7-Day Scotland road trip from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Glasgow

Old town chambers Edinburgh, Scotland
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
7 days & 6 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
6 nights included
Car rental
7 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 7-day road trip through Scotland.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Scotland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 3 nights in Edinburgh, 1 night in Aberdeen, and 2 nights in Glasgow, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Scotland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow. We'll help you experience the best 7 days in Scotland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Edinburgh, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Scotland, including the stunning Edinburgh Castle and National Museum of Scotland.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Scotland. From the magnificent Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to the breathtaking George Square and Stirling Castle, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Scotland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Scotland.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Scotland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Scotland.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Scotland.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Scotland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Scotland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 6 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 6 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Scotland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Scotland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Scotland today!

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Included

Hotel, 6 nights
Rental car, 7 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of beautiful view of the old town city of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, United Kingdom.Edinburgh / 3 nights
Photo of aerial view of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom.Glasgow / 2 nights
Stirling - region in United KingdomStirling
Photo of aerial view of Aberdeen as River Dee flows in a curve to the North Sea showing Duthie Park with bridge and traffic from south.Aberdeen / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Scenic view of Edinburgh Castle and Ross Fountain, Scotland travel photo. Edinburgh Castle is historic center of the city and most popular tourist attraction.Edinburgh Castle
 City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus in front of National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh city.National Museum of Scotland
Scotland kelpies on a sunny dayThe Kelpies
Aerial View of Stirling castle.Stirling Castle
Glasshouse at the Royal Botanical Gardens in public park Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland.Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Landmark of Edinburgh - Holyrood Palace,Scotland,UK, EuropeHolyrood Palace
Rainbow over Glasgow City Chambers and George Square, Scotland - UK.George Square
Riverside Museum
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Scotland, United Kingdom.The Falkirk Wheel
The Royal Mile, Old Town, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomThe Royal Mile
View of Kelvingrove Park full of people enjoying the Scottish summer with the main building of Glasgow University on the top of the hill.Kelvingrove Park
"Camera Obscura" sign at the Royal Mile / Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
The scenic Dean Village in a sunny afternoon, in Edinburgh, Scotland.Dean Village
The People's Palace & Winter Garden in Glasgow, Scotland.Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Holyrood Park and Holyrood Palace aerial view from Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Old town Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.Holyrood Park
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art - Modern One, Edinburgh.National Galleries of Scotland: National
National Wallace Monument on top of the hill Abbey Craig in Stirling, Scotland.Wallace Monument
Medieval fortress Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval Aberdeenshire, Stonehaven on the Northeast of Scotland, UKDunnottar Castle
Path leading to Nelson's Monument in Glasgow Green, Scotland.Glasgow Green
The Real Mary King's Close, Old Town, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomThe Real Mary King's Close
Royal yacht Britannia, top tourist attraction in Edinburgh, port of Leith. Edinburgh Scotland, UK.HMY Britannia
Low level aerial image over Blair Drummond Safari Park.Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
Photo of Pollok House, Glasgow, Scotland, UK .Pollok Country Park
Photo of Glasgow cathedral aka High Kirk of Glasgow or St Kentigern or St Mungo.Glasgow Cathedral
Photo of Historic 14th century medieval Doune Castle, with a dark, moody, dramatic sky in Perthshire, Scotland.Doune Castle
Photo of View of the castle from Calton Hill at sunset,Scotland.Calton Hill

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Edinburgh - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Edinburgh - arrival day

  • Edinburgh - Arrival day
  • More
  • Dean Village
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Scotland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 3 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Edinburgh has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Dean Village. This attraction is a village and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,727 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh, The Edinburgh Larder. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,804 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh is The Kitchin. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,577 customers.

Locals recommend Bramble Bar & Lounge as one of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 743 customers.

Edinburgh also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Edinburgh is Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh). This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Edinburgh is Panda & Sons. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,617 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Dome. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,433 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 7-day vacation in Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Edinburgh

Day 2

Day 2 – Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 9 km, 1 hour 8 min

  • Holyrood Park
  • Holyrood Palace
  • National Galleries of Scotland: National
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • More

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

There are plenty of attractions, markets, and restaurants for you to experience today in the city of Edinburgh. Your accommodation will be conveniently located close to several of the best attractions you won't want to miss.

You'll be able to visit more of the best travel destinations like the extraordinary Holyrood Park. This attraction is an archaeological site and has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,119 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Edinburgh is the spectacular Holyrood Palace. This attraction is an official residence and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,746 visitors.

You could then travel to the amazing Camera Obscura. This visitor centre has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,536 visitors.

Edinburgh Castle is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This castle is a popular destination among visitors in Edinburgh. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit.

Your discovery of Edinburgh does not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Edinburgh on this day of your trip.

After a long day of exploring some of the most popular attractions in Scotland, be sure to eat at Dishoom Edinburgh, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh. This restaurant is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,852 customers.

Alternatively, another of the top restaurants in the city of Edinburgh is the popular Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,950 customers.

Another great restaurant we recommend in the city of Edinburgh is Cafe Andaluz. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,019 customers.

When you’ve finished your meal, Whiski Bar & Restaurant is one of the best bars in the city of Edinburgh for an after-dinner drink. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,669 customers.

