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Malt Whisky Trail
The Grampian Highlands area is famous for its delicious malt whisky, and the best way to explore this long-standing tradition is by following a whisky route (self-drive or guided) to eight different distilleries, including the Glenfiddich Distillery that was started in 1887. Visitors can learn about the age-old process of coaxing different smells, tastes and colors from a mixture of yeast, barley, peat and water, and take tours of different distilleries. Some distilleries can only be visited with advanced bookings, and usually offer tastings.
Address: Glenfiddich Distillery: Dufftown, Banffshire
Phone Number: (0)1340 820 373 (Glenfiddich)
Website: www.glenfiddich.com
Hours: Glenfiddich: Weekdays 9.30am to 4.30pm
Admission: Glenfiddich: £20 per tour

Duthie Park
Created by Lady Elizabeth Duthie in 1881 to commemorate her uncle and brother, Duthie Park is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Dee and draws hundreds of visitors to its colorful floral displays and 44 acres (18ha) of grounds. The Park is famous for its Winter Garden - an indoor garden with a spectacular array of tropical plants and cacti - as well as its extensive rose garden, with over two million plants, and the Japanese Garden. There is also a boating pond, plenty of winding walkways for a romantic stroll, bowling greens, tennis courts, a children's playground and a restaurant. Other 'green lungs' worth visiting in Aberdeen include Hazelhead Park, the Union Terrace Gardens and the Johnston Gardens.
Address: Polmuir Road
Hours: Daily from 9.30am
Admission: Free, donations welcome

Brig o' Balgownie
Built from granite and sandstone, the single-arched Brig o' Balgownie, stretching over the River Don, dates back to the 13th century, and was completed in 1320 during the Scottish War of Independence. The bridge long served as an important route for large armies, as well as for traders and was extensively renovated in the 1600s after it had fallen into disrepair. The bridge stretches for 39 feet (12m) and offers beautiful views over the river.
Address: River Don, Old Aberdeen

Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Situated on historic Shiprow with spectacular views of the busy harbor, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum proudly exhibits Aberdeen's strong maritime history, and its close connection to the sea. The city's significance in the North Sea oil industry is explored, as well as the importance of fishing, shipbuilding and sailing in the development of the area. Displays at the museum include a 28-foot (8.5m) high model of the Murchison oil production platform, collections of photographs and plans from major Aberdeen shipbuilders and naval paintings. There is also a café and gift shop at the museum.
Address: Shiprow
Phone Number: (0)1224 337 700
Email Address: info@aagm.co.uk
Website: www.aagm.co.uk/code/emuseum.asp?page=buildings_maritime_museum
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 3pm
Admission: Free

Aberdeen Art Gallery
The Aberdeen Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1885 and centuries later, it continues to be a popular attraction in the city. The Gallery has a large permanent and changing collection, housed in an impressive building with an exquisite marble interior. Highlights include collections of Modern Art, the Scottish Colorists (including artists such as Leslie Hunter and Francis Cadell), and Post-Impressionists. There is also a collection of local applied art and crafts, including fine examples of Aberdeen silver.
Address: Schoolhill
Phone Number: (0)1224 523 700
Email Address: info@aagm.co.uk
Website: www.aagm.co.uk/code/emuseum.asp?page=buildings_art_gallery
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 2pm to 5pm
Admission: Free

Balmoral Castle
No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to one of its magnificent castles, and Balmoral Castle, set on the River Dee, is one of the best known. The castle, with its fairytale turrets, is set on 50,000 acres (20,234 ha) of spectacular grounds, and the Royal Family has preserved the surrounding wildlife, buildings and scenery since it was bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. A visit to the castle includes access to the gardens, the ballroom and the grounds, but the Queen's Rooms are out of bounds. The castle and estate are set within the Cairngorms National Park and offer breathtaking vistas of the Highlands. Visitors can also enjoy a Castle tour, which takes in other impressive castles such as Crathes Castle and neighboring Craigievar Castle.
Address: Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Phone Number: (0)1339 742 534
Email Address: info@balmoralcastle.com
Website: www.balmoralcastle.com
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm; final admission at 4pm (29 March to 31 July)
Admission: £7 (adults), £3 (children 5-15 years), concessions available

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