are advised to arrange their own coverage.

  • Transport to Aberdeen

    Transport to and from Aberdeen at the start and end of the tour is not included.

Mode of Transport

Arrive in Aberdeen from various regional destinations, with a 30-40 minute transfer from the airport to the hotel. Utilize public transport for local excursions, including a bus to Newburgh and private transport for trips to the Dee Valley and Stonehaven.

Accommodation

Stay at the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel, centrally located just a short walk from the main shopping area and train station. Enjoy comfortable accommodations with dinner included each night, providing a convenient and relaxing base for your exploration of Aberdeen and its surroundings.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation is provided at the Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel, which is centrally located and offers comfortable accommodations with dinner included each night.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, breakfast and dinner are included each day of the tour, except for the first day which includes dinner only, and the last day which includes breakfast only. Lunch is not included and is at the participant's own expense.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    Transport is provided for excursions outside of Aberdeen, including private transport to the Dee Valley and local bus transport to Stonehaven. Public transport is also utilized for local excursions.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?

    Yes, entrance fees to attractions such as the Royal Lochnagar Distillery and Dunnottar Castle are included in the tour package.

  • What wildlife might we see during the tour?

    During the tour, you may spot seals, dolphins, and Eider ducks at the Forvie Nature Reserve. Red squirrels are also commonly seen in the grounds of Crathes Castle.

  • Is there a guided tour included in the itinerary?

    Yes, guided tours are included, such as a half-day tour of Aberdeen City and Old Aberdeen with a Green Badge Guide.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Stonehaven?

    The highlight of the visit to Stonehaven is the walk to Dunnottar Castle, which offers panoramic sea views. The entrance to the castle is included, although there are 180 steps to descend to the castle gate.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you have paid your deposit, and all of the elements of your holiday are confirmed, we will provide a Confirmation of Booking and Invoice Pack. The confirmation of booking confirms your holiday arrangements, any special requests, and the balance due date. Please take the time to check this document carefully and please let us know immediately if there are any inaccuracies. As part of this pack, you’ll also receive a Holiday Information Sheet with more detail about your holiday. We will send reminder(s) for any missing details, which are important for your booking, so please update us as soon as you can. A MONTH BEFORE DEPARTURE Now’s the time to really start looking forward to your holiday, and 3-4 weeks before departure we’ll send out any updated information relating to your trip, including any local information. If you have any questions regarding your holiday arrangements, please get in touch with us. THREE WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE We aim to send out your Travel Documents and joining instructions 3 weeks before departure, please take the time to read through these documents and note your up-to-date flight schedules (if/where relevant), check-in times, and luggage allowance.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You may be able to change your dates. Please refer to Section 5 of our Booking Conditions for more details or message us for assistance. Note that charges and limitations may apply.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover. The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked. Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number. In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term. If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by Ramble Worldwide staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Reviews of this operator

Avram Taylor (Google Reviewer)  

I went on the Dobbiaco...

25-Jul-2024

I went on the Dobbiaco and the Tre Cime holiday in July 2024. This was an excellent holiday overall. The walks are very well designed and the scenery is beautiful. There are frequent rest points during the walks and, where possible, people can choose to stop and wait or leave the walks. There is a good variety of walks (lakes, forests and mountains) and the walk leader was excellent. I would recommend this holiday for those who want to see some of the most stunning scenery in the Dolomites and also want to do some enjoyable walking without the demands of the higher grade walks in the region.

Helen Thomas (Google Reviewer)  

My first Winter Adventure, snowshoeing...

07-Feb-2023

My first Winter Adventure, snowshoeing in Bach , Austria and will not be my last! The holiday exceeded my expectations from day 1! Everything was well organised, walks and scenery fabulous, hotel comfortable with a homely feel. I honestly cannot fault anything. Our walk leader Tania was excellent and went above and beyond what was expected. I am already looking towards booking another snowshoe holiday maybe in another location so I have a comparison. Overall an excellent experience and good value. 👌

Diane W (Google Reviewer)  

Excellent hotel, food, walks, leader...

24-Sep-2023

Excellent hotel, food, walks, leader and fellow walkers. Could not find any fault at all and would thoroughly recommend this holiday in Catalonia.

Martin Plaut (Google Reviewer)  

The Oman walking holiday is...

05-Feb-2024

The Oman walking holiday is excellent! Wonderful scenery, great drivers and lovely people. We had a real welcome from everyone we met.

Judith Hible (Google Reviewer)  

Once you're safely in your...

27-Aug-2024

Once you're safely in your seat on the 'plane - you can relax. Ramble Worldwide will take care of everything else.

Elizabeth Smith (Google Reviewer)  

Lake Como trip (level 2)...

22-Jun-2024

Lake Como trip (level 2) was outstanding. Our leader Elaine was excellent and planned our days with lovely surprises along the way. The scenery was outstanding, stunning walks with variation in the views, lovely restaurants, delicious food, comfortable accommodation. The boat rides across the lake were amazing. The villas and their gardens stunning. The group was small, and we enjoyed each other's company. One fantastic trip.

Phil Chadwick (Google Reviewer)  

I had a fantastic week...

07-Jan-2024

I had a fantastic week on the High in the Alpujarras holiday over New Year. It was a really well-planned week with fantastic routes and a great leader. It far exceeded my expectations, which were already high. Probably helped by a nice group of people and great weather The New Year celebrations in the hotel were fantastic. Should have packed a dinner jacket :)

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

May 03, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$1647 $1600 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$47 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$1710 $1662 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$49 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025
$1710 $1662 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$49 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$1647 $1600 (USD)

Tourhub's Discount: -$47 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Ramble Worldwide requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of ramble worldwide charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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