Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle & The Northeast Coast: 2 Days from Edinburgh

V&A Dundee, the cliff-top ruins of Dunnottar Castle and the royal Highland home at Balmoral, with a night in the Granite City, with Drive Me Wild Scotland.

Northeast Scotland 2 day Small-group

+1 More

Duration 2 day

Group size 16

Minimum age 4

Availability All year round

Scotland’s northeast is quieter than the western Highlands and just as dramatic. This two-day tour follows the coast north from Edinburgh through Fife and Dundee to the rugged cliffs of Dunnottar, then spends the night in Aberdeen, the Granite City. On day two we head inland through Royal Deeside to Crathes Castle and Balmoral, the Highland home of the British Royal Family, before returning south through the Cairngorms. We keep vehicles small and the pace relaxed, so there is time to enjoy each stop rather than rush to the next. Your driver-guide shares the stories of the castles, the coast and the royal connections along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1 Edinburgh, Dundee, Montrose, Dunnottar & Aberdeen

We leave Edinburgh and cross the Forth Bridges, three structures from three centuries of engineering, then travel through the Kingdom of Fife to Dundee. Here you can see V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, on the banks of the River Tay, with Captain Scott’s ship RRS Discovery alongside. We continue north to Montrose for a lunch break, with the northeast’s fresh seafood a good choice. After a short stop at the seaside village of St Cyrus, we reach Dunnottar Castle, a ruin on a rocky headland above the North Sea with a history stretching back to the early Middle Ages and a role in the Jacobite risings. Next is the harbour town of Stonehaven, where you can try fish and chips or ice cream on the seafront. We finish in Aberdeen for your overnight stay and free evening to explore.

Day 2 Crathes Castle, Balmoral & the Cairngorms

After breakfast, ideally with a local buttery, we head west towards Crathes Castle. This 16th-century tower house has turrets, gargoyles and a walled garden, and its grounds are a good place to spot roe deer, red squirrels and herons. We continue through Banchory and the Aberdeenshire countryside to Ballater, a Victorian village in the heart of Royal Deeside and on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, for lunch. Next comes Balmoral Castle, the much-loved Highland home of the British Monarchy, with its exhibitions and grounds. On the way south we stop at the Devil’s Elbow viewpoint, a glacier-carved spot in the Cairngorms with wide Highland views. We take a final break in the historic city of Perth, then cross the Forth Bridges again and arrive back in Edinburgh at approximately 6:30pm.

Tour Highlight

Dunnottar Castle

a ruined fortress on a cliff above the North Sea

Balmoral Castle

the Highland home of the British Monarchy

Crathes Castle

a 16th-century tower house with a walled garden

V&A Dundee

Scotland’s first design museum, on the River Tay

Stonehaven

a seaside town with a harbour and seafront treats

The Devil’s Elbow

a glacier-carved viewpoint in the Cairngorms

Good to know

Pickup point: 9:00am
Small-group departure, maximum 16 seats
Comfortable walking shoes and weatherproof layers recommended year-round
Luggage is restricted to one piece per person
Bring cash, since some attractions and small places do not take cards

Includes

Knowledgeable Driver-Guide

Luxury Modern air-conditioned coach

Small group tour

Excludes

Accommodation

Children under 4

Entrance to attractions

Food and Drink

What Other Explorers Say

Our driver-guide was exceptional! Travelling in a small executive group meant we could pull in at secluded Highland viewpoints the big 50-seater coaches couldn't reach. The local folklore through Glencoe made Scotland truly come alive.

Fiona & David M. 18/05/2026

A truly five-star experience from start to finish. The pace was relaxed and unhurried with ample time for photographs, lochside walks, and an authentic village lunch. Drive Me Wild Scotland exceeded every expectation!

Benjamin C. 11/05/2026

First time exploring Scotland, and this tour made the whole trip unforgettable. Having an authentic Scottish driver-guide sharing personal stories and deep clan history made every mile fascinating. Spotless Mercedes mini-coach!

Marco T. 30/04/2026

The scenery was breathtaking, and the small group atmosphere felt so welcoming. Our driver knew exactly where to stop for panoramic photos away from the crowds and gave great recommendations for the rest of our holiday.

Sarah & Craig W. 22/04/2026

From the prompt city departure to the scenic evening return, everything was seamlessly managed. Warm Scottish hospitality, executive seating with massive panoramic windows, and brilliant storytelling. Outstanding tour!

