7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling west to Fort William and Portree
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Description
Explore the best of Scotland on a 7-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Edinburgh, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Glencoe, Spean Bridge, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Kyleakin, Kylerhea, Portree, Dunvegan, Uig, Stromeferry, Pitlochry, and North Queensferry. 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 2 nights in Edinburgh, 2 nights in Fort William, and 2 nights in Portree. 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 Edinburgh, 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. Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Wallace Monument, learn more about the unique Glenfinnan Viaduct, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Dunvegan Castle.
As you hit the open road and drive through Edinburgh, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Glencoe, Spean Bridge, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Kyleakin, Kylerhea, Portree, Dunvegan, Uig, Stromeferry, Pitlochry, and North Queensferry, 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!
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Day 1
- Edinburgh - Arrival day
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- Old Town
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Say hello to Edinburgh! Your exciting road trip through Scotland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Edinburgh for 1 night before you continue your adventure!
Edinburgh 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 Old Town, a must-see neighborhood, and taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.
Find your way to your hotel in Edinburgh. 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Edinburgh, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, a popular restaurant in Edinburgh. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Edinburgh at Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, 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 The Theatre Royal Bar. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Edinburgh tonight.
Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Nightcap - Cocktail Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Juniper Edinburgh, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Panda & Sons provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.
Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Scotland!
Day 2
- Edinburgh
- Fort William
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Drive 263 km, 4 hours 30 min
- The National Wallace Monument
- Stirling Castle
- Glencoe Folk Museum
- Glencoe Lochan Trail
- Commando Memorial
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On day 2 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 Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Glencoe, and Spean Bridge. In the evening, you’ll end up in Fort William, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration in Edinburgh today. One of the most locally renowned attractions included on the itinerary is Wallace Monument. This historic monument will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Stirling Castle and learn what makes this culturally significant castle unique.
Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the underrated Glencoe Folk Museum. After exploring the museum, head to Glencoe Lochan Trail. This often recommended hiking area is a highlight in Edinburgh. As your day continues, stop by Commando Memorial, known for its culturally significant features.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Fort William. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the town.
As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Fort William. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the town, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Scotland.
Day 3
- Fort William
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Drive 78 km, 1 hour 56 min
- West Highland Museum
- Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Glenfinnan Viewpoint
- Neptune's Staircase
- Steall Waterfall
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On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Fort William, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Fort William, Glenfinnan, Banavie, and Tigh a Steill. You still have 1 night left in Fort William.
Today’s route brings fun adventures, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. The first attraction of today is West Highland Museum. This underrated museum is a respected place to see in Fort William. Continue your discovery at Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust For Scotland, an instagrammable monument with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Fort William, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this town so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct. This increasingly popular heritage railway offers a gorgeous encounter with Fort William. Next, make your way to Glenfinnan Viewpoint to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Neptune's Staircase, an often recommended historical landmark that’s sure to impress. If you’re up for more, end your self-guided sightseeing tour at Steall Waterfall, a beloved waterfall in the town. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Fort William.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Fort William and your accommodation.
As you explore more of Fort William, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Scotland!
Day 4
- Fort William
- Portree
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Drive 229 km, 4 hours 6 min
- Caisteal Maol
- Otter Hide
- Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre
- 슬리가찬 오래된 다리
- Sligachan Waterfalls
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Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you will explore Kyleakin, Kylerhea, Portree, Sligachan, and the Scottish Highlands, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Portree. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.
Today’s route brings fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views. The first attraction of today is Caisteal Maol. This underrated castle is a respected place to see in Fort William. Continue your discovery at Otter Hide, an enchanting bird watching area with stories to tell.
As you stroll around Fort William, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this village so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Isle Of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre. Next, make your way to 슬리가찬 오래된 다리 to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Sligachan Waterfalls, a worthwhile waterfall 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 Fort William.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Portree, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
As you explore more of Portree, you'll discover that its culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. Whether you're craving traditional dishes bursting with local flavors or innovative creations that push the boundaries of taste, you're sure to find a dining experience that satisfies your cravings.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!
Day 5
- Portree
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Drive 183 km, 4 hours 3 min
- Rigg Viewpoint
- Dunvegan Castle
- Neist Point Lighthouse
- Neist Point Trail
- Rha Waterfalls
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On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Portree, where you'll stay for 1 night more.
Portree is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include an observation deck, a castle, a lighthouse, a hiking area, a waterfall and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular Rigg Viewpoint and allow yourself time to explore. Just a short distance away you'll find your next stop, Dunvegan Castle, a romantic castle that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Neist Point Lighthouse, one of the region’s most intriguing spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Neist Point Trail. When you're finished at the hiking area, Rha Waterfalls awaits your visit. This waterfall is an eye-catching highlight on today's itinerary.
When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Portree.
As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Portree. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.
As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in in Scotland.
Day 6
- Portree
- Edinburgh
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Drive 468 km, 6 hours 32 min
- Loch Carron View Point
- Falls of Divach
- Blair Athol Distillery
- Forth Bridge
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you will make 4 stops and experience some of the highlights of Stromeferry, the Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry, and North Queensferry. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Edinburgh, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.
A blend of fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders await you in Portree on today’s itinerary. First up is the locally appreciated observation deck, Loch Carron View Point. Afterward, continue to Falls Of Divach, a waterfall every traveler should visit.
As you explore Portree’s charming streets, take in the lively atmosphere and get to know the character of the village. Next, make your way to Blair Athol Distillery. This underrated distillery is an essential stop. Following that, head to Forth Bridge, another must-visit site that will enhance your experience.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Edinburgh. Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Novotel Edinburgh Centre, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tigerlily. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Cafe Royal, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, The Ensign Ewart provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Tonic offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Scotland.
Day 7
- Edinburgh - Departure day
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- Edinburgh Castle
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Day 7 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Castle. This extraordinary castle is a popular place to see in the city.
Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Edinburgh’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Grassmarket. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland.
Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Edinburgh.
You’ll then say farewell to Edinburgh. 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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