OVERVIEW

Become acquainted with the charms of Aberdeen, nicknamed the Granite City because huge quantities of the stone were quarried there for centuries. You can’t help but notice that many of Aberdeen’s buildings glisten in the sun because of the tiny reflective particles in the stone. You will see two of the most impressive granite landmarks downtown—the 16th-century Provost Skene’s House and Marischal College, the world’s second-largest granite building. For a complete change of scenery, you will then meander through the David Welch Winter Gardens, one of Europe’s largest indoor gardens. All sorts of botanical wonders will be in bloom as you stroll from greenhouse to greenhouse. For a bit of fun, be sure to see the “talking” cactus named Spike. For yet another perspective of Aberdeen, you walk through the quirky fishing village of Foodee near the mouth of the harbor. Chances are, you will hear the locals speaking Doric, the dialect of northeastern Scotland.

HIGHLIGHTS

• View granite landmarks that contributed to Aberdeen being nicknamed the Granite City.
• Walk through the vast collection of greenhouses in the David Welch Winter Gardens.
• Visit a mostly stone fishing village near the harbor that dates to medieval times.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore the ruins of a spectacularly picturesque cliff-top castle and nearby Stonehaven, the seaside town that lies in its shadow. Surrounded by sheer cliffs on three sides, Dunnottar Castle looks impenetrable, and it is easy to understand why fortifications have been on this strategically important site for at least 2,000 years. As you meander through the remains of the castle, you will learn about its turbulent past, the battles fought there and how it is being restored. The Whigs Vault is one of the more notorious areas, as it is where prisoners were held before being deported to the colonies as slaves in the 17th century. During free time in Stonehaven, you will appreciate how it sits in a natural amphitheater, sheltered from the wind. Allardyce Street is a great place to start your exploration. Ot is the main thoroughfare that runs parallel to the waterfront and a hub for shopping and dining.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through the countryside south of Aberdeen and admire the immense natural beauty.
• Browse the ruins of Dunnottar Castle while the guide describes its turbulent history.
• Spend free time in the lovely coastal town of Stonehaven, which rims a sheltered harbor.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit a magnificent turreted castle that lies inland overlooking the River Dee and stroll through its colorful gardens. Carthes Castle was built in the 16th century on land that Robert the Bruce, the king of Scotland, gave the Burnett family in 1323. Generations of the family lived there for 350 years, until donating the entire property to the National Trust of Scotland. Wonderfully restored and meticulously kept, the castle is noted for its numerous towers, painted ceilings and period furnishings. Be sure to see the jewel-encrusted Horn of Leys over the fireplace in the Great Hall; it was a gift from Robert the Bruce. Time will also be allotted for you to stroll through the castle’s walled garden, which is divided into sections to highlight different types of flora such as oversized Malmaison Carnations. Some of the hedges and yew trees were planted centuries ago and have been clipped into ornamental shapes through topiary.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a 16th-century castle that generations of the Burnett family lived in for 350 years.
• See the ivory horn that Robert the Bruce gave the family, along with the land for the castle.
• Stroll the walled gardens and admire the oversized, highly fragrant Malmaison Carnations.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Gain an understanding of life behind bars—first by visiting Peterhead Prison and then by sampling craft beers at a local brewery. Now a museum, the prison known as the “Hate Factory” was notorious for its harsh conditions, infamous convicts and 1987 riot, during which guards were held hostage as the prisoners went on a destructive rampage. Your guide will most likely be an ex-guard that can give you an authentic insider’s look at the prison. You can expect to see areas such as the segregation block, prison cells and exercise pen. A tour of the craft-beer brewery BrewDog will be equally enlightening as you will see how two locals turned it into the United Kingdom’s fast-growing alternative beer brand. A tasting follows, during which you may sample beers such as the Zombie Cake chocolate porter and a light pilsner called Lost Lager. You will then be free to explore Aberdeen on your own.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour one of the toughest, most infamous prisons in Scotland, which is now a museum.
• Sample a selection of craft beers at BrewDog, a brewery that two locals started.
• Spend an hour or so exploring Aberdeen at your leisure, doing whatever you please.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Get a behind-the-scenes look at a former prison with a notorious past and then view the highlights of downtown Aberdeen in air-conditioned comfort. Peterhead Prison is now a museum where it is easy to imagine the horrors of life behind bars. Conditions were harsh in the so-called “Hate Factory,” as the prison was known. It operated for 125 years before closing in 2013 and the stories of the convicts held there are legendary. For instance, the notorious murderer Hannibal the Cannibal was in solitary confinement for a record 39 years. You will hear every gruesome detail as you walk through the cell blocks and elsewhere. On a lighter note, you will then drive around Aberdeen admiring the key landmarks, many of them constructed with locally quarried granite, which is why Aberdeen is nicknamed Granite City. If you notice the granite sparkling, it is most likely the quartz and mica within the granite reflecting the sunlight.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour one of the toughest, most infamous prisons in Scotland, which is now a museum.
• Hear about the notorious prisoners while viewing the cell blocks and solitary confinement.
• Enjoy a panoramic drive through Aberdeen and notice the abundance of granite buildings.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.