One-Week Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow, Inverness, and Oban

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 Calton Hill 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 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 in Edinburgh. 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.

Have a memorable dining experience in Edinburgh by booking a table at Heron, renowned as a 1-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional modern menu. For a different culinary experience, Condita shines as one of the top destinations known for its delicious modern cuisine in Edinburgh. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from previous guests, making it a must-visit addition to your holiday experience. If you're looking for an alternative, The Kitchin is known as a top local spot for its delicious modern cuisine in Edinburgh. This 1-star Michelin awardee is a highly recommended choice for an unforgettable meal.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Panda & Sons, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Cafe Royal offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out The Ensign Ewart. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

Dive into day 2 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you will explore Edinburgh, 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 Glasgow. You’ll stay here for 3 nights.

Take the opportunity to see Camera Obscura. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 13,536 visitors.

Edinburgh Castle is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This castle has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 travelers.

Edinburgh is also the home of Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. This museum gets more than 238,542 visitors on an annual basis. Around 8,926 people have rated this museum an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Scottish National Gallery, which hosts up to 660,741 visitors every year. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 13,079 reviews, a visit to this art museum is a great idea.

This day of your vacation in Edinburgh is also your chance to admire Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This must-visit botanical garden enjoys an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 reviews.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Glasgow, 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 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.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Glasgow by securing a table at Ox and Finch. Esteemed as a much-enjoyed Bib Gourmand restaurant, it features an exceptional mediterranean menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Cail Bruich, famous for its scrumptious modern dishes. This 1-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Unalome by Graeme Cheevers, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite modern british cuisine in Glasgow. Located in the heart of the city, this 1-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for modern british cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting The Gallery Bar after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Bar 91, another bar with an inviting ambiance.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Scotland!

Wake up to day 3 of your extraordinary road trip in Scotland. With 2 nights left in Glasgow, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

When you’ve had your share of Glasgow, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Edinburgh. Your travel time is around 1 hour 3 min.

Drop by the renowned National Museum of Scotland. This popular national museum has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors.

Another unforgettable place to experience is The Real Mary King's Close. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 10,638 visitors, this sightseeing destination deserves a spot on today's sightseeing itinerary.

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

Another favorite attraction in the area is Holyrood Palace. This official residence and popular place of interest enjoys a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 local and international travelers.

If you’re keen to explore even more, then consider a visit to Holyrood Park. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 12,119 travelers, this archaeological site 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.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Alston Bar & Beef, a top-rated dining destination in Glasgow. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Sherbrooke Castle Hotel Glasgow, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Elia Greek Restaurant. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Glasgow this evening.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Scotland.

On day 4 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.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Riverside Museum. This museum is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Glasgow, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,799 visitors.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is another popular place of interest you can visit today. The average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 19,580 reviews gives you an idea of other visitors’ experience at this attraction. It’s estimated that around 1,037,594 people visit this art museum every year.

If it’s still bright and early, make your way to Kelvingrove Park. Visitors have rated this park an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,336 reviews.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens is another unique site you can experience today. This attraction is a botanical garden rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 12,594 reviews.

Make your way to the fantastic Pollok Country Park, perhaps the most famous park in Glasgow. This attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,112 travelers.

Your discoveries in Glasgow do not have to stop there. Check out the fantastic selection of tours and tickets offered in Glasgow on this day of your trip. You can select your tours below.

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.

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

Head back to your accommodation in Glasgow and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 5 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 vibrant destinations - Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, and Stirling. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Inverness. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at George Square, a remarkable square where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 20,066 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Glasgow Green. This stadium has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,762 travelers.

Cambuskenneth’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Glasgow behind. This drive usually takes around 41 min. Cambuskenneth welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Take the opportunity to see Wallace Monument. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,772 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.

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

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.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Gunsmiths Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Malt Room offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, MacCallums Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, Inverness, Spean Bridge, Banavie, and Glenfinnan. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Oban, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Spean Bridge.

Make Commando Memorial one of your first sightseeing stops in Spean Bridge. Rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,656 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

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

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at Perle Oban Hotel & Spa, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner.

Get a good night's sleep and look forward to another great day on the road in Scotland!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you will make 3 stops and experience some of the highlights of Larbert, Skinflats, and Blackness. 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.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Larbert. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 25 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to Falkirk Wheel. This boat lift is a popular stop on travelers’ itineraries in Larbert, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,951 visitors.

When you’ve had your share of Larbert, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Skinflats. Your travel time is around 15 min.

Start your sightseeing with a visit to The Kelpies. This sculpture is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 27,904 visitors.

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.

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

Don’t miss out on dining at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Cafe Andaluz, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

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

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

Day 8 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.

Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Edinburgh’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.

Drop by the renowned Dean Village. This popular village has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,727 visitors.

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

Dine in style at The Kitchin, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Witchery by the Castle boasts a menu that's sure to impress.

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!