7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling north to Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen

1 / 73
Old town chambers Edinburgh, Scotland
Photo of the scenic Dean Village in a sunny afternoon, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling north to Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen
7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling north to Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen
7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling north to Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen
7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling north to Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen
7-Day Scotland Self-Drive Road Trip With Itinerary from Edinburgh traveling north to Glasgow, Inverness, and Aberdeen
Perfect travel plans
Everything included
Fully customizable

Description

Included

Flights
Select dates
Hotel
Select dates
Car rental
Select dates
Tours & tickets
Select dates
Travel plan
From A to Z
Travel agent
24/7 fast service

Description

Explore the best of Scotland on a remarkable 7-day road trip! Combine exploration with relaxation on a self-drive tour featuring Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Inverness, Lewiston, Aberdeen, Blackness, Larbert, and Skinflats.

This perfectly planned road trip itinerary takes you through some of the best places to see in Scotland. You will spend 2 nights in Edinburgh, 2 nights in Glasgow, 1 night in Inverness, and 1 night in Aberdeen. 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 Edinburgh, 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. Edinburgh Castle and National Museum Of Scotland are just a couple of the bucket-list attractions that await your discovery.

As you hit the open road and drive through Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, Stirling, Inverness, Lewiston, Aberdeen, Blackness, Larbert, and Skinflats, 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!

Read more

Travel details

Set your travel details to find the best price

Flights

Round trip
Round trip
Travel dates

Travelers

Rooms

Flights

Compare and choose from the best flights to Edinburgh

Car

Choose from the best car rental deals or see all options

Driver’s age is 30 - 65
I live in
Pick-up: 10:00
Drop-off: 10:00

Personalize your itinerary

Customize tours under each day and destination

Day1

Day 1

  • Edinburgh - Arrival day
  • More
  • The Royal Mile
  • More

Say hello to Edinburgh! Your exciting road trip through Scotland is just about to start. Navigating the top places to see in the region is a breeze with a car. The rental vehicle of your choice will be ready for pickup upon your arrival in the city. You will stay in Edinburgh for 1 night before you continue your adventure!

Edinburgh 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 Royal Mile. 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.

Find your way to your hotel in Edinburgh. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Scotland. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

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

Make sure to reserve a table at The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh, 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 Chaophraya Thai Restaurant, 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 The Theatre Royal Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Edinburgh. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Raise a toast to the start of your 7-day road trip in Scotland!

Read more
Day2

Day 2

  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 91 km, 2 hours 1 min

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

On day 2 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 Glasgow, where you will stay for 2 nights.

Let Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh set the tone for the day. Spend some time admiring this mesmerizing botanical garden before continuing your journey. Holyrood Park is your next stop. This interesting park is one of the best-rated sights in Edinburgh.

Consider grabbing some lunch or a light snack to keep your energy going. Beyond the above-mentioned attractions, today is also the perfect time to visit Holyrood Palace. This history-steeped palace is a sight to behold. To round off your sightseeing experience, visit National Museum Of Scotland and Edinburgh Castle.

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.

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

Treat yourself to an extraordinary dining experience at Ox and Finch, a Bib Gourmand restaurant offering an incredible mediterranean menu. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, Cail Bruich is one of the best restaurants for modern cuisine in Glasgow. This 1-star Michelin-awardee earns consistently high praises from guests. We also recommend checking out the menu at Unalome by Graeme Cheevers. As a top-rated establishment with 1 Michelin star, it is an ideal choice for modern british cuisine in the city.

Cap off your culinary experience with a visit to some of the most celebrated bars in the area. For instance, The Gallery Bar stands out as an excellent choice for a post-dinner cocktail. Alternatively, Steps Bar offers an ideal atmosphere to enjoy the pleasures of the night. Bar 91 is also a great option that provides a perfect setting for a relaxing evening.

Raise your glass and celebrate another amazing day of your road trip in Scotland!

Read more
Day3

Day 3

  • Glasgow
  • More

Drive 33 km, 1 hour 9 min

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

Day 3 of your road trip will take you to the best attractions Glasgow has to offer. Cherish the 1 night you have left in the city and use the provided itinerary to discover what to see in Glasgow.

Experience Glasgow Botanic Gardens, a notable botanical garden in the city. Then, head to Kelvingrove Park and soak in the ambiance of this eye-catching park.

There are many interesting places to see in Glasgow, and when you are ready for more, go to Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum. This is one of the city’s most locally renowned historic spots of interest. After exploring the museum, visit the popular Riverside Museum. Not far away, you'll also find Pollok Country Park. This park is a romantic highlight in Glasgow.

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.

As you are wrapping up for the day, treat yourself to a satisfying dinner at a nice restaurant in Glasgow. Enjoy a relaxing evening as you savor delicious local cuisine.

Make sure to reserve a table at Santa Lucia Merchant City Glasgow, an iconic dining spot in Glasgow. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Novotel Glasgow Centre, a popular restaurant in Glasgow. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Glaschu Restaurant & Bar, a hidden gem nestled in Glasgow. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

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

Read more
Day4

Day 4

  • Glasgow
  • Cambuskenneth
  • Stirling
  • Inverness
  • More

Drive 299 km, 4 hours

  • George Square
  • Glasgow Green
  • The National Wallace Monument
  • Stirling Castle
  • Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park
  • More

Your itinerary for day 4 of your road trip in Scotland includes 3 stops and features some of the highlights of Glasgow, Cambuskenneth, and Stirling. At the end of the day, enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Inverness, where you'll spend 1 night.

