tours of north scotland

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Filled with more natural and historical mystique than people, the region is a nature lover’s paradise for those that are willing to travel through its mist, mountains, rocks, and heather. Here you’ll find chambered cairns that are a testament to the skills of prehistoric builders and crag top castles with broken walls that tell the history of the Highlands’ turbulent past. Or you could explore the bigger cities, like Aberdeen, which was fuelled by the riches of North Sea oil and the dozens of whisky distilleries that dot the region.

Adding to the stunning scenery is a warm culture with friendly and engaging people. It is no wonder the northern Scotland region rarely fails to charm its visitors.

Visitors to the region will be welcomed with an array of activities and sights to see from woodland strolls, beachcombing, birdwatching, or sea kayaking – all finished off with an evening of relaxing by the crackling fire of a Highland pub at the end of the day. This region is sure to give you the best look at traditional Scotland and fulfil your dreams of this enchanting land.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week, or longer, here are eight great places to visit in northern Scotland to experience the best this region has to offer  as recommended by fellow travel bloggers.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

8 great places to visit in northern scotland.

• Isle of Skye
• Drumnadrochit

Places to Visit in Northern Scotland Map

Ullapool is a small picturesque village on the northwest coast of Scotland. It sits in the shores of Loch Broom, surrounded by some of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. The current layout of the original part of the village was designed by Thomas Telford in 1788 at a time when fishing was expanding as the main industry.

Today Ullapool is a popular tourist stop, although it is still renowned for its locally caught seafood. While many use it as a holiday base for exploring the Highlands, others only stop briefly as they make their way around the famous NC500 road route. The village is also home to the ferry port that connects the Scottish Mainland with the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.

Its growth as a tourist destination has led to the creation of many independent galleries, shops and cafes. However, it still retains its historical charm.

MUST DO IN ULLAPOOL:

• Ullapool Museum :  Situated within an old church, the museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the village. For a small admission charge, you can view a number of exhibitions which include social history and the local industries of fishing and agriculture.
• Summer Isles Cruise : Take a boat trip from Ullapool harbour to the nearby Summer Isles. The archipelago consists of around 20 islands, rocks and skerries. The cruise takes you around the main islands and up close to geological features like ‘Cathedral Cave’. It is also possible to spot marine wildlife.
• Ullapool Hill : Starting at Broom Park in the village, this walk takes you up to the summit of Meal Mor. From the height of 270m, you can enjoy panoramic views over Ullapool, Loch Broom and out to the Summer Isles.

Contribution and Photo from Susanne of Adventures Around Scotland

Reviews of Ullapool Museum   |  Reviews of Summer Isles Cruise   |  Reviews of Ullapool Hill

Aberdeen is a city found in the northeast of Scotland and is often referred to as ‘The Granite City’ because of  the grey stone was used to build many of Aberdeen’s historic buildings. 

Aberdeen is a great base for those who like street art, craft beer and coastal views and there are many things to do in Aberdeen .  This walkable city boasts of parks, bars, shops, theatres and museums but the best museum, in my opinion, is on the city walls for all to see.  Look up at the towering murals by Smug, Zacharevic (pictured) and Helen Bur which are all part of the Aberdeen Nuart festival.

Speaking of festivals, Aberdeen has something happening each month from comedy to dance, tech to boats, there’s plenty of reasons to visit throughout the year.  If craft beer is your calling, Aberdeen is home to the flagship Brewdog beer hall, as well as 6 Degrees North and Fierce taprooms.  Dust the cobwebs away with an Aberdeenshire road trip to Slains Castle and Bullers of Buchan.

MUST DO IN ABERDEEN:

• Take a street art tour in the summer :  This is the best way to see the street art murals around the city as you hear the stories behind the spray.
• Visit the Tollbooth Museum : Step back in time to see how prisoners were treated and the types of convictions they served time for. You may be surprised! 
• Old Aberdeen : Wander the cobbled roads and walk among the university buildings and gardens. Contrast the old with the new at Sir Duncan Rice Library.

Contribution and Photo from Gemma of Two Scots Abroad

Reviews of Tollbooth Museum   |  Reviews of Old Aberdeen

Kirkwall is the capital of the Orkney Islands, a small archipelago located eight miles north of the Scottish mainland. It was first settled about 1000 years ago by Norse adventurers (the Vikings) who named it ‘Kirkjuvagar’ now Kirkwall meaning ‘Church on the bay’.

In the 12th century, the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral was built which is still dominant over the town with its rich stone design. In 1486 the town became a Royal Burgh, but in more recent times Kirkwall and nearby Scapa Flow was a strategic position during World War I and World War II with access to both the North Sea and the North Atlantic.

