Silversea Expedition Cruises À ABERDEEN

This is an exclusive opportunity to spend time in a grand Scottish castle, experience top quality Scottish hospitality and to hear real stories about the place and the people connected to it - directly from the owner himself.

Kincardine Castle

Kincardine Castle is the private home of a Scottish Laird and his Lady and is not normally open to the public. On this exclusive and very entertaining private tour you will spend time with Andrew and Nicky Bradford who will share their extraordinary life in Royal Deeside with you.

Laird Welcome and Tour

After a welcoming glass of Champagne, the Laird himself will act as your host and guide you through a fascinating and humorous tour through centuries of family history. Discover what Queen Elizabeth did in the Great Hall and how Tutankhamun, Macbeth, Guy Fawkes, Jane Austen, Alfred Brendel and even Dracula fit into the story. You will even find out how to survive being eaten by a tiger! Inspiration from a Princess and hard work have combined to produce a series of beautiful gardens, which are also included in the tour (weather permitting).

Private Lunch

Seated in grand surroundings, you will be treated to a delicious 2-course lunch using the finest Scottish ingredients and prepared by the Laird's private chefs who have worked in some of London's top restaurants.

Highland Landscape

Enjoy the panoramic views of the Highland scenery during the approximately one hour drive from the port to Kincardine Castle, passing through the Cairngorms National Park.

Explore the Scottish home of the Royal Family and charming villages of Royal Deeside during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Aberdeen, River Dee Valley, Ballater, Free Time, Royal Station, Waiting Room and Carriage

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the picturesque 'Royal Village' of Ballater. This historic village is situated in the heart of the magnificent River Dee Valley, one of the most beautiful locales in Scotland, and within Cairngorms National Park. Upon arrival, some free time is made available for independent exploration. You can visit the newly-refurbished Royal Station, which houses an information centre, public library, restaurant and tearoom. In addition, the Royal Waiting Room and Carriage is a must-see. Following your visit, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to Balmoral Castle.

Balmoral Castle and Estate

Although Royal Deeside abounds with beauty and contains a clutch of fine castles, its centrepiece is the Balmoral Castle and Estate. Balmoral has been one of the residences for members of the British Royal Family since 1852, when the estate and its original castle were purchased privately by Prince Albert, consort to Queen Victoria. Soon after the estate was purchased by the Royal Family, the existing house was found to be too small and the current Balmoral Castle was commissioned. Though relatively modern, Balmoral Castle is patterned after the style of a traditional Scottish castle. Built around 1854, this world-renowned castle serves as the private home of the British Royal Family, who spend up to two months here each summer.

Audio Tour of the Castle's grounds, Gardens, Garden Cottage, and Ballroom

Upon arrival, take an audio tour of the Balmoral Castle grounds, which is open to the public just a few weeks each year. Stroll through the lovely grounds and gardens of the estate, including the Garden Cottage. Here, Queen Victoria would sometimes take breakfast, deal with state correspondence and write her diaries. Next, explore the largest room in the castle, the spectacular Ballroom, with its many artefacts and works of art. Additional highlights to be seen include paintings, silverware, porcelain and the famous Balmoral tartans. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the gardens at your leisure, or browse the Royal souvenirs at the castle's Gift Shop.

Braemar, Free Time, Shopping, Lunch at Your Own Expense

Next, re-board your coach and head to Braemar. The parish of Braemar-and-Crathie have been a playground of kings and nobles of the land since the dawn of Scottish history. In the heart of the village lie the ruins of the great Castle of Kindrochit (The Head of the Bridge). During your visit to Braemar, some free time is made available for independent shopping and exploring, along with lunch at one of the local restaurants, inns or bakeries at your own expense. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Discover the spectacular historical relics of Aberdeen and its surrounds during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Aberdeen, Alford, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen Angus Bull Statue

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive west to the growing, rural and vibrant village of Alford in stunning Aberdeenshire, home to the award-winning Grampian Transport Museum. On the approach to the village, a brief photo stop is made to photograph the famous Aberdeen Angus Bull, a life-sized statue that was unveiled by Prince Charles.

Grampian Transport Museum, Craigievar Express Steam Vehicle, Birkhall Steam Engine, Free Time

Your arrival at the Grampian Transport Museum is greeted by the curator or his deputy. Enjoy a welcome introductory talk and guided walking tour of this living museum. Along the way, learn about the Craigievar Express steam vehicle. Built by a local postman, it is one of the museum's prime exhibits. The museum also boasts an impressive range of other transport exhibits, from the travelling chariots of the 1800s to some of the fastest cars ever made. See the Birkhall Steam Engine, which comes from the Balmoral Estate, was bequeathed to the Museum by the Duke of Edinburgh and is 'steamed up' during your visit. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the museum at your leisure.

