Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire combined is one of Scotland’s most dynamic and unique regions. With an enviable reputation as a Global Energy Hub, Aberdeen’s vibrant business community and economic strength offers an attractive location of choice for those with entrepreneurial spirit and an innovative approach. As you will discover when you visit for Routes Europe 2015, Aberdeen’s unique offering is complemented by its proximity to the breath-taking Aberdeenshire countryside.
In addition to the core business elements of Routes Europe our Host, Aberdeen City and Shire, and its partners have kindly arranged a programme of complimentary and heavily discounted tours and we recommend all delegates make time to explore the city and surrounding area.
Taking place on Saturday 11th April 2015and hosted by a local Scottish Blue Badge Tour Guide with excellent knowledge the region, the tour programme includes:
Aberdeen City Showcase – Oil Capital of Europe
This complimentary tour will begin from the bustling city centre with its elegant granite buildings and head to Old Aberdeen - home to the 15th Century University of Aberdeen. As well as King’s College, the route takes you through the commercial heart of the old city and on to the Chanonry with its stately homes and gardens, leading to St. Machar Cathedral, one of the finest examples of a fortified church surviving in Western Europe.
From the old city you now head for Aberdeen Beach with panoramic views of the North Sea and miles of sandy beach with the chance to visit the fascinating village of Footdee. One of the busiest modern ports in Europe lies alongside Footdee and your coach will take you round the various basins to give an idea of its multiple uses.
Aberdeenshire Tour - Balmoral Castle and Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Travelling due west of Aberdeen, this tour will follow the winding path of the sparkling River through superb wooded countryside enjoying the delightful towns of Royal Deeside – Banchory, Aboyne and Ballater – heading for the Royal Family’s home deep in the Scottish Highlands.
Purchased by Prince Albert in 1852 and subsequently adapted for his ever-growing family, Balmoral Castle looks out over a scenic landscape of outstanding beauty. Situated in a national park, there’s much to discover in this magical setting. After revelling in the peace and tranquillity of this magnificent estate, enjoy a relaxing lunch and perhaps some shopping in the restaurant and gift shop.
After lunch at Balmoral there’s a short trip to a close neighbour - Royal Lochnagar Distillery,Deeside’s only distillery. Here you can watch distillers tending the traditional mashtuns and gleaming copper stills and producing one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies following age-old traditions and craftsmanship.
Scotland Tour – Inverness & Loch Ness
Driving north from Aberdeen through Grampian, the name given to Scotland’s North East, you will pass a gentle landscape of rounded hills, woodland and agricultural land first to Huntly, the home of Dean’s famous shortbread biscuits and on to breath-taking views across the Moray firth as you pass through ‘whisky country’ by Elgin, Forres, Nairn and finally to the Highland Capital of Inverness. This picturesque city packs a real punch and is best explored on foot – a peaceful walk alongside the River Ness, discovery of the castle set high above the busy streets, or shopping in the Victorian arcade.
After some time exploring and enjoying lunch, the tour takes a short drive down the west side of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle one of Scotland’s mightiest strongholds with a long and colourful history. Here battles were fought by medieval armies, lavish royal banquets were held and over the years, its location inspired generations of poets and artists. You’ll be thrilled by this great fortress with its magnificent outlook over Loch Ness and panoramas of the Great Glen and who knows it may be your turn to see ‘Nessie’!
Click here for more information on the full tour programme of tours and to register your interest for any of the tours available. Booking for these tours will open soon and registrations will be taken on a first come first served basis.
Register for Routes Europe today to ensure you don’t miss out!
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