One-Week Relaxed Scotland Road Trip from Inverness to Edinburgh

Your relaxed road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Inverness, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Inverness and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Make Eden Court Inverness your first stop of the day. Previous visitors have rated this movie theater an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 2,725 reviews.

Make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Inverness. Make yourself at home and enjoy some downtime before heading out again.

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 highly-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're eager to try something different, consider MacGregor's, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The White House. With a reputation for consistently satisfied customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

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

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.

Your laid-back and relaxed road trip in Scotland continues on day 2, allowing you to create more unforgettable memories. Today’s travel plan offers you the chance to have a more in-depth understanding of Scotland and its people by visiting the offerings and top attractions of Inverness and beyond. With 1 night left in Inverness, you’ll have enough time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the region.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Spean Bridge, 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 Inverness to Spean Bridge may take around 55 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Spean Bridge, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Commando Memorial. This monument is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 5,656 reviews.

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

When you’re ready for some sightseeing, make your way to Neptune's Staircase. This much-appreciated staircase locks is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in 3,895 reviews.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation in Inverness.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Cafe V8, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Scotch & Rye is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Johnny Foxes. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Inverness tonight.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Inverness.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Hootananny, a prime location for a drink. Alternatively, explore the distinctive characteristics of Gellions Bar, a bar catering to every mood and preference. Innes Bar likewise offers a unique atmosphere, perfect for a memorable night out.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Scotland!

Day 3 of your relaxed road trip across Scotland promises an exciting agenda full of discovery. You’ll start your day in the village of Blair Atholl and drive in the direction of the village of Killiecrankie for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in the city of Edinburgh, where you’ll stay for 4 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Blair Atholl. This car ride takes around 1 hour 30 min.

An excellent attraction to start your day with is Blair Castle, Hercules Garden, Statue Of Hercules. This statue is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,166 reviews.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Blair Atholl and set your GPS to Killiecrankie. 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 7 min. Upon reaching Killiecrankie, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Kick off the day at Garry Bridge, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 445 reviews.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Killiecrankie, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Pitlochry may take around 7 min. Upon your arrival in Pitlochry, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

A top pick for your self-guided sightseeing tour today is Blair Athol Distillery. Previous visitors have rated this whisky distillery an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 792 reviews.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Edinburgh. 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.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Heron, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Condita is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Edinburgh. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at The Kitchin. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at Panda & Sons, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, Cafe Royal offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Edinburgh. The Ensign Ewart is another top-recommended bar that is sure to get you into the mood for some dancing and celebrating.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back, relaxed road trip adventure across Scotland.

On day 4 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!

Take the opportunity to see The Real Mary King's Close. This attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 10,638 visitors.

St Giles' Cathedral is another sightseeing hotspot in the area. This cathedral has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 9,293 travelers.

Edinburgh is also the home of National Museum Of Scotland. Around 45,476 people have rated this national museum an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

Another place you’ll want to visit is Royal Mile. With an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from a total of 14,405 reviews, a visit to this point of interest is a great idea.

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.

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Cafe Andaluz is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Edinburgh tonight.

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.

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.

Raise your glass to celebrate another day of your laid-back and relaxed road trip experience 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!

When you're ready to see some sights, Hmy Britannia is a great place to start. This royal yacht is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 9,023 visitors.

Another popular attraction you can visit today is Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This botanical garden has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 travelers.

We also recommend a stop at Scottish National Gallery. This site gets more than 660,741 visitors annually. The art museum has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,079 visitors.

If you're keen to explore more, consider visiting Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. This museum is a popular attraction with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 8,926 reviews. As a top-rated attraction, it's no surprise that 238,542 people visit Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre every year.

Camera Obscura is another easily accessible place to visit on this day of your trip. Stop by this visitor centre, rated 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,536 reviews, to discover more of what makes it unique.

Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Scotland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

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.

Make sure to book a table at The Kitchin, a popular restaurant in Edinburgh. This acclaimed restaurant and its mouthwatering dishes have earned the admiration of countless food lovers. Alternatively, experience a taste of Edinburgh at The Witchery by the Castle, a popular local restaurant. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. Another top-rated restaurant to try is Whiski Bar & Restaurant. As a dining spot that gains high praise from guests, it’s an ideal choice to enhance your time to Edinburgh tonight.

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.

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

Day 6 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Scotland are extraordinary.

Your sightseeing of the day begins at Holyrood Park, a remarkable archaeological site where it’s easy to get lost in exploration. This top attraction is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 12,119 reviews.

Next, satisfy your wanderlust at Holyrood Palace. This official residence has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 17,746 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 Dean Village. This well-loved village boasts a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 13,727 reviews.

When there’s still energy left for exploring, Edinburgh Zoo awaits. If you’ve been interested in experiencing a zoo, this is a top pick rated 4.3 out of 5 stars by 11,987 previous visitors.

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 Cold Town House, a top-rated dining spot in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood for something new, try The Dome, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at The Edinburgh Larder. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Edinburgh.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Edinburgh and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

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

Day 7 of your relaxed road trip across the beautiful country of Scotland will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Scotland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

When you’ve had your share of Edinburgh, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Linlithgow. Your travel time is around 41 min.

Take the opportunity to see Linlithgow Palace. This attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 4,329 visitors.

As you’ve unraveled the marvels of Linlithgow, it’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Blackness may take around 11 min. Upon your arrival in Blackness, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to Blackness Castle. This extraordinary castle is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,186 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Blackness, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Skinflats. This drive usually takes around 25 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

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.

In the city of Inverness, 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.

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 Inverness.

Make sure to reserve a table at Bar One Inverness, an iconic dining spot in Inverness. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Black Isle Bar & Rooms, a popular restaurant in Inverness. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of The Mustard Seed Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Inverness. 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 Inverness. The bars in Inverness make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Market Bar, a top-rated bar in the area.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Scotland!

Day 8 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.

Explore local shops for souvenirs to remember your trip or find unique gifts for loved ones.

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 Inverness Leisure. This gym and popular place of interest has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1,182 visitors.

Unwind and look back at the past 8 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.

Give yourself enough time to wave goodbye to Inverness and begin your journey home. The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 8-day relaxed road trip in Scotland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.