NEW! British Isles & Viking Shores

See some of Aberdeen’s most famous landmarks and explore the Victorian-era Duthie Park. Embark on a scenic drive through Aberdeen, known as the “Granite City” for its many architectural marvels made of gray stone. Take in famous sights as you learn about the area’s rich history. Stop to enjoy a fascinating tour of St. Machar’s Cathedral, which boasts an impressive heraldic ceiling that displays the coats of arms of Scottish kings, nobles and bishops. After, drive to Duthie Park where you can take a stroll to see its Victorian-era features, including an ornate bandstand, ponds and statues. Donated to the city in 1880, it was opened to the public in 1883 and contains one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens. The David Welch Winter Gardens is home to many exotic plants, including the largest collection of cacti in Britain. After your visit, return to your ship.

Visit one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses with a spectacular walled garden surrounded by ancient oak trees. Drive to the imposing Drum Castle where you will meet your guide for a fascinating tour of 700 years of history. Gifted to the Irvine family in 1323 by the King of Scotland, the castle’s original tower has been added to over centuries, now encompassing a Jacobean mansion, a Victorian-era lower hall and more. See Georgian furniture, art and heirlooms, and explore a grand library with more than 4,000 volumes in bookcases that hide a secret network of chambers behind them. Head outside to discover the walled garden featuring four centuries of garden design in a variety of plants and flowers. In the Garden of Historic Roses, learn about rose cultivation dating back to the 17th century and see unique hybrid blooms developed over hundreds of years.

See medieval fortress ruins on a spectacular cliffside in the North Sea before visiting a pretty harbor town. Drive along the stunning coast to a rugged headland towering 160 feet above the North Sea. Amid dramatic scenery, a medieval fortress remains stands, one of the most striking destinations in Scotland. Dunnottar Castle dates back to the 13th century, with various buildings added over 500 years. As the former home of one of Scotland’s most powerful families, Earls Marischal, it played a crucial role in the country’s history for more than 1,000 years. Next, you will ascend the 1.5 mile trail along the cliff top, where you will admire views over the charming harbor town of Stonehaven. After a pause to rest and enjoy the views, follow the coastal path to the harbor where you will enjoy time to explore at your leisure, then return to your ship.

Visit one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries and taste single malt whiskies paired with local cheese. Embark on a scenic drive through the stunning countryside into the heart of Aberdeenshire to the verdant Valley of Garioch, known for its perfect conditions to grow the country’s finest barley. In the picturesque, historic market town of Oldmeldrum, visit the Glen Garioch Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest, which has been making single malt whisky from the area’s abundance of barley and fresh spring water since 1797. During a guided walk through the distillery and warehouse, see the brand’s centuries-old methods at work and hear about the process from artisans who make these renowned small-batch spirits. Taste four non-chill filtered and aged single malt whiskeys with perfectly paired Scottish cheeses, chutneys and oatcakes. Afterward, return to your awaiting ship.

Explore the Royal Family’s Scottish residence where the late Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days. Journey by motor coach through Royal Deeside’s incredible mountain, forest and river scenery to Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish Highland residence since 1852. Hop into a Land Rover and set off to discover the grounds. Starting with a glimpse of the estate house, traverse ancient forests and pass formal gardens with striking views of the Cairngorms Mountains while searching for native wildlife, including red deer or the endangered capercaillie. Return to the castle to browse the Ballroom Exhibition, showcasing the history of the estate and King Charles III's vision for the future. Lunch can be enjoyed at the restaurant (at your own expense); its menu celebrates the estate's natural larder and features a range of seasonal classics, sandwiches and home-made cakes.

Watch for marine life and various seabirds during a three-hour coastal walk with a countryside ranger. Meet your guide, an expert from Aberdeen Countryside Rangers, and set off on foot along a scenic, four-mile trail. Traversing cliffs, rock pools and fascinating geologic formations, pass through coastal heath and grassland containing an array of wildflowers, including orchids and vetches. Aberdeen Rangers play a significant role in preserving the area’s natural history by managing and maintaining sites and nature reserves throughout Aberdeenshire, making them uniquely suited to introduce you to the local ecosystems. Your guide will point out the local flora and fauna as you watch for seabirds, including razorbills, kittiwakes and gannets. You will also keep your eyes peeled for the year-round population of bottlenose dolphins. Afterward, journey back to your awaiting ship.

Visit a 16th-century castle, savor lunch at a converted farmstead and taste whisky at an ancient distillery. Travel through beautiful scenery to the 16th-century Crathes Castle, an iconic tower house set among rolling hills. Meet your host and set out to view the elaborately decorated rooms featuring family heirlooms, intricately painted ceilings and well-preserved antique furniture that has graced the home of the Burnett family for more than 350 years. Outside, walk among sculpted shrubs and yew hedges planted as early as 1702. Then make your way to the banks of the River Dee, to a former farmstead for lunch at the Milton Brasserie. Next, you will drive to one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries at Glen Garioch Distillery in the historic market town of Oldmeldrum. Taste a dram of their renowned small batch, single malt whisky, made since 1797, then return to your ship.

Learn local history and culture before touring a family-run fruit farm on the grounds of a 16th-century castle. Travel to the verdant heart of Aberdeenshire, the valley of Garioch, known for producing the best barley in Scotland. Visit the Garioch Heritage Center, a museum dedicated to the region’s story from its earliest settlement. Housed in a historic locomotive construction and repair site, it contains an array of artifacts and exhibits depicting the daily life of locals past and present. After, make your way to the grounds of Barra Castle, a 16th-century tower house, restored by the family who now calls it home. Their onsite farm grows strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and honeyberries. Hear about the history of the grounds as you stroll through the growing site then visit the farm shop and café for a taste of berry flavored ice cream.

Meet a prize-winning herd of Highland cows at a working farmstead then taste premium beef with local refreshments. Embark on a scenic drive through Royal Deeside’s tranquil countryside, taking in mountain, forest and river scenery on your way to the town of Banchory. Here, you will visit a working farmstead at Aberdeenshire Highland Beef to meet a prize-winning, purebred herd of Highland Cows, the special breed of rustic cattle unique to Scotland’s Highlands and Western Isles. These long-horned, shaggy haired creatures have a long and distinguished ancestry as one of the oldest breeds of cattle in the world. Explore the grounds while you learn about the breed’s history and temperaments before enjoying a taste of the farm’s premium beef with homemade refreshments. Afterward, return through the beautiful Scottish countryside to your awaiting ship.

See grand walled gardens, learn about early 20th-century farming and enjoy tea at a stunning 800-year-old estate. Travel to Pitmedden Garden, a recreated 17th-century walled garden known for its vibrant floral displays and exquisite parterres. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your host before embarking on a walk at your leisure through the garden’s exhibits. Onsite, you can browse the Museum of Farming Life to see an extensive array of artifacts depicting 20th-century daily life. Then drive to Meldrum House Country Hotel, a 13th-century manor house, for afternoon tea with prosecco and traditional foods made from seasonal ingredients, including scones with local jam and cream, sandwiches and more, in an elegant outdoor dining dome with panoramic views. After, return to your motor coach and begin the journey back to your ship.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Aberdeen’s coastline during a scenic journey by e-bike. Meet your guide and listen to a short safety demonstration before donning your helmet and setting off on your e-bike. Your ride begins at the Aberdeen Beach Esplanade, a stretch of sandy beach popular with walkers, swimmers and cyclists. Pedal along the coastline toward the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve, where you may spot wildlife including waterfowl and seals as you take in the views. Next, you will cycle across the Brig o’ Balgownie, a medieval arch bridge steeped in local history, before continuing to Seaton Park, a tranquil green space on the banks of the River Don. Soak up the ancient charm of Old Aberdeen as you continue your ride through this historic district, passing by landmarks including the 14th-century St. Machar’s Cathedral, before returning to Aberdeen Beach.

Visit Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish residence where the late Queen Elizabeth II spent her final days. Journey by motor coach through Royal Deeside’s incredible mountain, forest and river scenery to Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish Highland residence since 1852. Upon arrival, walk through the grounds of this impressive estate and learn about its history with the assistance of an audio guide, followed by time at leisure to explore the gardens more on your own. Return to your coach and continue to the village of Ballater, a natural haven situated on the banks of the River Dee. Head to a local restaurant, where you will enjoy lunch before setting out to acquaint yourself with the village and visit some of its stores and boutiques, some of which have supplied the Royal Family. Later, return to your coach for the journey back to Aberdeen and your awaiting ship.

Traverse the rugged shoreline of eastern Scotland during a full-day excursion to uncover the region’s past. Board your motor coach and head north along the coastline, taking in the views as you travel to the Peterhead Prison Museum. Established in 1888, this Victorian site was once Scotland’s most notorious high-security prison; today the museum offers an immersive glimpse into life behind bars. Step into the past as you walk through the prison blocks and discover the stories of former guards and inmates. Continue to a local hotel to enjoy afternoon tea, then return to your coach for the journey to Fraserburgh, home to Scotland’s first lighthouse—established in the late 18th century, it operated until 1991. Cap your day with a visit to this historic site and its adjoining museum to learn about the history of Scottish lighthouses, then drive along the coast to return to Aberdeen.

Get an in-depth look at the gin-distilling process and enjoy a tasting at the City of Aberdeen Distillery. Begin by boarding your motor coach and driving to the city’s first working distillery in 80 years, where you will be welcomed with a glass of house gin and tonic. Sip on your drink as you learn about the origins of this celebrated spirit before setting out to explore the distillery with your guide. Learn about Aberdeen’s long distilling heritage and venture into the production areas to discover the steps involved in the distilling process, from the selection of raw ingredients all the way to the bottling stage. After, you will have the opportunity to speak to one of the distillers and ask questions about their work, followed by a tasting of a selection of Aberdeen gins. At the end of your visit, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Discover the beauty of Scotland's Highlands during a visit to Royal Deeside. Board your motor coach and journey through the heart of Aberdeenshire, a region renowned for its spectacular landscapes and royal heritage. Pause at the picturesque Falls of Feugh, where powerful waters tumble through a wooded gorge, and enjoy time for photos. Continue to Ballater, a charming Victorian village closely linked to the British Royal Family. Enjoy free time to explore its inviting streets and experience the character of one of Royal Deeside's most beloved communities. After lunch, head to Crathie Kirk, a historic church, to view its exterior. Then continue to the Braemar Highland Games Centre, where engaging exhibits showcase the history and traditions of Scotland's most famous Highland gathering. After, return to your ship.

Discover the coast and countryside of Angus and enjoy a guided visit to Glamis Castle, followed by afternoon tea. Board your motor coach and set out through rolling hills and fertile farmland to reach Glamis Castle. One of Scotland’s most celebrated landmarks, this historic site is best known as the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Upon arrival, discover its elegant interiors with your guide and hear stories of its royal connections and the people who once lived here. After a stroll through the landscaped grounds, settle in for afternoon tea in the castle. Continue to Kirriemuir, birthplace of author J. M. Barrie, and learn how the town celebrates Barrie and his most famous creation, Peter Pan. Cap your day with a scenic drive along the coast. Pass by Arbroath, Montrose and St. Cyrus, pausing for photographs along the way as you journey back to your ship.