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

On day 3 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Scotland, you’ll go deep into Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 3 nights, 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!

Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Edinburgh, including a park, a palace, a castle, a historical landmark, a zoo and much more! Start your day at Holyrood Park. This peaceful park is an interesting place to see in Edinburgh. Then, wander over to Holyrood Palace. If eye-catching sites excite you, this palace will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Edinburgh Castle. This breathtaking castle is a favorite among visitors.

Edinburgh offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Dean Village is an interesting spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the historical landmark, don’t forget to check out the picture-perfect Edinburgh Zoo. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this popular zoo.

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!

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 Edinburgh, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a highly-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're eager to try something different, consider Novotel Edinburgh Centre, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tigerlily. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

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.

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.

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.

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

Set out on a day brimming with fun adventures, picturesque spots, and history-rich sites. Start at the interesting The Real Mary King's Close, a respected museum in Edinburgh. Next, go to St Giles' Cathedral.

After visiting The Real Mary King's Close and St Giles' Cathedral, have a stroll along Edinburgh's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to National Museum Of Scotland. This standout museum offers a unique experience. Royal Mile is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit.

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.

Exploring the food culture in Edinburgh offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Angels with Bagpipes, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Rabble Taphouse and Grill? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Black Ivy as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Edinburgh.

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.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Hoot The Redeemer, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Albanach offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Edinburgh. Thistle Street Bar is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Edinburgh as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Scotland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland!

Day 5 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!

Bring your curiosity for today’s adventure around Edinburgh. Some of the city’s most loved attractions await! Hmy Britannia is the perfect place to start. This historic ship is one of the most locally appreciated places to visit in Edinburgh. Next, head to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a locally renowned botanical garden, known for its mesmerizing features.

In between the sights, don’t hesitate to take small detours to explore local stores and eateries. When you’re ready to continue your adventure, head to Scottish National Gallery. This eye-catching art gallery is a highly recommended experience. Nearby, you'll also find Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre and Camera Obscura. Visit these for an interesting touch to your journey.

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.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, The Newsroom Bar & Eatery is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Edinburgh 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.

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

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

On day 6 of your laid-back and relaxed road trip adventure, you’ll have the chance to visit more than one remarkable area in Scotland. Since this self-drive tour offers freedom and flexibility, you can decide how much time you want to spend in each place to enjoy the memorable travel destinations in Scotland.

Get ready for an exciting day in Edinburgh. Today’s sightseeing agenda includes a park, a hiking area, a distillery, a waterfall and much more! Begin your adventure at South Inch. This is an increasingly popular park you should not miss. Another must-see is Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, a curiosity-inducing park in Edinburgh.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to The Hermitage. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Blair Athol Distillery, another of the city’s beloved attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Falls Of Bruar, a romantic place of interest in the city.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Inverness. Staying in the city enhances your laid-back road trip experience in Scotland by offering a comfortable and welcoming environment to recharge in this charming destination.

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 Inverness, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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

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 Inverness. The bars in Inverness make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

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

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Inverness as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip through Scotland with a toast. Cheers to a memorable leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland!