One-Week Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling north to Inverness, Aberdeen, and Glasgow
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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 Edinburgh, Bannockburn, Stirling, Inverness, Lewiston, Cawdor, Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Larbert, Skinflats, Falkirk, and Glasgow. 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 4 nights in Edinburgh, 1 night in Inverness, 1 night in Aberdeen, and 1 night in Glasgow. 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 Edinburgh, 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. Marvel at the remarkable The Kelpies, learn more about the unique Stirling Castle, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Urquhart Castle.
As you hit the open road and drive through Edinburgh, Bannockburn, Stirling, Inverness, Lewiston, Cawdor, Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Larbert, Skinflats, Falkirk, and Glasgow, 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!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Edinburgh - Arrival day
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- Dean Village
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Welcome to Edinburgh, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Scotland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 3 nights immersing yourself in Edinburgh's charm before embarking on the next leg of your journey.
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 Dean Village, or just 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Edinburgh, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.
Savor the flavors at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Chaophraya Thai Restaurant beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider The Theatre Royal Bar. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Edinburgh tonight.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Nightcap - Cocktail Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Juniper Edinburgh is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Panda & Sons provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Raise a toast to the start of your 8-day road trip in Scotland!
Day 2
- Edinburgh
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Drive 8 km, 41 min
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
- The Royal Mile
- The Real Mary King's Close
- St Giles' Cathedral
- National Museum of Scotland
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Day 2 offers a multitude of experiences. You will stay in Edinburgh for 2 nights more, offering you enough time to explore at a relaxed pace.
Brace yourself for today’s incredible lineup of attractions in Edinburgh, featuring fun adventures, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. Start at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a well-known botanical garden in the city. Then, head to Royal Mile and soak in the ambiance of this visually striking street.
There are many interesting places to see in Edinburgh and when you are ready for more, go to The Real Mary King's Close. This is one of the city’s most interesting spots. After exploring the museum, visit the underrated St Giles' Cathedral. Before wrapping up your self-guided sightseeing tour, head to the notable National Museum Of Scotland, a notable museum in the city.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Scotland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Edinburgh. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.
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.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Cafe Royal, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Ensign Ewart is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Tonic provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Head back to your accommodation in Edinburgh and get some rest in preparation for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland!
Day 3
- Edinburgh
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Drive 10 km, 1 hour 15 min
- Edinburgh Castle
- Camera Obscura
- Scottish National Gallery
- Holyrood Palace
- Holyrood Park
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Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Edinburgh has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in Edinburgh by discovering the best things there are to see and do in the city.
Get ready to discover some of the most iconic wonders in Edinburgh, including a castle, a museum, an art gallery, a palace, a park and much more! Start your day at Edinburgh Castle. This historic castle is an extraordinary place to see in Edinburgh. Then, wander over to Camera Obscura. If mesmerizing sites excite you, this museum will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find Scottish National Gallery. This eye-catching art gallery 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, Holyrood Palace is a locally renowned spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm. When you’re done at the palace, don’t forget to check out the standout Holyrood Park. Take a moment to appreciate the fascinating details of this captivating park in Edinburgh.
Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and activities you can add to your road trip itinerary. Scotland is a beautiful travel destination that offers plenty of unique tours that will enhance your vacation experience. Explore and select your activities below.
Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Edinburgh's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Angels with Bagpipes, a highly-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're eager to try something different, consider Rabble Taphouse and Grill, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Black Ivy. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Hoot The Redeemer after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Albanach, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Thistle Street Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
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.
Day 4
- Edinburgh
- Inverness
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Drive 290 km, 3 hours 51 min
- The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre
- Holy Rude
- Stirling Castle
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - Bannockburn 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.
Edinburgh is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a visitor center, a church, and a castle. Begin your sightseeing adventure at the increasingly popular The Battle Of Bannockburn Visitor Centre. Just a short distance away is Holy Rude, a picture-perfect church that draws visitors from far and near.
Continue your journey to Stirling Castle, one of the town’s most well-known spots that you shouldn’t miss.
