8-Day Scotland Road Trip from Inverness traveling east to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen

Photo of view of Inverness, a city on Scotland’s northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
7 nights included
Car rental
8 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 8-day road trip through Scotland.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Scotland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Inverness, 1 night in Edinburgh, 2 nights in Glasgow, and 2 nights in Aberdeen, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Scotland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. We'll help you experience the best 8 days in Scotland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Inverness, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Scotland, including the stunning Urquhart Castle and National Museum of Scotland.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We've handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Scotland. From the magnificent Edinburgh Castle to the breathtaking Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and The Kelpies, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. As you hit the open road and drive through Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Scotland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Scotland.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Scotland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Scotland.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Scotland.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Scotland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Scotland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 7 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 7 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. All taxes are included in your vacation package price. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Scotland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Scotland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Scotland today!

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Included

Hotel, 7 nights
Rental car, 8 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Highland - region in United KingdomHighland / 2 nights
Photo of aerial view of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom.Glasgow / 2 nights
Photo of beautiful view of the old town city of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, United Kingdom.Edinburgh / 1 night
Photo of aerial view of Aberdeen as River Dee flows in a curve to the North Sea showing Duthie Park with bridge and traffic from south.Aberdeen / 2 nights
Stirling - region in United KingdomStirling

Map

Attractions

Scenic view of Edinburgh Castle and Ross Fountain, Scotland travel photo. Edinburgh Castle is historic center of the city and most popular tourist attraction.Edinburgh Castle
 City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus in front of National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh city.National Museum of Scotland
Scotland kelpies on a sunny dayThe Kelpies
Aerial View of Stirling castle.Stirling Castle
Urquhart Castle with Dark Cloud SkyUrquhart Castle
Glasshouse at the Royal Botanical Gardens in public park Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland.Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Landmark of Edinburgh - Holyrood Palace,Scotland,UK, EuropeHolyrood Palace
Rainbow over Glasgow City Chambers and George Square, Scotland - UK.George Square
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Scotland, United Kingdom.The Falkirk Wheel
View of Kelvingrove Park full of people enjoying the Scottish summer with the main building of Glasgow University on the top of the hill.Kelvingrove Park
"Camera Obscura" sign at the Royal Mile / Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
The scenic Dean Village in a sunny afternoon, in Edinburgh, Scotland.Dean Village
The People's Palace & Winter Garden in Glasgow, Scotland.Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Holyrood Park and Holyrood Palace aerial view from Calton Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. Old town Edinburgh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.Holyrood Park
Medieval fortress Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval Aberdeenshire, Stonehaven on the Northeast of Scotland, UKDunnottar Castle
Loch NessLoch Ness
Photo of The Duthie park, Aberdeen, Scotland, with reflections in the early morning light.Duthie Park
Photo of The Highland Folk museum is in Newtonmore, a small town in the Cairngorms, Highland Scotland/Highland Folk Museum.Highland Folk Museum
Photo of Aerial view of harbour at Stonehaven bay, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, UK .Stonehaven Harbour
Eden Court Inverness, Ballifeary, Highland, Scotland, United KingdomEden Court Inverness
Photo of Aberdeen Maritime Museum,Scotland.Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Photo of Large children playground in Seaton Park, Aberdeen city, Scotland .Seaton Park
The Royal Mile, Old Town, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United KingdomThe Royal Mile
David Welch Winter Gardens, Aberdeen, Scotland, United KingdomDavid Welch Winter Gardens
Stonehaven War Memorial
Bellfield Park, Crown and City Centre, Highland, Scotland, United KingdomBellfield Park
St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Aberdeen

Travel details

Travel dates
Jan 1 - Jan 8

Include flights?

Yes
No

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travelers

Rooms

1 traveler1 room
1 traveler1 room

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1 – Inverness - arrival day

Day 1

Day 1 – Inverness - arrival day

  • Highland - Arrival day
  • More
  • Eden Court Inverness
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Scotland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Inverness. You’ll stay in Inverness for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Inverness has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Eden Court Inverness. This attraction is a movie theater and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,629 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness, Black Isle Bar & Rooms. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,982 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness is Scotch & Rye. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,381 customers.

