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

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Photo of view of Inverness, a city on Scotland’s northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth.
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Embark on this 12-day relaxed road trip in Scotland, as Inverness, Lewiston, Cawdor, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Spean Bridge, Little Dunkeld, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Blackness, Skinflats, Falkirk, Larbert, Motherwell, Glasgow, Balloch, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, and Doune welcome you with stunning sights, fun activities, and the freedom of a laid-back self-drive holiday!

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Scotland, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 4 nights in Inverness, 4 nights in Edinburgh, and 3 nights in Glasgow, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Scotland.

Your journey starts in Inverness, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 12-day relaxed road trip in Scotland to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Scotland already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Edinburgh Castle and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent National Museum Of Scotland.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Scotland road trip itinerary for 12 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Scotland.

If you want to make your 12-day relaxed self-drive tour in Scotland even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Scotland includes 11 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 12 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 12-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Scotland today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
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Day 1

Day 1

  • Inverness - Arrival day
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  • Eden Court Inverness
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Your relaxed road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Inverness, where you'll stay for 3 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Inverness and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Inverness 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Inverness. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Scotland. Enjoy your first taste of Inverness as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 227 km, 3 hours 37 min

  • Urquhart Castle
  • Fort George
  • Cawdor Castle
  • Clava cairns
  • Glenmore Forest Park
  • More

On day 2 of your relaxed road trip in Scotland, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Inverness and visit amazing attractions in Lewiston, Inverness, Cawdor, and Glenmore, just outside the city. You still have 2 nights left in Inverness, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

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

Exploring the food culture in Inverness offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Inverness. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Scotland!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • 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 3 of your relaxed road trip across Scotland, you’ll explore the area around Inverness, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Inverness will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Scotland.

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

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Scotland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Inverness.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Inverness.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Inverness as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Inverness
  • Edinburgh
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Drive 261 km, 3 hours 44 min

  • The Hermitage
  • Pittencrieff Park
  • Dunfermline Abbey
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Day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Scotland offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 4 nights.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Edinburgh. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Scotland.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Scotland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Edinburgh.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Edinburgh
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Drive 2 km, 40 min

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

Scotland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Scotland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Edinburgh, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Edinburgh’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Scotland.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 24 km, 1 hour 26 min

  • Edinburgh Zoo
  • Dean Village
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Holyrood Park
  • More

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Scotland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Inverness. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Inverness that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Scotland more memorable.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Scotland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Edinburgh.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Scotland!

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 12 km, 1 hour 6 min

  • HMY Britannia
  • Scottish National Gallery
  • Camera Obscura
  • Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • More

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Scotland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Edinburgh has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Edinburgh and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 130 km, 2 hours 32 min

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

On day 8 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Scotland, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Glasgow. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Scotland.

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 89 km, 1 hour 56 min

  • Loch Lomond Shores
  • Glasgow Science Centre
  • George Square
  • Glasgow Cathedral
  • Glasgow Green
  • More

Your relaxed road trip in Scotland continues on day 9 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Scotland better by exploring the top attractions of Glasgow and beyond. With 2 nights left in Glasgow, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

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

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Glasgow!

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Day 10

Day 10

  • 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

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Scotland more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Glasgow and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Scotland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Scotland tomorrow with new energy.

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Day 11

Day 11

  • Glasgow
  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 294 km, 3 hours 56 min

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

Day 11 of your relaxed road trip across Scotland offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll end your day in Inverness, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Scotland as you make your way to Inverness. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Scotland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Inverness, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Inverness. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Scotland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Scotland tomorrow with new energy.

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Day 12

Day 12

  • Inverness - Departure day
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  • Bellfield Park
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Day 12 of your relaxed road trip in Scotland is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing vacation.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 12 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 12-day relaxed road trip in Scotland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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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.

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

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