Best of the North Coast 500 - 3 days

Best of the North Coast 500 - 3 days

14 Views
3 Days From

$695

$487

Best of the North Coast 500 - 3 days

3 Days Starting and ending in Inverness, Scotland

Visiting: Inverness, Thurso

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $695 $487 Operator discount: -$209 -30%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a breathtaking 3-day journey along Scotland's iconic North Coast 500, starting and ending in Inverness. Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, guided by a knowledgeable local driver. Discover the dramatic Torridon Hills, the picturesque village of Shieldaig, and the remote beauty of Applecross. Stand at the northernmost tip of mainland Britain in John o'Groats, and marvel at the stunning Corrieshalloch Gorge and the majestic Dunrobin Castle. Enjoy two nights in charming guesthouses, with breakfast included, as you explore Scotland's rugged landscapes, historic sites, and enchanting coastal views.

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

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Inverness

brian.oliver.96
vickyfee

Location: Inverness

Accommodation Name: The Arch Inn, Foinaven, Ullaviews or similar

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

Location: Thurso

Accommodation Name: Pentland Lodge B&B, B&B No.4 or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

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: Inverness

brian.oliver.96
vickyfee

Location: Inverness

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's 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.

What's 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

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, escorted by a local driver-guide, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey.

Accommodation

Enjoy 2 nights in simple guesthouses, including stays at The Arch Inn, Foinaven, Ullaviews, Pentland Lodge B&B, B&B No.4, or similar accommodations.

Age Policy

Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of vehicle will we be traveling in during the tour?

    You will be traveling comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, escorted by a local driver-guide, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    You will enjoy 2 nights in simple guesthouses, including stays at The Arch Inn, Foinaven, Ullaviews, Pentland Lodge B&B, B&B No.4, or similar accommodations.

  • What are some of the highlights we will see on the tour?

    Some of the highlights include the Torridon Hills, Shieldaig, Applecross, John o'Groats, Corrieshalloch Gorge, and Dunrobin Castle.

  • Is there a luggage limit for the tour?

    Yes, there is a luggage limit of 14kg. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.

  • Will we have a guide during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide who will provide insights and ensure a smooth journey.

  • What happens if the weather is bad during the tour?

    If the weather is bad, certain locations like Applecross may be inaccessible, especially from November to March. The driver-guide will make expert recommendations based on the weather conditions.

  • Are entry fees included in the tour package?

    Entry fees are not included in the tour package unless specified.

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 5 years with an adult. A child discount is available for children aged 5-15 years sharing with 2 adults.

  • Where does the tour start and end?

    The tour starts and ends in Inverness, Scotland. The pick-up and drop-off location is the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

Apr 24, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Apr 28, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

May 01, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

May 05, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

May 08, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

May 12, 2025 - May 14, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

May 15, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

May 19, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

May 22, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

May 26, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

May 29, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 16, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jun 26, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Jun 30, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Jul 28, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Aug 25, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Aug 28, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Sep 25, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Monday - Wednesday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$865 $606

Operator discount: -$260

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 20, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 23, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Oct 27, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Thursday - Saturday

Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$755 $529

Operator discount: -$227

Monday - Wednesday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Thursday - Saturday

Nov 06, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Monday - Wednesday

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Thursday - Saturday

Nov 13, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 19, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Monday - Wednesday

Feb 23, 2026 - Feb 25, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Thursday - Saturday

Feb 26, 2026 - Feb 28, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 02, 2026 - Mar 04, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 05, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 09, 2026 - Mar 11, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 12, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 18, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 19, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Monday - Wednesday

Mar 23, 2026 - Mar 25, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Thursday - Saturday

Mar 26, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$695 $487

Operator discount: -$209

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.