5-Day Scotland Road Trip from Glasgow traveling east to Edinburgh and Inverness

Photo of aerial view of the city of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom.
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Summary

Duration
5 days & 4 nights
Available
Jan. - Dec.
Hotel
4 nights included
Car rental
5 days included
Flights
Optional
Travel app
All vouchers, itinerary, & map

Description

Have the adventure of a lifetime with this 5-day road trip through Scotland.

This incredible self-drive vacation package will take you through the best destinations in Scotland. With this perfectly planned travel package, you will stay 2 nights in Glasgow, 1 night in Edinburgh, and 1 night in Inverness, experiencing the ultimate road trip in Scotland. Your road trip will enable you to discover the country's most popular attractions and restaurants in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness. We'll help you experience the best 5 days in Scotland you can imagine so you can leave happy and inspired.

Upon arriving in Glasgow, you'll collect the rental vehicle of your choice. From there, you'll be off to discover some of the most popular attractions in Scotland, including the stunning George Square and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

You'll have an extensive selection of accommodations to choose from throughout your road trip. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, catering to all budgets. Whether you're in the mood for luxurious five-star hotels or cozy, budget-friendly accommodations, we've got you covered.

Your road trip will bring you close to the best attractions and most incredible sights in Scotland. From the magnificent Edinburgh Castle to the breathtaking National Museum of Scotland and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, your journey will take you on a thrilling adventure through some of the most iconic travel destinations in the country. Your discovery doesn't end there. Make sure to marvel at the remarkable Stirling Castle and learn more about the unique The Kelpies to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. As you hit the open road and drive through Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Inverness, you'll also have plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Scotland. Whether you're exploring enchanting small towns, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there's always something new and exciting to experience in Scotland.

Add tours and tickets to each day of your trip to make the most of your time in Scotland. You'll have the opportunity to choose from the best tours and activities that your travel destinations have to offer, meaning you'll never have a boring moment on your road trip through Scotland.

Your travel plan itinerary also gives you multiple opportunities to look for souvenirs to memorialize your road trip in Scotland.

You'll return home having experienced the very best of everything Scotland has to offer. Each twist and turn of the journey adds a unique charm to your travel tales.

You can customize each day of your road trip vacation itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking. Enjoy the benefits of exploring all these great attractions at your own speed.

Your travel plan includes everything you need to experience the best of Scotland. You'll be booked at the best hotels for 4 nights, with plenty of top-rated breakfast and restaurant options nearby. We'll provide you with the best car rental for 4 days during your self-drive road trip, including CDW insurance.

You'll have access to 24/7 travel support, a personal travel agent, and a step-by-step guide via our flexible mobile app. You can choose and add your flight preferences as needed. Make your vacation in Scotland extra special by adding tours and tickets to each day of your itinerary.

The best services in Scotland fill up quickly, so book your spot early. Select a date and start planning your self-drive road trip in Scotland today!

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Included

Hotel, 4 nights
Rental car, 5 days
CDW Insurance
Step-by-step guide
Personal travel agent
24/7 travel support

Destinations

Photo of aerial view of Glasgow in Scotland, United Kingdom.Glasgow / 2 nights
Photo of beautiful view of the old town city of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, United Kingdom.Edinburgh / 1 night
Stirling - region in United KingdomStirling
Highland - region in United KingdomHighland / 1 night

Map

Attractions

Scenic view of Edinburgh Castle and Ross Fountain, Scotland travel photo. Edinburgh Castle is historic center of the city and most popular tourist attraction.Edinburgh Castle
 City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus in front of National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh city.National Museum of Scotland
Scotland kelpies on a sunny dayThe Kelpies
Aerial View of Stirling castle.Stirling Castle
Glasshouse at the Royal Botanical Gardens in public park Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland.Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Landmark of Edinburgh - Holyrood Palace,Scotland,UK, EuropeHolyrood Palace
Rainbow over Glasgow City Chambers and George Square, Scotland - UK.George Square
Riverside Museum
The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. Scotland, United Kingdom.The Falkirk Wheel
View of Kelvingrove Park full of people enjoying the Scottish summer with the main building of Glasgow University on the top of the hill.Kelvingrove Park
The People's Palace & Winter Garden in Glasgow, Scotland.Glasgow Botanic Gardens
National Wallace Monument on top of the hill Abbey Craig in Stirling, Scotland.Wallace Monument
Path leading to Nelson's Monument in Glasgow Green, Scotland.Glasgow Green
Photo of Pollok House, Glasgow, Scotland, UK .Pollok Country Park

Flights
Yes
No

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy

Travel details

Flights

Round trip
Economy
Round trip
Economy
Travel dates

Include flights?