Today the town is home to about 9,000 people with the influences of the past still strong amongst the traditions of the islands. It has been named the best place to live in Scotland for the last eight years and has Scotland’s ‘Most Beautiful High Street’.

MUST DO IN KIRKWALL:

• St Magnus Cathedral : The cathedral is located in the centre of town and is known as the ‘Light in the North’. It was founded in 1137 by Earl Rognvald a Viking who started it in honour of his uncle, St Magnus, who was martyred in Orkney.
• Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces : The Bishop’s Palace was built at the same time as St Magnus Cathedral and in the 1600’s Patrick Stewart the Earl of Orkney had the new, ornate Earl’s Palace built. Both are now in ruins.
• Orkney Museum : Orkney Museum is tucked away behind a huge wooden door and archway just across from St Magnus Cathedral. It is a treasure trove of everything Orkney from Neolithic finds to Orkney chairs and everything in between.

Contribution and Photo from Suzanne of Meandering Wild

Reviews of St. Magnus Cathedral   |  Reviews of Bishop’s and Earl’s Palaces   |  Reviews of Orkney Museum

READ MORE:  Looking for more great places to visit in Scotland? Check out these 8 great places to visit in Southeast Scotland !

ISLE OF SKYE

The Isle of Skye is absolutely breathtaking and should be included in any Scotland itinerary . Located off the west coast of Scotland , the Isle of Skye has some of the most impressive scenery in Scotland just waiting to be explored.  Measuring 50 miles in length, the Isle of Skye is the largest of the Hebrides islands and arguably the most impressive.

You can reach the Isle of Skye from the mainland of Scotland either by car via the Skye Bridge or by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale or Glenelg to Kylerhea. Whether you’re looking for rugged landscapes, picturesque villages, cascading waterfalls or medieval castles , the Isle of Skye has it all.

MUST DO IN ISLE OF SKYE:

• Old Man of Storr :   The ‘Old Man of Storr’ is one of the most photographed places in Scotland, if not the world, and for good reason. Part of the Trotternish Ridge, this spectacular rock formation requires a 45-minute (mostly uphill) hike to reach it but it’s entirely worth it. Walking through these rock pinnacles feels like you’ve been transported to another world. For a truly magical experience, hike up for sunrise where you’ll be rewarded with the most beautiful location for sunrise and experience the Old Man of Storr prior to the hordes of tourists.
• Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls: Kilt Rock is so named due to the basalt columns that give it the pleated appearance of a kilt. At the same viewpoint for Kilt Rock, you will also find Mealt Falls. At approximately 55m in height, this impressive waterfall plunges from the sea cliffs directly onto the beach below, with Kilt Rock as its backdrop.
• Quiraing:  Further north from Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing is another spectacular Scottish icon. A walk through Quiraing leads you amongst some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland and is a photographer’s dream.

Contribution and Photo from Sophie of We Dream of Travel

Reviews of Old Man of Storr   |  Reviews of Kilt Rock |  Reviews of Quiraing

The largest city in the Moray Speyside region, Elgin is home to only 23,000 inhabitants. Dating back to 1190 AD, Elgin is a former “royal burgh” (autonomous municipality). Today, Elgin is one of the jumping-off points to explore the Speyside whiskey region.

Located to the south of the River Lossie, Elgin is a quaint Scottish village that features local shops, narrow streets and is home to one of the oldest museums in the UK, the Elgin Museum. The area is known for some of the most traditional Scottish food including the famous Cullen skink.

MUST DO IN ELGIN:

• Gordon & MacPhail : Producers of Benromach and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies, as well as Red Door Gin, Gordon & MacPhail, have been calling Elgin home since 1895. Guests can tour the Benromach to learn the art of distilling whiskey. But the real must-visit is the Gordon & MacPhail shop. Located in Elgin, the shop is a high-quality delicatessen featuring locally produced meats and cheese as well as other edibles. The highlight of the shop is its Whisky Room, which contains over 1000 different single malt whiskies.
• Avva Scottish Gin and El:Gin : In recent years there has been an increase in gin producers across the Moray Speyside region. In Eglin, two producers, Avva Scottish Gin and El:Gin are worth seeking out either at their distilleries for a quick tour and taste or in one of the pubs and restaurants around the region.
• Johnstons of Elgin : Producers of high-quality cashmere since 1797, Johnstons of Elgin is a must-visit during any trip to Elgin. Visitors can take a free tour of Johnston’s to learn how they transform raw wool into fine cashmere. Afterwards, explore their two-story shop that features a variety of cashmere clothes to purchase.

