One-Week Scotland Road Trip from Aberdeen traveling west to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness

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Explore the best of Scotland on a 8-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Doune, Inverness, and Cawdor. 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 Aberdeen, 1 night in Edinburgh, 3 nights in Glasgow, and 1 night in Inverness. 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 Aberdeen, 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 National Museum Of Scotland are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Doune, Inverness, and Cawdor, 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

Day 1 – Aberdeen - arrival day

  • Aberdeen - Arrival day
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Welcome to Aberdeen, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Scotland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night immersing yourself in Aberdeen's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Aberdeen 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 Queens Links Leisure Park or 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 Aberdeen. 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 in Aberdeen. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Dine in style at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Mi Amore boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Foodstory. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Aberdeen.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Northern Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Grill is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. Old Blackfriars is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Scotland!

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Day 2

Day 2 – Aberdeen, and Edinburgh

  • Edinburgh
  • Aberdeen
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Drive 223 km, 3 hours 30 min

  • Aberdeen Maritime Museum
  • Seaton Park
  • Donmouth Local Nature Reserve
  • Hazlehead Park
  • Duthie Park
  • More

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Aberdeen. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Edinburgh. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

When you're ready to see some sights, Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a great place to start. This maritime museum is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,270 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Seaton Park. This park has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,950 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Donmouth Local Nature Reserve. The park has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,055 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Hazlehead Park. This park is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,456 reviews.

Duthie Park is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this park, rated 4.7 out of 5 stars in 3,959 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Edinburgh, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As you explore more of Edinburgh, 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.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Edinburgh by reserving a table at Heron. Renowned for its 1-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of modern cuisine. For a different taste, head over to Condita, renowned for its delectable modern dishes. This distinguished 1-star Michelin-recipient is a favorite among guests, making it a worthy addition to your holiday plans. Craving more culinary excitement? Explore The Kitchin, a highly rated local gem known for its exquisite modern menu. With a 1-star Michelin acclaim, it promises a dining experience you won't want to miss. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Edinburgh.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, Panda & Sons offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, Cafe Royal is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Ensign Ewart is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!

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Day 3

Day 3 – Edinburgh, and Glasgow

  • Glasgow
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 80 km, 1 hour 47 min

  • Scottish National Gallery
  • Camera Obscura
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • Dean Village
  • More

On day 3 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 Edinburgh. In the evening, you’ll end up in Glasgow, where you will stay for 3 nights.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Scottish National Gallery, a remarkable art museum where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,079 reviews. Each year, this popular place of interest welcomes approximately 660,741 visitors.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Camera Obscura. This visitor centre has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,536 travelers.

Edinburgh Castle is another must-visit attraction. This renowned castle offers a memorable experience, well worth a stop on your self-guided sightseeing tour. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 travelers, it's one of the more popular places to see in the area.

Beyond the above-mentioned sites, you also have the opportunity to visit Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This well-loved botanical garden boasts a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from 20,765 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Dean Village awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a village, this is a top pick rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,727 previous visitors.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of your accommodation in Glasgow. Glasgow offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Glasgow. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Ox and Finch, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible mediterranean menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Cail Bruich is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Glasgow. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Unalome by Graeme Cheevers. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern british cuisine in the city.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Gallery Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Bar 91 offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night.

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.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Glasgow, and Edinburgh

  • Glasgow
  • Edinburgh
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Drive 154 km, 3 hours 3 min

  • Holyrood Park
  • Holyrood Palace
  • The Royal Mile
  • The Real Mary King's Close
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • More

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Glasgow, where you'll stay for 2 nights more.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Edinburgh, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Glasgow to Edinburgh may take around 1 hour 14 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Edinburgh, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Drop by the renowned Holyrood Park. This popular archaeological site has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,119 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is Holyrood Palace. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,746 visitors, this official residence deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

We also recommend a visit to Royal Mile. This sightseeing destination has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 14,405 reviews.

