Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire Coast

ROYAL DEESIDE AND ABERDEENSHIRE COAST

 

8 – 12 June 2026

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £659

 

Explore the majestic beauty of Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire on a holiday that blends stunning landscapes, historic charm, and relaxing comfort. Wander the regal halls of Balmoral Castle, soak up the peaceful charm of Ballater, and stroll through the quaint fishing village of Footdee.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by the lush greenery of Duthie Park Winter Gardens, while history enthusiasts can step back in time at the elegant House of Dun.

Don't forget the coastal treasures of Montrose and the vibrant city of Aberdeen, rounding off an unforgettable adventure through Scotland's most iconic destinations. Sit back, relax, and take in the wonders of this beautiful region!

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Aberdeen   |   Balmoral Castle   |   Ballater   |   Footdee   |   Duthie Park Winter Gardens   |   House of Dun   |   Montrose

 

DAY ONE - Arrival

We depart from your home pick-up join your coach and drive north with refreshment stops enroute.  Arrive at your hotel in Aberdeen late afternoon, time to relax before dinner.

 

DAY TWO – Balmoral Castle and Ballater

Today we enjoy a visit to Balmoral Castle is steeped in a rich history that began when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert acquired the estate in 1852. Over the years, it has been a witness to many monarchs, world events and celebrations making it a significant part of the British heritage.

Beyond its historical importance, Balmoral is dedicated to nature and conservation, nestled in the tranquil Scottish Highlands. Today, it remains a treasured retreat for the Royal Family and His Majesty, King Charles III.

 

Enjoy access to the formal and vegetable gardens, the wildlife, Balmoral and audio-visual exhibitions together with the largest room in the Castle, the Ballroom.

 

We then continue to Ballater. The Victorian village sits in the heart of Royal Deeside, Scotland inside the Cairngorms National Park.

 

In the early 14th century, the Ballater area was part of the estates of the Knights of St John, but the settlement did not develop until around 1770. First as a spa resort to accommodate visitors to the Pannanich Mineral Well, located on the hillside on the opposite side of the river Dee, then later upon the arrival of the railway in 1866 it was visited by many tourists taking advantage of the easier access.

 

Ballater railway station was closed in 1966 but remained in use as a visitor centre with an exhibition recording the village’s royal connection until 2015.  Make sure you take a look here.

 

Many buildings date from the Victorian era and the centre of the village is a conservation area, so we’ll worth a stroll around.

 

We’ll then depart and make our journey back to our hotel.

 

DAY THREE – Footdee, Duthie Park Winter Gardens and Aberdeen

This morning, we have a short journey, just a few minutes from our hotel, to visit the hidden gem that is Footdee, or Fittie, as it is pronounced locally.

 

It is one of the most unique communities in Scotland, tucked away just off the Beach Esplanade. A small fishing village at the mouth of the harbour, it’s well worth taking the time to wander through the village and imagine stepping back in time.

 

Footdee really is tucked away off the main tourist route and is easy to miss if you didn't know it was there despite its proximity to the busy promenade, which is why it is still very much considered a hidden gem.

 

You’ll find it through one of the narrow entrances that lead to rows of almost uniform mid-19th century cottages, organised in neat squares. This planned community was originally built to re-home the city's fishermen who were living in poor quality housing around the harbour area. Dating back to 1809, the concept was by the renowned local architect John Smith who is more famously known for his alterations to Balmoral Castle.

 

We’ll then go back to Aberdeen, and make a stop at the Duthie Park Winter Gardens, a glasshouse complex that is the largest indoor gardens is Europe, divided up into different areas including the Fern House, Perfume Corridor, Victorian Corridor and Tropical House.  It houses one of the largest collections of Cacti in Britain.

 

After this, we head to central Aberdeen, where you have time at leisure this afternoon. Perhaps visit the Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen maritime Museum or Provost Skene’s House, housing a museum, it remains a rare survival of Aberdeen medieval architecture.

 

DAY FOUR – House of Dun and Montrose

Our first visit today is to the House of Dun, William Adam’s Georgian house places baroque extravagance in a spectacular natural setting. You can explore this hour, with its costumed guides as you are led through history. Admire the spectacular plasterwork in the saloon – don’t miss the hidden Jacobite symbolism, and discover the new, interactive visitor experience in the courtyard, now home to the Angus Folk Collection. You can also wander through the glorious formal gardens and maybe spot a red squirrel if you choose to enjoy a woodland walk.

 

We’ll then continue to Montrose. A bustling coastal town with an ancient history and one of the widest high streets in Scotland with a variety of great shops.

 

DAY FIVE - Departure

After our breakfast, we begin our journey home with comfort stops en route.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Balmoral Castle

House of Dun.

 

ABERDEEN ALTENS HOTEL, ABERDEEN

The Aberdeen Altens Hotel is pleasantly situated on the outskirts of the ‘Granite City’ Aberdeen. Hotel facilities include heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a gym.  All bedrooms are ensuite and have television and tea/coffee facilities. There is a lift.

Please note: all single rooms are double for sole occupancy. The hotel currently does not have any bedrooms with walk-in showers/shower cubicles, other than 1 disabled accessible zip/link bedroom with a wet room, although the hotel hopes to have some further walk-in showers by 2025 – please enquire.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Balmoral Castle

House of Dun.

 

ABERDEEN ALTENS HOTEL, ABERDEEN

The Aberdeen Altens Hotel is pleasantly situated on the outskirts of the ‘Granite City’ Aberdeen. Hotel facilities include heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a gym.  All bedrooms are ensuite and have television and tea/coffee facilities. There is a lift.

 

Please note: all single rooms are double for sole occupancy. The hotel currently does not have any bedrooms with walk-in showers/shower cubicles, other than 1 disabled accessible zip/link bedroom with a wet room, although the hotel hopes to have some further walk-in showers by 2025 – please enquire.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Lift
Bar	Television
Restaurant	Hairdryer
Lounge	Wi-Fi

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	PRICE	SUPPLEMENTS
5	8 – 12 JUN 2026	MONDAY	£659	£160 SINGLE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE			£36

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or

Balmoral Castle Footdee Visit Ballater Old Royal Station