Contribution and Photo from Amber of Food and Drink Destinations

Reviews of Gordon & MacPhail   |  Reviews of Johnstons of Elgin

DRUMNADROCHIT

Drumnadrochit, or Drum as the locals call it, gets its name from the Gaelic Druim na Drochaid  which means ‘Ridge of the Bridge’. The bridge crosses the river and was the reason why it became a settlement in the 17th century.

It is most famously known as the ‘Capital of Loch Ness’ as it lies on the west bank of this famous stretch of water. It sits on the A82 that links Inverness (25-minute drive) in the east with Fort Augustus in the west.

MUST DO IN DRUMNADROCHIT:

• Nessieland :   Drumnadrochit is a tourist honey pot, especially in the summer, with cafes and souvenir shops selling ‘Nessie’ memorabilia. Nessieland is a fabulous stop if you have young children as they can learn about the famous monster and also use up energy in the Nessie playground!  
• Loch Ness Centre and Experience :   Yes, most things in Drumnadrochit concern the Loch Ness Monster and to learn more, visit the Loch Ness Centre and Experience where, during a walking tour you learn everything about Loch Ness – how it was formed, its geology, sedimentation, and all of the scientific explorations since 1930 that have tried to prove/disprove Nessie’s existence. If the weather is good, you should combine this visit with a boat ride on the Loch.
• Urquhart Castle :   This was one of Scotland’s biggest castles, with a very busy history as it switched between English and Scottish control. Built in the 13th century on the grounds of a medieval fortification, it played an important role during the Wars of Scottish Independence. In 1692 it was partially destroyed to prevent the Jacobites from inhabiting it. Today, it is an Instagrammer’s dream on a sunny day … castle ruins with the expanse of the Great Glen and Loch Ness behind it. You can take guided tours, and children can opt to do one of four Discover Missions while they explore the ruins.

Contribution and Photo from Tracey of Pack The PJs

Reviews of Nessieland   |  Reviews of Loch Ness Centre and Experience   |  Reviews of Urquhart Castle

READ MORE: Looking for more great places to visit in Scotland? Check out these 8 great places to visit in Southwest Scotland ! 

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, the charming city of Inverness is one of the best places to visit in Scotland. Not only is it one of the best stops to make when driving from Edinburgh to the highlands, but it is also situated within a stone’s throw of some of Scotland’s most iconic natural sites and attractions including Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, and the Culloden battlefield.

Though many visitors use Inverness as a jumping-off point to explore the surrounding area, the city has a fair amount to offer in and of itself, as well. Often overlooked, Inverness offers a lovely slice of what life is like in a Scottish highland city and is very much worth exploring in its own right.

MUST DO IN INVERNESS:

• Inverness Castle : Though it isn’t as impressive as some of the other castles in Scotland , make sure to take in the Inverness castle, which now functions as the city’s courthouse.
• Ness Islands : You also must make sure to take a stroll along the tranquil River Ness until you reach the Ness Islands, a city park made up of some islands in the river, all connected by footbridges. It is a welcome bit of greenery in the city.
• Hootananny Pub : If you are looking for something fun to occupy yourself in the evening, then head over to the Hootananny Pub, an award-winning establishment known for the nightly traditional Scottish music and it also hosts a weekly ceilidh!

Contribution and Photo from Maggie of The World Was Here First

Reviews of Inverness Castle   |  Reviews of Ness Islands   |  Reviews of Hootananny Pub

Lerwick is the largest town and seaport in the Shetland Islands and also functions as its capital. The Shetland Islands are a small group of islands in the North Sea halfway between Norway and Scotland.

The Shetland Islands have been settled for at least 3,000 years, and there is evidence of habitation in the Lerwick area for that long as well.  Lerwick was founded as a formal settlement in the 17th-century as a seaport providing support to fishermen from the Nordic countries.

The city centre boasts many historic buildings from the 18th-century including the picturesque “Lodberries”, 18th-century warehouses with their foundations in the sea. Lerwick is the commercial centre of the Shetland Islands and is home to approximately 7,000 of the total population of 22,000 living in the Shetland Islands.

MUST DO IN LERWICK:

• Shetland Museum and Archives : With 85,000 visitors a year, the Museum & Archives in Lerwick are a must-see. Learn about the fascinating history of the Shetland Islands with informative displays and interactive exhibits, see how a traditional boat was made, and discover interesting Viking stories.
• “Shetland” TV Series Locations:  Discover the top Shetland location featured in the “Shetland” TV series. Great for fans of the popular TV crime drama, you’ll be able to see some of the best-known locations featured in the series including Jimmy Perez’ home, Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, and Hay’s Dock Café.
• Up Helly Aa :   The most spectacular annual event in Lerwick, this fire festival held in mid-winter is a celebration of Shetland’s Viking history. Likened to a northern version of Mardi Gras and lasting just one day (and all night), this event features squads of heavily disguised men, with the lead squad wearing Viking dress. The evening culminates in the torching of a full-size Viking longship.

