9-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen to Inverness, Portree, and Fort William

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Description

Explore the best of Scotland on a 9-day road trip! Uncover hidden gems and experience the rich culture firsthand as you journey through Aberdeen, Crathie, Newtonmore, Inverness, Lewiston, Fortrose, Stromeferry, Kyleakin, Portree, Dunvegan, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Fort William, Glencoe, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie, and Stonehaven. 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, 2 nights in Inverness, 2 nights in Portree, and 2 nights in Fort William. 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. Urquhart Castle and Glenfinnan Viaduct are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery. Marvel at the remarkable Dunvegan Castle, learn more about the unique Fairy Pools, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Loch Ness.

As you hit the open road and drive through Aberdeen, Crathie, Newtonmore, Inverness, Lewiston, Fortrose, Stromeferry, Kyleakin, Portree, Dunvegan, Glenfinnan, Banavie, Fort William, Glencoe, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie, and Stonehaven, 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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Itinerary summary

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Days
Destination
Attractions
Overnight
Day
City & Overnight
Attractions
Duthie Park
Balmoral CastleCairngorm Reindeer HerdGlenmore Forest ParkHighland Folk MuseumEden Court Inverness
Whin ParkUrquhart CastleLoch NessFort GeorgeChanonry Point
Loch Carron View PointCaisteal MaolEas a' Bhradain슬리가찬 오래된 다리Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre
Fairy PoolsThe QuiraingNeist Point LighthouseNeist Point TrailDunvegan Castle
Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for ScotlandGlenfinnan ViewpointGlenfinnan ViaductNeptune's StaircaseNevis Range Gondola Top

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Aberdeen - Arrival day
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  • Duthie Park
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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 Duthie Park, or just taking a stroll in the city center. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Aberdeen. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.

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 Aberdeen, 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 The Tippling House. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Aberdeen.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 9-day road trip in Scotland!

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Aberdeen
  • Inverness
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Drive 294 km, 4 hours 55 min

  • Balmoral Castle
  • Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
  • Glenmore Forest Park
  • Highland Folk Museum
  • Eden Court Inverness
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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 4 vibrant destinations - Crathie, Glenmore, Newtonmore, and Inverness. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Inverness. You will spend 2 nights here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Aberdeen is brimming with adventures. Today’s wonderful stops include a castle, a wildlife reserve, a nature reserve, a museum, a performing arts theater and much more! Begin your sightseeing adventure at the locally appreciated Balmoral Castle. Just a short distance away is Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, a peaceful wildlife reserve that draws visitors from far and near.

Continue your journey to Glenmore Forest Park, one of the village’s most often recommended spots that you shouldn’t miss. Another great site to visit is the locally appreciated Highland Folk Museum. Last up on today’s itinerary is a performing arts theater. Make your way to Eden Court Inverness for some final sightseeing. Each attraction will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Aberdeen.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Inverness. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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.

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

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

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 3

Day 3

  • Inverness
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Drive 181 km, 3 hours 19 min

  • Whin Park
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Loch Ness
  • Fort George
  • Chanonry Point
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Inverness, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. On today's itinerary, you'll find attractions in Inverness, Lewiston, the Scottish Highlands, and Fortrose. You still have 1 night left in Inverness.

Savor the day by visiting some of the best places to see in Inverness, including a park, a castle, a lake, a whale watching spot and much more! Start your adventure at Whin Park. This increasingly popular park is a must-visit for travelers looking for a unique holiday experience. Make your way to Urquhart Castle located in Inverness for an enchanting atmosphere.

Next, immerse yourself in the setting of Loch Ness. Its serene features will captivate you. After the lake, continue your tour of the city with a visit to Fort George. This castle has a culturally significant appeal. For a change of pace, head to Chanonry Point. As one of the most locally appreciated attractions in Inverness, this whale watching spot is an excellent place to end your self-guided tour.

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

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

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at MacGregor's, a popular restaurant in Inverness. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Inverness at The White House, 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 Kitchen Brasserie. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Inverness tonight.

To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Hootananny after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to Gellions Bar, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, Innes Bar also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Inverness
  • Portree
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Drive 185 km, 2 hours 53 min

  • Loch Carron View Point
  • Caisteal Maol
  • Eas a' Bhradain
  • 슬리가찬 오래된 다리
  • Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre
  • More

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you will explore Stromeferry, Kyleakin, the Scottish Highlands, Sligachan, and Portree, 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 Portree. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Today's adventure in Inverness promises more breathtaking discoveries and enriching experiences! Begin at Loch Carron View Point. This serene observation deck is a highlight of any visit in the village. Then, enjoy Caisteal Maol, another romantic attraction that never fails to captivate visitors. Next, head over to Eas A' Bhradain, one of the village’s most worthwhile attractions, known for its instagrammable features.