Yes
No

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Car
Yes
No

Car

Small car

Small car

Category
small car
Transmission
People
Large bags
Medium car

Medium car

Category
Medium
Transmission
People
Large bags
Premium car

Premium car

Category
premium car
Transmission
People
Large bags

Hotels

Personalize your itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Glasgow - arrival day

  • Glasgow - Arrival day
  • More
  • George Square
  • More

Your road trip adventure in Scotland begins as soon as you reach the incredible city of Glasgow. You’ll stay in Glasgow for 2 nights, experiencing all the best things to do and see in the city.

Glasgow has many popular destinations you can explore. You could visit attractions like the incredible George Square. This attraction is a square and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 20,066 visitors.

When you're done sightseeing for the day, you'll check in at one of the best hotels or places to stay in the city. Your stay promises to be a delightful continuation of your exploration, providing comfort and tranquility to recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

When you’re ready for dinner, we recommend you try one of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow, Paesano Pizza. The restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,948 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow is The Willow Tea Rooms. This restaurant is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,255 customers.

Locals recommend Stereo as one of the best restaurants in the city of Glasgow. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,954 customers.

Glasgow also has several great bars that will fit all travel budgets. One of the best bars in the city of Glasgow is The Anchor Line. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,659 customers.

Another of the best bars in the city of Glasgow is Mono. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,446 customers.

Locals also enjoy The Citizen Glasgow. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,260 customers.

Enjoy toasting the start of your 5-day vacation in Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 2

Day 2 – Edinburgh

  • Glasgow
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 99 km, 2 hours 23 min

  • Pollok Country Park
  • Glasgow Botanic Gardens
  • Riverside Museum
  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
  • Kelvingrove Park
  • More

As you rise to greet the dawn on day 2 of your epic road trip in Scotland, you'll awaken to the bustling city of Glasgow. Today, you'll hit the road once again, setting off on a journey towards the stunning city of Edinburgh. You’ll stay in Edinburgh for 1 night. But before you begin your drive, we recommend taking the time to explore some of Glasgow’s must-see attractions and local hotspots.

If you’re curious to see more of Glasgow, start your day with a visit to the amazing Pollok Country Park. This much-appreciated park and attraction is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 7,112 visitors.

You could also stop at another of the best local travel destinations in the area, the fascinating Glasgow Botanic Gardens. This botanical garden and spectacular attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 12,594 visitors.

We also recommend you spend some time at the popular Riverside Museum to make the most of your road trip across Scotland. The spectacular Riverside Museum is a museum that has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 16,799 visitors.

The lovely Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is yet another attraction you could pay a visit. Around 19,580 visitors have left this art museum average ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars. This popular attraction gets around 1,037,594 visits every year.

If you feel like visiting another type of sight or don’t want to jump into the car quite yet, spend some time at the spectacular Kelvingrove Park. This attraction is a park rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 13,336 reviews.

After soaking up all the sights and sounds that Glasgow has to offer, you'll be ready to hit the open road and continue your unforgettable road trip towards the city of Edinburgh. Edinburgh offers plenty of options for top-rated hotels and other places to stay that fit all travel budgets.

After you’ve settled into your accommodation, we recommend a dinner at the popular Makars Gourmet Mash Bar (Edinburgh). This popular restaurant is one of the locals’ most recommended restaurants in the city, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 2,814 reviews.

The remarkable The Edinburgh Larder is another top restaurant in Edinburgh we recommend. This restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience and is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,804 customers.

If you would rather go somewhere else, the famous Bramble Bar & Lounge is also an excellent choice. This well-loved restaurant is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 743 customers.

After your meal, we recommend you drink at one of the best bars in Edinburgh, the fantastic Panda & Sons. This bar has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,617 customers.

To end your night the best way possible, we recommend going to the wonderful The Dome. This bar offers a great variety of drinks and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 6,433 customers.

Another bar with a great atmosphere is Whiski Bar & Restaurant. This bar is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 2,669 customers, so don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Celebrate another amazing vacation day filled with adventure in Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 3

Day 3 – Inverness

  • Edinburgh
  • Highland
  • More

Drive 257 km, 3 hours 46 min

  • Edinburgh Castle
  • National Museum of Scotland
  • Holyrood Palace
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
  • More

Day 3 of your road trip through Scotland gives you the opportunity to experience two places in one day. You'll start your day with some exploring in the city of Edinburgh and end it at a top-rated hotel in the city of Inverness. You will stay in Inverness for 1 night. Have a hearty breakfast and get excited for a wonderful day ahead!

