9-Day Scotland Road Trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Elgin

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

Edinburgh has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible Dean Village. This attraction is a village and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,065 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 Edinburgh, Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh). The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 2,814 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh is The Edinburgh Larder. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,804 customers.

Locals recommend The Kitchin as one of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 1,577 customers.

Edinburgh also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Edinburgh is Panda & Sons. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,617 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Edinburgh is Bramble Bar & Lounge. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 743 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 9-day vacation in Scotland!

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Scotland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Edinburgh. 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 4 nights. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Edinburgh’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Edinburgh, 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 Royal Mile to make the most of your road trip across Scotland. The spectacular Royal Mile is a street that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 13,359 visitors.

The lovely St Giles' Cathedral is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 8,936 visitors have left this cathedral 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 The Real Mary King's Close. This attraction is a best-rated sightseeing destination rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 9,827 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Edinburgh 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!

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Glasgow, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 3 nights left in Glasgow.

Today you'll explore the city of Edinburgh. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is Edinburgh Castle. This incredible attraction is a castle and has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 88,569 visitors.

Holyrood Palace is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Edinburgh. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,156 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Edinburgh is Holyrood Park. This amazing attraction is an archaeological site and is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 12,034 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Arthur's Seat. This mountain and place of interest is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 3,117 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Scotland to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Glasgow.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow, 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 another of the best restaurant options in the city of Glasgow. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,187 customers.

Locals enjoy The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Glasgow. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,179 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Glasgow, Chaophraya. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,386 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Scotland!

On day 4 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Glasgow, but spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate city. You still have 2 nights left in Glasgow.

Today you'll explore the city of Edinburgh. One of the best travel destinations you can make time for at the start of this day is HMY Britannia. This incredible attraction is a royal yacht and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 8,564 visitors.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is another popular attraction you'll visit in the city of Edinburgh. This spectacular attraction is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 20,341 visitors.

Another of the best travel destinations you can visit in the city of Edinburgh is Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre. Attracting 238,542 annual visitors, it's clear that Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre is one of the top sights of the area. This amazing attraction is a museum and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 8,597 visitors.

Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, you also have the opportunity to visit the outstanding Camera Obscura. This visitor centre and place of interest is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,133 visitors.

To do something one-of-a-kind today, you can join a popular tour. Check out all the fun and eye-opening experiences you can try out in Scotland to make your travel experience in the country more memorable.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your accommodation in the city of Glasgow.

We recommend eating at one of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow, like La Lanterna. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,068 customers.

Chaophraya is another of the best restaurant options in the city of Glasgow. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,386 customers.

Locals enjoy Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow, one of the most popular restaurants in the city of Glasgow. The restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

After dinner, visit one of the best bars in the city of Glasgow, Alston Bar & Beef. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 785 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar that locals recommend, like The Spiritualist Glasgow. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 935 customers.

Max's Bar & Grill is another of the best bars in the city of Glasgow. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 831 customers.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your road trip adventure through Scotland!

On day 5 of your road trip across Scotland, you’ll have the perfect day exploring the wonderful city of Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh 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 Number 10, one of the best 4-star hotels in the city of Edinburgh. This hotel has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,317 guests.

The best luxury hotel option in the city of Edinburgh is the 5-star Hotel Du Vin Glasgow. The hotel is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,408 guests.

One of the best hotels we recommend in the city of Edinburgh is the 3-star Premier Inn Glasgow City Centre South.

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 Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 12,344 visitors.

Kelvingrove 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 13,177 visitors.

One of the best attractions you could visit is the extraordinary George Square. This square is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 19,433 reviews.

Come to Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh.

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

We recommend you eat at a delicious restaurant that locals enjoy, like Ardnamurchan Scottish Restaurant & Bar, after your day of exploring the city of Edinburgh. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 868 customers.

The Italian Kitchen is another of the best restaurants in the city of Edinburgh. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 860 customers.

Locals recommend Blue Dog, one of the best bars in the city of Edinburgh, for a refreshing evening drink to finish your day. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 764 customers.

Alternatively, you could choose another of the most popular bars in the city of Edinburgh, Gin71. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 622 customers.

Bar 91 is also one of the best bars in the city of Edinburgh. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 611 customers.

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

You’ll stay in Aberdeen for 1 night.

One of the best places to explore today is Stirling Castle. This excellent attraction is a castle that has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 26,015 visitors.

Around 10,541 travelers rated this attraction with 4.6 out of 5 stars.

To experience the local culture, see more of Scotland, and meet new people at the same time, we highly recommend you go on a tour. On this tour, you can go on an epic adventure to some of the best places to visit in Scotland. You also get to admire popular places of interest.

You could then travel to Falkirk Wheel for some unforgettable sightseeing experience. This popular attraction is a boat lift and is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 15,778 visitors.

This outstanding sculpture has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 27,191 travelers.

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

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

Locals 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 one of the top bars in the city of Aberdeen, Prince Of Wales. This popular bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,166 customers.

You could also relax with a drink at a popular bar like The Grill. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 881 customers.

Be sure to celebrate another day of your incredible road trip adventure through Scotland with a toast!

Rise and shine on day 7 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you'll wake up in Aberdeen and embark on a scenic drive to Elgin, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Aberdeen. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Duthie Park. This attraction is a park that has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,880 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Hazlehead Park. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,429 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Aberdeen is the stunning Aberdeen Maritime Museum. This maritime museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,244 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Dunnottar Castle. This attraction is a rock castle that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 10,019 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Stonehaven Harbour. This harbor and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,452 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Aberdeenshire, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Elgin. When you arrive in Elgin you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Scotland, and look forward to more great days to come!

Rise and shine on day 8 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you'll wake up in Elgin and embark on a scenic drive to Edinburgh, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Elgin and Highland before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Elgin. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Elgin Cathedral. This attraction is a cathedral that has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,973 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible Cooper Park. This attraction, a beloved park, has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 982 visitors.

If you have time, another site you could explore in Elgin is the stunning Moray Motor Museum. This museum and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 298 visitors.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Glenmore Forest Park. This attraction is a top-tier point of interest that has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,310 visitors.

If you want to explore more, visit the incredible Highland Folk Museum. This open-air museum and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 2,598 reviews.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Highland, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Edinburgh. When you arrive in Edinburgh you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like Bramble Bar & Lounge. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 743 customers.

Locals also recommend The Dome, another of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. The Dome is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,433 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at Dishoom Edinburgh. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 5,852 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Whiski Bar & Restaurant to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Edinburgh, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,669 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Chaophraya Thai Restaurant. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Chaophraya Thai Restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,238 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Scotland, and look forward to more great days to come!

Day 9 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Edinburgh 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.

Calton Hill is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Edinburgh. This mountain and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 4,302 visitors.

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

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Edinburgh at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,950 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Cafe Andaluz for your last chance at a meal in the city of Edinburgh. The Cafe Andaluz restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 3,019 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Whiski Bar & Restaurant. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,669 customers.

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