If you’re looking for more, spend time soaking in the atmosphere of 슬리가찬 오래된 다리. This visually striking historical landmark is frequented by locals and tourists alike. To complete your memorable day, make sure to visit Isle Of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, an underrated visitor center, and take a stroll around the area.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head in the direction of your accommodation in Portree. Portree offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

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

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

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Portree
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Drive 228 km, 5 hours 5 min

  • Fairy Pools
  • The Quiraing
  • Neist Point Lighthouse
  • Neist Point Trail
  • Dunvegan Castle
  • More

Greet day 5 of your road trip in Scotland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You will return to Portree for your remaining 1 night in the town later today, but first, it’s time for some exploring! On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in the Scottish Highlands and Dunvegan.

Today’s route brings family-friendly attractions, romantic experiences, and natural wonders. The first attraction of today is Fairy Pools. This underrated waterfall is a peaceful place to see in Portree. Continue your discovery at The Quiraing, a mesmerizing rock formation with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Portree, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this region so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Neist Point Lighthouse. This intriguing lighthouse offers a visually striking encounter with Portree. Next, make your way to Neist Point Trail to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Dunvegan Castle, a locally appreciated castle that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Portree.

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

As you explore more of Portree, 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.

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

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Portree
  • Fort William
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Drive 244 km, 3 hours 58 min

  • Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland
  • Glenfinnan Viewpoint
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • Neptune's Staircase
  • Nevis Range Gondola Top
  • 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 Glenfinnan, Banavie, and the Scottish Highlands. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Fort William, which will be your home away from home for 2 nights.

Today’s agenda in Portree includes a monument, an observation deck, a heritage railway, a historical landmark and much more! Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust For Scotland is must-visit monument and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Glenfinnan Viewpoint, an up-and-coming observation deck, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to Glenfinnan Viaduct, a romantic heritage railway, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Portree. If you’re looking for more, Neptune's Staircase is also an up-and-coming attraction that is worthwhile a visit. Lastly, don’t miss Nevis Range Gondola Top, an intriguing gem to see in the village.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Fort William, 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 Fort William's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

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

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Fort William
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Drive 103 km, 2 hours 6 min

  • Ben Nevis
  • Steall Waterfall
  • The Meeting of Three Waters
  • Glencoe Viewpoint
  • Glencoe Lochan Trail
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Wake up to day 7 of your extraordinary road trip in Scotland. With 1 night left in Fort William, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Today’s agenda in Fort William includes a mountain range, a waterfall, an observation deck, a hiking area and much more! Ben Nevis is must-visit mountain range and a great starting point for the day. Next, continue your journey to Steall Waterfall, a beloved waterfall, located just a leisurely stroll away. Next, head to The Meeting Of Three Waters, an eye-catching waterfall, also available for your discovery today.

Each stop on today’s itinerary promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Fort William. If you’re looking for more, Glencoe Viewpoint is also an up-and-coming attraction that is worthwhile a visit. Lastly, don’t miss Glencoe Lochan Trail, a locally appreciated gem to see in the region.

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

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

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Scotland.

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Fort William
  • Aberdeen
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Drive 317 km, 4 hours 33 min

  • Blair Athol Distillery
  • Falls of Bruar
  • Blair Castle
  • Garry Bridge
  • Stonehaven Harbour
  • More

On day 8 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 5 destinations, Pitlochry, Pitagowan, Blair Atholl, Killiecrankie, and Stonehaven. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Aberdeen, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Start your day with a visit to Blair Athol Distillery. This locally appreciated distillery is a must-visit in the town. When you’re ready for your next discovery, continue to Falls Of Bruar, which may be one of the most instagrammable places you will experience today.

One of the best things about exploring Fort William on a self-guided tour is that you set the pace. There’s plenty of time for detours and discovering hidden gems. When you’re ready for your next stop, make your way to Blair Castle, Hercules Garden, Statue Of Hercules, an intriguing castle in the town. If you’re up for more discoveries, don’t forget to reserve some time for Garry Bridge and Stonehaven Harbour.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Aberdeen. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to tour the city.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Foodstory, an iconic dining spot in Aberdeen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Ninety-Nine, a popular restaurant in Aberdeen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Miller & Carter Aberdeen, a hidden gem nestled in Aberdeen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to St. Machar Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. Old Blackfriars is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Krakatoa provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Aberdeen - Departure day
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  • Union Street
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Day 9 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.

One of the best things to do on your last day is to explore Union Street, a street that captures the true essence of Aberdeen. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

Make the most of your final day in Scotland by visiting Aberdeen’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Bon Accord & St. Nicholas Centre. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Scotland.

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

Have a fantastic dining experience at The City Bar and Diner, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Maggie's Grill offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu.

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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