12-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh to Stirling, Oban, Fort William, Portree, and Inverness

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 1 night.

Old Town is a fantastic place you can explore today in Edinburgh. This neighborhood is a testament to the city’s character, and it's easy to spend hours just walking around and admiring the surroundings. Soak in the Edinburgh-way-of-life and visit all the nearby sights.

Enjoy all that Holyrood Palace has to offer. This is a popular palace you should not miss. Another must-see is Edinburgh Castle, a widely recognized castle in Edinburgh.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. From there, take a leisurely stroll to St Giles' Cathedral, another of the city’s underrated attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Royal Mile, a romantic place of interest in the city.

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.

For an unforgettable shopping experience, visit Princes Street, the top shopping destination in Edinburgh. Browse local shops and stores, each offering delightful surprises. Find unique souvenirs or items to take home. After shopping, explore what Princes Street has to offer, including attractions, essential services, and vibrant community activities.

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 Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Novotel Edinburgh Centre, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tigerlily. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Cafe Royal, known for its lively atmosphere. The Ensign Ewart is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Tonic offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Your itinerary for day 3 of your road trip in Scotland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Cambuskenneth and Stirling. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Stirling, where you'll spend 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Cambuskenneth, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Edinburgh to Cambuskenneth may take around 1 hour 3 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Cambuskenneth, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Wallace Monument, a well-known monument that draws visitors from near and far.

After soaking in Cambuskenneth’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Stirling. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 11 min. When you arrive in Stirling, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Stirling Castle, a captivating castle 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 Holy Rude and admire its historic features.

When you’re ready, continue to Stirling Old Town Jail, a frequently visited museum beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Mint leaf Nepalese and indian restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Stirling. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Hermanns, a popular restaurant in Stirling. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Allan Park - pub, restaurant & coffee house, a hidden gem nestled in Stirling. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Curly Coo Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Settle Inn, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, No 2 Baker Street provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Head back to your accommodation in Stirling and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland.

On day 4 of your road trip in Scotland, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Oban are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Oban, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Oban. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Dunollie Museum, Castle And Grounds, a curiosity-inducing castle known for its eye-catching features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Mccaig's Tower & Battery Hill, a beloved monument.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Oban Distillery and uncover the details of this historic distillery. Make sure to also explore Oban War & Peace Museum, an underrated museum.

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

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

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Perle Oban Hotel & Spa, a top-rated dining spot in Oban.

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

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Tigh a Steill, Banavie, and Fort William. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Fort William, where you'll spend 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tigh a Steill. This car ride takes around 1 hour 29 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Tigh a Steill is Steall Waterfall, an often recommended waterfall that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Banavie. This car ride takes around 26 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Neptune's Staircase, an often recommended historical landmark in Banavie. Explore its historic features 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 Fort William may take around 10 min. Upon your arrival in Fort William, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Fort William is West Highland Museum, an underrated museum that draws attention for its respected features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Fort William. Fort William offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Say good night to Fort William and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Scotland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 6 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are the Scottish Highlands, Glencoe, and Glenfinnan. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Portree, where will spend 3 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Fort William, you’ll hit the road in the direction of the Scottish Highlands. This drive usually takes around 36 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Glencoe Viewpoint and explore the mesmerizing features. Next, make your way to Talisker Bay Beach, another highlight in the Scottish Highlands.

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 13 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Glencoe Folk Museum is an intriguing museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its respected features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Glenfinnan. This drive usually takes around 53 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Glenfinnan Viaduct, a frequently visited heritage railway that everyone visiting Glenfinnan should see. Next, head to Glenfinnan Station Museum. This historic museum is one of the most up-and-coming attractions in the region.

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.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Portree, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

On day 7 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Portree, where you still have 2 nights left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Dunvegan and the Scottish Highlands.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Dunvegan, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Portree to Dunvegan may take around 33 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Dunvegan, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Dunvegan Castle, an underrated castle that draws visitors from near and far.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, the Scottish Highlands. This car ride takes around 38 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Neist Point Lighthouse, a frequently visited lighthouse known for its enchanting features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Neist Point Trail, an intriguing hiking area.

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

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Portree, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Scotland.

Your itinerary for day 11 of your road trip in Scotland includes 2 stops and features some of the highlights of Pitlochry and Little Dunkeld. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Edinburgh, where you'll spend 1 night.

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 Pitlochry may take around 1 hour 36 min. Upon your arrival in Pitlochry, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Faskally Forest, a beloved hiking area 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 The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry and admire its visually striking features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Pitlochry and set your GPS to Little Dunkeld. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 22 min. Upon reaching Little Dunkeld, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering The Hermitage, a locally appreciated hiking area known for its romantic features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Edinburgh. Edinburgh offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Angels with Bagpipes, 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 Rabble Taphouse and Grill, 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 Black Ivy. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Edinburgh tonight.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Hoot The Redeemer stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Albanach offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Thistle Street Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!