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

Day 2 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Scotland are extraordinary.

One of the most intriguing attractions included on the itinerary is Arthur's Seat. This mesmerizing hiking area will help you start your sightseeing on top. Then, take a leisurely stroll to Holyrood Park and learn what makes this standout park unique.

Throughout the day, make sure to take breaks to appreciate the surroundings. Next up, visit the captivating Holyrood Palace. After exploring the palace, head to Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. This notable botanical garden is a highlight in Edinburgh. As your day continues, stop by Edinburgh Zoo, known for its awe-inspiring features.

Another way to make your easygoing and relaxed road trip in Scotland more special is by joining unique tours and activities. Edinburgh offers a wide selection of experiences for every traveler.

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.

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Heron, a 1-star Michelin restaurant offering an incredible modern menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Condita is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Edinburgh. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at The Kitchin. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern cuisine in the city.

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

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Cafe Royal. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to The Ensign Ewart, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, Tonic provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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 3 of your relaxed road trip through Scotland means 24 hours of making the best memories in Edinburgh. You’ll go sightseeing at famous attractions in Edinburgh. In the evening, you will experience one of the most popular dining spots in the city. So buckle up and prepare to be blown away by Edinburgh!

Edinburgh is brimming with adventures.

Enjoy all that Scott Monument has to offer. This is a frequently visited monument you should not miss. Another must-see is Scottish National Gallery, a well-known art gallery in Edinburgh.

When you’re ready for the next sight, head to Camera Obscura. From there, take a leisurely stroll to Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, another of the city’s beloved attractions. We recommend continuing your self-guided tour at Edinburgh Castle, a breathtaking place of interest in the city.

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. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Edinburgh to find the best options for you!

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Angels with Bagpipes, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rabble Taphouse and Grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Black Ivy. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

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.

Continue the enjoyment post-dinner at Hoot The Redeemer, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Albanach offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Thistle Street Bar. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Scotland, you’ll go deep into Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 2 nights, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Edinburgh, and meet locals along the way!

Whatever your travel style is, Greyfriars Kirkyard is an essential stop in Edinburgh. This frequently visited cemetery provides an insightful glimpse into the city's identity. Next, discover National Museum Of Scotland, a visually striking museum, promising a delightful encounter.

Continue your sightseeing with a visit to St Giles' Cathedral, a worthwhile church. When you’re done, don’t forget to make a stop at the locally renowned The Real Mary King's Close. Round off your day at Royal Mile, another gem in Edinburgh with awe-inspiring features to discover.

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

Dine in style at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The Newsroom Bar & Eatery boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight 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.

If you’re not ready to end the night just yet, The Waverley Bar offers a perfect venue to relax and savor a drink. Similarly, The Royal Oak is well-suited for those looking to unwind in a social setting. The Oxford Bar is another excellent spot to enjoy a nightcap after a delightful meal.

Raise your glass in celebration of your freedom and relaxed road trip adventure in Scotland!

Your relaxed road trip in Scotland continues on day 5 with more unforgettable memories to make. Today, you’ll get to know Scotland better by exploring the top attractions of Edinburgh and beyond. With 1 night left in Edinburgh, you’ll still have time to eat and unwind at popular restaurants and bars in the city.

When you’ve had your share of Melrose, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Jedburgh. Your travel time is around 21 min.

Savor the day by heading to Melrose Abbey, a frequently visited monastery that draws visitors from near and far.

After soaking in Melrose’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Jedburgh. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 21 min. When you arrive in Jedburgh, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the town's best attractions, visit Queen Mary's House, a frequently visited visitor center that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey. Next, head to Jedburgh Abbey and admire its picture-perfect features.

When you’re ready, continue to Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum, an often recommended museum beloved by locals and tourists alike.

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

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at Fishers In The City, an iconic dining spot in Edinburgh. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Amber Restaurant, a popular restaurant in Edinburgh. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Ondine Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Edinburgh. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at The Alchemist Edinburgh. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Regent Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Bow Bar provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Scotland!