Contribution and Photo from Lesley of Freedom 56 Travel

Reviews of Shetland Museum and Archives   

Looking for more information to plan your visit to Scotland? You may find these articles helpful.

8 Great Places to Visit in Southeast Scotland

Weekend guide to edinburgh.

• Beautiful and Historic Castles to Visit in Scotland
• 17 Weekend Breaks in Scotland

MAP OF PLACES TO VISIT IN NORTHERN SCOTLAND

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To book flights, rental cars, accommodations, and activities for your trip, please check out our recommended travel providers, favourite apps and websites. 

• Want to visit castles in Scotland? Check out   The Complete Illustrated Guide to Castles, Palaces, and Stately House of Britain and Ireland   and you’re sure to find plenty to explore!
• The Most Amazing Royal Places in Britain   brings British heritage to life with hundreds of ideas for days out to discover castles, grand estates, and the secret hideaways of kings and queens.
• For all things Scotland, you can’t go wrong with Rick Steves! Check out his   Scotland travel guide , full episodes of his   TV show , or download his app for excellent   audio tours .

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North Coast 500

The North Coast 500 (NC500) offers never-ending back roads, wide meandering country tracks and beautiful bends through some of Scotland's finest coastal scenery.

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Explore the North Coast 500 responsibly

Canisp, Cul Mor and Cul Beag seen from Stac Pollaidh

Remember to plan your trip in advance. It is crucial for the wellbeing of Scotland's landscapes, as well as for local residents and businesses, that the areas around the route are respected and looked after properly.

Book your accommodation in advance; don't park or stay outwith designated camping/caravan areas.

Take all litter, waste and rubbish away with you to dispose of correctly.

Locations on the route

The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then takes you northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. From there, you'll venture to some of the most northerly coastal points in Scotland, passing by Caithness and John o' Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness.

• Distance: 516 miles
• Trip length: at least 5 - 7 days is recommended.
• Accommodation: book well in advance - make sure you consider camping as an option.
• Transport: you can drive, cycle, or even walk this route.

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Discover the highlights of the NC500 and beyond

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Explore golden beaches, ancient castles, and towering mountains on the North Coast 500, an exhilarating driving route in Scotland. You’ll soon see why it’s such a renowned road trip in the UK.

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If you’ve got questions about the North Coast 500, read on. We’ve compiled expert tips about this incredible driving route to help you plan your tour. Here’s everything you need to know about enjoying a trip along Scotland’s North Coast 500 and beyond.

What is the North Coast 500?

The North Coast 500, or NC500, is one of the best road trips in the UK. The NC500 route takes you through striking scenery in the Scottish Highlands, encompassing just over 500 miles (516 miles or 830 kilometres, to be exact).

Where is the North Coast 500?

You’ll find the NC500 in the northernmost part of the British mainland in Scotland. Usually, you’d start your road trip in Inverness in northeastern Scotland and follow the coast as it heads north, before looping west and south to Applecross. Overall, you’d travel across 6 regions: Inverness-shire, the Black Isle, Easter Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Wester Ross.

How long does the North Coast 500 take?

To allow yourself enough time to explore this part of Scotland, we highly recommend choosing a North Coast 500 itinerary of at least 7 or 10 days. This way you could get to know each region well and take your time to drive the route.

Choose a Nordic Visitor tour, and you’ll see the best of the NC500, plus other unmissable spots. These tours take anywhere between 12 and 17 days, giving you a taste of island life with stops in Orkney and the Isle of Skye .

• Check out these self-drive tours of Scotland to start planning your holiday
• Uncover top things to see and do on the Isle of Skye

Which direction to do the North Coast 500?

Our travel experts suggest driving the NC500 anti-clockwise, with Inverness as your starting point. You’d then head north along the east coast before following the road towards John O'Groats. From this northerly point, travel west to Durness and drive south down the western side.

The reason is that the scenery becomes more and more dramatic in this direction, culminating with the mountainous landscapes of the west coast.

Book a road trip with Nordic Visitor and you can leave the trip planning to our Edinburgh-based experts who know the country inside out. You’ll get to see more top spots with day trips and overnight stays in places like the Isle of Skye and Fort William.

Our Scotland travel experts will design your route for you, book you into handpicked accommodation, and share all their insider tips with you. What’s more, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip. Should you need any support, we are only a call away.

