Scotland 8-Day Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries

Explore 7 self-drive trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Scotland.
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Etive Mor waterfall, Glencoe
Map of Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days
Scottish Highlands Self-Drive Tour: Edinburgh, Inverness & Loch Ness - 8 Days

Discover the enchanting history and dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands with this 8-day self-drive itinerary. Starting in Edinburgh,  drive north to the rugged highlands, where you’ll explore ancient castles, visit important battle sites, sail Loch Ness, and ride the world’s most scenic railway.

Spend a day driving around the Isle of Skye with a private guide
Map of Ultimate Scotland Road Trip: Cities, Castles & Countryside - 8 Days
Ultimate Scotland Road Trip: Cities, Castles & Countryside - 8 Days

Combine Scotland's most famous cities, national parks, and castles on this relaxed eight-day road trip. Start in the country's largest city, Glasgow, before heading north to Fort William to visit the rugged Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle. Next, see Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle on your way to charming Pitlochry. Finish in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, with a walking tour of its hilly Old Town. Of course, there will be free time for hikes and whisky distilleries along the way if you so choose.

Drive to key monuments including the Eileen Donan Castle
Map of Scotland's Major Historical Landmarks Self-Drive Tour - 8 Days
Scotland's Major Historical Landmarks Self-Drive Tour - 8 Days

This scenic eight-day tour combines Scotland's major historical landmarks for the ultimate road trip. Begin by learning about the Great Siege at Stirling Castle and relive the clan feuds that shaped the picturesque Eilean Donan. Continue making a loop for more castles and monuments, plus a PhD-level guided tour of Bannockburn Battlefield—the site that changed the trajectory of Scotland's history forever. Finish with two nights in Edinburgh and a whisky tasting at one of Scotland's smallest distilleries.

Scenery along the Scotland NC500 near Durness
Map of Scotland North Coast 500 Road Trip - 8 Days
Scotland North Coast 500 Road Trip - 8 Days

Tick off Scotland's greatest road trip—the NC500—with this epic eight-day self-drive itinerary. You'll drive the full loop, soaking up pristine white beaches, wild Highlands landscapes, incredible castles, and a dram or two of whisky. Touch the northernmost tip of mainland Great Britain, learn about the Jacobite uprising, and embark on an intrepid wildlife safari as you explore Scotland's wilder side.

Blackhouse village on Lewis
Map of Scotland Highlands & Islands Road Trip - 8 Days
Scotland Highlands & Islands Road Trip - 8 Days

This immersive eight-day Scotland journey combines city exploration, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. Your self-drive odyssey commences with a street art tour of Glasgow before you switch gears to Oban for a wildlife expedition and traditional Scottish ceilidh evening. Then taste whisky on the Isle of Skye and journey to the Outer Hebrides to see the mystical Callanish Standing Stones. Finally, visit beautiful Inverness and hike up Ben Vrackie near Pitlochry.

Explore Scottish highlights on an active tour
Map of Active Scotland Road Trip - 8 Days
Active Scotland Road Trip - 8 Days

Combine sightseeing with outdoor adventures on this eight-day active tour of Scotland. Start in the capital of Edinburgh, hiking to the top of the ancient volcano of Arthur's Seat before driving north for canyoning at Bruar Falls. Next, spot wildlife in Cairngorms National Park, and explore the rugged countryside around Inverness by mountain bike. Take to the water for the final days of your trip in a sea kayak off the coast of Skye and on a paddleboard on Loch Leven. End in the vibrant city of Glasgow.

Start your trip with a walk along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, home of the Scotch Whiskey Experience
Map of Scottish Whisky Adventure in  Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days
Scottish Whisky Adventure in Edinburgh, Inverness & Glasgow - 8 Days

Spend eight fun-filled days indulging in the finest whisky Scotland offers, starting in Edinburgh with a visit to the Johnnie Walker distillery and a private whisky and artisan food tour. From there, pick up your rental car and drive to Inverness for a tour of two Speyside distilleries. This is where you can admire the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye while you taste smoky whiskies characteristic of the island's terroir. Finish the adventure in Glasgow by creating your own bottle of Clydeside whisky to take home.

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