6-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Dundee to Edinburgh and Inverness and surrounding area

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 2 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you will make 1 stop and experience some of the highlights of Edinburgh. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Edinburgh, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Edinburgh. This car ride takes around 1 hour 17 min.

Make your way to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a popular botanical garden that draws attention for its serene features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to National Museum Of Scotland, an instagrammable museum that stands out in the city. Next, visit Edinburgh Castle, an extraordinary castle that offers a unique experience.

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

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

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

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

Relax and reminisce about your day in Scotland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Edinburgh, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Cambuskenneth and Stirling. You still have 1 night left in Edinburgh.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Edinburgh and set your GPS to Cambuskenneth. 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 1 hour 3 min. Upon reaching Cambuskenneth, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Head to Wallace Monument, a well-known monument in Cambuskenneth. Explore its breathtaking features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Stirling, Old Bridge. This curiosity-inducing historical landmark is a top recommendation in the area.

Set your GPS to Edinburgh and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 1 hour 21 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Edinburgh beckons with new experiences!

Head to Stirling Castle, a notable castle in Stirling. Explore its culturally significant features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next sight, Stirling Old Town Jail. This increasingly popular museum is a top recommendation in the area.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Edinburgh's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Novotel Edinburgh Centre offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Tigerlily is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Edinburgh.

After enjoying a delightful dinner, why not delve into the vibrant local bar scene? You might want to spend the evening at Cafe Royal, a well-loved spot among locals and tourists. Or, head to The Ensign Ewart. This bar boasts a welcoming environment that is perfect for winding down. You could also continue your night at Tonic, another top-rated place in the area.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Pitlochry and Aviemore. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Inverness, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Edinburgh, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Pitlochry. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 30 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Faskally Forest. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the hiking area before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry. This intriguing art installation is a traveler-favorite in the town.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Aviemore, 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 Pitlochry to Aviemore may take around 1 hour 2 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Aviemore, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Make your way to Strathspey Railway - (aviemore, Station), a curiosity-inducing heritage railway that draws attention for its breathtaking features.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Simpsons, an iconic dining spot in Inverness. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Kingsmills Hotel, a popular restaurant in Inverness. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, a hidden gem nestled in Inverness. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Gunsmiths Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Malt Room, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Maccallums Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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.

On day 5 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 the Scottish Highlands, Lewiston, Inverness, and Cawdor. In the evening, you’ll end up in Dundee, where you will stay for 1 night.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Inverness, including a performing arts theater and an archeological site. Start your adventure at Eden Court Inverness. This up-and-coming performing arts theater is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Clava Cairns located in Inverness for an enchanting atmosphere.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in the Scottish Highlands. This drive usually takes around 27 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Spend your afternoon discovering Loch Ness, an up-and-coming lake known for its eye-catching features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Lewiston. This drive usually takes around 43 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Urquhart Castle is a captivating castle we recommend making time to visit today. Discover its standout features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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 Dundee. Dundee 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 Dundee. 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 a wonderful meal at Empire State Coffee Artisan Roasters, a top-rated dining spot in Dundee. If you're in the mood for something new, try Porters Bar & Restaurant, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Premier Inn Dundee East hotel. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Dundee.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Trades House stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, The Speedwell Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Draffens is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Scotland!