Day 6 of your leisurely self-drive tour in Scotland offers another chance for an in-depth travel experience. On this refreshing new day, you’ll travel from Dunfermline and continue your relaxed road trip adventure in Crosshill and Springfield. You’ll stay in Dundee for 1 night.

Crosshill’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Dunfermline behind. This drive usually takes around 25 min. Crosshill welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Our first attraction recommendation in Dunfermline is Pittencrieff Park, an up-and-coming park that draws attention for its mesmerizing features.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Dunfermline and set your GPS to Crosshill. 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 25 min. Upon reaching Crosshill, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Lochore Meadows, an intriguing park that draws visitors from near and far.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Springfield. This drive usually takes around 30 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is The Scottish Deer Centre. Spend some time admiring the picturesque features of the wildlife reserve before you continue to your next stop.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely meal at Daisy Tasker, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Premier Inn Dundee North hotel is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Fort. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Dundee tonight.

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.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at The King Of Islington, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Bank Bar Dundee, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, The Salty Dog provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

Toast to another unforgettable and relaxing road trip adventure in Scotland!

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.

The Mcmanus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum makes a great addition to your morning plans. This worthwhile museum is an instagrammable place to see in Dundee. Continue your discovery at Slessor Gardens, a visually striking park with stories to tell.

As you stroll around Dundee, take in the distinct atmosphere and learn what makes this city so unique. Maximize your sightseeing with a visit to Rrs Discovery. This locally appreciated museum offers a breathtaking encounter with Dundee. Next, make your way to Dundee Contemporary Arts to add another highlight to your day. After that, visit Baxter Park, a frequently visited park that’s sure to impress. Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Dundee.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, a popular restaurant in Aberdeen. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Aberdeen at Mi Amore, another great place to eat. With a menu designed to impress, it promises a journey of flavors that will leave you captivated. A third option to check out is the top-rated The Tippling House. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Aberdeen tonight.

After dinner, it’s time to fall in love with the amazing nightlife in Aberdeen and unwind at some of the best bars in the city.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Slains Castle. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Northern Bar, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, The Grill provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

A leisurely self-drive holiday in Dundee can’t get any better than this! Toast to another amazing day in Scotland!

On day 10 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Scotland, you’ll go deep into Aberdeen, where you'll stay for 1 night, and see some of the city’s unforgettable attractions. To learn more of the city's culture, you'll also dine at the most popular restaurants in Aberdeen, and meet locals along the way!

Experience Seaton Park, a worthwhile park in the city.

There are many interesting places to see in Aberdeen, and when you are ready for more, go to David Welch Winter Gardens. This is one of the city’s most curiosity-inducing awe-inspiring spots of interest. After exploring the botanical garden, visit the underrated Duthie Park. Not far away, you'll also find Hazlehead Park. This park is an enchanting highlight in Aberdeen.

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. Check out all the most recommended and top-rated tour options in the city of Aberdeen to find the best options for you!

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.

Make sure to reserve a table at The Esslemont Bar & Restaurant, an iconic dining spot in Aberdeen. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Aperitivo Italian Restaurant Aberdeen, a popular restaurant in Aberdeen. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of BrewDog Aberdeen, a hidden gem nestled in Aberdeen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Before calling it a day, visit one of the best bars in Aberdeen. There, you can look back on the highlights of today’s pleasant and invigorating travel experiences, have friendly conversations with locals, and unwind.

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

Day 11 of your relaxed road trip across Scotland offers a day of exciting discoveries. You’ll start your day in Aberdeen and drive in the direction of Dalkeith for some laid-back sightseeing. You’ll end your day in Edinburgh, where you’ll stay for 1 night.

Look forward to a unique sightseeing adventure at the often recommended Aberdeen Maritime Museum and allow yourself time to explore.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Dalkeith. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 29 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Fort Douglas Adventure Park is a beloved adventure park we recommend visiting today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour.

In Edinburgh, 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.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Miller & Carter Edinburgh City Centre, a top-rated dining destination in Edinburgh. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Monteiths, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Cafe Andaluz. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Edinburgh this evening.

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 toast to another unforgettable, laid-back road trip adventure in Scotland!