Vintage Double-Decker Bus-Ride, Craigievar Castle, Rare Antiquities, Historical Artefacts, Art

Next, travel back in time during a ride aboard a 1960s double-decker bus to the nearby Craigievar Castle, the family home and seat of the Clan Forbes for over 350 years. This fairy tale-looking castle, with its pink walls and array of turrets and towers, is said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. Built in the Scottish Baronial-style around 1576, this iconic tower house remains among the best-preserved and most beloved in Scotland. Its exterior remains virtually unchanged since William Forbes completed it in 1626. Your guided tour of the castle includes its cosy interiors, rare antiquities, and an impressive collection of historic artefacts and art, including Raeburns, armour and weapons. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the beauty and grandeur of one of the Royal strongholds of medieval Scotland during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Aberdeen, Royal Deeside

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive west for a visit to the Fyvie Castle, one of the original Royal strongholds that once formed a chain of fortresses across medieval Scotland. En route, pass through one of the most beautiful locales in the heart of Scotland, the magnificent valley of the River Dee. Rising high in the Cairngorm Mountains and running east to its mouth at Aberdeen, the river flows through some of Scotland's finest scenery. Midway, in the shadow of Lochnagar Mountain, lies the Royal Balmoral Castle, summer home of the Royal Family. Hence the name, 'Royal Deeside'.

Fyvie Castle, Private Art and Portrait Collections, Fine Furniture, Tapestries, Arms, Armour

Undoubtedly one of the finest castles in Scotland, Fyvie can trace its royal connections back to 1211, and William the Lion. Robert the Bruce held open-air court at Fyvie, and Charles I spent some years here as a child. Each tower of this magnificent Scottish Baronial fortress is traditionally associated with one of the castle's five successive families; Preston, Meldrum, Seton, Gordon, and Forbes-Leith. During your guided walking tour, you can see their influences today, from the medieval stones to the lavish Edwardian interiors. Marvel at the castle's abundant artwork, rich portrait collection and one of the largest private collections of Raeburns in the world. There is an equally impressive collection of fine furniture, tapestries, arms and armour to explore throughout the castle's vast chambers.

Art Conservator Talk, Art Preservation Demonstration, Prosecco, Afternoon Tea

Next, join in an expert talk with an art conservator and view a demonstration of art preservation. Following your guided tour of the castle, proceed to the historic Squash Courts. Here, you can enjoy the tradition of being lord or lady of the castle with a glass of Prosecco and Afternoon Tea, which includes finger sandwiches, small cakes, and scones with jam and clotted cream. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the history and flavours of Aberdeen during this scenic and informative, half-day excursion to the Glen Garioch Distillery.

Aberdeen, Garioch Countryside and Valley, Oldmeldrum, Glen Garioch Distillery

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 50-minute drive through the stunning Scottish countryside of Garioch, (pronounced 'Geery') to Oldmeldrum, a traditional, rural market town dating back to the 9th century. Upon arrival, head to the Glen Garioch Distillery, nested in the sheltered heart of the Garioch Valley. Traditionally the finest barley-growing area of Scotland due to its mild climate, abundant sunshine and not too much rain, the Garioch Valley was once home to no fewer than six distilleries. Today, this valley cradles just one, which bears its name and dates back over 200 years. The renowned Glen Garioch Distillery has changed hands several times, and the current owners have had the distillery in their family since 1886.

Guided Distillery Tour

Since its inception, the Glen Garioch Distillery has been handcrafting a wide range of single-malt scotch whiskies that have won prestigious awards at international competitions. Glen Garioch malt is a light, clean malt, with spices and peat to give it some body. During your guided tour of the Glen Garioch Distillery, see time-honoured skills at work. Learn about the entire production process, from the malting through the storage of the barrels. Observe the process in operation, smell the wonderful, malt-like aromas and touch the natural ingredients. Production machinery to be seen includes the malt mill, which grinds the malt to a coarse grist powder, and the mash tubs.

Warehouse, Visitor's Centre, Whisky-Tasting, Gift Shop

Next, visit the warehouse, where 55-gallon casks are stored for a minimum of three years for blended whiskeys, and over eight years for malt whisky. Following your tour, proceed to the Visitor's Centre to sample Glen Garioch's award-winning Highland Single-Malt Whisky. Afterward, some free time is made available to browse the Gift Shop. Here, you can purchase bottles of blended and malt whiskies, including 10- and 15-year-old malts, and a tempting, 21-year-old whisky for connoisseurs. A wide range of other gifts is also available for sale. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite beauty, flavours and traditions of the Scottish Highlands during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Aberdeen, Scottish Countryside Drive, Highlands, Speyside, Dufftown

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.75-hour drive into the wilds of the beautiful and tranquil Scottish countryside. This vast expanse of northern Britain hides many secrets, including inland lakes 'lochs' (such as the infamous Loch Lomond and Loch Ness), the exquisite scenery of the Highlands and true Scottish spirit in the form of Scotch whisky. Your drive takes you to Speyside, then on to the vibrant and thriving Highland village of Dufftown.

