Relaxed 10-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and Dundee

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Photo of the scenic Dean Village in a sunny afternoon, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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Discover stunning scenery and hidden gems on this 10-day relaxed road trip in Scotland! Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Crosshill, Falkland, St Andrews, Aberdeen, Stonehaven, St Cyrus, Dundee, Newstead, Jedburgh, and Melrose await with vibrant culture and lasting memories as you unwind on this self-drive vacation.

Travel freely with this relaxed self-drive package in Scotland, designed for comfort and exploration. Spend 5 nights in Edinburgh, 2 nights in Aberdeen, and 2 nights in Dundee, 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 Edinburgh, where your rental car with CDW insurance will be ready for pickup. Choose a vehicle that suits your style, then set off on your 10-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 10 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 10-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 9 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 10 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 10-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Scotland today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

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Day 1

Day 1

  • Edinburgh - Arrival day
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  • Old Town
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Your relaxed road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 4 nights. You'll pick up your rental car in Edinburgh and begin your adventure in Scotland.

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

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Edinburgh and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

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

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Day 2

Day 2

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 3 km, 46 min

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • St Giles' Cathedral
  • The Real Mary King's Close
  • The Royal Mile
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • More

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.

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

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.

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Day 3

Day 3

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 11 km, 56 min

  • HMY Britannia
  • Scottish National Gallery
  • Camera Obscura
  • Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
  • Leith
  • More

Set aside time today to explore Leith, a standout neighborhood that reflects the essence of the city. While you're there, you'll also be within reach of some of the city's top landmarks, making it easy to maximize your day.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Scotland more special is by joining unique tours and activities.

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 Edinburgh, explore the city like a local by trying out the best restaurants in the area.

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.

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

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Day 4

Day 4

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 24 km, 1 hour 26 min

  • Edinburgh Zoo
  • Dean Village
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Holyrood Park
  • More

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

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

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.

Take a stroll around the area, head back to your accommodation for the night, or continue your evening at one of the best-rated bars in the city.

Toast to another amazing day in Scotland!

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Day 5

Day 5

  • Edinburgh
  • Aberdeen
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Drive 234 km, 4 hours 2 min

  • Pittencrieff Park
  • Lochore Meadows
  • Falkland Palace & Garden
  • St Andrews Castle
  • Old Course
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Day 5 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Scotland lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. By evening, drive toward the Aberdeen, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 2 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Edinburgh.

After a day of exploration, relax at one of the top hotels or accommodations in Aberdeen. Staying in the city gives you a comfortable, welcoming place to recharge during your laid-back road trip in Scotland.

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 Aberdeen, while looking for a place to eat. Or, check out our top recommendations and treat yourself to a nice meal.

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!

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Day 6

Day 6

  • Aberdeen
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Drive 17 km, 45 min

  • David Welch Winter Gardens
  • Duthie Park
  • Aberdeen Maritime Museum
  • Hazlehead Park
  • Union Street
  • More

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings.

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.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

After dinner, you can choose between heading back to your hotel to recharge, taking a leisurely stroll, or going out to a bar for a relaxed drink in great company.

Cherish every minute of your relaxed road trip vacation across Scotland.

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Day 7

Day 7

  • Aberdeen
  • Dundee
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Drive 117 km, 2 hours 2 min

  • Stonehaven Harbour
  • Stonehaven War Memorial
  • Dunnottar Castle
  • St Cyrus National Nature Reserve - viewpoint
  • More

On day 7 of your laid-back road trip adventure in Scotland, you can visit several remarkable places. With the freedom and flexibility of a self-drive tour, you decide how much time to spend in each, making the most of these memorable destinations.

In Dundee, you’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a day on the road. Our top recommendations go perfectly with your laid-back road trip in Scotland.

After a laid-back day of exploring top attractions in the area, it’s an excellent idea to sit down for a lovely and peaceful dinner. We’ve collected the most recommended restaurants in the city for you, so you can check out the menus and make your reservation in advance.

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

Soak in the unique atmosphere of Dundee as you commemorate this day of your relaxed road trip with a toast. Cheers to a memorable, leisurely self-drive holiday in Scotland!

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Day 8

Day 8

  • Dundee
  • More

Drive 8 km, 47 min

  • Dundee Law
  • The McManus Art Gallery & Museum
  • Slessor Gardens
  • RRS Discovery
  • Dundee Contemporary Arts
  • More

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.

Exploring new places makes you hungry. Luckily, Dundee 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, retreat to your hotel for some rest, or head out to a bar to celebrate your time in Dundee. The bars in Dundee make the perfect setting for a laid-back drink and chilled hangout with your travel companions.

Grab yourself a drink and savor every moment of your relaxed road trip experience in Scotland!

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Day 9

Day 9

  • Dundee
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 268 km, 3 hours 46 min

  • Leaderfoot Viaduct
  • Jedburgh Abbey
  • Melrose Abbey
  • More

Day 9 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!

You'll be staying in Edinburgh on this laid-back road trip through Scotland. You'll stay here for 1 night.

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.

If you feel like it, head out to a bar to celebrate another fantastic day in Edinburgh and take the pulse of the city’s nightlife. Enjoy the night without rushing to fully appreciate it.

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

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Day 10

Day 10

  • Edinburgh - Departure day
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  • Princes Street
  • More

Day 10 of your relaxed road trip in Scotland is your departure day. If you’re flying home, return your rental car with time to spare.

You can also explore high-end shops for luxury items.

Over a good meal, take a moment to unwind and reflect on the past 10 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 10-day relaxed road trip in Scotland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

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How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

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

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