• Let someone else take the wheel on a small group or privately guided tour of Scotland
• Unlock the best beaches in Scotland in this guide

Must-see places on the North Coast 500

There are so many breathtaking sights awaiting you on a North Coast 500 self-drive tour. With sandy beaches, grand castles and majestic mountains, you’ll be treated to some of Scotland’s top highlights on your road trip.

Add these must-see spots to your NC500 itinerary:

• The Black Isle
• Dunrobin Castle
• Durness Beach
• Ardvreck Castle
• Inverewe Garden
• Corrieshalloch Gorge

Beyond the North Coast 500, northern Scotland offers countless other attractions you won’t want to miss. You could stop off at Loch Ness , known worldwide for the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Take a boat tour of the loch before admiring the beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle on its banks.

Continue your deep dive into Scotland’s dramatic landscapes by going island hopping. You could explore the Isle of Skye off the west coast to see the dreamy Fairy Pools and the epic Old Man of Storr .

Venture north to the Orkney Islands , and you could explore the prehistoric village of Skara Brae , the mysterious Ring of Brodgar stone circle and the chambered cairn of Maeshowe .

Top things to do on the NC500

There are plenty of things to do on your adventure through northern Scotland. Imagine exploring the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt, or sampling freshly caught seafood in Ullapool.

Here are the best things to do on your road trip:

• Stroll along white and golden sand beaches
• Go hiking in the hills, forests and glens
• Taste fresh, local seafood at fishing villages
• Uncover ancient ruins and regal castles
• Take on the highest mountain pass in the country
• Sample heady whisky at Highland distilleries and pubs
• Stop by the northernmost tip of mainland Britain, John o’Groats
• Discover hidden coves and mysterious sea caves
• Spot dolphins and seabirds from the shore at places like Chanonry Point
• Admire views of rivers, lochs and waterfalls
• Enjoy island-hopping between Orkney, Harris, Lewis and Skye

While you’re visiting Scotland, take advantage of the country’s small size and spend a day or two exploring the capital city, Edinburgh . Stroll down the Royal Mile and take a tour of the historic Edinburgh Castle .

Where to stay on the NC500

In terms of where you should stay on your North Coast 500 journey, we recommend the following places:

Leave the arrangements to Nordic Visitor, and we’ll book all your stays for you, whether that’s a charming guesthouse or a cosy bed and breakfast. We have guaranteed beds in desirable locations, and we quality-check all the accommodation on your itinerary to make sure it’s up to our high standards.

• Experience even more Celtic culture on a tour of Scotland and Ireland
• For more inspiration, check out this guide to the North Coast 500

How to plan your NC500 trip?

The easiest way to plan your NC500 road trip is to have an expert organise it for you. By doing so, you can relax and look forward to your getaway without worrying about logistics and travel arrangements.

At Nordic Visitor, our Scotland travel consultants are based in Edinburgh. They’ll use their expertise to arrange a tour package that suits you.

When you book a North Coast 500 package with us, you can expect:

• A personal travel consultant based in Edinburgh who’ll arrange your trip
• Excellent accommodation at your chosen price point, with daily breakfast
• Car rental with CDW, unlimited mileage and authorisation for 2 drivers
• A hand-noted, personalised itinerary and route
• 24/7 phone support during your adventure for peace of mind
• Cancellation Protection available to protect your booking
• Discover more of the best Scottish road trips in this guide

Best time of year to do the NC500

The best time to drive the North Coast 500 is between April and October . You’ll have the most daylight hours, open attractions, and accommodation options at this time of year.

Compared to the winter months ( November to March ), the roads are generally more accessible between April and October. It’s also good to know that certain highlights, such as castles, are only open to the public during the high season.

One thing to be aware of about Scotland in summer – between June and August – is that it attracts the most visitors. To avoid missing out, make sure to book your trip early.

Consider visiting Scotland in spring or autumn to experience the NC500 when it’s quieter. As a bonus, you can enjoy gorgeous landscapes dotted with blossoming flowers or red and gold foliage.

• Check out these Scotland summer tour packages
• Read more advice about the best time to visit Scotland and the UK

Tips for driving the NC500

When packing for your NC500 tour, you should be ready for all weather and bring plenty of warm layers. Waterproofs are a must as it can be wet in the Scottish Highlands.

Here’s our recommended packing list for Scotland :

• Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm, insulated jacket
• Fleece or woollen jumper
• Cosy hat, scarf and gloves
• Light base layer tops
• Lightweight trousers or shorts
• Sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream
• Reusable water bottle
• UK plug adapter

If you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to prepare for midges by bringing insect repellant. And we suggest you wear long sleeves and trousers, particularly at dusk when midges (small biting insects) are at their worst.

