6-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen traveling west to Inverness

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Photo of long pond and an alley in Duthie park near the entrance, Aberdeen, Scotland.
Photo of Dunnottar Castle. An amazing scottish landscape. Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom.
6-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen traveling west to Inverness
6-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen traveling west to Inverness
6-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen traveling west to Inverness
6-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen traveling west to Inverness
6-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Aberdeen traveling west to Inverness
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Escape the ordinary with this exciting 6-day road trip through Scotland. Explore diverse landscapes, discover lively cities, and prepare for an unforgettable journey!

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Scotland. You will spend 2 nights in Aberdeen and 3 nights in Inverness. Anticipate well-spent days sightseeing, eating delicious food, and experiencing the highlights of each destination!

With this travel package, you can choose from an extensive selection of accommodations along your road trip route in Scotland. We have handpicked the best hotels and places to stay across the country, including options for each budget. Whether you are in the mood for luxurious 5-star hotels or budget-friendly bed and breakfasts, we have you covered.

Upon arriving in Aberdeen, the rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for collection. From there, the road trip can begin! Experience the ultimate freedom and uncover Scotland on your own terms.

An expertly curated travel plan makes sure you don’t miss out on any of the best things to see and do on your road trip in Scotland. Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Aberdeen, Dufftown, Craigellachie, Inverness, Lewiston, Fortrose, Cawdor, Poolewe, Crathie, and Braemar, you will also enjoy plenty of opportunities to uncover hidden gems and experience the authentic charm of Scotland. Whether you are exploring enchanting towns and villages, discovering scenic routes, or indulging in local cuisine, there is always something new and exciting to experience in Scotland.

Throughout your road trip in Scotland, take breaks from sightseeing to explore your favorite destinations' top shopping streets and markets. Discover unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of your self-drive adventure in Scotland.

This package offers an all-in-one solution for your trip planning - choose flights, a rental car, accommodations, attractions, and tours that suit your needs and desires. You can customize each day of your road trip itinerary with flexible trip planning before and after booking.

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

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Driver’s age is 30 - 65
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Pick-up: 10:00
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Day1

Day 1

  • Aberdeen - Arrival day
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  • Duthie Park
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Welcome to Aberdeen, the perfect starting point for your road trip in Scotland! Pick up your rental car and let the adventure begin. You will spend 1 night discovering what to see in Aberdeen before embarking on the next leg of your journey.

Aberdeen is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. If you arrive before check-in time or prefer to get started on your sightseeing right away, we recommend checking out Duthie Park. Taking a stroll in the city center is a great alternative. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

When you're ready for some downtime, make your way to your chosen hotel. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM in Aberdeen. Make yourself at home and unwind before heading out again.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, 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 Mi Amore, 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 The Tippling House, a hidden gem nestled in Aberdeen. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Slains Castle, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Northern Bar provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, The Grill offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Raise a toast to the start of your 6-day road trip in Scotland!

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Day2

Day 2

  • Aberdeen
  • Dufftown
  • Craigellachie
  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 183 km, 3 hours 8 min

  • Glenfiddich Distillery
  • Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre
  • Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
  • Eden Court Inverness
  • St Mary's Roman Catholic Church
  • More

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

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 16 min. Upon your arrival in Dufftown, 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 Glenfiddich Distillery, a frequently visited distillery that everyone visiting Dufftown should see.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Dufftown and set your GPS to Craigellachie. 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 6 min. Upon reaching Craigellachie, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre, a beloved visitor center that everyone visiting Craigellachie should see.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Inverness. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 18 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Savor the day by heading to Inverness Museum And Art Gallery, an intriguing museum that draws visitors from near and far. When you're done, continue to Eden Court Inverness, where you can soak in the picture-perfect surroundings.

Next, explore St Mary's Roman Catholic Church, yet another beloved place to see in the area.

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

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.

Savor the flavors at Simpsons, a top pick for dinner tonight. Alternatively, Kingsmills Hotel beckons with its unique menu offerings. Also, consider Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. With its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an excellent option for dining in Inverness tonight.

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

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Scotland!

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Day3

Day 3

  • Inverness
  • Lewiston
  • Fortrose
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Drive 187 km, 3 hours 26 min

  • Loch Ness
  • Urquhart Castle
  • Chanonry Point
  • Clava cairns
  • More

On day 3 of your road trip, you’ll start and end your day in Inverness, where you have 2 nights left to stay.

Clava Cairns makes a great addition to your morning plans. This locally appreciated archeological site is a breathtaking place to see in Inverness.

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

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Inverness, you’ll hit the road in the direction of the Scottish Highlands. This drive usually takes around 27 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Loch Ness, an intriguing lake known for its mesmerizing features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Lewiston. This car ride takes around 43 min.

