7-Day Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh traveling west to Inverness 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 Inverness, 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, Inverness, 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 Urquhart Castle and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, 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. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Stirling Castle and learn more about the unique The Kelpies to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Edinburgh, Inverness, 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
Highland - region in United KingdomHighland / 1 night
Stirling - region in United KingdomStirling

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
Urquhart Castle with Dark Cloud SkyUrquhart 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
Path leading to Nelson's Monument in Glasgow Green, Scotland.Glasgow Green
Royal yacht Britannia, top tourist attraction in Edinburgh, port of Leith. Edinburgh Scotland, UK.HMY Britannia
Scotch Whisky Experience at 354 Castlehill on Royal Mile in Old Town Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Old town Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
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

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
  • The Royal Mile
  • 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 Royal Mile. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 14,405 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 12 km, 1 hour 6 min

  • HMY Britannia
  • National Galleries of Scotland: National
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
  • Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
  • 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 in the city of Edinburgh, like the extraordinary HMY Britannia. This attraction is a royal yacht and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,023 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations in Edinburgh, which gets around 660,741 annual visits, is the spectacular Scottish National Gallery. This attraction is an art museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 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.

Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre is another stop you might want to add to your itinerary. This museum is a popular destination among visitors in Edinburgh. Rated at an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,926 visitors, it’s one many travelers find worthy a visit. In one single year, this attraction usually gets more than 238,542 visitors.

If you’re interested in seeing something outstanding today, then consider Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh Castle is a castle and popular attraction in Edinburgh. More than 90,949 visitors have rated this place an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

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 – Inverness

Day 3

Day 3 – Inverness

  • Edinburgh
  • Highland
  • More

Drive 259 km, 3 hours 55 min

  • National Museum of Scotland
  • Holyrood Park
  • Holyrood Palace
  • 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 Inverness. You’ll stay in Inverness 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 National Museum of Scotland. This much-appreciated national museum and attraction is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Holyrood Park. This archaeological site and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Holyrood Palace to make the most of your road trip across Scotland. The spectacular Holyrood Palace is an official residence that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,746 visitors.

The lovely Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 20,765 visitors have left this botanical garden average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

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 Inverness. Inverness 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 River House. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 691 reviews.

The remarkable The Mustard Seed Restaurant is another top restaurant in Inverness we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,671 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous The Dores Inn is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,195 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Inverness, the fantastic Rocpool. This bar has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 934 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful Johnny Foxes. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,918 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Black Isle Bar & Rooms. This bar is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,982 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 – Inverness, Stirling, Cambuskenneth, and Glasgow

Day 4

Day 4 – Inverness, Stirling, Cambuskenneth, and Glasgow

  • Highland
  • Stirling
  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 351 km, 4 hours 46 min

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

Day 4 of your road trip will take you to the city of Inverness and the city of Stirling. You’ll stay in Glasgow for 2 nights.

One of the best places to explore today is Urquhart Castle. This excellent attraction is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,979 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 Stirling Castle for some unforgettable sightseeing experience in the city of Stirling. This popular attraction is a castle and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,632 visitors.

This outstanding zoo has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,922 travelers.

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

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow, Paesano Pizza. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,948 customers.

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

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow is Mono. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,446 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the top bars in the city of Glasgow, Òran Mór. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 5,385 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like Stereo. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,954 customers.

The Anchor Line is a popular bar that locals recommend in the city of Glasgow. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

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

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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 15,249 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 in the city of Glasgow, 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 in the city of Glasgow. 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 in the city of Glasgow is the extraordinary Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This art museum gets more than 1,037,594 visitors on an annual basis and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,580 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Riverside Museum. Around 16,799 visitors have given this museum an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Pollok Country Park. Pollok Country Park is a popular park, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,112 travelers.

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 – Larbert and Edinburgh

Day 6

Day 6 – Larbert and Edinburgh

  • Glasgow
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 93 km, 2 hours 12 min

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

Rise and shine on day 6 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you'll wake up in Glasgow and embark on a scenic drive to Edinburgh, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Glasgow 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 Glasgow. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful George Square. This attraction is a square that has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 20,066 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Glasgow Cathedral. This attraction, a beloved cathedral, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 6,737 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Glasgow is the stunning Glasgow Green. This stadium and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,762 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable The Kelpies. This attraction is a sculpture that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,904 visitors.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like The Witchery by the Castle. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 2,766 customers.

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

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Howies Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,828 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Cafe Royal to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Edinburgh, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,216 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Bow Bar. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. The Bow Bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,813 customers.

Tigerlily is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,369 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 7 – Edinburgh - departure day

Day 7

Day 7 – Edinburgh - departure day

  • Edinburgh - Departure day
  • More
  • Dean Village
  • 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.

Dean Village is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Edinburgh. This village and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,727 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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