Scotland Self-Drive Adventure – Edinburgh to Inverness

Price: P.O.A.

Carbon Score: 240Kg

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

On a custom, thoughtfully crafted trip, enjoy a wonderful self-drive adventure in Scotland. From the historic winds and closes of Edinburgh to the slate blue mountains of the Cairngorms National Park, spend time together surrounded by beautiful scenery. Enjoy private, engaging tours accompanied by knowledgeable guides, as well as free time to explore as you wish. Enjoy a boat cruise on the dark waters of Loch Ness, a fantastic off-road adventure into the wild heart of a Highland estate, and visit Culloden Battlefield–the site of the last Jacobite rising. Along the way, look out for Scottish wildlife, spotting roe deer, red squirrels, and golden eagles. After perfectly paced days, relax in hand-picked accommodations, each unique in character and charm.

Enquire Now

Highlights

Discover the beautiful diversity of Scottish landscapes as you travel from Edinburgh to Inverness.
Explore your way as you decide the best routes and where to stop depending on your curiosity on the day.
Enjoy a boat cruise on Loch Ness, explore Urquhart Castle and enjoy a private chocolate tasting.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Scotland

After touching down at Edinburgh Airport, meet your private driver for a smooth transfer to your elegant city centre hotel. Take some time to unwind before heading out this afternoon for a fascinating tour of Edinburgh’s underground streets. An eerie and engaging experience, explore narrow closes and hidden chambers as you hear tales about the city’s turbulent history from your knowledgeable guide.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Exploring Edinburgh

This morning, set out on a private walking tour through the winding cobbled streets of Edinburgh with an expert local guide. Discover the highlights of Scotland’s remarkable capital as you make your way up the historic Royal Mile to the commanding presence of Edinburgh Castle. Walk the ancient ramparts atop Castle Rock, where sweeping views bring the city’s layered past into focus. Your guide will accompany you to the Castle Tea Rooms, where a decadent afternoon tea awaits in a setting steeped in history. From here, explore the castle at your leisure before enjoying a free afternoon to continue your discoveries, browse for souvenirs, or relax.

Overnight: Edinburgh | The Balmoral Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Pick Up Your Hire Car & Head North

Collect your self-arranged rental car today and head out of Edinburgh to begin your journey north. Your destination is the charming Highland town of Pitlochry, where you’ll check in to the elegant Fonab Castle Hotel – a peaceful retreat nestled on the banks of Loch Faskally. Along the way, the route offers several tempting stops depending on your interests. You might pause at the stately Scone Palace near Perth, once the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings. Alternatively, take a scenic detour through the Kingdom of Fife to visit the historic university town of St Andrews and perhaps stop by Dundee to see the striking architecture of the V&A museum, perched on the waterfront. Regardless of your route, end the day by arriving at a traditional Scottish castle and settling in for the night.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Morning Private 4x4 'Safari' & Afternoon Chocolate Tasting

Today is one of two halves: a thrilling, 4×4 adventure in the morning and a decadent chocolate tasting in the afternoon. After breakfast, head out in a land rover with a charming kilted ranger to explore private estate tracks and exposed, rolling moorland. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as red deer, mountain hare and golden eagles. After lunch, a short drive will take you to a pretty local village where you can enjoy a private chocolate tasting with a world-class chocolatier whose hand-crafted truffles have won international acclaim.

Overnight: Pitlochry | Fonab Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - North to Inverness

Today, enjoy driving into the heart of the Highlands. As you head north, the landscapes shift from rolling farmland to the wild beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, where towering peaks and ancient forests define the horizon. Along the way, you may like to visit the Highland Folk Museum, where you can wander through recreated historic buildings that offer a fascinating glimpse into Highland life from centuries past. Afterwards, perhaps stop at Rothiemurchus, a scenic area of pine forest, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the shores of Loch Morlich. Later this afternoon, arrive in Inverness and settle into your city-centre hotel.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Culloden Battlefield & Mysterious Loch Ness

After breakfast, visit the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle of the Jacobite rising in 1746. Enjoy a private tour of the visitor centre and the battlefield, discovering the tales of an event which changed the course of Scottish history. Afterwards, visit three Bronze Age burial chambers and standing stones known as Clava Cairns. This site is exceptionally well preserved and a great example of prehistoric history in Scotland, dating back over 4,000 years. This afternoon, take a scenic cruise down Loch Ness, looking for the fabled monster before alighting at the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle to explore. Later, enjoy a free evening, choosing to celebrate your final night in Scotland as you wish.

Overnight: Inverness | Ness Walk
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to Inverness Airport to make your onward connections. As your journey comes to a close, head home with fond memories of the landscapes explored and moments enjoyed along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Download Itinerary

Edinburgh to Inverness

To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this tour, please complete the form below:

Signup to our Newsletter, for the latest on products, experiences and trends.

Make an Enquiry

Our bespoke offerings extend beyond the accommodations and experiences showcased in our sample itineraries, serving as starting point to spark inspiration and illustrate what's possible. Get in touch today to begin collaborating on crafting your client's dream holiday.

Enquire Now

Make an Enquiry

Preferred Start Date*

Number of Travellers*

Signup to our Newsletter, for the latest on products, experiences and trends.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More

6 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
Private Transfer from Edinburgh Airport on Arrival Day, includes Meet & Greet
Private Transfer to Inverness Airport on Departure Day
Car Hire from Day 3 to Day 7
Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
- Tour of Underground Streets
- Private Morning Walking Tour of Edinburgh with Expert City Guide
  - Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
- Afternoon Tea with glass of fizz
- Private 4×4 Mountain Safari Experience
- Private Chocolate Tasting, led by Chocolate Master
- Private Tour of Culloden Battlefield
- Boat Trip on Loch Ness, including entry to Urquhart Castle
Personalised trip design and delivery
24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team

Exclusions Read More

Flights
Travel insurance
Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
Gratuities

Notes Read More

All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
A 20% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
Activities are only private if so specified.

Optional Upgrades Read More