Louise H. 14/04/2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the departure point?

Our Edinburgh tours depart from Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2EW, outside the NCP Car Park. Your exact meeting point and time are confirmed on your booking voucher. Check-in opens 15 minutes prior to the stated departure time and closes 5 minutes prior to the stated departure time. We recommend that all passengers arrive in this window as tours must depart on schedule.

Is the accommodation included in the price?

No, accommodation is not included in the tour price, as we want you to have the flexibility to choose the type of accommodation that best suits your preferences and budget.

The tour price includes the services of a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced Driver-Guide, along with transportation in one of our modern, luxury air-conditioned coaches.

Accommodation prices may vary depending on the provider and the time of year. Therefore, we can only provide estimated rates until a booking has been confirmed.

Estimated accommodation rates are as follows:

B&B (Single Room): £60.00 – £100.00 per person, per night
B&B (Double/Twin/Family): £50.00 – £70.00 per person, per night
Hotel: From £60.00+ per person, per night (based on two people sharing). Single occupancy starts from £100.00+ per night.

Accommodation costs are payable directly to the provider upon check-in. We recommend carrying approximately £100 per person, per night in cash to cover your accommodation expenses.

Please note that all hotels require credit card details to secure a reservation. If you would like us to arrange a hotel room on your behalf, we will contact you to discuss your budget and collect the necessary credit card details.

What is the difference between a Hostel, B&B, and Hotel?

Hostels are a budget-friendly choice of accommodation. Many offer kitchen facilities where guests can prepare their own meals during their stay.

B&Bs (Bed & Breakfasts) are privately run guesthouses that provide breakfast, either continental or full, depending on the establishment. However, guests are not able to prepare their own meals.

Hotels are generally the more expensive accommodation option. A full breakfast is included with the room unless stated otherwise. Guests do not have access to facilities for preparing their own meals.

What is the difference between ensuite, standard, twin and double rooms?

Double Rooms feature one double bed, suitable for two guests sharing.

Twin Rooms are equipped with two separate single beds, allowing guests to share a room while sleeping in individual beds.

Ensuite Rooms include a private bathroom with a toilet and shower, located within the room.

Standard Rooms have shared bathroom and toilet facilities, which are used by other guests at the property.

We always aim to secure your preferred accommodation choice. However, availability may be limited during peak travel seasons. We will do our best to meet your requirements and will let you know promptly if your preferred option is unavailable.

Can I book my own accommodation?

Yes, you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation if you prefer. We offer a £10 discount to guests who choose to book their accommodation independently.

This gives you the flexibility to decide where you would like to stay, giving you time to explore the available options and choose the accommodation that best suits your preferences, budget and travel companions.

Simply let us know when making your booking that you intend to arrange your own accommodation. Once your reservation has been confirmed, please provide us with the name and address of your chosen accommodation at your earliest convenience.

Please ensure that your accommodation is located within central Aberdeen, no more than 3km (1.8 miles) from the city centre. This is important, as your Driver-Guide will only be able to drop you off and collect you from accommodation within this area.

How much luggage can I bring?

Luggage Allowance

Each person is permitted to bring one medium-sized suitcase on the tour.

For reference, a medium-sized suitcase is typically 60–69 cm in height and approximately 45 cm in width.

Luggage Storage with Unbaggaged

Unbaggaged offers a convenient luggage collection and storage service. They will collect your bags from a location and at a time that suits you, store them securely at a central location, and return them to you wherever and whenever you need them.

This allows you to travel with greater flexibility and enjoy your journey without the hassle of carrying your luggage.

What happens if the Scottish weather is bad?

The tour runs in all weather. Your guide adjusts stops to make the most of conditions, and the northeast coast is dramatic even on a grey day.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, all our tours are conducted in English.

Your journey will be led by a friendly, experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking Driver-Guide, who will guide you throughout the tour.

What should I bring with me?

As you will be spending two days travelling on and off the coach, with opportunities to enjoy scenic walks along the way, we recommend bringing warm and/or waterproof clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sun protection such as sunscreen or a hat for warmer days.

Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery and wonderful wildlife you may come across throughout your tour!

You may also wish to carry some cold snacks and refreshments to enjoy during the journey.

Can children travel on this tour?

Children aged 4 years and above are welcome to join our tours. Those between the ages of 4 and 16 are eligible for the concessionary rate.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate children under the age of 4 on our tours.