6-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Inverness to Elgin and surrounding area
Description
Included
Description
Explore the best of Scotland on a 6-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Inverness, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Spean Bridge, Lewiston, Fortrose, Elgin, Portknockie, Dufftown, Craigellachie, Ballindalloch, Glenlivet, Forres, and Dyke. 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 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 got 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. Marvel at the remarkable Commando Memorial, learn more about the unique Loch Ness, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Chanonry Point.
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, 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
See a summary of the itinerary that you can fully customize
Personalize your itinerary
Customize tours under each day and destination
Day 1
- Inverness - Arrival day
- More
- Eden Court Inverness
- More
Your road trip adventure in Scotland begins as soon as you reach Inverness and pick up your car. You’ll stay in Inverness for 2 nights and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.
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, or just 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 Inverness. 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. 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 dining experience at Simpsons, a popular restaurant in Inverness. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Inverness at Kingsmills Hotel, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Inverness tonight.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Gunsmiths Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Malt Room offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Maccallums Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Scotland!
Day 2
- Inverness
- More
Drive 255 km, 4 hours 16 min
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Glenfinnan Viewpoint
- Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland
- Neptune's Staircase
- Commando Memorial
- More
Greet day 2 of your road trip in Scotland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Inverness for your remaining 1 night in the city later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in Glenfinnan, Banavie, and Spean Bridge.
Inverness is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a heritage railway, an observation deck, a monument, a historical landmark, a war memorial and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the worthwhile Glenfinnan Viaduct and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Glenfinnan Viewpoint, a romantic observation deck that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust For Scotland, one of the village’s most up-and-coming spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Neptune's Staircase. When you're finished at the historical landmark, Commando Memorial awaits your visit. This war memorial is a detailed highlight on today's itinerary.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Inverness and your accommodation.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Inverness's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Make sure to reserve a table at MacGregor's, 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 The White House, 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 The Kitchen Brasserie, a hidden gem nestled in Inverness. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Hootananny after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Gellions Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Innes Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Say good night to Inverness and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Scotland!
Day 3
- Inverness
- Moray
- More
Drive 232 km, 4 hours 6 min
- Loch Ness
- Urquhart Castle
- Chanonry Point
- Fort George
- Clava cairns
- More
On day 3 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, Inverness, Lewiston, and Fortrose. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Elgin, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.
Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Inverness, including a lake, a castle, a whale watching spot, an archeological site and much more! Start your day with a visit to Loch Ness. This underrated lake is a must-visit in the region. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Urquhart Castle, which may be one of the most instagrammable places you will experience today.
One of the best things about exploring Inverness on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Chanonry Point, a worthwhile whale watching spot in the region. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Fort George and Clava Cairns.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of 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.
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.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Scotland.
Day 4
- Moray
- More
Drive 150 km, 2 hours 32 min
- Bow Fiddle Rock
- Glenfiddich Distillery
- Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre
- Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens
- The Glenlivet Distillery
- More
On day 4 of your road trip in Scotland, you’ll start and end your day in Elgin, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you will return to Elgin for 1 night more, there’s no need to rush. Experience Portknockie, Dufftown, Craigellachie, Ballindalloch, and Glenlivet to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary!
Start by visiting Bow Fiddle Rock, a prime spot to begin your journey. This romantic rock formation is sure to impress. Next on your list is Glenfiddich Distillery, another must-visit landmark and curiosity-inducing distillery renowned for its historic features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the culture of Elgin by sampling some local delicacies. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre. This standout visitor center is an essential place to visit for anyone looking for the full Elgin experience. We also recommend visiting Ballindalloch Castle And Gardens, a locally appreciated castle. Nearby, you'll also find The Glenlivet, ready to add charm to your journey.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Elgin.
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 and reflect on the day's adventures.
Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!
Day 5
- Moray
- Inverness
- More
Drive 74 km, 1 hour 34 min
- Elgin Cathedral
- Cooper Park
- Duffus Castle
- Grant Park
- Brodie Castle
- More
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 Elgin, Forres, and Dyke. In the evening, you’ll end up in Inverness, where you will stay for 1 night.
Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Elgin. Some of the town’s most loved attractions await! Elgin Cathedral is the perfect place to start. This church is one of the most increasingly popular places to visit in Elgin. Next, head to Cooper Park, an often recommended park, known for its visually striking features.
In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Duffus Castle. This picture-perfect castle is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Grant Park and Brodie Castle. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.
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 day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Inverness's best restaurants.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Cafe V8, a popular restaurant in Inverness. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Inverness at Scotch & Rye, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated Johnny Foxes. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Inverness tonight.
Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Market Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail.
Head back to your accommodation in Inverness and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland!
Day 6
- Inverness - Departure day
- More
- Whin Park
- More
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, begin at Whin Park. This intriguing park is a popular place to see in the city.
As your final day in Scotland unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Inverness's best shopping area, Inverness Victorian Market. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Scotland.
Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Inverness.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at River House, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Bar One Inverness? It's another excellent option with a diverse 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!
Similar travel packages
Discover other popular vacations in the United Kingdom
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
