Top Aberdeen Sightseeing Tours

Aberdeen is an often-overlooked Scottish city but should not be missed. This small-group tour will introduce you to the highlights and history of "the Granite City." You'll visit the university's 15th-century buildings, 12th-century cathedral with a dark secret, Scotland's oldest bridge, and even visit a secret graveyard that even many locals don't know about.

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.

Wander the streets and wynds (narrow alleyways) of Aberdeen and discover another world of dark secrets and fascinating historical stories. Learn about the witch trials of Aberdeen that went on more than 500 years ago, and hear stories about Medieval corporal punishments carried out in the city center. See where armies attacked, and visit graveyards where bodysnatchers operated in the 1800s.

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!  

This guided tour is a great introduction to Scotland and ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time. You'll pass by some of Scotland's most famous castles and mountains, see the ancient Clava Cairns, learn about the doomed Jacobite Rising at the Culloden Battlefield. You'll also visit the mysterious Loch Ness where you can take an optional boat trip.

Soak up Scottish history and some of the country's most stunning scenery on this day tour from Aberdeen. After visiting the cliff top fortress of Dunnottar Castle, you'll head for Royal Deeside where you'll see ancient forest and magnificent waterfalls, and discover why the area is a longtime favorite vacation destination for the British royal family.

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.

Discover the rugged coast and royal heritage of Aberdeenshire on this private tour that is fully customized to your own interests. Explore the "granite city" of Aberdeen, admire the atmospheric Dunnottar Castle, perched on the edge of the North Sea, and sample a "wee dram" at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery at the foot of the Cairngorm Mountains.

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!  

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. You can also choose your own itinerary. Tours can include – Iconic Castle(s), Distilleries, Historical Areas, Stunning Scenery (examples listed from which we choose a route). 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. Most castle grounds are free to visit, but charge for interior tours and are all subject to seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details. Time Exposure Travel are members of ABTOT (No.5419) which provides protection for customers’ prepayments.

Organize a private transfer to your hotel, or to the airport, port or train station and see more of Aberdeen during your short time in the city. Ideal for travelers only visiting Aberdeen for a short period of time or just passing through, see the Granite City’s historic architecture, scenic countryside and dramatic coastline before heading to your next stop.

We offer a private tour to the heart of whisky country. Visit any Whisky distilleries you want (we can normally visit 2 or 3 depending on opening times) and an example is in the Tour Details itinerary. In each distillery you will learn the secrets of how Scotland's most famous drink is crafted and then have the opportunity to sample the beautiful offerings. We can recommend which distilleries to visit if required, but wherever we take you, you know you can sit back and relax and let us do the driving. The 3 most popular are Macallan, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. There are many other amazing distilleries and please contact us for other suggestions. We will book the internal guided tasting/tours (not included in cost). Some distilleries close in winter, are all subject to seasonal open times and require to be booked in advance. Optional extra to include a Castle tour/visit. Please contact us for details.

Capture unforgettable images of the "Granite City" on this private walking tour and photography workshop in Aberdeen. Your guide will take you to some of the most interesting historical parts of Old Aberdeen, whilst providing tips and techniques to help you get most out of your camera. A traditional lunch and/or an editing session can be added on to your tour.

Discover Aberdeen's local history and culture on this 1.5 hour walking tour with a local guide, available every day any time. Discover Aberdeen's rich history from being a small fishing settlement to the centre of oil for Europe. Make your way through some of the oldest streets, explore tunnels and retrace the steps of some of Aberdeen's most important figures in our (sometimes very dark) history. You'll also discover the amazing street art that has overtaken Aberdeen and has become a huge part of the culture. From unassuming corners to major buildings, there’s art around every turn and your guide knows just where to find the best of the best.

Explore the highlights of beautiful, vibrant Aberdeen on this fascinating two-hour private walking tour with an expert local guide. As a port city, Aberdeen has a fascinating maritime history, a scenic coastline, and an interesting history. Also known as the Granite City, for its imposing and historic architecture, Aberdeen was built at the convergence of the Don and Dee rivers where they meet the Atlantic. The name translates as 'mouth of the river Don' - aber is a Pictish word meaning river mouth, and the Don is named after the Gallo Roman goddess of springs and Rivers, Divona. Today it is famous as the off-shore capital of Europe, but prehistoric settlements and villages show the area has been inhabited for over 8000 years. There are also a fantastic 45 green parks for walking and relaxing - as well as the nearby international golf courses and of course many, many historic whiskey distilleries - Scotland's national tipple!