• Read about Scotland’s weather and daylight hours in these travel guides
• Get in touch and a local travel expert will start creating your dream getaway

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What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Highly recommend Nordic Visitor

This is our second tour with Nordic Visitor. Agents used before the tour were always very prompt with responses to our questions. During the tour, we found the accommodation perfect, guide very informative and friendly, and the driver got used to where we needed to go without any problems. We would definitely use Nordic Visitor again!

Smooth experience

Throughout the years we have travelled a lot, but never with a group tour. This trip was our first time and it did not disappoint. The tour guide, the bus driver, our fellow passengers, the weather, accommodation, variety of activities, and how smoothly everything went makes me question why we never toured like this before!

Amazing experience!

We had an amazing experience with Nordic Visitor! Our guides, Richard and Tim, were organised, knowledgeable, and very friendly! You can tell quality and customer satisfaction are very important. We will be back!

An unforgettable holiday

It was an unforgettable holiday. They took care of everything, and we got to wonder and explore with little hassle. If you want to visit Scotland (or anywhere else Nordic Visitor has tours) they are the way to do it. Already talking about our next adventure with Nordic Visitor.

An indescribably fantastic experience!

We are two middle-aged women who had never been to the UK before. My sister-in-law always wanted to go to Scotland, so I started researching and came upon Nordic Visitor through internet searches. I checked for reviews and found the company to be highly recommended. I started corresponding with Kirsten. She was extremely kind, very helpful and was able to put my nervous mind at ease. The package she put together for us was perfect! From my first email, the airport pick up and drop off service, and the tour with Dave, it was an indescribably fantastic experience!

I can't thank Nordic Visitor enough

This is our second trip in two years to Scotland with Nordic Visitor, and we are seriously thinking about another. I can't thank Chris enough for his patience and expertise when booking this trip.

The tour package materials were top notch. Spiral bound itinerary, recommended activities, restaurant recommendations and the large-scale road map of Scotland were a nice touch. Magdalena, our Nordic Visitor representative, responded promptly to our questions. Accomodation was all great.

Perfect vacation!

For our 50th wedding anniversary, we trusted Nordic Visitor to make our vacation a memorable one, and they made it beyond special. Chris, our tour planner, did everything to accommodate our needs and answered our questions quickly. It was an absolutely perfect vacation!

We booked a 4-day Christmas Tour of Edinburgh which included hotel accommodation, a walking tour of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle, a day tour of the Highlands and Lowlands, castles, and lochs, and also a whisky distillery tour. The hotel was in an amazing location near the Christmas Markets and popular attractions. The day tours were such a wonderful way to experience the countryside outside of Edinburgh. We also added a driving service to drive us to and from the airport and the drivers were so lovely. The care package left at the hotel consisting of maps and suggested eateries was such a delightful bonus. We loved that every aspect of our trip was planned and ready for us once we arrived which diminished any travel stress that one may experience when travelling abroad.

We were in good hands

As first-time visitors to Edinburgh, and senior citizens, our choice to use Nordic Visitor was an excellent one. The welcome package we received at the hotel was really helpful, with our tour vouchers, maps and restaurant recommendations. We would not have known what hotel to select and the one selected for us was perfect. The choice of tours offered was perfect for a 5-day visit. So glad to learn about the Royal Mile and visit the castle. The trip through the Highlands and Loch Ness was beautiful. Our travel agent, Rebecca, always quickly responded to email questions prior to departure. Thank you! Nordic Visitor made our trip easy and rewarding. We were in good hands.

Highly professional service

Nordic Visitor is a highly professional tour company. From beginning to end, we have no complaints. Our travel consultant, Chris, was very quick to answer all our questions from start to finish. Could not be more pleased.

Absolutely wonderful!

Our trip was absolutely wonderful! Magda was great to work with and helped us through the whole process. Everyone we worked with from the beginning through the end of the trip was absolutely marvellous.

Scotland Travel Guide

Learn some conversation-starter facts and do some research before your Scottish adventure.

North Coast 500

The North Coast 500, or NC500, is one of the most scenic drives in Scotland. In fact, many say...

Regarded as the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is a city on Scotland’s northeastern coast,...

Nestled on the shores of Loch Broom between rugged mountains, the small fishing village of...

What to bring

Come prepared for all seasons and activities with ..

From single malt whisky to traditional delicacies,..

What kind of temperatures can you expect in Scotla..

Where to buy essentials and what to bring home as ..

Our Services

Whether you travel independently or with a guide in your Nordic Visitor package, you will receive personalised service from a designated travel consultant and high-quality travel documents. What's more, all self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines the driving route, overnights and highlights along the way. Travel with ease knowing that Nordic Visitor has close professional relationships with local service providers , which are carefully selected by our staff for their consistently high standards.

