Self Drive Tours & Trips in Scotland
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10 best Self Drive Scotland tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- NC500 Road Trip - Self Drive Tour
- Taste of Scotland | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Scotland Culinary | 8 Days Self-Drive Tour
- Scotland NC500 Route Tour in Jaguar V8 F-Type Cabriolet, pre-set sat-nav guided
- Islands of the Hebrides
- Scotland Adventure: Hidden Highlands & Mystic Roadtrip
- North Coast 500 - Scotland's Route 66
- Family adventure tour Scotland
- North Coast 500 - Scotland's Route 66 (12 nights)
- Scotland's myths, ghosts and legends (11 nights)
Scotland's most spectacular driving route includes the challenging Bealach na Bà pass and coastal roads to John O'Groats. Tour Dunrobin Castle, venture into Smoo Cave, and pause at Balnakeil Bay, with carefully planned overnight stays in traditional inns.
Duration 8 days Destinations Inverness, Dornoch, John O'Groats, Durness, Ullapool, Applecross Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Spirit Journeys Worldwide From
- NZ$2,943
The open roads of Scotland await with your rental car. Travel from Glasgow through Loch Lomond, pause at Glenfinnan Viaduct for the Jacobite Steam Train, and find hidden beaches near Mallaig. Includes pre-booked accommodations and activities.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Fort William, Glenfinnan, Fort Augustus, Loch Ness, Inverness, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park, PitlochrySee all destinations Age Range 1 to 95 year olds Operator BTOURS From $3,571
11% Off- NZ$3,178You save $393
The dramatic landscapes of Glencoe Valley unfold as you travel Loch Lomond's shores and the Speyside whisky region. Self-drive format allows flexible stops at Cawdor Castle, Highland Folk Museum, and spontaneous visits to over 50 distilleries.
Duration 8 days Destinations Glasgow, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Stirling, Fort William, Inverness, Loch Ness, Edinburgh Age Range 12 to 85 year olds Operator BTOURS From $4,133
11% Off- NZ$3,678You save $455
A V8 Jaguar carries you through Scotland's spectacular routes from Edinburgh through NC500. Stop at Balmoral Castle, roam Cairngorms National Park, and visit Isle of Skye. Pre-set GPS ensures smooth sailing through Highland passes and coastal roads.
Duration 7 days Destinations Edinburgh, Forth Bridge, Balmoral Castle, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Gairlochy, Ullapool, Loch Ness, Eilean Donan, Ben NevisSee all destinations Age Range 25 to 99 year olds Operator EPIKdrives From
11% Off- NZ$11,594
Scotland's most scenic routes wind from Fort William to Glasgow. Roam the Isle of Skye's dramatic landscapes (250km), cruise Harris's coastal roads, and find Lewis's hidden beaches. Includes pre-arranged ferry crossings and accommodation with breakfast, perfect for independent travelers.
Duration 9 days Destinations Fort William, Oban, Isle of Skye, Isle of Harris, Ullapool, Inverness, Beauly, Nairn, Stornoway, Glasgow Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator DERTOUR From
11% Off- NZ$2,199
The scenic routes from Perth to Oban lead past Blair Castle and St. Andrews' medieval ruins. Follow the North Coast 500 through Inverness and reach Isle of Skye's Cuillin Hills. Includes 10 nights' accommodation and detailed driving instructions.
Duration 11 days Destinations Perth, Edinburgh, Inverness, Wick, Thurso, Dunrobin, Isle of Skye, Oban Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
11% Off- NZ$1,705
Scotland's diverse landscapes stretch from Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Inverness's dolphin-watching spots. Stop at the Falkirk Wheel, wander Cairngorm National Park's mountain trails, and marvel at Urquhart Castle ruins along Loch Ness.
Duration 9 days Destinations Edinburgh, Perth, Aberfeldy, Inverness, Loch Ness, Fife, St Andrews, Dundee Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
11% Off- NZ$2,497
A carefully mapped 13-day route unfolds from Perth's historic streets to Oban's coastal charm. Visit Durness's pristine beaches and Glencoe Valley's dramatic landscapes. Includes ferry transport to Orkney Islands and cream tea experience.
Duration 13 days Destinations Perth, Edinburgh, Inverness, Wick, Thurso, Skara Brae, Dunrobin, Ullapool, Isle of Skye, Oban Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
11% Off- NZ$2,650
The freedom of Scotland's roads stretches from Edinburgh's historic streets to the remote North Coast 500. Pass through Glencoe Valley, visit Skye's Fairy Glen, and find hidden beaches near Durness. Includes ferry crossings and flexible stops at castles and ancient sites.
Duration 12 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Thurso, Stromness, Skara Brae, Stenness, Gairloch, Ullapool, Durness, Isle of SkyeSee all destinations Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
11% Off- NZ$2,046
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Scotland
When is the best time to do a Self Drive tour in Scotland?
Scotland's Self Drive tours are most popular from April through September with warm temperatures between 15-20°C and extended daylight hours. Spring brings wildflowers to the Isle of Skye and Highlands particularly in May and June. Those looking to avoid crowds might consider March-April or October although weather can change quickly especially in highland regions like Fort William and Inverness. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "We went in June and had perfect weather for driving through the Highlands with long days to explore places like Glencoe Valley and Eilean Donan Castle."
What kind of accommodations can I expect on a Scotland Self Drive tour?
Scotland offers diverse lodging options across its regions. Visitors can stay in grand properties like Inverlochy Castle Hotel near Fort William or local B&Bs such as The Torridon in the Highlands. City destinations feature upscale hotels including The Balmoral in Edinburgh and distinctive properties like Hotel du Vin in Glasgow. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The mix of accommodations was perfect - from the Cameron House on Loch Lomond to cozy guesthouses on Skye each offering unique Scottish hospitality."
What's the best route for a first-time Scotland Self Drive tour?
First-time visitors often follow a route beginning in Edinburgh moving through the Trossachs to Glencoe then continuing to the Isle of Skye via Fort William. The journey typically extends to Inverness and Loch Ness before returning through the Cairngorms. Notable overnight stops include The Torridon Hotel and Portavadie Marina. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "Following the Edinburgh to Highlands route gave us a perfect mix of history landscapes and Scottish culture with the flexibility to explore at our own pace."
How challenging is driving in Scotland for international visitors?
Scotland's road system is modern and well-marked though left-side driving requires some adjustment. Visitors should prepare for single-track roads in the Highlands and Isle of Skye and city roundabouts in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Many travelers choose hotels like The Caledonian in Edinburgh to reduce city driving. A TourRadar traveler noted: "After the first day driving on the left became natural. The rural roads require attention but offer stunning views that make it worthwhile."
What are the must-see highlights on a Scotland Self Drive tour?
Scotland's premier attractions include Glencoe Valley Eilean Donan Castle the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. The North Coast 500 provides scenic coastal drives and access to sites like Dunrobin Castle. Urban exploration covers Edinburgh's Royal Mile and Castle plus Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The drive through the Highlands was breathtaking - don't miss the Fairy Pools on Skye and a stop at The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore to experience traditional Scottish life."
How far in advance should I book a Scotland Self Drive tour?
Peak season bookings (June-September) require 6-8 months advance planning to secure preferred hotels like The Balmoral in Edinburgh or Ness Walk Hotel in Inverness. The North Coast 500 route draws significant summer traffic. A TourRadar traveler shared: "We booked our August tour in January and were glad we did - many of the best hotels and B&Bs in popular areas like Skye and the Highlands were already filling up."