Chaophraya Thai Restaurant is another of the most popular bars in the city of Edinburgh. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

Alternatively, a great bar that locals enjoy in the city of Edinburgh is The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh. The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,314 customers.

Stopping at one of these popular bars is the perfect way to celebrate another incredible day in the magical city of Edinburgh!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Edinburgh and Aberdeen

Day 3

Day 3 – Edinburgh and Aberdeen

  • Edinburgh
  • Aberdeen
  • More

Drive 214 km, 3 hours 15 min

  • The Royal Mile
  • The Real Mary King's Close
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • HMY Britannia
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Scotland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Edinburgh. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Aberdeen. You’ll stay in Aberdeen for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Edinburgh’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Edinburgh, start your day with a visit to the amazing Royal Mile. This much-appreciated top-tier point of interest and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating The Real Mary King's Close. This must-see tourist destination and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,638 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular National Museum of Scotland to make the most of your road trip across Scotland. The spectacular National Museum of Scotland is a national museum that has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors.

The lovely HMY Britannia is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 9,023 visitors have left this royal yacht average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This attraction is a botanical garden rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 20,765 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Edinburgh has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Aberdeen. Aberdeen offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Maggie's Grill. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 587 reviews.

The remarkable COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Aberdeen is another top restaurant in Aberdeen we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,555 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous The Silver Darling is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,130 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Aberdeen, the fantastic Miller & Carter Aberdeen. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,026 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Prince Of Wales. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,166 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is The Grill. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 881 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Aberdeen, Stirling, and Glasgow

Day 4

Day 4 – Aberdeen, Stirling, and Glasgow

  • Stirling
  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 270 km, 3 hours 42 min

  • Dunnottar Castle
  • Doune Castle
  • Wallace Monument
  • Stirling Castle
  • Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you'll wake up in Aberdeen and embark on a scenic drive to Glasgow, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 2 nights. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Aberdeen. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Duthie Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,959 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Hazlehead Park. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,456 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Aberdeen is the stunning Aberdeen Maritime Museum. This maritime museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,270 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Dunnottar Castle. This attraction is a rock castle that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,220 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Aberdeenshire, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Glasgow. When you arrive in Glasgow you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Paesano Pizza. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 5,948 customers.

Locals also recommend The Willow Tea Rooms, another of the best restaurants in Glasgow. The Willow Tea Rooms is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,255 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Mono. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,446 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Òran Mór to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Glasgow, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,385 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Stereo. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Stereo has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,954 customers.

The Anchor Line is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Scotland, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Glasgow

Day 5

Day 5 – Glasgow

  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 30 km, 1 hour 35 min

  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens
  • Kelvingrove Park
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
  • Riverside Museum
  • Pollok Country Park
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip across Scotland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Glasgow. You’ll stay in Glasgow for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the YOTEL Glasgow, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Glasgow. This hotel has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars by 14,669 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Glasgow is the 5-star Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,407 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Glasgow is the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Glasgow - City Center Theatreland. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 7,196 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations like the outstanding Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,594 visitors.

Kelvingrove Park is another popular attraction you could visit. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,336 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit is the extraordinary Riverside Museum. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,799 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Pollok Country Park. Around 7,112 visitors have given this park an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Come to Glasgow prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Glasgow.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Elia Greek Restaurant, after your day of exploring the city of Glasgow. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,187 customers.

The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow is another of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,179 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow is La Lanterna. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,068 customers.

Locals recommend Mono, one of the best bars in the city of Glasgow, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,446 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Glasgow, The Citizen Glasgow. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,260 customers.

The Piper Whisky Bar is also one of the best bars in the city of Glasgow. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,323 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Scotland.

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Experiences

Day 6 – Glasgow, Falkirk, and Edinburgh

Day 6

Day 6 – Glasgow, Falkirk, and Edinburgh

  • Glasgow
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 93 km, 2 hours 12 min

  • George Square
  • Glasgow Cathedral
  • Glasgow Green
  • The Falkirk Wheel
  • The Kelpies
  • More

You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is George Square. This excellent attraction is a square that has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,066 visitors.

Around 6,737 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit is Glasgow Green. This amazing attraction is a stadium and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,762 visitors.

To experience the local culture, see more of Scotland, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Scotland. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Falkirk Wheel for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a boat lift and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,951 visitors.

This outstanding sculpture has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,904 travelers.

You’ll have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Edinburgh.

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh, The Witchery by the Castle. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,766 customers.

Locals recommend Howies Restaurant as one of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh. Howies Restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,817 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh is Howies Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,828 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Edinburgh, Cafe Royal. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,216 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like The Bow Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,813 customers.

Tigerlily is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Edinburgh. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,369 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Scotland with a toast!

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Experiences

Day 7 – Edinburgh - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Edinburgh - departure day

  • Edinburgh - Departure day
  • More
  • Calton Hill
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Edinburgh before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Calton Hill is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Edinburgh. This mountain and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,517 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Edinburgh and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Scotland.

You’ll then say farewell to Edinburgh. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Scotland!

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Experiences

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