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Best of the North Coast 500

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3 days

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 download our Trip Notes

Accommodation Standard

Guesthouse

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

Simple guesthouses (hotel upgrade available)

Countries

Scotland, United Kingdom

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Fast

Arrival Transfer

No

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 2
Accommodation Standard
Adults (16+)
Children (5 - 15)
Save 25% today
Per Person From
R 13,445.00

R 10,083.75

Deposit From
Final payment

R 10,000.00

R 10,167.50

Accommodation Standard

Guesthouse

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 simple guesthouse
Escorted by a local driver-guide
Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
All road tolls
14kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details
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

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.

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: Pentland Lodge B&B, B&B No.4 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

Accommodation Standard

Guesthouse

Accommodation

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.
Bed & Breakfast
Ullapool

On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Foinaven
Ullapool

This bed and breakfast is situated in the secluded area of Morefield in Ullapool, just a short walk from the village. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the Highlands of Scotland or simply relaxing and enjoying the local banter. Ullapool offers a range of facilities and is popular with hill walkers.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse
Pentland Lodge B&B
Thurso

Located within 200 metres of Thurso Beach and 28 km from Sinclair's Bay, Pentland Lodge House offers accommodation with a seating area in Thurso. The property provides views of a quiet street and is 22 km from The Castle Gardens of Mey. The bed and breakfast also features free Wi-Fi and facilities for disabled guests. Each unit is equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, and towels, as well as a kettle. All rooms have heating facilities.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Guesthouse

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.

2025
Double/Twin
Single
3 Apr - 5 Apr
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R 14,595R 10,947
R 19,045R 14,284
7 Apr - 9 Apr
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10 Apr - 12 Apr
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14 Apr - 16 Apr
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R 14,595R 10,947
R 19,045R 14,284
17 Apr - 19 Apr
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R 14,595R 10,947
R 19,045R 14,284
21 Apr - 23 Apr
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Sold Out
Sold Out
24 Apr - 26 Apr
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R 14,595R 10,947
R 19,045R 14,284
28 Apr - 30 Apr
Save 25%
R 14,595R 10,947
R 19,045R 14,284
2026
Double/Twin
Single
19 Feb - 21 Feb
Save 25%
R 13,445R 10,084
R 17,905R 13,429
23 Feb - 25 Feb
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Sold Out
Sold Out
26 Feb - 28 Feb
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R 13,445R 10,084
R 17,905R 13,429
2 Mar - 4 Mar
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Sold Out
5 Mar - 7 Mar
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R 13,445R 10,084
R 17,905R 13,429
9 Mar - 11 Mar
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Sold Out
12 Mar - 14 Mar
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R 13,445R 10,084
R 17,905R 13,429
16 Mar - 18 Mar
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Sold Out
Sold Out

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