One of the best places to visit today in Edinburgh is the amazing Edinburgh Castle. This attraction is a castle that is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 90,949 visitors.

You could also stop at the incredible national museum, National Museum of Scotland. With an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 45,476 visitors, this attraction is one of the top sights in the area.

Another unforgettable travel destination in the Edinburgh is the outstanding Holyrood Palace. This popular official residence and travel destination has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 17,746 visitors.

The spectacular Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is another popular attraction you can visit today. This fascinating botanical garden and attraction has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 20,765 visitors.

You can make the most of your new day in Edinburgh by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else the city has in store for you. There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your road trip in Scotland. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before it's too late.

At the end of the day, you will drive to the city of Inverness, where you will access the best hotels and places to stay.

After a long day of driving and exploring, we recommend you try Rocpool, one of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 934 customers.

Locals also recommend River House as one of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness. River House is rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 691 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Inverness is The Mustard Seed Restaurant. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 2,671 customers.

After dinner, visit Johnny Foxes, which is considered one of the best bars in the city of Inverness. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,918 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Black Isle Bar & Rooms. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,982 customers.

Alternatively, Hootananny is one of the best bars that locals recommend in the city of Inverness. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,802 customers.

Raise your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure through Scotland!

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Experiences

Day 4

Day 4 – Stirling, Cambuskenneth, Larbert, and Glasgow

  • Stirling
  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 310 km, 4 hours 13 min

  • Stirling Castle
  • Wallace Monument
  • The Falkirk Wheel
  • The Kelpies
  • More

Rise and shine on day 4 of your road trip in Scotland. Today, you'll wake up in Inverness and embark on a scenic drive to Glasgow, where you'll stay at one of the best hotels for 1 night. Seize the opportunity to explore spectacular attractions in Inverness and Cambuskenneth before you reach your end destination for the day.

It’s hard not to feel excited about visiting attractions in a destination as lovely as Inverness. When you’re eager to explore the city and nearby areas, we recommend visiting some local favorites, such as the wonderful Stirling Castle. This attraction is a castle that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 26,632 visitors.

Wave goodbye to Stirling and continue your journey by car. If you want to break up today’s drive into two, take the opportunity to stop and discover what the city of Cambuskenneth has to offer.

One of the most popular attractions you can visit is the remarkable Wallace Monument. This attraction is a monument that has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 10,772 visitors.

When you're done with your sightseeing in Cambuskenneth, it's time to continue your drive to the city of Glasgow. When you arrive in Glasgow you’ll check in at one of the best hotels in the area.

We recommend you end the day with a dinner at a popular restaurant near your accommodation, like The Piper Whisky Bar. This restaurant offers various delicious and comforting meals and has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 1,323 customers.

Locals also recommend Elia Greek Restaurant, another of the best restaurants in Glasgow. Elia Greek Restaurant is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,187 customers.

If you feel like having something else, check out the menu at The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,179 customers and is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal.

After dinner, visit Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow to enjoy a couple of drinks and relax. This bar is one of the best in Glasgow, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,038 customers.

You can also enjoy drinks at a popular bar like Alston Bar & Beef. This bar is a great spot to meet new friends and celebrate your vacation. Alston Bar & Beef has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 785 customers.

Max's Bar & Grill is another bar locals often recommend. This bar offers a great variety of snacks and drinks and is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 831 customers.

End your day by raising your glass in celebration of your incredible road trip adventure in Scotland, and look forward to more great days to come!

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Experiences

Day 5

Day 5 – Glasgow - departure day

  • Glasgow - Departure day
  • More
  • Glasgow Green
  • More

Day 5 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch one last glimpse of Glasgow before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. When you have time to explore the area before you make your way home, we recommend visiting some of the following attractions.

Glasgow Green is an extraordinary attraction you could visit to enjoy your last day in Glasgow. This stadium and popular site of interest has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 10,762 visitors.

Take a stroll along the main shopping streets of Glasgow and find some souvenirs to remind you of your road trip in Scotland.

You could then enjoy your last meal in the city of Glasgow at La Lanterna before you travel home. This popular restaurant is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 1,068 customers.

Alternatively, we also recommend Chaophraya for your last chance at a meal in the city of Glasgow. The Chaophraya restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,386 customers.

If you'd prefer a popular restaurant that locals enjoy, try Ardnamurchan Scottish Restaurant & Bar. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 868 customers.

You’ll then say farewell to Glasgow. We wish you a pleasant journey home, with many wonderful memories of your unforgettable vacation in Scotland!

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Experiences

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