Glenfiddich Whisky Distillery, Tour and Tasting, Lunch

Known as the 'Malt Whisky Capital of the World', Dufftown is home to one of the world's most awarded single-malt Scotch whisky, 'Glenfiddich'. The first drop of spirit fell from the copper stills of this legendary distillery on Christmas Day, 1887. Enjoy a unique insight into this treasured beauty during a guided tour and tasting, and an opportunity to purchase this world-renowned, single-malt Scotch whisky to take home. Afterward, a two-course lunch is served at the distillery.

Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre, Guided Tour, 4D Film Experience, Cask-Making Process

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the nearby Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre, home of the ancient art of coopering since 1947. Upon arrival, this 5-star, award-winning exhibition takes you on a journey from Acorn-to-Cask. Immersed in this 4D sensory cinematic film experience, savour the sights, sounds and smells of a working cooperage. From the viewing gallery, observe the master craftsmen at work whilst they make and repair casks against the clock. Utilising many traditional methods, the coopers are busy shaping, shaving and charring casks for what is an integral part of the whisky industry. Following your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.75-hour drive back to the pier via the stunning Scottish countryside.

Explore one of the best-preserved castles in Scotland and a working cattle farm during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Aberdeen, Royal Deeside, Crathes Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through leafy Royal Deeside en route to Crathes Castle. With its fairy-tale turrets and fantastic gargoyles, Crathes is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Scotland, and was home to the Burnett family of Leys for almost four centuries.

Castle and Garden Tour, Free Time

Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this stunning castle. Along the way, see the Horn of Leys, which was given by Robert the Bruce in 1323. Your tour includes a visit to the adjacent walled garden, which is almost as famous as the castle itself and features beautiful borders, ancient yew hedges, a rose garden, fountain, and a glass house. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore your surrounds at your leisure.

Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle, Farm Tour, Beef Tasting

Next, head to nearby Banchory for a visit to Aberdeenshire Highland Cattle, Ltd. Upon arrival, meet Grace Noble, owner of this pedigree and prize-winning herd of cattle. Grace escorts you on a guided tour of her working farm, nestled amidst the natural surroundings of the stunning Aberdeenshire countryside. Discover the uniqueness of the farm and farming methods employed here, and enjoy an opportunity to get up-close and personal with this native breed of Highland cows. Following your tour, proceed for a tasting of what is considered to be the most delicious, premium-quality beef available. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the impressive buildings and award-winning winter garden of the 'Granite City' during this leisurely, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Aberdeen, City Tour, Marischal College, Granite Buildings, Flowers

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour sightseeing tour of Aberdeen, a city that dates from Viking and Roman times, but has evolved into a bustling, modern city. Aberdeen is known as the 'Granite City', because many of the city's public and residential buildings are made from granite, the local bedrock. Aberdeen's granite sparkles in the sun, whilst the rain brings out the variety of different colours of the stone. It comes as no surprise that Aberdeen is home to one of the largest granite buildings in the world, Marischal College, founded in 1593 to be Aberdeen's second university. During your tour, see impressive buildings, learn about the history of the city and its place in the world, and discover the importance of flowers here.

Duthie Park, David Welch Winter Gardens, Tropical, Cactus and Fern Houses, Japanese Garden

Next, re-board your coach and head to Duthie Park, home of the impressive David Welch Winter Gardens, one of the largest winter gardens in Europe. Aberdeen has been awarded the 'Britain in Bloom' a record-breaking 11 times, and you can see why during a visit to these beautiful gardens. Upon arrival, free time is made available for you to explore the venue at your leisure. The gardens are home to impressive collections of plants from around the world, and offer a variety of areas for you to visit, including the Tropical House, Japanese Garden, Corridor of Perfumes, Cactus House, and the Fern House, among others. Simply choose the areas that interest you, and explore them independently during your time here today. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the exquisite natural splendour of the Pitmedden Gardens during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Aberdeen, Grampian Region, Pitmedden Gardens, Great Garden, Upper Garden, Fountains

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive north to the Pitmedden Gardens. A renowned landmark of unique beauty, design and historical importance, the Pitmedden Gardens is nestled amidst the most fertile belt of land in the Grampian region. Originally established as a walled, formal terrace garden in 1675, this 100-acre (40-hectare) property evolved into a magnificent working market garden by the first-half of the 20th century. In 1952, Pitmedden Gardens was bequeathed to the Scotland National Trust, which set a goal of restoring the Great Garden to reflect its 17th-century origins. The restoration of the Great Garden and Upper Garden includes lovely fountains surrounded by unusual, split-pebble pavement.