Spend your afternoon discovering Urquhart Castle, a well-known castle known for its romantic features.

When you’ve had your share of Lewiston, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Fortrose. Your travel time is around 56 min.

Enjoy sightseeing at your own pace and allow yourself time to explore the beautiful surroundings. Take your self-guided tour to Chanonry Point, an often recommended whale watching spot that everyone visiting Fortrose should see.

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

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

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at MacGregor's, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? The White House offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. And don’t miss The Kitchen Brasserie. Known for great service, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Inverness.

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.

Raise your glass to another unforgettable day in Scotland!

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Day4

Day 4

  • Inverness
  • Poolewe
  • More

Drive 243 km, 3 hours 34 min

  • Victoria Falls
  • Inverewe Garden
  • Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve
  • More

Greet day 4 of your road trip in Scotland with a smile and start your day with a hearty breakfast. You have 1 night to stay in Inverness, so get ready to make the most of your time in the region. On the agenda for this day, you’ll find only the best things to see and do in the Scottish Highlands and Poolewe.

The Scottish Highlands’s wonders await as you prepare for another journey on the road, leaving the breathtaking surroundings of Inverness behind. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 20 min. The Scottish Highlands welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

When you're ready for some sights, head to Victoria Falls, a beloved point of interest in the Scottish Highlands. This locally appreciated nature reserve is a top recommendation in the area.

Poolewe welcomes you with a multitude of unique vacation experiences.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Inverewe Garden and explore the eye-catching features.

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

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 wonderful meal at Cafe V8, a top-rated dining spot in Inverness. If you're in the mood for something new, try Scotch & Rye, another premier location with a delectable menu. You might also want to book a table at Johnny Foxes. Known for its consistently satisfied patrons, it’s a perfect choice to elevate your evening in Inverness.

Round off your dining experience by visiting Market Bar, a prime location for a drink.

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

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Day5

Day 5

  • Inverness
  • Crathie
  • Braemar
  • Aberdeen
  • More

Drive 286 km, 4 hours 38 min

  • Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
  • Balmoral Castle
  • Braemar Duck Pond
  • More

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you'll explore 4 destinations, including Glenmore, Crathie, Braemar, and Dess. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Aberdeen, where you'll spend 1 night.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Glenmore. This drive usually takes around 51 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Cairngorm Reindeer Herd. Spend some time admiring the scenic features of the wildlife reserve before you continue to your next stop.

When you’ve had your share of Glenmore, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Crathie. Your travel time is around 1 hour 52 min.

Our first attraction recommendation in Crathie is Balmoral Castle, an underrated castle that draws attention for its respected features.

Set your GPS to Braemar and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 20 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Braemar beckons with new experiences!

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Braemar Duck Pond. Spend some time admiring the romantic features of the lake before you continue to your next stop.

At the end of the day, you will drive to Aberdeen, 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 Aberdeen. Enjoy a satisfying meal that will recharge you for tonight's adventures.

Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Foodstory, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try Ninety-Nine? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Miller & Carter Aberdeen as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Aberdeen.

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

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

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Day6

Day 6

  • Aberdeen - Departure day
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  • Union Street
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Day 6 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Aberdeen before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

At the top of the list of places to visit today is Union Street, a street that captures the true essence of Aberdeen. Take your time to uncover its best sides and enjoy its proximity to many of the area’s best attractions.

For a shopping spree in Aberdeen, we recommend the lively Aberdeen Market. Here, you'll find a range of shops you can browse for some souvenir shopping.

Before you conclude your road trip in Scotland, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in Aberdeen.

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at The City Bar and Diner, an excellent option for tonight's dining. Looking for something different? Maggie's Grill offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Aberdeen. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Scotland!

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Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.
Secure your spot
Confirm your package instantly and lock in the best rate with secure payment and guaranteed availability.
Get instant confirmation
Shortly after booking, you’ll receive your full itinerary, including schedules, locations, and everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Personalize your itinerary
Each package includes a professionally crafted itinerary you can tailor to your travel style. A dedicated travel expert will make sure every detail fits your needs perfectly.
Easily make changes
Need to update plans? No problem. Whether before your trip or mid-journey, we’re just seconds away to help with quick adjustments.
Enjoy seamless planning
With everything from accommodations to activities pre-arranged, our packages save you hours of research—so you can spend more time enjoying your trip, not planning it.
Explore with confidence
From scenic road trips to city-hopping adventures, we’re here 24/7 to support you across Europe—before, during, and after your trip.

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Your trip is protected, personalized, and priced right. No surprises, no stress.

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