10-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling north to Inverness and Portree

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Edinburgh has to offer. Cherish the 2 nights you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Edinburgh.

Set aside time today to explore Leith, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day. You might also want to visit Old Town, a neighborhood offering another perspective on the city.

One of the most interesting attractions included on the itinerary is Holyrood Palace. This awe-inspiring palace will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to National Museum Of Scotland and learn what makes this instagrammable museum unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. After exploring the castle, head to Calton Hill. This locally appreciated park is a highlight in Edinburgh.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Scotland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Edinburgh. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Dine in style at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Novotel Edinburgh Centre boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Tigerlily. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Cafe Royal, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Ensign Ewart is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Tonic also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Scotland.

Greet day 3 of your road trip in Scotland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Edinburgh, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Cambuskenneth and Stirling.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Edinburgh, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cambuskenneth. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 3 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Wallace Monument, a popular monument that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Stirling, Old Bridge and admire its culturally significant features.

After soaking in Stirling’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Edinburgh. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour. When you arrive in Edinburgh, it's time to take a break from the road.

Stirling Castle is a locally renowned castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its historic features before continuing your self-guided tour to Stirling Old Town Jail, an instagrammable museum that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, an eye-catching art gallery. While you’re nearby, don’t forget to visit The King's Knot, a breathtaking and truly unique historical landmark.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Edinburgh.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Edinburgh. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Angels with Bagpipes, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rabble Taphouse and Grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Black Ivy. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Hoot The Redeemer, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to Albanach. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Thistle Street Bar, another top-rated place in the area.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

Wake up to day 5 of your road trip in Scotland. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of the Scottish Highlands, Lewiston, and Inverness. With 2 nights to stay in Inverness, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Whatever your travel style is, Inverness Museum And Art Gallery is an essential stop in Inverness. This increasingly popular museum provides an insightful glimpse into the region's identity. Next, discover Eden Court Inverness, a romantic performing arts theater, promising a delightful encounter.

The Scottish Highlands’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Inverness behind. This drive usually takes around 27 min. The Scottish Highlands welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in the Scottish Highlands is Loch Ness, an up-and-coming lake that draws attention for its instagrammable features.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to the Scottish Highlands, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Lewiston. This drive usually takes around 43 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Lewiston is Urquhart Castle, a notable castle that draws attention for its history-steeped features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Inverness and your accommodation.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Inverness's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at MacGregor's, a popular restaurant in Inverness. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Inverness at The White House, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated The Kitchen Brasserie. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Inverness tonight.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Hootananny, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Gellions Bar offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Innes Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Scotland!

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Scotland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of the Scottish Highlands and Portree. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Portree, where you'll spend 2 nights.

The Scottish Highlands’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Inverness behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 54 min. The Scottish Highlands welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in the Scottish Highlands is Bealach Na Ba (pass Of The Cattle), a worthwhile mountain range that draws attention for its romantic features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Bealach Na Ba Viewpoint, a mesmerizing observation deck that stands out in the region.

Set your GPS to Portree and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Portree beckons with new experiences!

Our first attraction recommendation in Portree is The Lump, an up-and-coming hiking area that draws attention for its visually striking features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Portree. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

Portree is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Portree.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Scotland!

On day 8 of your road trip in Scotland, you’ll start and end your day in Portree, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Portree, there’s no need to rush. Experience Garafad and the Scottish Highlands to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Garafad may take around 35 min. Upon your arrival in Garafad, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A Corran Beach is an up-and-coming beach we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour to Jurassic Dinosaurs Footprints At A Corran, a respected archeological site that’s well-regarded in the area.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, the Scottish Highlands. This car ride takes around 9 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to The Quiraing, an intriguing rock formation that everyone visiting the Scottish Highlands should see.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Portree and your accommodation.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Portree's best restaurants.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Scotland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 9 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, and Glencoe. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Edinburgh, where will spend 1 night.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Spean Bridge may take around 2 hours 19 min. Upon your arrival in Spean Bridge, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Commando Memorial, an intriguing war memorial that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Glenfinnan may take around 35 min. Upon your arrival in Glenfinnan, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Glenfinnan Viaduct and explore the history-steeped features. Next, make your way to Glenfinnan Viewpoint, another highlight in Glenfinnan.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Glencoe. This drive usually takes around 54 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Glencoe War Memorial, an underrated war memorial that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Edinburgh, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Edinburgh's best restaurants.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, a popular restaurant in Edinburgh. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Edinburgh at The Newsroom Bar & Eatery, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Edinburgh tonight.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at The Waverley Bar, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, The Royal Oak offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Edinburgh. The Oxford Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Scotland!