No visit to Glasgow is complete without George Square. This popular public square is one of the top attractions in the city. Proceed to Glasgow Green, another must-visit attraction.

After soaking in Glasgow’s unique atmosphere, jump into the car with a full heart and drive in the direction of your next destination: Cambuskenneth. Expect your car journey to take a minimum of 41 min. When you arrive in Cambuskenneth, it's time to take a break from the road.

One of our top recommendations for your sightseeing is Wallace Monument. Spend some time admiring the picture-perfect features of the monument before you continue to your next stop.

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.

Set out on a self-guided sightseeing tour at Stirling Castle and explore the instagrammable features. Next, make your way to Blair Drummond Safari And Adventure Park, another highlight in Stirling.

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.

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.

Enjoy a delicious meal at Simpsons, a highly-rated dining destination in Inverness. If you're eager to try something different, consider Kingsmills Hotel, another top spot with a tantalizing menu. You might also want to secure a reservation at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa. With a reputation for consistently satisfying customers, it’s an excellent choice to enhance your stay in Inverness this evening.

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

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

Read more
Day5

Day 5

  • Inverness
  • Lewiston
  • Aberdeen
  • More

Drive 321 km, 5 hours 4 min

  • Urquhart Castle
  • Clava cairns
  • More

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable road trip in Scotland. Today you'll explore 3 destinations, including Lewiston, Inverness, and Glenmore. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Aberdeen, where you'll spend 1 night.

Your adventure in Inverness is only getting started when you visit Clava Cairns, a curiosity-inducing local hot spot.

When you arrive in Lewiston, it's time to take a break from the road.

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

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.

Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen.

Dine in style at Fierce Bar Aberdeen, a top recommendation for dinner tonight. Or, for a change of pace, Mi Amore boasts a menu that's sure to impress. Also, be sure to check out The Tippling House. Known as a local hotspot, it’s a great choice for tonight in Aberdeen.

After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Slains Castle, known for its inviting atmosphere. Northern Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, The Grill provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.

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

Read more
Day6

Day 6

  • Aberdeen
  • Blackness
  • Larbert
  • Edinburgh
  • More

Drive 277 km, 4 hours 2 min

  • Duthie Park
  • Blackness Castle
  • Falkirk Wheel
  • More

On day 6 of your exciting self-drive vacation in Scotland, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 4 destinations, including Aberdeen, Blackness, Larbert, and Skinflats. When you’re not sightseeing, take time to relax at your chosen hotel in Edinburgh, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

Visiting Duthie Park is always a good idea. This frequently visited park is a place that is appreciated by travelers and locals alike.

Embrace the thrill of the open road as you wave goodbye to Aberdeen and set your GPS to Blackness. 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 2 hours 14 min. Upon reaching Blackness, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

Spend your afternoon discovering Blackness Castle, an up-and-coming castle known for its stunning features.

Continue your road trip and head to your next destination, Larbert. This car ride takes around 30 min.

Falkirk Wheel is a captivating monument we recommend visiting today. Discover its instagrammable features before continuing your self-guided tour.

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

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

Discover the culinary delights of Edinburgh by securing a reservation at Heron. Esteemed for its 1-star Guide Michelin recognition, this restaurant offers a remarkable selection of modern cuisine. For an alternative dining experience, try Condita, renowned for its delicious modern dishes. This esteemed 1-star Michelin-recipient consistently impresses guests, making it a must-visit spot during your holiday. Craving more culinary excitement? Head to The Kitchin, a highly recommended local eatery celebrated for its mouthwatering modern menu. With its 1-star Michelin recognition, it offers an unforgettable dining adventure.

Continue your evening by exploring the vibrant nightlife scene at Cafe Royal, a prime destination for a thrilling night out. Also, don’t forget to check out The Ensign Ewart, a bar that offers unique local touches. Likewise, Tonic provides an excellent alternative for a fun evening.

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

Read more
Day7

Day 7

  • Edinburgh - Departure day
  • More
  • Dean Village
  • More

Day 7 of your road trip in Scotland is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of Edinburgh before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

If you're up for some more sightseeing, we recommend visiting Dean Village, a romantic historical landmark before you head out.

Take some time to indulge in shopping at Edinburgh’s popular marketplace, George Street. Look for keepsakes or souvenirs to remind you of your trip. If you’re in the mood for luxury shopping, high-end stores await you.

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

If you're in the mood to try something new, consider Rabble Taphouse and Grill, another top spot with a mouthwatering menu.

You’ll then say farewell to Edinburgh. 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!

Read more

How it works

Book your journey with Europe’s biggest travel platform—expert itineraries, instant confirmation, and full flexibility with 24/7 support.

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.
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.

We guarantee

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

Similar travel packages

Discover other popular vacations in the United Kingdom

Link to appstore phone
Install Europe’s biggest travel app

Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place

Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.