11-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh to Fort William, Portree, and Inverness

Day 2 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Edinburgh has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Edinburgh.

Awaiting your discovery is the increasingly popular Arthur's Seat, an eye-catching hiking area in Edinburgh. Next, go to National Museum Of Scotland.

After visiting Arthur's Seat and National Museum Of Scotland, have a stroll along Edinburgh's streets and take in the local charm. Continue your sightseeing by heading to Edinburgh Castle. This culturally significant castle offers a unique experience. St Giles' Cathedral is another noteworthy attraction worthwhile a visit. End your self-guided sightseeing tour on top with a visit to Royal Mile, one of the most visually striking places to visit in Edinburgh.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Scotland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Edinburgh is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh.

Make sure to reserve a table at Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel, 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 Novotel Edinburgh Centre, 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 Tigerlily, a hidden gem nestled in Edinburgh. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Extend your evening after a delightful meal by visiting Cafe Royal, which offers the perfect atmosphere for a night out. Moreover, The Ensign Ewart is another popular option for a drink or two. Likewise, Tonic also provides a great ambiance for reminiscing about the day and raising a toast to your vacation.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 3 of your road trip in Scotland, your travel plans include 4 stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Glencoe, and Banavie are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Fort William, where you will stay for 1 night.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Cambuskenneth. This car ride takes around 1 hour 3 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Wallace Monument, a popular monument known for its picture-perfect features.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stirling. This drive usually takes around 11 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Stirling Castle, a locally renowned castle that is sure to impress. Take in the surroundings and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace before you continue your journey.

After soaking in Stirling’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Glencoe. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 59 min. When you arrive in Glencoe, it's time to take a break from the road.

Spend your afternoon discovering Glencoe Folk Museum, a worthwhile museum known for its standout features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Glencoe Lochan Trail, a locally appreciated hiking area.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to your hotel in Fort William. Check in and relax before you head out to tour the town.

After a day of adventure, treat yourself to an exquisite dinner at one of Fort William's best restaurants.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

On day 4 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Glenfinnan, the Scottish Highlands, Kyleakin, and Portree. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Portree, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Glenfinnan, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Fort William to Glenfinnan may take around 27 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Glenfinnan, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Our first attraction recommendation in Glenfinnan is Glenfinnan Monument - National Trust For Scotland, a beloved monument that draws attention for its breathtaking features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Glenfinnan Viaduct, a picture-perfect heritage railway that stands out in the village.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, the Scottish Highlands. This car ride takes around 14 min.

Dumbledore's Grave is an up-and-coming historical landmark we recommend visiting today. Discover its idyllic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to the Scottish Highlands, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Kyleakin. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 22 min.

Caisteal Maol is a beloved castle we recommend visiting today. Discover its romantic features before continuing your self-guided tour.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Portree, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Portree's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!

Day 7 of your road trip across Scotland promises a magnificent time exploring what to see in Inverness. You have 3 nights left in Inverness. Take the opportunity to experience more of the best attractions and activities in the city.

Experience Inverness Cathedral, Dedicated To St Andrew, a worthwhile church in the city. Then, head to Inverness Museum And Art Gallery and soak in the ambiance of this historic museum.

There are many interesting places to see in Inverness, and when you are ready for more, go to Clava Cairns. This is one of the city’s most up-and-coming culturally significant spots of interest.

Don’t forget to check out all the popular tours and experiences you can add to your travel plans in Scotland. You can explore and select activities under each day of your itinerary.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Inverness's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Don’t miss out on dining at MacGregor's, a top-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider The White House, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at The Kitchen Brasserie. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

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

As the sun sets, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Scotland.

On day 8 of your road trip in Scotland, you’ll start and end your day in Inverness, but spend the day exploring what’s beyond the city. Since you still have 2 nights to spend in Inverness, there’s no need to rush. Experience Dufftown, Grantown-on-Spey, and Aviemore to the fullest today with this curated day itinerary.

Dufftown is brimming with adventures.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Dufftown may take around 1 hour 21 min. Upon your arrival in Dufftown, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Glenfiddich Distillery, a frequently visited distillery in Dufftown. Explore its heritage-rich features at your own pace before you continue your journey to your next attraction, The Balvenie Distillery. This often recommended distillery is a top recommendation in the area.

When you’ve had your share of Dufftown, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Grantown-on-Spey. Your travel time is around 39 min.

Grantown Museum is a curiosity-inducing museum we recommend visiting today. Discover its eye-catching features before continuing your self-guided tour.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Grantown-on-Spey and set your GPS to Aviemore. 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 26 min. Upon reaching Aviemore, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Savor the day by heading to Strathspey Railway - (aviemore, Station), an up-and-coming heritage railway that draws visitors from near and far.

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

Inverness is a place where the culinary landscape is as diverse as its attractions. So before the day ends, treat your palate to a taste of local cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Inverness.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Cafe V8, a top-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Scotch & Rye, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Johnny Foxes. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s a perfect choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

Continue your lively evening at Market Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in.

Relax and look forward to more memorable moments to come!

Wake up to day 9 of your road trip in Scotland. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Fortrose and Cromarty. With 1 night to stay in Inverness, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the city’s surroundings!

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop — Fortrose, home to many well-known sights in the region. Keep in mind that your travel time from Inverness to Fortrose may take around 29 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival in Fortrose, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Chanonry Point, an intriguing whale watching spot that everyone visiting Fortrose should see. Next, head to Fortrose Cathedral. This grand church is one of the most worthwhile attractions in the region.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Fortrose and set your GPS to Cromarty. 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 17 min. Upon reaching Cromarty, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Cromarty Lighthouse, a locally appreciated lighthouse known for its breathtaking features.

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

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Inverness's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a delicious meal at River House, a highly-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're eager to try something different, consider Bar One Inverness, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Premier Inn Inverness Centre River Ness. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Scotland!