13-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen to Inverness, Portree, Fort William, Glasgow, and Edinburgh

On day 3 of your road trip in Scotland, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Inverness are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Inverness, where you will stay for 2 nights.

When you’ve had your share of Aberdeen, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Inverness. Your travel time is around 2 hours 28 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Clava Cairns. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the archeological site before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Inverness Museum And Art Gallery. This up-and-coming museum is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Inverness Cathedral, Dedicated To St Andrew. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the church. Next, take your journey to Eden Court Inverness, an underrated performing arts theater.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Simpsons, a top-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Kingsmills Hotel, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

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

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

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Stromeferry, Portree, and the Scottish Highlands. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Portree, where will spend 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Stromeferry, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Inverness to Stromeferry may take around 1 hour 34 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Stromeferry, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Savor the day by heading to Loch Carron View Point, an up-and-coming observation deck that draws visitors from near and far.

Our first attraction recommendation in the Scottish Highlands is Talisker Bay Beach, an often recommended beach that draws attention for its mesmerizing features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Fairy Pools, an eye-catching waterfall that stands out in the village.

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.

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

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

Your itinerary for day 7 of your road trip in Scotland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Glenfinnan, Banavie, and Fort William. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Fort William, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Portree and set your GPS to Glenfinnan. 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 2 hours 53 min. Upon reaching Glenfinnan, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Glenfinnan Viaduct, a frequently visited heritage railway in Glenfinnan. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Banavie. This car ride takes around 23 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Neptune's Staircase. Spend some time admiring the breathtaking features of the historical landmark before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Fort William and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 10 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Fort William beckons with new experiences!

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to West Highland Museum, an underrated museum that everyone visiting Fort William should see.

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

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

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

Greet day 8 of your road trip in Scotland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Fort William, 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 Tigh a Steill and the Scottish Highlands.

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 Tigh a Steill. This drive usually takes around 22 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Steall Waterfall, an up-and-coming waterfall that everyone visiting Tigh a Steill should see.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, the Scottish Highlands. This car ride takes around 1 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in the Scottish Highlands is Ben Nevis Weather Station, an up-and-coming hiking area that draws attention for its visually striking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Nevis Range Gondola Top, a gorgeous observation deck that stands out in the hamlet.

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

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

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

Dive into day 9 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Glasgow. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Glasgow, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Glasgow. This car ride takes around 2 hours 29 min.

Glasgow Science Centre is a worthwhile science center we recommend visiting today. Discover its stunning features before continuing your self-guided tour to Riverside Museum, a breathtaking museum that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by George Square, a picture-perfect public square.

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

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

Make sure to reserve a table at The Piper Whisky Bar, an iconic dining spot in Glasgow. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The National Piping Centre, a popular restaurant in Glasgow. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Pasha Glasgow, a hidden gem nestled in Glasgow. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The Gallery Bar, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out Steps Bar, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Bar 91 provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

On day 10 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Glasgow. You’ll stay in Glasgow for 1 night.

A top thing to do today is to explore Merchant City, a must-see neighborhood in Glasgow. It's the perfect starting point for touring the top attractions in the area.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the worthwhile Glasgow Cathedral and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, an eye-catching botanical garden that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, one of the city’s most notable spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the often recommended Pollok Country Park.

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.

Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow, a top-rated dining spot in Glasgow. If you're in the mood for something new, try Novotel Glasgow Centre, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Glaschu Restaurant & Bar. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Glasgow.

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

On day 11 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, including Edinburgh. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Edinburgh, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Set your GPS to Edinburgh and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 19 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Edinburgh beckons with new experiences!

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Holyrood Palace and explore the stunning features. Next, make your way to Edinburgh Castle, another highlight in Edinburgh. When you’re done exploring the castle, continue to National Museum Of Scotland, a photogenic museum.

Nearby, you will also find Royal Mile. This captivating street is a top place to see in the area.

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

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.

Dine in style at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Chaophraya Thai Restaurant boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Theatre Royal Bar. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Nightcap - Cocktail Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Juniper Edinburgh, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Panda & Sons also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

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