Pitmedden Gardens, Parterres, Buttresses, Grass, Fruit Trees, Lower Garden, Plants

Upon arrival at Pitmedden Gardens, take a self-guided stroll through this marvellous amalgam of parterres, buttresses, herbaceous borders, grass, and fruit trees protected by high, staunch granite walls. Although the gardens are most visually appealing during July, they require ongoing, large-scale maintenance. The colours in the four parterres of the Lower Garden are provided by 30,000 annual plants raised in expansive glasshouses and frames. They are planted out in May, and burst into colour during the summer months. In addition, there are six miles (about 9.5 kilometres) of boxwood hedges to be kept in trim. Perennial planting is gradually replacing some annuals, which extends the season by providing colour earlier in the year.

Museum of Farming Life, Old Farmhouse, Bothy, Domestic and Agricultural Artefacts

The spectacular herbaceous borders are sure to inspire keen gardeners, and the fruit trees, fountains, topiary and sundials add interest to these beautiful gardens. The property is also home to the Museum of Farming Life, where you can visit an old farmhouse and bothy, and see an extensive collection of domestic and agricultural artefacts of a bygone era. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the coastal beauty, wildlife and marine life along the dramatic east coast of Scotland during this exhilarating, half-day, sea-safari excursion via RIB-boat.

Aberdeen, Stonehaven, RIB-Boat-Ride, East Coast, Cliffs, Caves, Wildlife, Marine Life, Seabirds

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive south along the east coast. Take in dramatic cliff and North Sea views en route to the lovely town of Stonehaven, known as 'Stoney' by the locals. Upon arrival, proceed to the RIB-boat platform and your awaiting rigid-inflatable boat (RIB). After receiving your safety and boating instructions, don your waterproof suit and safety vest and goggles, then embark the RIB-boat and begin your approximately 1.75-hour sea safari. Take in breath-taking panoramic vistas whilst your exhilarating RIB-boat parallels the dramatic and majestic east coast of Scotland. Meander around the cliffs and venture into caves for an up-close look at the local wildlife and marine life. Ride into the inlets to view the unique 'Pudding Stone' rock formations, which provide the ideal habitat for the seasonal migrating birds.

Dunnottar Castle, Devil's Footprints, Pulpit Rock, Wine Cove, RSPB Reserve, Waterfall, Seals

Next, take in stunning views of Dunnottar Castle and be sure to have your camera ready, as this iconic landmark is best-viewed from the sea. From here, your RIB-boat picks up speed whilst heading further south. Pass by the Devil's Footprints and Pulpit Rock en route to a dramatic sea cave, which takes you deep into the cliffs where thousands of seabirds live. From here, continue towards an area known as Wine Cove, then venture towards the RSPB Reserve at Fowlsheugh and Catterline. Marvel at this spectacular seabird city, inhabited by a multitude of kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and puffins, among others. In addition to the natural waterfall at Crawton, the deep water enables you to get closer to the seals that frequent this area.

Catterline, Tod Head Lighthouse, Dolphins

Your RIB-boat speeds up again as you continue past Catterline and the Tod Head Lighthouse before heading back towards Stonehaven. Here, take in exquisite views of your surrounds and look for dolphins. Learn about the history and panorama of the area, and enjoy a wealth of wonderful photo opportunities at each stop. At the conclusion of your sea safari, ride back to the RIB-boat platform. Upon arrival, disembark the RIB-boat and change into dry clothes, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Aberdeen at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aberdeen at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aberdeen at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Aberdeen at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore a charming North Sea town and the striking remains of a renowned old castle during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Aberdeen, East Coast, Cliffs, North Sea Views, Stonehaven, Free Time

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive south along the east coast. Take in dramatic cliff and North Sea views en route to the lovely town of Stonehaven, known as 'Stoney' by the locals. Upon arrival at Market Square, some free time is made available to browse the local gift shops before taking a stroll along the beach boardwalk to the picturesque harbour.

Castle Street, Panoramic Cliff-Walk, Coastal Path, Panoramic Views, Dunnottar Castle

From here, walk up Castle Street to the cliff-walk coastal path, which offers spectacular panoramic views all the way to the striking and dramatic remains of Dunnottar Castle, perched on a rocky headland high above the North Sea. Surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs, Dunnottar Castle holds one of the most spectacular positions of Scotland's castles. Take a scenic and exhilarating walk to the castle, which is steeped in history, a photographer's paradise and an iconic destination for visitors from all over the world.

Guided Tour of the Castle Ruins

Upon arrival, take a guided tour of this dramatic and evocative clifftop fortress, the former home of the Earls Marischal, one of the most powerful families in Scotland. The earliest parts of the castle date back to the 13th century, with various parts being added over a period of 500 years. The castle is now in ruins, which only adds to the mystery and romance of this iconic landmark. Following your visit, return to your coach on-foot, then commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.