Another favorite attraction in the area is The Real Mary King's Close. This sightseeing destination and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,638 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to National Museum Of Scotland. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 45,476 travelers, this national museum is an attraction many avid travelers highly recommend visiting while in Edinburgh.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll return to Glasgow and your accommodation.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Glasgow. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine and reflect on the day's adventures.

Savor the flavors at Alston Bar & Beef, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Sherbrooke Castle Hotel Glasgow beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Elia Greek Restaurant. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Glasgow tonight.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Scotland!

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Day 5

Day 5 – Glasgow

  • Glasgow
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Drive 11 km, 1 hour 6 min

  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
  • Kelvingrove Park
  • George Square
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to explore Glasgow. You’ll stay in Glasgow for 1 night and discover all the best things to see and do in the area.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Glasgow Botanic Gardens. Previous visitors have rated this botanical garden an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,594 reviews.

Riverside Museum is a local recommendation that you also can pay a visit today. This museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 16,799 reviews.

Another attraction you won't want to miss is Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum. This art museum is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 19,580 reviews. Every year, around 1,037,594 travelers visit this site to discover its unique features.

Kelvingrove Park is another outstanding experience in Glasgow. Around 13,336 travelers have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

If you long for more, George Square is not far away. This square is a lovely addition to your itinerary. Previous visitors have rated it an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,066 reviews.

To immerse yourself in more memorable moments in Glasgow, check out the best-rated tours the region offers. You can discover and choose from all of the top-rated activities you can do on this day in Glasgow below.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Glasgow's best restaurants.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at The Willow Tea Rooms, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Òran Mór? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Stereo as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Glasgow.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!

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Day 6

Day 6 – Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Doune, and Inverness

  • Inverness
  • Cambuskenneth
  • Stirling
  • Doune
  • More

Drive 293 km, 3 hours 59 min

  • The National Wallace Monument
  • Stirling Castle
  • Stirling Old Town Jail
  • Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
  • Doune Castle
  • More

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 6 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Cambuskenneth, Stirling, and Doune. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Inverness, which will be your home away from home for 1 night.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Glasgow, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Cambuskenneth. This drive usually takes around 39 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

Make Wallace Monument one of your first sightseeing stops in Cambuskenneth. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,772 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stirling. This drive usually takes around 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready to see some sights, Stirling Castle is a great place to start. This castle is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,632 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Stirling Old Town Jail. This sightseeing destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 913 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Blair Drummond Safari And Adventure Park. The zoo has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 7,922 visitors.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Inverness, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Inverness. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Don’t miss out on dining 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.

Continue your lively evening at The Gunsmiths Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. The Malt Room is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Maccallums Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Relax and reminisce about your day in Scotland and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

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Day 7

Day 7 – Inverness, Cawdor, and Aberdeen

  • Aberdeen
  • Inverness
  • Cawdor
  • More

Drive 242 km, 4 hours 14 min

  • Eden Court Inverness
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Clava cairns
  • Fort George
  • Cawdor Castle
  • More

Dive into day 7 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you will explore Inverness, and Cawdor, 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 Aberdeen. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

Make Eden Court Inverness one of your first sightseeing stops in Inverness. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,725 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Clava Cairns is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This group is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3,316 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Aberdeen, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Aberdeen's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Miller & Carter Aberdeen, a top-rated dining destination in Aberdeen. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Maggie's Grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Malmaison Aberdeen. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Aberdeen this evening.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Krakatoa after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Prince Of Wales, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

Say good night to Aberdeen and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Scotland!

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Day 8

Day 8 – Aberdeen - departure day

  • Aberdeen - Departure day
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  • Johnston Gardens
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Day 8 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Aberdeen before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

As your final day in Scotland unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Aberdeen's best shopping area. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Scotland.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Johnston Gardens, a remarkable public garden where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 847 reviews.

Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Aberdeen.

Dine in style at BrewDog Aberdeen, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

You’ll then say farewell to Aberdeen. 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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