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Get in touch to have your dream holiday arranged by one of our local travel experts. As a travel agency based in Edinburgh, we know Scotland inside out and we’ll use our expertise to plan your perfect trip.

Our Scottish phone number is +44 (0)131 344 4630

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Read About Scotland

Isle of skye: 9 top things to see & do, the best & most beautiful beaches in scotland, 5 best road trips in scotland : a local expert's view, scotland's nc500 - your guide to the north coast 500 route.

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A Sensational Scottish Tour

The north coast 500 & isle of skye package.

Visit the majestic North Coast in this 500+ mile route. Luxury chauffeur service and guide, luxury accommodation, excursions, fine dining, the full package, tailored to suit your requirements.

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Tour Summary

Day 1 Stay: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (1 Night)

Day 2 Stay: Links House, Dornoch (1 Night) Visit: Dolphin Spirit Cruise, Rogie Falls, Lunch at The Storehouse, Fyrish Monument Walk

Day 3 Stay: Forss House, Thurso (2 Nights) Visit: Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Journey of Flavour Tour, Lunch at the Coastal Tasting Room, Brora Beach

Day 4 Stay: Forss House Visit: John O’Groats, Duncansby Stacks, Lunch at Puldagon Farm, Castle of Mey

Day 5 Stay: Inver Lodge Hotel (2 Nights) Visit: Sangobeg Beach, Smoo Cave, Balnakeil, Kylesku Bridge

Day 6 Stay: Inver Lodge Hotel Visit: Scourie Bay, Handa Island Ferry, Lunch at Shorehouse, Achmelvich and Clachtoll Beach

Day 7 Stay: Shieldaig Lodge, Gairloch (1 Night) Visit: Ardvreck Castle, Ullapool, Lunch at Inverewe Gardens and Gairloch

Day 8 Stay: Marmadale Hotel, Portree, Skye (3 nights) Visit: Torridon, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Sligachan, Portree

Day 9 Stay: Marmalade Hotel, Portree Visit: Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Neist Point, Lunch at The Three Chimneys, Skye Weavers

Day 10 Stay: The Marmalade Hotel, Portree Visit: Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Lunch at the Oyster Shed, Talisker

Day 11 Stay: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness Visit: Fairy Pools Hike, Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness, Mustard Seed Restaurant

Day 12 Transfer to airport and departure

ACCOMMODATION: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness Inverness Airport – Inverness

Upon arrival at Inverness airport you will be met by your private driver who will be looking after you for the duration of your trip.

Stay: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (1 Night) From the airport your driver will take you to the 5-star Ness Walk Hotel, which sits right on the banks of the River Ness and enjoys an oasis of calm in Inverness, an otherwise busy city, as it is surrounded by a huge canopy of trees. Here, beautiful period features combine with sleek modern features to deliver an ambiance that oozes sophistication.

Dine: Torrish Restaurant You will dine in the luxurious Torrish Restaurant at Ness Walk this evening, where you will be warmly welcomed and have the chance to try some Isle of Lewis mussels, Orkney hand-dived scallops, Speyside lamb, as well as many other delicious dishes. There is also a vegan à la carte menu, so there will be something for everyone.

ACCOMMODATION: Links House Hotel, Dornoch Dolphin Spirit Cruise, Rogie Falls, Lunch at The Storehouse, Fyrish Monument Walk

Visit: Dolphin Spirit Cruise You are in for a very special treat this morning as you will be heading out on a Dolphin Spirit cruise out across the Moray Firth in search of dolphins and other amazing wildlife. Have your camera at the ready for a chance to snap these magnificent creatures.

Visit: Rogie Falls As you travel onwards you will then stop at Rogie Falls, a beautiful spot just above the village of Contin. Enjoy a short walk to the suspension bridge to view the waterfalls and the Black Water River in all their glory. Watch the water as it flows down from the nearby Ben Wyvis Mountain.  Rogie Falls are a sight to behold and famous for viewing leaping Atlantic salmon.

Lunch Reservation: The Storehouse After a busy morning you will recharge with some lunch at The Storehouse. This well-loved restaurant, with adjoining food hall and farm shop, has a menu that changes daily to incorporate the freshest local produce. On a nice sunny day you can even sit outside and bask in the heat as you enjoy your lunch.

Visit: Fyrish Monument As you reach the West Highlands you will be taken to view the Fyrish Monument, near Alness, Easter Ross. Built on Fyrish Hill in 1782, these imposing pillars stand proudly overlooking the Cromarty Firth. You will make the short walk up the ‘jubilee path’, through the woodland before arriving at the summit to enjoy the breath-taking views.

Stay: Links House (1 Night) Having enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Links House, you will get the pleasure of experiencing the luxurious and comfortable rooms here too. The elegance and grandeur of the furnishings are second to none and we guarantee a memorable stay at Links House.

