Travel packages in Scotland

Road trips in Scotland

6-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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Experience the freedom of the open road on an unforgettable 6-day road trip in Scotland! Embark on a self-drive tour that caters to every traveler, featuring destinations like Inverness, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Spean Bridge, Lewiston, Fortrose, Elgin, Portknockie, Dufftown, Craigellachie, Ballindalloch, Glenlivet, Forres, and Dyke.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Scotland. You will spend 3 nights in Inverness and 2 nights 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 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 Glenfinnan Viaduct are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Inverness, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Spean Bridge, Lewiston, Fortrose, Elgin, Portknockie, Dufftown, Craigellachie, Ballindalloch, Glenlivet, Forres, and Dyke, 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, accommodations, 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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Day1

Day 1

Inverness - Arrival day
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Eden Court Inverness
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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 discovering what to see in Inverness before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

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. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Inverness. Make yourself at home and unwind 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 consistently gains 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 6-day road trip in Scotland!

Day2

Day 2

Inverness
Glenfinnan
Banavie
Spean Bridge
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Drive 255 km, 4 hours 16 min

Glenfinnan Viaduct
Glenfinnan Viewpoint
Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland
Neptune's Staircase
Commando Memorial
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Wake up to day 2 of your road trip in Scotland. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Glenfinnan, Banavie, and Spean Bridge. With 1 night to stay in Inverness, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Inverness and set your GPS to Glenfinnan. 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 59 min. Upon reaching Glenfinnan, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Glenfinnan Viaduct, a worthwhile heritage railway that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Glenfinnan Viewpoint, where you can soak in the enchanting surroundings.

Next, explore Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust For Scotland, yet another underrated place to see in the area.

Banavie’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Glenfinnan behind. This drive usually takes around 19 min. Banavie welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Neptune's Staircase, an often recommended historical landmark that everyone visiting Banavie should see.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Spean Bridge. This car ride takes around 16 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Spean Bridge is Commando Memorial, a frequently visited war memorial that draws attention for its picture-perfect features.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at MacGregor's, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, The White House beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Kitchen Brasserie. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Inverness tonight.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Hootananny, known for its inviting atmosphere. Gellions Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Innes Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

Day3

Day 3

Inverness
Lewiston
Fortrose
Moray
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Drive 232 km, 4 hours 6 min

Urquhart Castle
Chanonry Point
Clava cairns
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Inverness, Lewiston, and Fortrose. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Elgin, where will spend 2 nights.

Clava Cairns makes a great addition to your morning plans. This worthwhile archeological site is a culturally significant place to see in Inverness.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Inverness.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Lewiston may take around 43 min. Upon your arrival in Lewiston, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Urquhart Castle, a popular castle known for its enchanting features.

After soaking in Lewiston’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Fortrose. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 56 min. When you arrive in Fortrose, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Chanonry Point, a beloved whale watching spot known for its serene features.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to 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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Elgin. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

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

Day4

Day 4

Moray
Portknockie
Dufftown
Craigellachie
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Drive 150 km, 2 hours 32 min

Bow Fiddle Rock
Glenfiddich Distillery
Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre
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On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Elgin, where you have 1 night left to stay.

When you’ve had your share of Portknockie, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Dufftown. Your travel time is around 40 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Bow Fiddle Rock, a worthwhile rock formation in Portknockie. Explore its romantic features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Dufftown. This drive usually takes around 40 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Glenfiddich Distillery, a curiosity-inducing distillery that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Craigellachie, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Dufftown to Craigellachie may take around 6 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Craigellachie, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre and explore the history-steeped features.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Elgin and your accommodation.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Elgin. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Day5

Day 5

Moray
Forres
Inverness
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Drive 74 km, 1 hour 34 min

Elgin Cathedral
Cooper Park
Grant Park
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On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Elgin, Forres, and Dyke. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Inverness, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

No visit to Elgin is complete without Elgin Cathedral. This often recommended church is one of the top attractions in the town. Proceed to Cooper Park, another must-visit attraction.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Forres, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Dyke. This drive usually takes around 10 min.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Grant Park, a frequently visited park that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

Inverness is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Inverness.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at Cafe V8, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Scotch & Rye offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss Johnny Foxes. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Inverness.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Market Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Scotland.

Day6

Day 6

Inverness - Departure day
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Whin Park
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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.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Whin Park, a majestic park before you head out.

Take advantage of your accommodation's proximity to Inverness’s shopping district for some last-minute bargain hunting. Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

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

If you're in the mood for something new, try Bar One Inverness, another premier location with a delectable 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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Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

Secure your spot

Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.

Get instant confirmation

Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.

Personalize your itinerary

Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.

Easily make changes

Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.

Enjoy seamless planning

With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.

Explore with confidence

From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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