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

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Photo of view of Inverness, a city on Scotland’s northeast coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth.
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Explore the best of Scotland on a remarkable 9-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Inverness, Lewiston, Fort Augustus, Portree, Dunvegan, Glenfinnan, Fort William, Banavie, Glencoe, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, and North Kessock.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Scotland. You will spend 3 nights in Inverness, 1 night in Fort Augustus, 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 you covered.

Upon arriving in Inverness, 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.

As you hit the open road and drive through Inverness, Lewiston, Fort Augustus, Portree, Dunvegan, Glenfinnan, Fort William, Banavie, Glencoe, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, and North Kessock, 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, accommodations, 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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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Day1

Day 1

  • Inverness - Arrival day
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  • Bellfield Park
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Welcome to Inverness, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Scotland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 2 nights discovering what to see in Inverness before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Inverness 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 Bellfield Park. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Inverness. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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 Inverness, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Simpsons, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Kingsmills Hotel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Inverness.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to The Gunsmiths Bar, known for its inviting atmosphere. The Malt Room is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Maccallums Bar provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

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Day2

Day 2

  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 25 km, 1 hour 1 min

  • Eden Court Inverness
  • Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew
  • Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
  • Clava cairns
  • More

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

Experience Eden Court Inverness, a frequently visited performing arts theater in the city. Then, head to Inverness Cathedral, Dedicated To St Andrew and soak in the ambiance of this stunning church.

There are many interesting places to see in Inverness, and when you are ready for more, go to Inverness Museum And Art Gallery. This is one of the city’s most locally appreciated photogenic spots of interest. After exploring the museum, visit the underrated Clava Cairns.

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.

Experience shopping bliss at Inverness as you explore Inverness Victorian Market. Take a leisurely stroll through unique shops and stores, where local treasures are waiting to be found. Don't miss the chance to discover artisan crafts that reflect the fascinating culture of Scotland. Beyond shopping, Inverness Victorian Market offers more options, including unique attractions, key services, and vibrant events.

Inverness 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 Inverness.

Don’t miss out on dining at MacGregor's, a top-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The White House, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Kitchen Brasserie. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

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

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

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Day3

Day 3

  • Inverness
  • Lewiston
  • Fort Augustus
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Drive 103 km, 1 hour 56 min

  • Urquhart Castle
  • The Clansman Centre
  • More

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

After soaking in Inverness’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Lewiston. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 30 min. When you arrive in Lewiston, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Urquhart Castle, a captivating castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

When you’ve had your share of Inverness, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Fort Augustus. Your travel time is around 37 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to The Clansman Centre, a worthwhile museum that everyone visiting Fort Augustus should see.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Fort Augustus. Fort Augustus 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. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in Fort Augustus, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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Day4

Day 4

  • Fort Augustus
  • Portree
  • More

Drive 249 km, 4 hours 20 min

  • 슬리가찬 오래된 다리
  • Isle of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Sligachan, Inverness, and Portree. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Portree, where will spend 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Fort Augustus, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sligachan. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 54 min.

슬리가찬 오래된 다리 is a worthwhile historical landmark we recommend visiting today. Discover its standout features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Inverness and set your GPS to Portree. 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 44 min. Upon reaching Portree, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Isle Of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, a frequently visited visitor center in Portree.

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

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

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Day5

Day 5

  • Portree
  • Dunvegan
  • More

Drive 181 km, 3 hours 57 min

  • Dunvegan Castle
  • Skye Museum of Island Life
  • More

On day 5 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Portree, where you still have 1 night left. You'll spend part of the day exploring places of interest outside the immediate town, including Inverness, Dunvegan, and Hungladder.

Dunvegan Castle is a curiosity-inducing castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its enchanting features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Inverness and set your GPS to Hungladder. 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 28 min. Upon reaching Hungladder, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Skye Museum Of Island Life, an often recommended museum that everyone visiting Hungladder should see.

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

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

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!

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Day6

Day 6

  • Portree
  • Glenfinnan
  • Fort William
  • Banavie
  • More

Drive 234 km, 3 hours 47 min

  • Glenfinnan Viewpoint
  • Glenfinnan Viaduct
  • West Highland Museum
  • Neptune's Staircase
  • More

On day 6 of your road trip in Scotland, your travel plans include 3 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Glenfinnan, Fort William, and Banavie are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Fort William, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Glenfinnan. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 53 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Glenfinnan Viewpoint, an increasingly popular observation deck in Glenfinnan. Explore its history-steeped features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, Glenfinnan Viaduct. This worthwhile heritage railway is a top recommendation in the area.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Fort William may take around 29 min. Upon your arrival in Fort William, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Our first attraction recommendation in Fort William is West Highland Museum, an increasingly popular museum that draws attention for its eye-catching features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Upon your arrival in Banavie, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Savor the day by heading to Neptune's Staircase, an increasingly popular historical landmark that draws visitors from near and far.

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

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.

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

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Day7

Day 7

  • Fort William
  • Glencoe
  • More

Drive 52 km, 1 hour 12 min

  • Glencoe Lochan Trail
  • Glencoe War Memorial
  • Glencoe Folk Museum
  • Crafts & Things
  • More

On day 7 of your road trip in Scotland, you’ll start and end your day in Fort William, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the town. Since you still have 1 night to spend in Fort William, there’s no need to rush. Experience Glencoe to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Glencoe may take around 28 min. Upon your arrival in Glencoe, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Glencoe Lochan Trail and explore the eye-catching features. Next, make your way to Glencoe War Memorial, another highlight in Glencoe. When you’re done exploring the war memorial, continue to Glencoe Folk Museum, a history-steeped museum.

Nearby, you will also find Crafts & Things. This curiosity-inducing handicraft store is a top place to see in the area.

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

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

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

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Day8

Day 8

  • Fort William
  • Blair Atholl
  • Pitlochry
  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 256 km, 3 hours 24 min

  • Blair Castle
  • Faskally Forest
  • The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry
  • More

Dive into day 8 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you'll explore 2 destinations, including Blair Atholl and Pitlochry. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Inverness, where you'll spend 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Fort William, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Blair Atholl. Your travel time is around 1 hour 36 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Blair Castle, Hercules Garden, Statue Of Hercules and explore the visually striking features.

Set your GPS to Pitlochry and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 10 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Pitlochry beckons with new experiences!

Savor the day by heading to Faskally Forest, a curiosity-inducing hiking area that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry, where you can soak in the instagrammable surroundings.

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

Inverness 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 Inverness.

Dine in style at Cafe V8, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Scotch & Rye boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Johnny Foxes. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Inverness.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Market Bar, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out.

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

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Day9

Day 9

  • Inverness - Departure day
  • More

Day 9 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Inverness before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

For a shopping spree in Inverness, we recommend the lively Eastgate Shopping Centre. Here, you'll find a range of shops you can browse for some souvenir shopping.

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

Enjoy a lovely meal at River House, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Bar One Inverness is another top choice with a popular menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Inverness. 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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Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
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Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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