Discover Royal Deeside’s beautiful landscape and amazing local produce on a journey fit for a Queen! Visit the royal carriage at the Old Station in Ballater, try some of the best products that Scotland has to offer with a visit to one of the most exclusive whisky distilleries and a fantastic cheese tasting at a very traditional local creamery.
The Royal Whisky & Cheese tour is set to take you on a breath-taking journey up the Dee Valley, which over the centuries has been a well-loved route of royalty, tourists and locals. The River Dee winds its way back from Aberdeen harbour to its source deep in the Cairngorms along the way exposing some very iconic landscapes and landmarks.
Our first visit will be to a local creamery where we will discover how one farming family’s traditional methods and recipes have been passed down from generations, to create some of the finest raw milk farmhouse cheeses on the market. Of course, this will be finished off with a cheese tasting.
From here we will visit the very scenic and majestic Burn of Vat, a giant pothole in the mountainside caused by the melting of a glacial ice sheet over 16000 years ago. Maybe the perfect spot for a wee dram as we explore its history.
Next, we will visit one of Scotland’s most exclusive whisky distilleries for a tour and a tasting of a dram fit for royalty. The small scale and history of the distillery gives a real authentic feel for where the industry came from.
After our distillery tour, we will have some lunch at one of the areas many eateries and have some time to explore the royal burgh of Ballater, here we can visit the Old Station, where we will get to see the royal carriage and the royal waiting room designed by Queen Victoria herself.
We will now start making the journey back to Aberdeen but don’t worry we have one more delightful stop on the way. A speciality drinks shop owned by 2 brothers who have a passion for all things Scottish and alcoholic. The knowledge these two have is exceptional and they love to share it with guests.
Expect a comfortable scenic journey through Deeside where we will meet great people, hear their stories and sample some excellent locally produced food and drink.