4-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Inverness to Elgin and surrounding area

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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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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 4-day road trip through Scotland. Explore the diverse landscapes, lively cities, and beyond. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary in Scotland takes you through some of the best places to see in the country. You will spend 2 nights in Inverness and 1 night in Elgin. 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 got you covered.

Upon arriving in Inverness, 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. Urquhart Castle and Commando Memorial are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Loch Ness, learn more about the unique Glenmore Forest Park, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chanonry Point.

As you hit the open road and drive through Inverness, Lewiston, Banavie, Spean Bridge, Foyers, Elgin, Cawdor, and Fortrose, 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, accommodation, 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!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Eden Court Inverness
Urquhart CastleNeptune's StaircaseCommando MemorialFalls of FoyersLoch Ness
Cawdor CastleFort GeorgeClava cairnsGlenmore Forest ParkChanonry Point
Whin Park

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Inverness - Arrival day
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  • Eden Court Inverness
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Say hello to Inverness! Your exciting road trip through Scotland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Inverness for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Inverness is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Eden Court Inverness, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Inverness. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Simpsons, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Kingsmills Hotel is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Inverness tonight.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Gunsmiths Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Malt Room is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Maccallums Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise a toast to the start of your 4-day road trip in Scotland!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Inverness
  • Moray
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Drive 267 km, 4 hours 23 min

  • Urquhart Castle
  • Neptune's Staircase
  • Commando Memorial
  • Falls of Foyers
  • Loch Ness
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On day 2 of your road trip in Scotland, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Lewiston, Banavie, Spean Bridge, Foyers, and Inverness. In the evening, you’ll end up in Elgin, where you will stay for 1 night.

Immerse yourself in Inverness’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at Urquhart Castle. This visually striking castle is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the historic features of Neptune's Staircase, a must-visit historical landmark in the village.

In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Commando Memorial, an often recommended war memorial. For a change of scene, check out Falls Of Foyers, known for its romantic features. We also recommend visiting Loch Ness. This lake is a must for anyone looking to experience the village to the fullest.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Elgin. Elgin 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 Elgin's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Head back to your accommodation in Elgin and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland!

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Moray
  • Inverness
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Drive 240 km, 3 hours 45 min

  • Cawdor Castle
  • Fort George
  • Clava cairns
  • Glenmore Forest Park
  • Chanonry Point
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Cawdor, Inverness, Glenmore, and Fortrose. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Inverness, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. The first attraction of today is Cawdor Castle. This frequently visited castle is an enchanting place to see in Elgin. Continue your discovery at Fort George, an awe-inspiring castle with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Elgin, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this village so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Clava Cairns. This intriguing archeological site offers a picture-perfect encounter with Elgin. Next, make your way to Glenmore Forest Park to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Chanonry Point, an up-and-coming whale watching spot that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Elgin.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Inverness. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

As you explore more of Inverness, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.

Enjoy a delicious meal at MacGregor's, a highly-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're eager to try something different, consider The White House, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Kitchen Brasserie. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

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

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Scotland.

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Inverness - Departure day
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  • Whin Park
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Day 4 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Inverness before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Whin Park. This curiosity-inducing park is a popular place to see in the city.

As your final day in Scotland unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Inverness's best shopping area, Eastgate Shopping Centre. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Scotland.

Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Inverness.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Cafe V8, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Scotch & Rye? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Inverness. 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!

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