Relaxed 12-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh to Dundee and Aberdeen

1 / 45
Photo of the scenic Dean Village in a sunny afternoon, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Hotel
Select dates
Car rental
Select dates
Tours & tickets
Select dates
Travel plan
From A to Z
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Sit back and enjoy a relaxed 12-day self-drive holiday in Scotland. Along the way, Edinburgh, Melrose, Jedburgh, Dunfermline, Crosshill, Springfield, St Andrews, Dundee, Aberdeen, Stonehaven, and Dalkeith 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 6 nights in Edinburgh, 1 night in Dundee, and 4 nights in Aberdeen, 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 12-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 12 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 12-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 11 nights in comfortable hotels, a rental car for 12 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 12-day relaxed self-drive road trip in Scotland today and enjoy a journey filled with discovery, freedom, and unforgettable moments!

Read more

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Round trip
Round trip
Travel dates

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to Edinburgh

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

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

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day 1

Day 1

  • Edinburgh - Arrival day
  • More
  • Dean Village
  • More

Your relaxed road trip through Scotland starts when you reach the incredible city of Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 5 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.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Edinburgh. 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 Edinburgh, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

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

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.

Read more
Day 2

Day 2

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 23 km, 1 hour 28 min

  • Arthur's Seat
  • Holyrood Park
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh Zoo
  • More

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.

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.

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

Read more
Day 3

Day 3

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 2 km, 35 min

  • Scott Monument
  • Scottish National Gallery
  • Camera Obscura
  • Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • More

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

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.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Edinburgh!

Read more
Day 4

Day 4

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 2 km, 29 min

  • Greyfriars Kirkyard
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • St Giles' Cathedral
  • The Real Mary King's Close
  • The Royal Mile
  • 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.

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.

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.

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

Read more
Day 5

Day 5

  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 162 km, 2 hours 56 min

  • Melrose Abbey
  • Mary Queen Of Scots' Visitors Centre
  • Jedburgh Abbey
  • Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum
  • More

On day 5 of your relaxed road trip in Scotland, you’ll start your self-paced adventure in Edinburgh and visit amazing attractions in Melrose and Jedburgh, just outside the city. You still have 1 night left in Edinburgh, so today is another excellent opportunity to dine at some of the top-rated restaurants and bars in the area.

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

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.

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

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

Read more
Day 6

Day 6

  • Edinburgh
  • Dundee
  • More

Drive 121 km, 2 hours 40 min

  • Pittencrieff Park
  • Lochore Meadows
  • The Scottish Deer Centre
  • St Andrews Castle
  • Old Course
  • More

Day 6 of your relaxed road trip across Scotland offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll end your day in Dundee, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

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

Exploring the food culture in Dundee 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.

Savor the rest of the night and celebrate another incredible, relaxed road trip adventure in the magical Dundee!

Read more
Day 7

Day 7

  • Dundee
  • Aberdeen
  • More

Drive 109 km, 1 hour 51 min

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

Day 7 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!

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.

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.

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!

Read more
Day 8

Day 8

  • Aberdeen
  • Dundee
  • More

Drive 224 km, 3 hours 29 min

  • Camperdown Wildlife Centre
  • Campus Green
  • Verdant Works
  • Dundee Law
  • 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.

Exploring the food culture in Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen and unwind at the coolest bars in the city.

Raise your glass and toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Scotland!

Read more
Day 9

Day 9

  • Aberdeen
  • More

Drive 55 km, 1 hour 3 min

  • Dunnottar Castle
  • Stonehaven War Memorial
  • Stonehaven Harbour
  • More

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.

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.

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

Toast to another amazing day in Scotland!

Read more
Day 10

Day 10

  • Aberdeen
  • More

Drive 23 km, 58 min

  • Seaton Park
  • Queens Links Leisure Park
  • David Welch Winter Gardens
  • Duthie Park
  • Hazlehead Park
  • More

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

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

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

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

Read more
Day 11

Day 11

  • Aberdeen
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 238 km, 3 hours 5 min

  • Aberdeen Maritime Museum
  • Fort Douglas Adventure Park
  • More

On day 11 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.

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.

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.

Hang out and unwind at some of the top bars 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.

Read more
Day 12

Day 12

  • Edinburgh - Departure day
  • More
  • Calton Hill
  • More

Day 12 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 12 days of your relaxed road trip.

The unforgettable experiences you’ve collected along your 12-day relaxed road trip in Scotland is a story you will tell for the rest of your life.

Read more

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.

We guarantee

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

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in the United Kingdom

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.