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Best of the North Coast 500 (Hotel)

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3 days

HOTEL UPGRADE: 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, staying in 3-star hotels. 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.

Download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

3 days

Starts

Inverness

Ends

Inverness

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 16

Minimum age

5 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Mondays / Thursdays

Hotel Rating

3-star hotels

Countries

Scotland, United Kingdom

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Fast

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 2
Adults (16+)
Children (5 - 15)
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Per Person From
$1,515.00
AUD

$1,287.75

Deposit From
Final payment
AUD

$1,000.00

$1,575.50

Tour Highlights

Torridon Hills - Experience Scotland's most dramatic and spectacular mountain range
Shieldaig - Discover one of Scotland's most outrageously picturesque villages
Applecross - Visit a remote village accessible only by boat until the early 20th century
John o'Groats - Stand at the northernmost tip of mainland Britain and gaze out over the North Sea
Corrieshalloch Gorge - Wander through a beautiful forest and marvel at a breath-taking waterfall
Dunrobin Castle: Admire a stunning castle boasting 189 rooms in 'Scottish Gothic' style architecture

Included

2 breakfasts
2 nights 3-star hotels
Escorted by a local driver-guide
Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
All road tolls
14kg luggage allowance - This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

International flights & visas
Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
Meals not specified in itinerary
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
Entry fees unless specified

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 Royal Hotel, Caledonian Hotel or similar.

Overnight: Ullapool

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: Park Hotel, Station Hotel or similar.

Overnight: Thurso
Meals: Breakfast

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
The Royal Hotel
Ullapool

Housed in a building from the 1800s, this upscale hotel is a 7-minute walk from Ullapool Ferry Terminal and offers views of Loch Broom and the surrounding mountains. The contemporary and elegant rooms feature flat-screen TVs with premium channels, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. A full breakfast is included, and the hotel boasts a waterside restaurant serving Italian cuisine. Additional amenities include two bars, a dining room, gardens, a terrace, and picnic tables.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Park Hotel
Thurso

A family-owned establishment for over 50 years, this straightforward hotel is a 13-minute walk from Thurso rail station and 22.4 km from the Castle of Mey, the Queen Mother's former home. The simple rooms feature free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and power showers. Breakfast is included, and the hotel also offers an on-site bar and Scottish restaurant, along with conference facilities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

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.

2025
Double/Twin
Single
3 Apr - 5 Apr
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7 Apr - 9 Apr
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10 Apr - 12 Apr
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14 Apr - 16 Apr
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$1,625Adult - $1,382$1,585Child - $1,348
$2,045$1,739
17 Apr - 19 Apr
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$1,625Adult - $1,382$1,585Child - $1,348
$2,045$1,739
21 Apr - 23 Apr
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24 Apr - 26 Apr
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$1,625Adult - $1,382$1,585Child - $1,348
$2,045$1,739
28 Apr - 30 Apr
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$1,625Adult - $1,382$1,585Child - $1,348
$2,045$1,739
2026
Double/Twin
Single
19 Feb - 21 Feb
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23 Feb - 25 Feb
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26 Feb - 28 Feb
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2 Mar - 4 Mar
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5 Mar - 7 Mar
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9 Mar - 11 Mar
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12 Mar - 14 Mar
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16 Mar - 18 Mar
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