Travel packages in Scotland

Road trips in Scotland

Relaxed 9-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Inverness to Edinburgh

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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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Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 9-day self-drive holiday in Scotland. Along the way, Inverness, Lewiston, Spean Bridge, Banavie, Glenfinnan, Pitlochry, Little Dunkeld, Perth, Edinburgh, Penicuik, Roslin, Newtongrange, Blackness, Skinflats, Falkirk, and Larbert invite you to discover their unique blend of culture, scenery, and memorable experiences.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Scotland, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 3 nights in Inverness and 5 nights in Edinburgh, staying at top-rated hotels near the heart of each city. Between drives, indulge in local cuisine, sip refreshing drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at popular restaurants and bars along your road trip route in Scotland.

Your journey starts in Inverness, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 9-day relaxed road trip in Scotland to explore its rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning landscapes.

Every stop on this leisurely self-drive holiday comes with handpicked accommodations that make relaxation effortless. Choose from elegant 5-star hotels with breathtaking views or comfortable 3-star stays that offer excellent value, all providing a welcoming retreat after a day on the road.

With your self-drive itinerary in Scotland already planned, you’ll enjoy the country’s most celebrated sights without the rush. Marvel at the stunning Edinburgh Castle and soak in the atmosphere of the magnificent National Museum Of Scotland.

Enjoy each stop as you explore the history, architecture, and character of each destination on this Scotland road trip itinerary for 9 days.

As you travel between destinations, you’ll have plenty of time to explore local markets and boutique shops. These stops give you the chance to find unique souvenirs, taste regional specialties, and experience everyday life in Scotland.

If you want to make your 9-day relaxed self-drive tour in Scotland even more memorable, add optional tours or activities. Join a guided excursion, discover hidden neighborhoods, or spend an afternoon in your favorite market. Each choice deepens your connection to the places you visit.

Alongside these experiences, your laid-back self-drive package in Scotland includes 8 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 9 days, and convenient access to nearby dining options. You can also add flights and entry tickets to shape the trip exactly how you want it. With 24/7 travel support and a mobile app keeping your itinerary and documents organized, you can enjoy a relaxed drive and savor every mile of the road ahead.

Turn your travel plans into reality. Book your 9-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Scotland today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Day 1

Inverness - Arrival day
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Eden Court Inverness
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Your relaxed road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Inverness, where you'll stay for 2 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Inverness and begin your adventure in Scotland.

Inverness is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Inverness. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars in Inverness.

Raise a toast as you look back on the highlights of today’s relaxed road trip in Scotland. Enjoy your first taste of Inverness as you soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Day 2

Inverness
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Drive 255 km, 4 hours 6 min

Urquhart Castle
Commando Memorial
Neptune's Staircase
Glenfinnan Viewpoint
Glenfinnan Viaduct
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On day 2 of your relaxed road trip across Scotland, you’ll explore the area around Inverness, where you’ll be staying for another 1 night. With so many fun and inspiring experiences to offer, a tour of Inverness will make you fall even more in love with the city and uniqueness of Scotland.

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

Mealtimes are the perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture of Scotland. When you're not appreciating the best places to visit in Inverness, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Inverness.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Scotland!

Day 3

Inverness
Edinburgh
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Drive 259 km, 3 hours 47 min

Falls of Bruar
Blair Athol Distillery
The Hermitage
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park
South Inch
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Day 3 of your self-drive tour in Scotland offers a chance to experience the country’s diversity. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 5 nights. Along the way, you’ll glimpse local life and explore some of the most remarkable places in Scotland.

Continue your laid-back road trip in Scotland as you make your way to Edinburgh. Here, you’ll find top hotels and accommodations in the city, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

Exploring the food culture in Edinburgh offers you an exciting chance to connect with locals and experience diversity along your relaxed road trip. When you’re ready to eat, we recommend you visit one of the best dining spots in the city.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Edinburgh and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Look back at an amazing day filled with adventure in Scotland. And don’t forget to get some rest so you can continue your relaxed holiday in Scotland tomorrow with new energy.

Day 4

Edinburgh
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Drive 56 km, 1 hour 31 min

Pentland Hills Regional Park
Roslin Glen Country Park
Roslin Castle
Scottish Mining Museum
Vogrie Country Park
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Your relaxed road trip in Scotland continues on day 4 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Scotland better by exploring the top attractions of Edinburgh and beyond. With 4 nights left in Edinburgh, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

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

When it’s time to eat, the city has a variety of restaurants and cuisines to suit your palate and complement your relaxed road trip experience. Take a leisurely walk around Edinburgh, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

Experience the amazing nightlife in Edinburgh and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Toast to another amazing day in Scotland!

Day 5

Edinburgh
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Drive 4 km, 24 min

The Real Mary King's Close
St Giles' Cathedral
National Museum of Scotland
The Royal Mile
Calton Hill
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Make the most of your time in the country by joining activities that let you discover more about Scotland. Check out all of the tours you can join this day of your leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland and ensure the experience of a lifetime.

When you’re not driving and exploring some of the best places in Scotland, it’s time to make your relaxed road trip even more comforting. Sit down for a lovely meal at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

As the day is coming to an end, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Edinburgh. The bars in Edinburgh make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Free your mind of worries as you enjoy the taste of freedom on your laid-back road trip adventure across Scotland.

Day 6

Edinburgh
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Drive 17 km, 1 hour 2 min

HMY Britannia
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Scottish National Gallery
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
Camera Obscura
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Scotland makes the perfect setting for a calming but fun road trip experience. Aside from amazing sights, Scotland also offers plenty of tours to enhance your relaxed road trip experience.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Edinburgh has multiple restaurants that offer fantastic dining experiences to continue your laid-back and stress-free discovery of the city.

As the day is coming to an end, stop at some of Edinburgh’s best bars to celebrate this day of your slow-paced adventure in Scotland.

Raise your glass and relax after another big day of your leisurely paced road trip in Scotland!

Day 7

Edinburgh
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Drive 23 km, 1 hour 15 min

Holyrood Park
Holyrood Palace
Edinburgh Castle
Dean Village
Edinburgh Zoo
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Gain a one-of-a-kind experience on your unhurried and relaxed road trip across Scotland by joining a traveler-approved tour in Inverness. There are so many fun and eye-opening activities to try out in Inverness that will make your slow-paced self-drive tour in Scotland more memorable.

If you’re not yet ready to call it a night, head back out to celebrate your vacation with a drink. This is a great time to slow down, look back at your day, and raise a toast to your wonderful holiday in Scotland.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

Day 8

Edinburgh
Inverness
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Drive 322 km, 4 hours 31 min

Blackness Castle
The Kelpies
Callendar House
Falkirk Wheel
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Day 8 of your relaxed road trip in Scotland will take you on a self-paced journey to more than one incredible place in one day. See some of the best attractions in Scotland, taste the most delectable foods and exquisite drinks, and make incredible memories as you go!

When you’re not exploring beautiful places, you can relax in Inverness. Here, you can choose from the best hotels and other accommodations as you get to know more about the culture in the city.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Inverness.

Grab a drink and enjoy every passing minute of this night of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

Day 9

Inverness - Departure day
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Bellfield Park
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Day 9 of your relaxed road trip in Scotland is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 9 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 9-day relaxed road trip in Scotland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

How it works

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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.

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.

We guarantee

Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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