Top 3 Itineraries in Inverness

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Inverness.

If you only have a few days, Inverness weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Inverness offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Inverness are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Inverness’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Inverness offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Scotland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Inverness truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Inverness belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Inverness are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Inverness and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Inverness itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Inverness for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Inverness without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Inverness!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Stirling, and Banavie is one of the best ways to experience Scotland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Inverness can easily be combined with other top destinations in Scotland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Stirling, and Banavie by public transport, renting a car in Scotland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Inverness

• Arrival city: Inverness
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Inverness, e.g., River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
• Sightseeing: Eden Court Inverness

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Inverness. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Inverness, Fortrose, Glenmore, Cawdor, and Highland

• Destinations: Inverness, Fortrose, Glenmore, Cawdor, and Highland
• Driving distance: 250.46 km, approx. 4 hours and 5 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Inverness, e.g., River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
• Sightseeing: Clava Cairns, Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Ness, Chanonry Point, and Cawdor Castle and Gardens
• Recommended tour: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Great Glen Private Tour from Inverness

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Clava Cairns, Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Ness, Chanonry Point, and Cawdor Castle and Gardens. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Inverness, Fortrose, Glenmore, Cawdor, and Highland, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Banavie, Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, and Lewiston

• Destinations: Banavie, Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan, and Lewiston
• Driving distance: 270.35 km, approx. 4 hours and 5 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Aberdeen, e.g., Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel
• Sightseeing: Commando Memorial, Urquhart Castle, Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland, Neptune's Staircase, and Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Recommended tour: Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour

Spend the day exploring Commando Memorial, Urquhart Castle, Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust for Scotland, Neptune's Staircase, and Glenfinnan Viaduct. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Aberdeen.

Day 4: Experience Dunfermline, Skinflats, Blackness, Larbert, and Crosshill

• Destinations: Dunfermline, Skinflats, Blackness, Larbert, and Crosshill
• Driving distance: 211.84 km, approx. 3 hours and 38 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Edinburgh, e.g., Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
• Sightseeing: The Kelpies, Pittencrieff Park, Lochore Meadows, Blackness Castle, and The Falkirk Wheel
• Recommended tour: The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour and Experience in Edinburgh

Continue your journey through Dunfermline, Skinflats, Blackness, Larbert, and Crosshill, where you can explore The Kelpies, Pittencrieff Park, Lochore Meadows, Blackness Castle, and The Falkirk Wheel. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Edinburgh.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Edinburgh

• Destinations: Edinburgh
• Driving distance: 10.25 km, approx. 58 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Glasgow, e.g., Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
• Sightseeing: The Scotch Whisky Experience, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Galleries of Scotland: National, Edinburgh Castle, and Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
• Recommended tour: Hampden Park Stadium and Museum Tour

Drive through Edinburgh, stopping to visit The Scotch Whisky Experience, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, National Galleries of Scotland: National, Edinburgh Castle, and Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Edinburgh

• Destinations: Edinburgh
• Driving distance: 10.64 km, approx. 52 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Glasgow, e.g., Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
• Sightseeing: St Giles' Cathedral, The Royal Yacht Britannia, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Mile, and The Real Mary King's Close
• Recommended tour: Standing Stones, Inveraray and Kilchurn Castles & Highland Tour starting Glasgow

Spend time discovering St Giles' Cathedral, The Royal Yacht Britannia, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Mile, and The Real Mary King's Close, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Edinburgh

• Destinations: Edinburgh
• Driving distance: 82.15 km, approx. 2 hours and 19 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Glasgow, e.g., Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
• Sightseeing: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, Dean Village, Holyrood Park, and Edinburgh Zoo
• Recommended tour: Glasgow: Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and Stirling Castle

Explore Palace of Holyroodhouse, Calton Hill, Dean Village, Holyrood Park, and Edinburgh Zoo at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Glasgow.

Day 8: Explore Glasgow

• Destinations: Glasgow
• Driving distance: 30.9 km, approx. 1 hour and 35 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Glasgow, e.g., Maldron Hotel Glasgow City
• Sightseeing: Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and Pollok Country Park
• Recommended tour: Private Tour of Highlands, Oban, Glencoe, Lochs & Castles from Glasgow

Continue your road trip through Glasgow, enjoying the flexibility to explore Kelvingrove Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, and Pollok Country Park and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Glasgow, Stirling, and Cambuskenneth

• Destinations: Glasgow, Stirling, and Cambuskenneth
• Driving distance: 299.94 km, approx. 4 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Inverness, e.g., River Ness Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals
• Sightseeing: The National Wallace Monument, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, George Square, Glasgow Green, and Stirling Castle
• Recommended tour: Loch Ness & Culloden Battlefield Private Tour from Inverness

Visit The National Wallace Monument, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, George Square, Glasgow Green, and Stirling Castle as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Inverness.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Inverness

• Departure city: Inverness
• Driving distance: 2.32 km, approx. 31 minutes
• Sightseeing: Bellfield Park

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Inverness. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1168 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Inverness.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Inverness for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Inverness with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Inverness without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Inverness

Arrive in Inverness and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Merkinch Local Nature Reserve.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Simpsons is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Inverness's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Inverness by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew and Eden Court Inverness.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Inverness. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Inverness in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Inverness

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Dolphin Spirit Inverness, Craig Phadrig, St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, and Inverness Museum and Art Gallery are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Inverness.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Inverness. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Scotland!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Inverness

Spend your last few hours in Inverness soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Inverness in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Inverness, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Inverness travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Inverness offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Inverness itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Inverness weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Inverness

Arrive in Inverness around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Inverness’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Inverness with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Inverness Cathedral, dedicated to St Andrew early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Inverness and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Inverness

No itinerary in Inverness is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Whin Park.
• Afternoon: Explore Ness Islands Railway Ltd, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Inverness and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Scotland.

Day 5 - Depart from Inverness

Make the most of your last few hours in Inverness before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Inverness. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Inverness itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Inverness, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Inverness for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Inverness in a way that feels truly unforgettable!