Best of the North Coast 500
Discover the best of the North Coast 500, Scotland's answer to Route 66 and one of the most scenic road trips in the world. Explore forgotten villages and take in pristine coastline. See ancient castles and navigate rolling ribbons of tarmac on this 3-day escorted tour which starts and ends in Inverness. Visit larger settlements too, such as Ullapool, and spend a night in Thurso, the most northerly town on the British mainland. Catch a glimpse of Orkney on the horizon, see grand Dunrobin castle and end your trip back in Inverness, capital of the Highlands.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
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Accommodation Standard
Guesthouse
Tour Overview
Duration
3 daysHotel Rating
Simple guesthouses (hotel upgrade available)Starts
InvernessEnds
InvernessMinimum Age
5 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in United Kingdom that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideCountry
United KingdomMeals Included
Breakfast: 2Passengers
$671.50
Accommodation Standard
Guesthouse
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 16
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 16Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursAccommodation Standard
Guesthouse
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Guesthouse
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Inverness!
Inverness - Ullapool. Starting our adventure from Inverness, we embark on Scotland’s 'Route 66', the North Coast 500. This journey promises breath-taking sights throughout. Our first day leads us towards Ullapool, winding along picturesque roads, with visits to majestic mountains, glistening lochs, and stunning beaches. We also stop in the pretty village of Applecross (From November to March, Applecross may be inaccessible due to bad weather and daylight timings). Soak in the natural beauty before arriving at the charming port town of Ullapool by late afternoon.
Please note: Check-in closes at 07:30 (tour departs at 07:45) - Inverness Pick Up, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
Accommodation: The Arch Inn, Foinaven, Ullaviews or similar.
Day 2 - Exploring the North Coast 500
Ullapool - Thurso. Today, our journey unveils increasingly marvellous landscapes, becoming more rocky and mountainous as we head north. With our driver-guide leading the way, we'll explore some of Scotland’s most stunning sights. Depending on the weather and our guide's expert recommendations, we might delve into the depths of Smoo Cave, explore the ruins of Ardvreck Castle, or admire the pristine white beaches in this area. We'll pause for lunch in a charming Highland village before continuing to Thurso, the northernmost town on the British mainland, where we'll spend the evening.
Accommodation: Pentland Lodge B&B, B&B No.4 or similar.
Day 3 - Castles and Cliffs
Thurso - Inverness. Today, we have plenty of time off the coach to explore charming fishing villages, impressive cliffs, and ancient Neolithic sites. Our driver takes us to the northernmost point of mainland Great Britain, and if the weather permits, we might catch a glimpse of the Orkney Isles on the horizon.
Next, we visit Girnigeo Castle, dramatically perched on a windswept cliff, and hear its chilling tales while walking along the wild coast. Continuing our journey south on the North Coast 500 route, we pass through lush valleys and enjoy sea views en route to Dunrobin Castle, where we'll pause for photos of the stately home. Travelling through lands once inhabited by Picts and Vikings, we finally arrive back in Inverness by early evening.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Inverness Drop Off, Bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.
Accommodation Standard
Guesthouse
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Guesthouse
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Guesthouse
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Guesthouse
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
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