5-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen traveling west to Inverness and Portree
Description
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Description
Explore the best of Scotland on a 5-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Aberdeen, Cawdor, Inverness, Fortrose, Dunvegan, and Portree. This road trip itinerary in Scotland seamlessly combines exploration with relaxation.
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, 1 night in Inverness, and 1 night in Portree. 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. Dunvegan Castle and Fairy Pools are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Glenmore Forest Park, learn more about the unique Chanonry Point, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Duthie Park.
As you hit the open road and drive through Aberdeen, Cawdor, Inverness, Fortrose, Dunvegan, and Portree, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Aberdeen - Arrival day
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- Duthie Park
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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 Duthie Park, 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 Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Make sure to reserve a table at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, an iconic dining spot in Aberdeen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Mi Amore, a popular restaurant in Aberdeen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The Tippling House, a hidden gem nestled in Aberdeen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Slains Castle, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Northern Bar is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Grill 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
- Inverness
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Drive 236 km, 4 hours 10 min
- Cawdor Castle
- Fort George
- Clava cairns
- Chanonry Point
- Eden Court Inverness
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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 Cawdor, the Scottish Highlands, Inverness, and Fortrose. In the evening, you’ll end up in Inverness, where you will stay for 1 night.
Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and breathtaking views. The first attraction of today is Cawdor Castle. This worthwhile castle is a romantic place to see in Aberdeen. Continue your discovery at Fort George, a culturally significant castle with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Aberdeen, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this village so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Clava Cairns. This often recommended archeological site offers a historic encounter with Aberdeen. Next, make your way to Chanonry Point to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Eden Court Inverness, an often recommended performing arts theater 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 Aberdeen.
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 are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Inverness. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
Savor the flavors at Simpsons, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kingsmills Hotel beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Inverness tonight.
Keep the evening going at The Gunsmiths Bar, a great choice for enjoying the after-dinner hours with a drink. You could also go to The Malt Room, which offers a similarly pleasant setting and great drinks. Another option is Maccallums Bar, which provides an inviting environment for unwinding after a busy day out.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!
Day 3
- Inverness
- Portree
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Drive 293 km, 5 hours 18 min
- 슬리가찬 오래된 다리
- Fairy Pools
- Neist Point Trail
- Neist Point Lighthouse
- Dunvegan Castle
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 3 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Sligachan, the Scottish Highlands, and Dunvegan. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Portree, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
Immerse yourself in Inverness’s rich culture with today's sightseeing itinerary. Start your journey at 슬리가찬 오래된 다리. This romantic historical landmark is sure to ignite your curiosity. Next, dive into the eye-catching features of Fairy Pools, a must-visit waterfall in the hamlet.
In between sights, stop by local stores, picturesque photo spots, and small eateries. When you’re ready for your next attraction, proceed to Neist Point Trail, an intriguing hiking area. For a change of scene, check out Neist Point Lighthouse, known for its history-steeped features. We also recommend visiting Dunvegan Castle. This castle is a must for anyone looking to experience the hamlet 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 Portree. Portree 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 Portree's best restaurants.
Say good night to Portree and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Scotland!
Day 4
- Portree
- Aberdeen
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Drive 430 km, 6 hours 34 min
- Strome Castle
- Cairngorm Mountain
- Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
- Glenmore Forest Park
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - North Strome, the Scottish Highlands, and Glenmore. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Aberdeen. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.
Portree is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a castle, a ski resort, a wildlife reserve, a nature reserve and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular Strome Castle and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Cairngorm Mountain, a peaceful ski resort that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, one of the hamlet’s most increasingly popular spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the intriguing Glenmore Forest Park.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Aberdeen, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Aberdeen, 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.
Don’t miss out on dining at Foodstory, a top-rated dining destination in Aberdeen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Ninety-Nine, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Miller & Carter Aberdeen. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Aberdeen this evening.
Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting St. Machar Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Old Blackfriars is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Krakatoa also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.
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
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- Union Street
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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.
One of the best things to do on your last day is to explore Union Street, a street that captures the true essence of Aberdeen. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.
Maximize your last day in Scotland and go on a shopping spree in Aberdeen’s shopping center, the lively Bon Accord & St. Nicholas Centre. Browse for souvenirs to remind you of your wonderful journey in Scotland.
Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Aberdeen.
If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Maggie's Grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.
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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