Inverness also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Inverness is Hootananny. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 8-day vacation in Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 2 – Inverness and Edinburgh

Day 2

Day 2 – Inverness and Edinburgh

  • Highland
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 344 km, 4 hours 47 min

  • Urquhart Castle
  • Loch Ness
  • Highland Folk Museum
  • More

Day 2 of your road trip through Scotland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Inverness and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Edinburgh. You will stay in Edinburgh for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Inverness is the amazing Urquhart Castle. This attraction is a castle that is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 21,604 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible natural feature, Loch Ness. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 5,280 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Inverness is the outstanding Highland Folk Museum. This popular open-air museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,598 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Inverness by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Scotland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Edinburgh, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh), one of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Locals also recommend The Edinburgh Larder as one of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Larder is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,804 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh is The Kitchin. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,577 customers.

After dinner, visit Panda & Sons, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Edinburgh. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,617 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Bramble Bar & Lounge. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 743 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 3 – Edinburgh and Glasgow

Day 3

Day 3 – Edinburgh and Glasgow

  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 78 km, 1 hour 33 min

  • The Royal Mile
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Dean Village
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 3 of your epic road trip in Scotland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Inverness. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Glasgow. You’ll stay in Glasgow for 2 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Inverness’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Inverness, start your day with a visit to the amazing Royal Mile. This much-appreciated best-rated sightseeing destination and attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,359 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating National Museum of Scotland. This national museum and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 43,662 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Camera Obscura to make the most of your road trip across Scotland. The spectacular Camera Obscura is a visitor centre that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,133 visitors.

The lovely Edinburgh Castle is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 88,569 visitors have left this castle average ratings of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Dean Village. This attraction is a village rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 13,065 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Inverness has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Glasgow. Glasgow offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Paesano Pizza. This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 5,948 reviews.

The remarkable The Anchor Line is another top restaurant in Glasgow we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous The Citizen Glasgow is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,260 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Glasgow, the fantastic The Piper Whisky Bar. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,323 customers.

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 4 – Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow

Day 4

Day 4 – Edinburgh, Falkirk, and Glasgow

  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 184 km, 3 hours 21 min

  • Holyrood Park
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • The Falkirk Wheel
  • The Kelpies
  • More

At the end of the day, you'll drive back to Glasgow, where you'll stay for 1 night more.

One of the best travel destinations is Falkirk Wheel. This amazing attraction is a boat lift and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 15,778 visitors.

The Kelpies is another popular attraction you could visit. As one of the best-rated attractions in the area, The Kelpies has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,191 visitors.

You can also make your new day in Scotland more epic with one of the most popular tours you can take part in today. The tour allows travelers to experience the enjoyment of exploring some of Scotland’s most popular attractions and hidden treasures. Make sure to check out all options below to find the perfect adventure for you.

When you’re done exploring the area’s best attractions, you’ll drive back to your accommodation near the city of Glasgow.

When you arrive, we recommend eating at a restaurant that locals enjoy, like The Piper Whisky Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,323 customers.

Elia Greek Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in the city of Glasgow. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,187 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow is The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,179 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city of Glasgow, Chaophraya. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,386 customers.

If you’d prefer one of the top bar experiences that locals enjoy in the city of Glasgow, we recommend the cocktails at Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow. This bar has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day in the city of Glasgow!

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Experiences

Day 5 – Glasgow, Stirling, and Aberdeen

Day 5

Day 5 – Glasgow, Stirling, and Aberdeen

  • Glasgow
  • Stirling
  • Aberdeen
  • More

Drive 248 km, 3 hours 18 min

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

Get ready to experience some of the most famous attractions in the area!

One of the best places to visit is the amazing George Square. This attraction is a square and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 19,433 visitors.

You could also go sightseeing at the incredible Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,344 visitors.

