6-Day Scotland Road Trip from Inverness to Elgin and surrounding area

Welcome to Inverness, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Scotland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights immersing yourself in Inverness's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Inverness is a beautiful region with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in Inverness. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Inverness. 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.

Don't forget to book a table at Rocpool, a well-known eatery in Inverness. This popular restaurant and its sumptuous cuisine have won the hearts of food lovers. Its commitment to a delicious menu is evident in its 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 934 satisfied guests.

Ensure you visit River House while exploring Inverness. This popular restaurant offers a delicious menu, distinguished with a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 691 discerning guests.

Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of The Mustard Seed Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Inverness. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Its reputation is reflected in its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 2,671 discerning diners.

Many locals go to Johnny Foxes to have a good time. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,918 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option is Black Isle Bar & Rooms. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,982 customers.

Hootananny is another great option in Inverness. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Scotland!

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Glenfinnan has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Glenfinnan by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the village.

There are plenty of experiences you can choose from in Scotland that will add excitement to your vacation. When you’re keen to discover what else Glenfinnan has in store for you, use this day to go on a tour. This tour allows curious travelers like you to experience the best of the country. You can make the most of your time in Scotland by scrolling down and selecting tours and activities to include on your itinerary for the day.

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

For a memorable dining experience, be sure to visit The Kitchen Brasserie. Known for its excellent cuisine and commitment to quality dishes, this restaurant in Inverness has received a 4.5 out of 5-star rating from around 1,289 happy diners.

When seeking local-favorite dining spots, Scotch & Rye should be on your list. Situated in the heart of Inverness, it has become a beloved food venue for its delicious menu. It boasts a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,381 satisfied diners, a testament to its favored status.

Ready for a culinary adventure? Book a table at MacGregor's. This highly regarded restaurant in Inverness has earned a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to its flavorful dishes and positive reviews from 870 satisfied guests.

Many locals go to Gellions Bar to have a good time. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,317 customers.

If you feel like going somewhere else, another popular option is The White House. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 642 customers.

The Malt Room is another great option in Inverness. This bar is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 479 customers.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Scotland.

On day 3 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 Inverness, Fortrose, Inverness, and Elgin. In the evening, you’ll end up in Elgin, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Be one of the day’s first visitors at Clava cairns. This group is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,316 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Inverness, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Elgin. Your travel time is around 54 min.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Elgin. Elgin offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

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

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

On day 4 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Portknockie. You’ll stay in Portknockie for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Portknockie, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Portknockie below.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Elgin. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the region, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

After dinner, stop by one of the best bars in Elgin.

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

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your road trip in Scotland, where you’ll be making 5 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Elgin, Elgin, Forres, and Inverness. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Inverness. Inverness will be your home away from home for 1 night.

Kick off the day at Elgin Cathedral, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,994 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Cooper Park. Cooper Park is a park with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 994 reviews.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Inverness. This car ride takes around 38 min.

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

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Inverness.

Elevate your experience by savoring a meal in Kingsmills Hotel, a distinguished dining establishment in Inverness. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews of 2,056 satisfied guests and a menu that’s committed to quality and flavor.

Another dining spot you shouldn't miss while in Inverness is Cafe V8. This popular restaurant’s appealing menu has garnered a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, thanks to the positive reviews shared by 1,055 happy diners.

Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa stands out as a local favorite in Inverness. It offers a menu that promises to take you on a flavorful journey. Due to its reputation for delivering a good dining experience, it has earned a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 1,262 customers.

Bar One Inverness is one of the best bars in Inverness and the perfect place for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 446 customers.

You may also want to check out MacCallums Bar. Equally popular, this bar offers a great drink list and a nice atmosphere for your celebrations. MacCallums Bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 405 customers.

Alternatively, head out to Innes Bar. Innes Bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 282 customers and is a top choice among travelers as well as locals.

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

Day 6 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.

On your last day in Scotland, take time to indulge in shopping at Inverness’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, region’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Scotland. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

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

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!