5-Day Scotland Road Trip from Aberdeen traveling south to Edinburgh
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Experience the freedom of the open road in Scotland as you embark on an unforgettable 5-day road trip! This experience caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Skinflats, Larbert, Cambuskenneth, and Stirling.
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 Aberdeen, and 2 nights in Edinburgh. 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 Aberdeen, 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 Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Skinflats, Larbert, Cambuskenneth, and Stirling, 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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Day 1 – Aberdeen - arrival day
- Aberdeen - Arrival day
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- Donmouth Local Nature Reserve
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Say hello to Aberdeen! 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 Aberdeen for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Aberdeen 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 Donmouth Local Nature Reserve or taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Aberdeen. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Aberdeen. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Savor the flavors at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Mi Amore beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Foodstory. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Aberdeen tonight.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Northern Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Grill is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Old Blackfriars also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Scotland!
Day 2 – Aberdeen, and Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
- Aberdeen
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Drive 225 km, 3 hours 24 min
- Aberdeen Maritime Museum
- Seaton Park
- Hazlehead Park
- Duthie Park
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On day 2 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Aberdeen. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Edinburgh, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.
Your sightseeing of the day begins at Aberdeen Maritime Museum, a remarkable maritime museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,270 reviews.
Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Queens Links Leisure Park. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 2,883 travelers.
Seaton Park is another must-visit attraction. This renowned park offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,950 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.
Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Hazlehead Park. This well-loved park boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 2,456 reviews.
When there’s still energy left for exploring, Duthie Park awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a park, this is a top pick rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,959 previous visitors.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Edinburgh. Edinburgh offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Edinburgh. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Heron, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Condita is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Edinburgh. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at The Kitchin. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Panda & Sons, known for its inviting atmosphere. Cafe Royal is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Ensign Ewart provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!
Day 3 – Edinburgh
- Edinburgh
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Drive 12 km, 48 min
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Castle
- National Museum of Scotland
- Royal Mile
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
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On day 3 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Edinburgh, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,765 visitors.
Edinburgh Castle is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction.
If it’s still bright and early, make your way to National Museum Of Scotland. Visitors have rated this national museum an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 45,476 reviews.
Holyrood Palace is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is an official residence rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 17,746 reviews.
You can learn more about Edinburgh today by going on a tour. Edinburgh offers many top-rated tours and unique experiences that will inspire you. You can browse and select your favorites below.
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 and reflect on the day's adventures.
Treat yourself to a wonderful meal at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, a top-rated dining spot in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood for something new, try Cafe Andaluz, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Edinburgh.
Keep the evening going at Hoot The Redeemer, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to Albanach, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is The Bow Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!
Day 4 – Edinburgh, Skinflats, Larbert, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, and Aberdeen
- Aberdeen
- Skinflats
- Larbert
- Cambuskenneth
- Stirling
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Drive 274 km, 4 hours 4 min
- The Kelpies
- The Falkirk Wheel
- The National Wallace Monument
- Stirling Old Bridge
- Stirling Castle
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On day 4 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 Skinflats, Larbert, Cambuskenneth, and Stirling. In the evening, you’ll end up in Aberdeen, where you will stay for 1 night.
Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Skinflats, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Edinburgh to Skinflats may take around 51 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Skinflats, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like The Kelpies. This extraordinary sculpture has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,904 visitors.
Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Skinflats and set your GPS to Larbert. 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 15 min. Upon reaching Larbert, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Falkirk Wheel. This extraordinary boat lift has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,951 visitors.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Aberdeen, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Aberdeen. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Dine in style at Miller & Carter Aberdeen, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Maggie's Grill boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Malmaison Aberdeen. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Aberdeen.
Continue your lively evening at Krakatoa, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Prince Of Wales is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood.
Head back to your accommodation in Aberdeen and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland!
Day 5 – Aberdeen - departure day
- Aberdeen - Departure day
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- Westburn Park
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Day 5 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Aberdeen before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Aberdeen’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland.
Seize the day by visiting some of the best attractions in the area, like Westburn Park. This extraordinary urban park has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,016 visitors.
Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Aberdeen.
You’ll then say farewell to Aberdeen. 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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