One-Week Relaxed Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Inverness to Edinburgh

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.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Inverness and set your GPS to Lewiston. 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 30 min. Upon reaching Lewiston, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Urquhart Castle. Spend some time admiring the awe-inspiring features of the castle before you continue to your next stop.

Set your GPS to Spean Bridge and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 55 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Spean Bridge beckons with new experiences!

Spend your afternoon discovering Commando Memorial, an intriguing war memorial known for its culturally significant features.

After soaking in Spean Bridge’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Banavie. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 15 min. When you arrive in Banavie, it's time to take a break from the road.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Neptune's Staircase, a frequently visited historical landmark in Banavie. Explore its picture-perfect features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

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

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.

Enjoy a lovely dining experience at MacGregor's, a popular restaurant in Inverness. This acclaimed establishment has earned the admiration of countless food lovers in the city. Alternatively, experience a taste of Inverness at The White House, 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 Kitchen Brasserie. It’s yet another ideal choice to enhance your time in Inverness tonight.

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.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, Hootananny stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Gellions Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Innes Bar is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

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

Day 3 of your easy, relaxed road trip through Scotland lets you travel at your own pace and visit multiple places in a single day. Begin by exploring the best sights in Blair Atholl. By evening, drive toward the Edinburgh, where you’ll stay at a top-rated hotel of your choice for 4 nights.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Inverness and set your GPS to Blair Atholl. 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 1 hour 30 min. Upon reaching Blair Atholl, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Blair Castle, Hercules Garden, Statue Of Hercules, an up-and-coming castle that draws visitors from near and far.

Set your GPS to Little Dunkeld and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 28 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Little Dunkeld beckons with new experiences!

When you're ready for some sights, head to The Hermitage, an up-and-coming hiking area in Little Dunkeld. Explore its eye-catching features at your own pace before you continue your journey.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Perth may take around 30 min. Upon your arrival in Perth, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, a curiosity-inducing park 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 South Inch and admire its picturesque features.

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

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.

Experience a harmony of flavors at Heron in Edinburgh by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Heron offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious modern menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Condita, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing modern cuisine. This popular 1-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at The Kitchin, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional modern menu.

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 Nightcap - Cocktail Bar, a cherished local gathering spot renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, Juniper Edinburgh offers a vibrant space for indulging in well-crafted drinks and engaging conversation. You may also want to check out Panda & Sons. This bar is a favorite among both locals and visitors looking for a delightful evening out filled with laughter and fun.

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

On day 4 of your leisurely self-drive tour across Scotland, you’ll go deep into Edinburgh, where you'll stay for 3 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!

Start your day at The Real Mary King's Close. This history-steeped museum is a notable place to see in Edinburgh. Then, wander over to St Giles' Cathedral. If stunning sites excite you, this church will be right up your alley. Nearby, you’ll also find National Museum Of Scotland. This standout museum is a favorite among visitors.

Edinburgh offers plenty to explore, ensuring every moment of your visit is filled with excitement and discovery. If you're up for more, Royal Mile is a popular spot in the city that will captivate you with its unique charm.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Novotel Edinburgh Centre beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Tigerlily. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Edinburgh tonight.

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.

After your meal, keep the night alive at a bar like Cafe Royal, known for its lively atmosphere. The Ensign Ewart is another top recommendation that provides the perfect setting with well-crafted drinks and a welcoming ambiance. Similarly, Tonic offers an excellent atmosphere for those looking to amp up the evening.

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

Day 5 introduces you to many popular attractions and activities in Edinburgh, further proving that leisurely self-drive tours in Scotland are extraordinary.

Visiting Hmy Britannia is always a good idea. This intriguing historic ship is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike. Next, immerse yourself in the eye-catching wonders of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a must-see botanical garden in the city.

Consider stopping for a small bite to eat or a drink at a local eatery to keep your energy going. When you’re ready, continue your discovery with a visit to Scottish National Gallery. This captivating art gallery offers an enriching experience. For a change of pace, head to Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, where you can take in picture-perfect features. Conclude your self-guided sightseeing tour with a visit to Camera Obscura These sights offer a fulfilling end to a perfect day.

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.

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 a delightful dinner at Angels with Bagpipes, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Rabble Taphouse and Grill? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Black Ivy as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight 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.

Continue your lively evening at Hoot The Redeemer, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Albanach is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Thistle Street Bar ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

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

Day 6 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!

Experience Holyrood Park, an interesting park in the city. Then, head to Holyrood Palace and soak in the ambiance of this historic palace.

There are many interesting places to see in Edinburgh, and when you are ready for more, go to Edinburgh Castle. This is one of the city’s most famous breathtaking spots of interest. After exploring the castle, visit the notable Dean Village. Not far away, you'll also find Edinburgh Zoo. This zoo is a visually striking highlight in Edinburgh.

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.

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 lovely meal at The Angels Share Hotel and Bar, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, The Newsroom Bar & Eatery is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at Premier Inn Edinburgh Leith Waterfront hotel. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Edinburgh tonight.

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.

After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at The Waverley Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, The Royal Oak offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, The Oxford Bar provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

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