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

Dive into day 3 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you'll explore 1 destination, including Inverness. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Inverness, where you'll spend 2 nights.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Aberdeen, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Inverness. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 28 min.

Savor the day by heading to Clava Cairns, an increasingly popular archeological site that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Inverness Museum And Art Gallery, where you can soak in the history-steeped surroundings.

Next, explore Inverness Cathedral, Dedicated To St Andrew, yet another worthwhile place to see in the area. After the church, make time to go to Eden Court Inverness. This romantic performing arts theater is well worth the visit.

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

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 Inverness, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Simpsons, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Kingsmills Hotel? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Inverness.

Cap off your dinner by heading to The Gunsmiths Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. The Malt Room is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, Maccallums Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

As the day draws to a close, take a moment to unwind and prepare for the next exciting chapter of your road trip in Scotland.

On day 5 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 3 destinations, including Stromeferry, Portree, and the Scottish Highlands. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Portree, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

Whether you decide to get entrance tickets for all attractions or you prefer admiring from a distance, amazing experiences await on this day in Stromeferry.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Stromeferry. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 34 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Loch Carron View Point, a beloved observation deck that everyone visiting Stromeferry should see.

After soaking in Stromeferry’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Portree. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 1 hour 5 min. When you arrive in Portree, it's time to take a break from the road.

For a more meaningful self-guided tour of the village's best attractions, visit Isle Of Skye Candle Co. Visitor Centre, 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.

Spend your afternoon discovering Talisker Bay Beach, an up-and-coming beach known for its mesmerizing features. Next, continue your sightseeing at Fairy Pools, a locally appreciated waterfall.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Portree. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Take some time to reflect on your day and savor another beautiful night in Scotland.

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 7 of your road trip in Scotland. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 3 places, which are Glenfinnan, Banavie, and Fort William. At the end of the day, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Fort William, where will spend 2 nights.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Glenfinnan may take around 2 hours 53 min. Upon your arrival in Glenfinnan, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Spend your afternoon discovering Glenfinnan Viaduct, an increasingly popular heritage railway known for its gorgeous features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Banavie. This car ride takes around 23 min.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Neptune's Staircase and explore the gorgeous features.

It’s time to gear up for the next part of your road trip adventure. Under favorable conditions, your drive to Fort William may take around 10 min. Upon your arrival in Fort William, you’ll be greeted with the opportunity to do some sightseeing and exploring.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to West Highland Museum, a frequently visited museum that everyone visiting Fort William should see.

After soaking up all the sights on today's itinerary, you'll be ready to head to your accommodation in Fort William. Fort William offers plenty of top-rated hotels for every travel budget. Take some time to relax before you go out again.

Fort William 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 Fort William.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Scotland!

Wake up to day 8 of your road trip in Scotland. On this day, you’ll embark on an exciting expedition discovering the enchanting sights and activities of Tigh a Steill and the Scottish Highlands. With 1 night to stay in Fort William, we encourage you to seize the day and discover the unexplored beauty of the town’s surroundings!

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Tigh a Steill. This car ride takes around 22 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Steall Waterfall, a locally appreciated waterfall that everyone visiting Tigh a Steill should see.

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

Our first attraction recommendation in the Scottish Highlands is Ben Nevis Weather Station, an up-and-coming hiking area that draws attention for its awe-inspiring features. Spend some time soaking in the atmosphere before continuing to Nevis Range Gondola Top, an enchanting observation deck that stands out in the hamlet.

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

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

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Scotland!

Your itinerary for day 9 of your road trip in Scotland includes 1 stop and features some of the highlights of Glasgow. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Glasgow, where you'll spend 2 nights.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Glasgow. This car ride takes around 2 hours 29 min.

Glasgow Science Centre is a beloved science center we recommend visiting today. Discover its awe-inspiring features before continuing your self-guided tour to Riverside Museum, a picture-perfect museum that’s well-regarded in the area.

Next, stop by George Square, a breathtaking public square.

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

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

Dine in style at The Piper Whisky Bar, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, The National Piping Centre boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out Pasha Glasgow. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Glasgow.

Continue your lively evening at The Gallery Bar, a perfect place for winding down or revving up the night, depending on which mood you’re in. Steps Bar is another excellent bar that offers a great selection of drinks to suit any mood. If you prefer to go somewhere else, Bar 91 ensures a night out tailored to your taste.

Head back to your accommodation in Glasgow and get some rest to prepare for another magical day of your road trip in Scotland.

On day 10 of your road trip, you will have an entire day to discover what to see in Glasgow. You’ll stay in Glasgow for 1 night.

Whether you decide to explore Glasgow on foot, use public transport, or join a guided tour, there are a few attractions you don’t want to miss. Make sure to visit Merchant City, a popular neighborhood in Glasgow. Spend some time wandering around the area and soak in its distinctive charm. You’ll also discover that several of the city’s must-see attractions are just around the corner.

No visit to Glasgow is complete without Glasgow Cathedral. This worthwhile church is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Glasgow Botanic Gardens, another must-visit attraction.

As you wander through the inviting streets of Glasgow, soak in the lively ambiance and take the opportunity to snap some photos. Next, head to Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum. This interesting museum is a traveler-favorite. Not far away, you’ll find Pollok Country Park, another key site on your sightseeing itinerary.

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.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in Glasgow. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Have a fantastic dining experience at Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow, a highly recommended choice for tonight's dinner. If you're looking to mix things up, Novotel Glasgow Centre offers an enticing alternative with its varied menu. Additionally, Glaschu Restaurant & Bar is worth considering. Renowned for satisfying diners, it’s an ideal option for tonight in Glasgow.

Relax and recharge in preparation for another adventurous day in Scotland!

On day 11 of your road trip in Scotland, your travel plans include 1 stop at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in the region. Edinburgh are on today's agenda. In the evening, you’ll end up in Edinburgh, where you will stay for 1 night.

When you’ve had your share of Glasgow, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Edinburgh. Your travel time is around 1 hour 19 min.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Holyrood Palace. Spend some time admiring the stunning features of the palace before you continue to your next stop. Then, head to Edinburgh Castle. This widely recognized castle is a traveler-favorite in the city.

If you're keen to see more, continue to National Museum Of Scotland. Feed your curiosity by learning something new about the museum. Next, take your journey to Royal Mile, a captivating street.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Edinburgh, 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 Edinburgh's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for a true cultural experience.

Enjoy a lovely meal at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Chaophraya Thai Restaurant is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at The Theatre Royal Bar. As an establishment that consistently gains high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Edinburgh tonight.

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.

Say good night to Edinburgh and look forward to another great day of your road trip in Scotland!