12-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling west to Glasgow and Inverness

1 / 45
Photo of the scenic Dean Village in a sunny afternoon, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Hotel
Select dates
Car rental
Select dates
Tours & tickets
Select dates
Travel plan
From A to Z
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 12-day road trip in Scotland! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Edinburgh, Blackness, Skinflats, Larbert, Falkirk, Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Doune, Inverness, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Spean Bridge, Fortrose, Lewiston, Pitlochry, Little Dunkeld, and Perth.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Scotland. You will spend 5 nights in Edinburgh, 3 nights in Glasgow, and 3 nights in Inverness. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Scotland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Edinburgh, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Scotland on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Scotland. Edinburgh Castle and National Museum Of Scotland are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Edinburgh, Blackness, Skinflats, Larbert, Falkirk, Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Doune, Inverness, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Spean Bridge, Fortrose, Lewiston, Pitlochry, Little Dunkeld, and Perth, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Scotland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Scotland.

Throughout your road trip in Scotland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Scotland.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

The best services in Scotland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your road trip in Scotland today!

Read more

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Round trip
Round trip
Travel dates

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to Edinburgh

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

Driver’s age is 30 - 65
I live in
Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1

  • Edinburgh - Arrival day
  • More
  • Dean Village
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Scotland begins as soon as you reach Edinburgh and pick up your car. You’ll stay here for 4 nights and explore what to see in Edinburgh, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Edinburgh. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. We recommend staying at a central location for easy access to key areas in the city.

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 Edinburgh, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Raise a toast to the start of your 12-day road trip in Scotland!

Read more
Day 2

Day 2

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 10 km, 52 min

  • HMY Britannia
  • The Royal Mile
  • The Real Mary King's Close
  • St Giles' Cathedral
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • More

You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 3 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day 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.

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

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

Read more
Day 3

Day 3

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 23 km, 1 hour 28 min

  • Arthur's Seat
  • Holyrood Park
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh Zoo
  • More

You have 2 nights left in Edinburgh. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

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

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.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Read more
Day 4

Day 4

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 2 km, 39 min

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
  • Camera Obscura
  • Scottish National Gallery
  • Scott Monument
  • More

Day 4 offers an itinerary packed with the best things to see in Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 1 night more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

Read more
Day 5

Day 5

  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 111 km, 2 hours 19 min

  • Blackness Castle
  • The Kelpies
  • Falkirk Wheel
  • Callendar House
  • Callendar Park
  • More

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Blackness, Skinflats, Larbert, and Falkirk. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Glasgow, where you’ll be staying for 3 nights.

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

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

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Read more
Day 6

Day 6

  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 30 km, 1 hour 35 min

  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens
  • Kelvingrove Park
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
  • Riverside Museum
  • Pollok Country Park
  • More

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.

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

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

Read more
Day 7

Day 7

  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 24 km, 1 hour 13 min

  • Glasgow Science Centre
  • Glasgow Green
  • George Square
  • Glasgow Cathedral
  • Seven Lochs Wetland Park
  • More

You’ll stay in Glasgow for 1 night.

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.

Glasgow 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 Glasgow.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!

Read more
Day 8

Day 8

  • Glasgow
  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 293 km, 3 hours 59 min

  • The National Wallace Monument
  • Stirling Castle
  • Stirling Old Town Jail
  • Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
  • Doune Castle
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 8 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Cambuskenneth, Stirling, and Doune. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Inverness, where will spend 3 nights.

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

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Inverness. Inverness 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 Inverness's best restaurants.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

Read more
Day 9

Day 9

  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 255 km, 4 hours 16 min

  • Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • Glenfinnan Viewpoint
  • Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland
  • Neptune's Staircase
  • Commando Memorial
  • More

On day 9 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Inverness, where you still have 2 nights left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city, including Glenfinnan, Banavie, and Spean Bridge.

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

Inverness 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 Inverness.

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

Read more
Day 10

Day 10

  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 266 km, 4 hours 13 min

  • Chanonry Point
  • Eden Court Inverness
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Loch Ness
  • Glenmore Forest Park
  • More

Greet day 10 of your road trip in Scotland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Inverness, 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 Fortrose, Inverness, Lewiston, and Glenmore.

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

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

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

Read more
Day 11

Day 11

  • Inverness
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 261 km, 4 hours

  • Faskally Forest
  • The Hermitage
  • Quarrymill Woodland Park
  • South Inch
  • Branklyn Garden
  • More

Your itinerary for day 11 of your road trip in Scotland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Pitlochry, Little Dunkeld, and Perth. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Edinburgh, where you'll spend 1 night.

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.

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.

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

Read more
Day 12

Day 12

  • Edinburgh - Departure day
  • More
  • Calton Hill
  • More

Day 12 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Scotland!

Read more

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in the United Kingdom

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.