9-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling west to Oban, Fort William, Portree, and Inverness

On day 2 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 1 night.

A visit to Leith is a must on the agenda today. This neighborhood is full of hidden gems and character, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Plus, you’ll be close to some of the city’s most famous sights.

No visit to Edinburgh is complete without Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This captivating botanical garden is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Holyrood Palace, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Edinburgh, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to National Museum Of Scotland. This notable museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Edinburgh Castle, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Scotland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Bring home unique finds from Edinburgh's bustling shopping hub, George Street. Enjoy a leisurely exploration of unique high-end stores where locals shop. Don’t forget to browse souvenirs and local specialties that make perfect gifts for your loved ones. Beyond shopping, George Street offers plenty of options, including primary services, unique landmarks, and community events.

Edinburgh is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Don’t miss out on dining at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Novotel Edinburgh Centre, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Tigerlily. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

Explore the vibrant nightlife at Cafe Royal after your meal, a hub for lively evenings and memorable moments. Or, head to The Ensign Ewart for a great selection of flavorful drinks and a charming setting. Furthermore, Tonic is perfect for those looking to extend their night with a touch of local flavor.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Scotland.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 3 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Cambuskenneth, Stirling, and Balloch. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Rowardennan, where will spend 1 night.

After soaking in Edinburgh’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cambuskenneth. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 3 min. When you arrive in Cambuskenneth, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Stirling, Old Bridge, a worthwhile historical landmark in Cambuskenneth. Explore its instagrammable features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Wallace Monument. This captivating monument is a top recommendation in the area.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stirling. This drive usually takes around 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Stirling Castle. Spend some time admiring the historic features of the castle before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Stirling Old Town Jail. This curiosity-inducing museum is a traveler-favorite in the village.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Stirling, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Balloch. This drive usually takes around 48 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Balloch Castle & Country Park, an intriguing castle known for its visually striking features.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Rowardennan, 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 Rowardennan's best restaurants.

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

On day 4 of your road trip in Scotland, your travel plans include 2 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Dunbeg and Oban are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Oban, where you will stay for 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Dunbeg. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 22 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Dunstaffnage Castle And Chapel, an underrated castle that everyone visiting Dunbeg should see.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Dunbeg, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Oban. This drive usually takes around 10 min.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Dunollie Museum, Castle And Grounds, an increasingly popular castle in Oban. Explore its history-steeped features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Oban War & Peace Museum. This often recommended museum is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’re ready to explore more, Oban Distillery is an excellent choice. Spend some time discovering what some claim to be the most instagrammable distillery in the region. Next, continue your sightseeing at the frequently visited Mccaig's Tower & Battery Hill and discover what makes this monument unique.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Oban. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Oban. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Don’t miss out on dining at Perle Oban Hotel & Spa, a top-rated dining destination in Oban.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

Your itinerary for day 5 of your road trip in Scotland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Glencoe, the Scottish Highlands, and Banavie. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Fort William, where you'll spend 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Glencoe. This car ride takes around 51 min.

Next, continue your sightseeing at Glencoe Folk Museum, a curiosity-inducing museum.

If you're starting to feel hungry, this is a great time for a break at a nearby restaurant or cafe. When you're ready for more, stop by Glencoe Lochan Trail and uncover the details of this serene hiking area.

The Scottish Highlands’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Glencoe behind. This drive usually takes around 49 min. The Scottish Highlands welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Ben Nevis and explore the instagrammable features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to the Scottish Highlands and set your GPS to Banavie. 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 25 min. Upon reaching Banavie, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Neptune's Staircase, a locally appreciated historical landmark that draws visitors from near and far.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Fort William's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Head back to your accommodation in Fort William and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland.

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including the Scottish Highlands, Dunvegan, and Portree. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Portree, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — the Scottish Highlands, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Fort William to the Scottish Highlands may take around 2 hours 47 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in the Scottish Highlands, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Fairy Pools. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the waterfall before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Neist Point Lighthouse. This beloved lighthouse is a traveler-favorite in the region.

If you're keen to see more, continue to Neist Point Trail. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the hiking area.

When you’ve had your share of the Scottish Highlands, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Dunvegan. Your travel time is around 38 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Dunvegan is Dunvegan Castle, an underrated castle that draws attention for its visually striking features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Portree. This car ride takes around 35 min.

Isle Of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre is a beloved visitor center we recommend visiting today.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Portree, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Portree. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Scotland.