3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour from Inverness

4.9 (33 reviews) 3 days Free cancellation

out of 5

33 reviews

4.9

3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour from Inverness — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour from Inverness, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Scotland's 'Route 66' is a rollercoaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages. On this 3-day small-group tour from Inverness, you explore all of it in the comfort of a luxury, 16 seat mini-coach.

You clamber through scattered boulders and spot a beach so white it makes you reach for your sunglasses. You ramble along cliffs and find a village so small you try to pack it in your suitcase. And you travel along tumbling roads and see castles so ancient you rub your eyes in disbelief.

This is the North Coast 500. And over every horizon, you find something surprising.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Rabbies Trail Burners

Ages: Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional and friendly driver guide
Included: Transport by air-conditioned mini-coach
Included: Small-group tour (16 passenger max)
Included: 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Refreshments and meals (pre-booking evening meals after 7pm is highly recommended)

Itinerary

Day 1 · Inverness - Ullapool

Bealach na Ba Road

10 min

Quick photo stop, overlooking the loch and just before the famous twisty road up. More photo stops can be made if the weather permits
Stop 2

one hour

Lunch stop in Shieldaig; one of Scotland's most outrageously picturesque villages, overlooking the waters of Loch Gairloch. Your driver guide will give you directions and perhaps some suggestions of good places to eat.
Stop 3

40 min

Beach walk from Gairloch Harbour to Gairloch Beach (this is quite hilly and rocky so maybe not idea for those with accessibility difficulties) or visit to the beach and a wee coffee shop. Crystal clear water and white sands beach.
Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

30 min

Take a walk through a beautiful forest and discover a gushing waterfall.

Overnight in Ullapool.

Day 2 · Ullapool - Thurso

Ardvreck Castle

45 min

Short stop for a nice wander around the castle ruins (mostly accessible).
Smoo Cave

30 min

This dramatic and spectacular sea cave is set into the limestone cliffs in Sutherland. The cave boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave in Britain at 50 ft high and is floodlit inside.
Thurso

2 hours

Day 2 finishes in Thurso, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation at approx. 18:00ish. Free time for dinner and a short walk around this delightful little town.

Overnight in Thurso.

Day 3 · Thurso - Inverness

Dunnet Head

30 min

Visit Dunnet Head – The British Mainland’s most Northerly Point
John O'Groats

40 min

Further along the coast, we stop for refreshments with time for photographs at this iconic Highland village.
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

one hour

Perched on the windswept cliff, Girnigeo Castle is your next stop. The location of this ruin is as dramatic as its history. Walk along this wild coast and listen to the chilling tales before you continue on the epic North Coast 500 route.
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

30 min

Travelling southwards, you enjoy the green valleys and sea views on the way to Dunrobin Castle. You have time to take a photo of the stately home before you drive along the coast and through land once inhabited by the Picts and Vikings.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please meet your Rabbie's guide at the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS. Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour departs.

End point

Please meet your Rabbie's guide at the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS. Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour departs.

Using your ticket

All Inverness tours will depart from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NS

Luggage Allowance: You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. 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) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Minimum age is 5 years

Cancellation

Free cancellation

If you cancel at least 21 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 21 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

If you cancel	You get back
At least 21 days before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All Inverness tours will depart from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NS
We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
Luggage Allowance:You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. 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) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
During winter months (Nov-March), tour may not go to Applecross due to bad weather on high route and daylight hours.
Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately

Options

Hotel Double Room

Stay in a double en-suite room (1 x double bed) hotel accommodation.
B&B Double Room

Stay in an en-suite double room (1 x double bed) guesthouse accommodation.
B&B Single Occupancy Room

Stay in an en-suite single room (1 x single bed) guesthouse accommodation. Mandatory for single travellers.
Hotel Single Occupancy Room

Stay in an en-suite single room (1 x single bed) hotel accommodation. Mandatory for single travellers.
Hotel Twin Room

Stay in an en-suite twin room (2 x single beds) hotel accommodation.
B&B Twin Room

Stay in an en-suite twin room (2 x single beds) guesthouse accommodation.