Kelvingrove Park is another popular attraction you can explore. This well-known attraction, a spectacular park, has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 13,177 reviews.

Joining a top-rated tour in Inverness is another excellent way to spend your new day in Scotland. The best tours in this travel destination will take you on an exploration to some of Scotland’s most well-known attractions and best-kept secrets.

With this tour, you’ll set out on a journey to Scotland’s most interesting sights. As you go along this remarkable tour, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of Scotland’s scenic spots.

You could then travel to the amazing Stirling Castle for some sightseeing. This popular attraction is a castle and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,015 visitors.

You’ll also have your choice of the best hotels and places to stay in the city of Aberdeen.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Maggie's Grill, one of the best restaurants in the city of Aberdeen. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 587 customers.

Locals also recommend Miller & Carter Aberdeen as one of the best restaurants in the city of Aberdeen. Miller & Carter Aberdeen is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,026 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Aberdeen is COSMO All You Can Eat World Buffet Restaurant | Aberdeen. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,555 customers.

After dinner, visit Prince Of Wales, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Aberdeen. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,166 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like The Grill. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 881 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 6 – Aberdeen

Day 6

Day 6 – Aberdeen

  • Aberdeen
  • More

Drive 13 km, 41 min

  • David Welch Winter Gardens
  • Duthie Park
  • St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Aberdeen
  • Aberdeen Maritime Museum
  • Seaton Park
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip across Scotland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Inverness. You’ll stay in Inverness for 1 night, meaning you have plenty of time to discover the best things to see and do in the area.

We recommend you stay at the Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue Aberdeen Airport, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Inverness. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 294 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Inverness is the 5-star The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa. The hotel is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 337 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Inverness is the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen Airport. This 3-star hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 2,144 guests.

Our flexible booking system will automatically provide you with the best alternatives if these hotels are not available.

You'll have easy access to popular travel destinations like the outstanding David Welch Winter Gardens. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 557 visitors.

Duthie Park is another popular attraction you could visit. This incredible attraction is a park and has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,880 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit is the extraordinary St Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Aberdeen. This church is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 391 reviews.

As the day moves along, one attraction you’ll probably want to visit is the incredible Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Around 2,244 visitors have given this maritime museum an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Today you'll also have the opportunity to spend some time at the fantastic Seaton Park. Seaton Park is a popular park, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,933 travelers.

Come to Inverness prepared by adding some tours and tickets to your vacation package. Book a popular and budget-friendly activity you can do on this day in Inverness.

After a day of exploring, try one of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness.

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Foodstory, after your day of exploring the city of Inverness. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 958 customers.

Rustico is another of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 931 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness is BrewDog Aberdeen. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 870 customers.

Locals recommend No.10 Bar and Restaurant, one of the best bars in the city of Inverness, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 746 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Inverness, Fierce Bar Aberdeen. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 438 customers.

It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy another amazing evening in Scotland.

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Experiences

Day 7 – Inverness

Day 7

Day 7 – Inverness

  • Highland
  • More

Drive 217 km, 3 hours 8 min

  • Dunnottar Castle
  • Stonehaven War Memorial
  • Stonehaven Harbour
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip through Scotland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You will stay in Inverness for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Inverness is the amazing Dunnottar Castle. This attraction is a rock castle that is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 10,019 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible landmark, Stonehaven War Memorial. With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 583 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Inverness is the outstanding Stonehaven Harbour. This popular harbor and travel destination has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,452 visitors.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Scotland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Inverness, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try MacGregor's, one of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 870 customers.

Locals also recommend The White House as one of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness. The White House is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 642 customers.

After dinner, visit Gellions Bar, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Inverness. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,317 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 8 – Inverness - departure day

Day 8

Day 8 – Inverness - departure day

  • Highland - Departure day
  • More
  • Bellfield Park
  • More

Day 8 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Inverness before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Inverness and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Scotland.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Inverness at Bar One Inverness before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 446 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Inverness. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Scotland!

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Experiences

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