Balmoral Craigievar Dunnottar Crathes Castles Private Tour
Door to door pick up/drop off & Private Tour with driver/guide.
Aberdeenshire has many treasures to offer, and we take you on a private tour to some amazing castles and areas that are stunning as they are interesting. Our suggested itinerary covers four castles, all very different to each other and 1000’s of years of history.
-Crathes Castle–A 16thC marvel with amazing gardens
-Balmoral Castle–The Scottish home to the Royal Family (not open all year)
-Lunch at lovely restaurant
-Craigievar Castle–The iconic Pink Disney Castle
-Dunnottar Castle-one of the world's most iconic and a must see
Whisky distillery Tasting Tour option - contact us.
We are happy to change the itinerary to suit you and route may depend on hotel location.
Most castles are free to see from the outside, except Balmoral. Interior tours are chargeable and subject to seasonal opening times. Contact us for details.
Please note Balmoral is not open all year. Alternative castles & attractions can be visited.
- Most castles are free to see from the outside but charge to go inside except Balmoral.
- Pick up/Drop off in Aberdeen. See distance surcharges below.
- Route and timings will depend on starting point, your choice of attractions and time of year.
- All tours tailored to suit your exact requirements or locations
AI Review Summary
Opening overview:
The Balmoral Craigievar Dunnottar Crathes Castles Private Tour in Aberdeenshire receives overwhelmingly positive feedback—every one of the 11 reviewers praised the experience—and travelers often highlight how comfortable and well-organized the private, door-to-door format is. Most guests appreciated being able to see four very different castles in one day with a personable driver/guide who makes the history come alive.
Highlights:
Reviewers repeatedly praised the guide’s deep local knowledge and friendly, engaging style, saying the storytelling and context really enhanced each stop. Guests also loved the variety of sites—from Crathes’ 16th‑century gardens and Balmoral’s royal connections to Craigievar’s pink turreted charm and the dramatic cliff-top ruins at Dunnottar—and noted the tour’s flexibility (including an optional whisky tasting) as a real plus.
Constructive critiques:
There were virtually no negative comments in the reviews, but do keep practical details in mind: Balmoral isn’t open year‑round and interior access at many castles can be seasonal and chargeable, so check openings and entrance fees if you want inside tours. Minor adjustments to the itinerary are possible depending on your hotel location, so confirm routes and timing when booking.
Overall recommendation:
Highly recommended for first-time visitors, castle lovers, and anyone who prefers a private, relaxed day trip with an expert local guide.
AI travel tips:
- Go between late spring and early autumn if you want the best chance of gardens in bloom and more castle interiors being open; expect some walking on uneven ground.
- Bring comfortable shoes, a waterproof layer, and a good camera—there are dramatic cliff-top views and photo ops at every stop.
- Ask about the whisky‑tasting option and confirm whether you want interior access (and any extra entrance fees) when you book so the guide can tailor the day to your interests.
Itinerary
- Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate
- Balmoral Castle
- Craigievar Castle
- Dunnottar Castle
What's Excluded
- Pick up surcharges - Hotels more than 20mls outside Aberdeen city-ÂŁ20. 30-60mls-ÂŁ40.
- No drinks or snacks are included in the cost.
- Balmoral Castle -Pay at gate if you wish to go into grounds and inside. Recommend Pre booking.
- Dunnottar Castle - Free to see from outside. Pay at gate if you wish to go inside. No Pre booking.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Rating: 5 out of 5 based on 7 reviews
Popular keywords: fantastic, extremely knowledgeable, Highly Recommend
Additional Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, Service animals allowed, Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, Suitable for all physical fitness levels