This Aberdeen experience is not your typical sightseeing tour. This musical-led combination of a flash mob and silent disco leads you through the streets of the Scottish city to the sounds of some of sensational tunes, from all decades and genres, which only you hear through your hi-tech headset. You'll pass by Aberdeen's top landmarks, and landmarks whilst singing and dancing with your own party on the go.

An amazing private tour that provides a true taste of Scotland. Historic Castles, Highland Cows & Whisky. Feel the history, taste the beef and drink a dram. Dunnottar Castle is one of the world's most iconic castles, impregnably built on a sheer headland. Crathes, a stunning 16th century Castle with amazing gardens. We offer the chance to learn about and meet our native breed of cattle and have a lunch of succulent Highland Beef. Enjoy an amazing tasting tour around the Royal Lochnagar distillery which produces a world class single malt Scotch whisky. All tours can be tailored to suit and the farm and distillery are subject to seasonal opening times and require advance booking. Please contact us for details. Most castle grounds are free to visit, but charge for interior tours. The stepped entrance at Dunnottar, requires a degree of fitness. You must be over 18 to taste the whisky but younger people are permitted.

An amazing day out to see some of the most famous and iconic castles in Scotland (There are many castles in Aberdeenshire). We pick you up/drop you off at your Aberdeen Hotel. This is a private tour for your party only. The route and itinerary can be changed to suit. Please advise us of any required changes. Please contact us for details of castle opening times. Balmoral is open Apr to mid-August. Glamis is open Spring to Autumn. If you would like to visit a distillery instead of a castle, please let us know so can book the tasting tour. Advance booking is always required. Most castles grounds are free to access (except for Balmoral) but charge for internal tours. We will book the tickets and invoice you via PayPal. All attractions subject to seasonal opening times. Please contact us for details. Please note at Dunnottar there is a gentle slope from carpark to see it, but to go inside there is a long staircase.

Discover the regal heritage of historic Scotland on a tour of Dunnottar and Deeside. Explore Dunnottar Castle and hear about its history and ghost stories, then travel to Crathes Castle and see its unique 16th Century architecture. After lunch, head to a local distillery to see where Scotland’s favorite drink is made, and find out how whisky became so popular here and all over the world.

Discover the secrets of the world's most popular whisky. This private tour takes you to three different Highland distilleries where you will learn about the single malts that have been included in the Johnnie Walker blends over the past 100 years. Tour the distilleries and enjoy tastings of three whiskies at each.

Discover a different side to Aberdeen on this street art walking tour. On this 1.5 hour you’ll meander down alleys and under bridges to uncover some of the city’s most beautiful pieces of art that are taking over the walls by storm. All with a local, expert guide. From unassuming corners to major buildings, there’s art around every turn and your guide knows just where to find the best of the best. Each tour is unique, with the route constantly being updated to include new pieces of art! Among the 10+ murals you will see include: Man & Dog - Smug Lego Wall - Jan Vormann Side Profile - Alice Pasquini Unicorn - Bordalo

Deep in the Ballochbuie Forest (part of the Kings’ Balmoral Estate) lies the “Honka House”. This log cabin was a gift from Finland for the Queens silver wedding anniversary and has been a favourite picnic spot for the Royal's ever since. Near the retreat are the stunning Falls of Garbh Allt, over which Queen Victoria had a beautiful iron bridge installed in 1878 and it is still in use today. The tour will be set at your own pace and there will opportunities to stop and admire the views. Our tour also takes us over the famous Invercauld Bridge, which dates back to the 18thC. We can also visit a castle or the Royal Lochnagar Distillery, depending on timings. Distillery Tours are subject to availability and seasonal opening times. Most castle grounds are free to visit (except Balmoral), but charge for tours inside the actual castle. Contact us for details. Please note the walk is an approx 5 miles long on well maintained and mostly gentle paths and a degree of fitness is required.

Explore a different side of Aberdeen and discover the amazing Street Art and graffiti that can be found on every corner of the city. Although Aberdeen is known for its granite buildings, the colourful murals stand out and have given the city an incredible reputation that attracts some of the best artists in the world. Aberdeen is rapidly becoming Scotland’s biggest city for street art bringing artists from all over the country and from around the world every year during the Nuart Aberdeen festival to brighten up the city's grey granite streets. The city is filled with art, from small corners to grand buildings, and your expert guide knows where to find it all, creating unique tours with the route constantly changing to include new artwork!