Relaxed 7-Day Scotland Road Trip Starting from Inverness to Edinburgh

Your relaxed road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Inverness, where you'll stay for 1 night. You'll pick up your rental car in Inverness and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Eden Court Inverness. This movie theater is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,725 reviews.

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.

When you're hungry and ready to take a break from your laid-back adventure, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in Inverness.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Kingsmills Hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider MacGregor's, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The White House. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Inverness and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

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

Raise a toast as you look back into the highlights of today’s laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure in Scotland. Enjoy your first taste of Inverness as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2 of your easy and relaxed road trip through Scotland gives you the opportunity to travel leisurely and experience more than one place in one day. You will start your day by exploring some of the best sights in the region of Inverness. By the end of the day, you’ll drive in the direction of the city of Edinburgh, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

Set your GPS to Spean Bridge and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 55 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Spean Bridge beckons with new experiences!

Take the opportunity to see Commando Memorial. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 5,656 visitors.

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.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

Prepare for an extraordinary culinary adventure in Edinburgh by booking a table at Heron, a 1-star Michelin restaurant that boasts an exceptional modern menu. For a different flavor experience, head to Condita, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin restaurant consistently wows guests, making it a memorable stop during your holiday. Looking for another option? Visit The Kitchin, a local gem known for its delightful modern cuisine in Edinburgh. Nestled in the city's heart, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is a perfect choice for discerning restaurant-goers seeking a new experience.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Edinburgh. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Panda & Sons, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Cafe Royal provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Ensign Ewart offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Scotland!

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!

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Holyrood Park. This archaeological site is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 12,119 reviews.

Continue your journey at Holyrood Palace. This official residence is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,746 travelers from near and far.

Edinburgh is also the home of Edinburgh Castle. This castle has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 90,949 visitors.

You can continue your self-guided sightseeing tour at Dean Village. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,727 visitors, a visit to this top sight is time well spent.

Lastly, don't miss out on Edinburgh Zoo. With an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 11,987 reviews, it’s hard to refuse the opportunity to see this zoo.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Scotland more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Edinburgh offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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 wonderful meal at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, a top-rated dining spot in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood for something new, try Cafe Andaluz, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Edinburgh.

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.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Hoot The Redeemer, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, Albanach is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, The Bow Bar also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Edinburgh can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day 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.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is The Real Mary King's Close. Previous visitors have rated this point of interest an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 10,638 reviews.

St Giles' Cathedral is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This cathedral is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 9,293 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is National Museum Of Scotland. This national museum is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 45,476 reviews.

Royal Mile is another outstanding experience in Edinburgh. Around 14,405 travelers have rated this point of interest an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on day 4 of your unhurried and relaxed road trip in Scotland. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Edinburgh itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city.

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Kitchin, 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 The Witchery by the Castle, 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 Whiski Bar & Restaurant, 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.

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!

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Hmy Britannia. This royal yacht is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 9,023 reviews.

Next up, make your way to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 reviews.

When you’re ready for your next sight of the day, continue to Scottish National Gallery. This art museum has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,079 visitors. Up to 660,741 people visit this place of interest annually.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. This museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,926 visitors. Visiting Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre means you'll be one of 238,542 people who do so every year.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Camera Obscura. This visitor centre is a much-appreciated attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,536 visitors.

Tours often allow you to see beyond what books and social media feature about Edinburgh, its culture, and people. So for a more meaningful travel experience in the city, we recommend you join one of the most popular tours available for your relaxed road trip across Scotland.

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.

Don’t miss out on dining at Cold Town House, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The Dome, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Edinburgh Larder. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Edinburgh and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Scotland!

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Scotland promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the city of Perth and drive in the direction of the town of Little Dunkeld for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Inverness, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Perth. This drive usually takes around 1 hour, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is South Inch. This urban park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 1,523 reviews.

Continue your journey at Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park. This park is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,222 travelers from near and far.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Perth, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Little Dunkeld. This drive usually takes around 30 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Kick off the day at The Hermitage, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This waterfall is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 2,918 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Little Dunkeld and set your GPS to Pitlochry. While on the road, immerse yourself in your favorite road trip tunes or sample the sounds from a local radio station. This car ride usually takes around 20 min. Upon reaching Pitlochry, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Blair Athol Distillery. This whisky distillery is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 792 reviews.

Continue your laid-back road trip exploration of the best attractions in Scotland at Inverness. Select from top hotels and accommodations in the city to recharge and rejuvenate.

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Inverness, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Savor the flavors at Cafe V8, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Scotch & Rye beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Johnny Foxes. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Inverness tonight.

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, Hootananny stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Gellions Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Innes Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip in Scotland is your departure day. If you have a flight to catch, you’ll drop off your rental car well in advance before your departure. Choose a late flight to enjoy a stress-free last day in Inverness.

Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Inverness’s iconic markets and shopping establishments. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland.

If you'd rather pass the time visiting some attractions, this is your chance to go to places you may not have had the chance to explore yet.

One fantastic attraction you could visit on your last day in Inverness is the remarkable Whin Park. This park and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,183 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 7 days of your relaxed road trip over a bite to eat. This is your chance to enjoy one last traditional meal in Inverness or just grab something light to keep you going.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Bar One Inverness, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Black Isle Bar & Rooms offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Inverness and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 7-day relaxed road trip in Scotland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.