Relaxed 7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen to Edinburgh

Day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Scotland promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Aberdeen and drive in the direction of the city of Edinburgh for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Edinburgh, where you’ll stay for 4 nights.

Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Aberdeen today. One of the most intriguing attractions included on the itinerary is Aberdeen Maritime Museum. This heritage-rich maritime museum will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Donmouth Local Nature Reserve and learn what makes this eye-catching nature reserve unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the up-and-coming Hazlehead Park. After exploring the park, head to Johnston Gardens. This up-and-coming park is a highlight in Aberdeen. Lastly, don’t forget to check out the beloved Duthie Park. Enjoy exploring this incredible park at your own pace.

In the city of Edinburgh, you’ll find plenty of stay options that will accommodate your need for rest and relaxation after spending your day on the road. Our top recommendations perfectly complement your relaxed road trip vacation in Scotland.

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Scotland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Edinburgh, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Heron in Edinburgh by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Heron offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Condita, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at The Kitchin, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern menu.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

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

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Edinburgh!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip through Scotland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Edinburgh. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Edinburgh. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Edinburgh!

Today, you'll explore some of the most beautiful places in Edinburgh, including a historic ship, an art gallery, a museum, a distillery, a castle and much more! Start your day with a visit to Hmy Britannia. This curiosity-inducing historic ship is a must-visit in the city. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Scottish National Gallery, which may be one of the most photogenic places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Edinburgh 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 Camera Obscura, a popular museum in the city. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre and Edinburgh Castle.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Scotland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Edinburgh has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

Dine in style at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Novotel Edinburgh Centre boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Tigerlily. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Scotland.

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

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Scotland!

Day 4 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Scotland are extraordinary.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. The first attraction of today is National Museum Of Scotland. This captivating museum is an instagrammable place to see in Edinburgh. Continue your discovery at St Giles' Cathedral, a breathtaking church with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Edinburgh, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to The Real Mary King's Close. This notable museum offers a history-steeped encounter with Edinburgh. Next, make your way to Royal Mile to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Calton Hill, an up-and-coming park 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 Edinburgh.

Scotland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun exploration. Aside from amazing sights, Scotland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Scotland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Make sure to reserve a table at Angels with Bagpipes, 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 Rabble Taphouse and Grill, 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 Black Ivy, a hidden gem nestled in Edinburgh. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Edinburgh. The bars in Edinburgh make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Unwind after your meal by stepping into Hoot The Redeemer. This venue is celebrated for its extensive drink selections and cozy vibes. Alternatively, Albanach offers a dynamic and energetic atmosphere for a glass or two. Don’t overlook Thistle Street Bar, another top-rated bar in the area.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Scotland.

On day 5 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Scotland, you’ll go deep into Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Edinburgh, and meet locals along the way!

Edinburgh is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, breathtaking views, and photo-friendly spots! Start at Edinburgh Zoo, a notable zoo that is worthwhile a visit in the city. Nearby, you’ll find Dean Village, enchanting visitors with its enchanting appeal. Continue your exploration at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden is one of the city’s most interesting spots.

Enjoy the freedom of exploring Edinburgh at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit Holyrood Palace. After exploring the palace, head to the popular Holyrood Park. This park will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the city.

Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Scotland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Edinburgh. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Edinburgh that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Scotland more memorable. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Edinburgh to find the best options for you!

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Scotland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Edinburgh, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try The Newsroom Bar & Eatery? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Edinburgh.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

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

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Scotland.

Day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Scotland is another opportunity for an in-depth travel experience in the country. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Skinflats and continue your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in the town of Falkirk and the town of Larbert. You’ll stay in Aberdeen for 1 night.

Start by visiting The Kelpies, a prime spot to begin your journey. This stunning art installation is sure to impress. Next on your list is Callendar Park, another must-visit landmark and up-and-coming park renowned for its picture-perfect features.

While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Edinburgh by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Falkirk Wheel. This picture-perfect monument is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience. Wallace Monument also adds charm to your journey, and Stirling Castle wraps up your day with its standout appeal.

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you’ll have a relaxed time at Aberdeen. Here, you can choose from the best selection of hotels and places to stay as you get to know more about this spectacular city.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Scotland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Aberdeen.

Dine in style at Foodstory, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Ninety-Nine boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Miller & Carter Aberdeen. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Aberdeen.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Aberdeen.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at St. Machar Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Old Blackfriars offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, Krakatoa provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Scotland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Scotland tomorrow with new energy.