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 Simpsons, a highly-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're eager to try something different, consider Kingsmills Hotel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent 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!
Day 5
- Inverness
- Aberdeen
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Drive 242 km, 4 hours 14 min
- Eden Court Inverness
- Urquhart Castle
- Clava cairns
- Fort George
- Cawdor Castle
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Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you will explore Inverness, Lewiston, 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.
Start by visiting Eden Court Inverness, a prime spot to begin your journey. This romantic performing arts theater is sure to impress. Next on your list is Urquhart Castle, another must-visit landmark and popular castle renowned for its enchanting features.
While exploring and sightseeing, take time to savor the ambiance of Inverness by sampling some local delicacies or having a drink. When you’re ready for more sightseeing, head to Clava Cairns. This standout archeological site is a remarkable attraction that offers a unique experience. Fort George also adds charm to your journey, and Cawdor Castle wraps up your day with its visually striking appeal.
After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Aberdeen. Aberdeen offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.
As you explore more of Aberdeen, 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.
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, a popular restaurant in Aberdeen. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Aberdeen at Mi Amore, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated The Tippling House. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Aberdeen tonight.
Cap off your dinner by heading to Slains Castle, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. Northern Bar is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, The Grill is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!
Day 6
- Aberdeen
- Glasgow
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Drive 257 km, 3 hours 49 min
- Stonehaven Harbour
- Dunnottar Castle
- Falkirk Wheel
- The Kelpies
- Callendar Park
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On day 6 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 Stonehaven, Larbert, Skinflats, and Falkirk. In the evening, you’ll end up in Glasgow, where you will stay for 1 night.
Aberdeen is home to plenty of attractions that offer fun adventures, romantic experiences, and scenic views! Start at Stonehaven Harbour, an intriguing marina that is worthwhile a visit in the town. Nearby, you’ll find Dunnottar Castle, enchanting visitors with its enchanting appeal. Continue your exploration at Falkirk Wheel. This monument is one of the town’s most popular spots.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Aberdeen at your own pace and find hidden gems along the way. If you want to see more picture-perfect spots, make sure to visit The Kelpies. After exploring the art installation, head to the underrated Callendar Park. This park will wrap up today’s self-guided sightseeing tour in the town.
When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Glasgow. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.
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.
Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Glasgow by securing a table at Ox and Finch. An esteemed 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.
After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like The Gallery Bar, known for its lively atmosphere. Steps Bar is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Bar 91 offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.
Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!
Day 7
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
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Drive 87 km, 2 hours 3 min
- George Square
- Glasgow Botanic Gardens
- Riverside Museum
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
- Kelvingrove Park
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On day 7 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Glasgow. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Edinburgh, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
Today’s itinerary in Glasgow covers several incredible sights, including a public square, a botanical garden, a museum, a park and much more! Start your adventure at George Square. This well-known public square is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the romantic wonders of Glasgow Botanic Gardens, a must-see botanical garden in the city.
Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Riverside Museum. This locally renowned museum offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, where you can take in history-steeped features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Kelvingrove Park. This romantic park offers a fulfilling end to a perfect day.
At the end of the day, you will drive to Edinburgh, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.
After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Edinburgh's best restaurants.
Make sure to reserve a table at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, 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 Newsroom Bar & Eatery, 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 Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel, a hidden gem nestled in Edinburgh. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.
Explore the vibrant nightlife at The Waverley Bar after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Royal Oak for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, The Oxford Bar is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.
Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Scotland!
Day 8
- Edinburgh - Departure day
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- Calton Hill
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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 Edinburgh before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
If you're up for some more sightseeing, begin at Calton Hill. This often recommended park is a popular place to see in the city.
As your final day in Scotland unfolds, enjoy a last-minute shopping spree in Edinburgh's best shopping area, Grassmarket. Enjoy finding the perfect gift or keepsake to remind you of your wonderful trip to Scotland.
Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Edinburgh.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Fishers In The City, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Amber Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu.
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!
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