Dine: MARA restaurant, Links House You are in for a treat this evening as you will be dining in the MARA Restaurant at Links House. Offering one of the finest dining experiences in the Highlands, MARA will be sure to provide a meal to remember. Their menu includes hogget, pork cheek, sea trout, and they have an entire plant-based menu.

ACCOMMODATION: Forss House, Thurso Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Journey of Flavour Tour, Lunch at the Coastal Tasting Room, Brora Beach

Visit: Dunrobin Castle and Gardens Dunrobin Castle and Gardens is a true highland gem as it’s the most northerly of Scotland’s large houses. It is also one of the UK’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, having occupants since the 1300’s. You will get the chance to marvel at the huge conical spires before exploring the gardens, which were inspired by the gardens of Versailles. There are also lovely views across the Moray Firth to the Cairngorm mountains in the distance.

Visit: Clynelish Journey of Flavour Tour On this fantastic tour of Johnnie Walker’s highland home, you will get to experience a world of different flavours with a full sensory tour and tutored whisky tasting. This is a whisky tour like no other, using lights, music, and special effects to transport you on a fun-filled flavour journey.

Lunch Reservation: The Coastal Tasting Room You will also be having lunch at Clynelish where they offer tasting platters which pair the very best whisky with premium Scottish produce for a taste sensation like no other. There are a range of Highland antipasto, cheeses, and chocolates, as well as hot smoked duck and Great Glen salami. Tasting platters can also be tailored for your individual preferences.

Visit: Brora Beach Your next stop is Brora beach, a gorgeous golden sandy beach offering the chance for a relaxing stroll. You may also want to pack a pair of binoculars for the day as there is a good chance of spotting minke whales, dolphins, and seals.

Stay and Dine: Forss House, Thurso (2 Nights) For the next two nights, the delightful Forss House will be your home as they will be sure to give you a warm highland welcome. This grand country house was built in 1810 and proudly sits within 20 acres of pristine countryside, including woodlands, waterfalls, and the gentle river Forss. You are guaranteed to feel a deep sense of calm and relaxation while staying here.

Forss House has an enviable reputation as having one of the best restaurants in the highlands. Indeed, it is the only 2 AA Rosette restaurant in Caithness. Dishes include Scrabster scallops, Scottish beef fillet, and spring onion and truffle risotto. Why not round the evening off with a selection of premium Scottish cheeses.

ACCOMMODATION: Forss House, Thurso John O’Groats, Duncansby Stacks, Lunch at Puldagon Farm, Castle of Mey

Visit: John O’Groats Your first stop today will be John O’Groats, the world famous village, which represents one end of the longest distance between two inhabited places in the UK, the other being, of course, Land’s End all the way down in Cornwall. While it is famous for being exactly that, John O’Groats really deserves a visit in its own right, with its glorious beaches and bays, plentiful wildlife, and dramatic coastline.

Visit: Duncansby Stacks Speaking of dramatic coastlines, you will make the very short journey to Duncansby Stacks near John O’Groats, where you can marvel at these incredibly jagged and towering peaks that thrust up out of the wild North Sea around them. There is also the Duncansby Lighthouse 500m away which to this day keeps sailors safe from the rocks around this dangerous area known as “Hell’s Mouth”.

Lunch Reservation: Puldagon Farm Puldagon Farm offers a lovely experience. You can dine in their recently renovated restaurant, which was previously a working barn, and offers a huge range of hearty dishes. After lunch you can browse the farm shop, perhaps picking up a gift or two for loved ones back home, before having a wander around outside and seeing some of the adorable animals they have on the farm.

Visit: Castle of Mey With full bellies your journey continues to Castle of Mey, which dates back to the 16 th century. Castle of Mey has changed hands many times over the years but is now owned by the Royal Family after the Queen Mother bought the castle in 1952 and committed a lot of time and effort into renovating both the castle and gardens, which are also exquisite and well worth exploring. There is also an animal centre where you can see Alice the donkey, various rare breeds of sheep and poultry, pigs, rabbits, and chipmunks.

Stay and Dine: Forss House After a fantastic day of touring, you will return to Forss House for an evening of relaxation and fine dining before yet another adventure in the morning.

ACCOMMODATION: Inver Lodge Hotel, Lairg Kyle of Tongue Bridge, Sangobeg Beach, Smoo Cave Tour, Balnakeil Beach, Kylesku Bridge

Visit: Kyle of Tongue Bridge and Sangobeg Beach This morning you will travel over the impressive Kyle of Tongue Bridge, which was first built in 1971 but was fully refurbished in 2011. The bridge forms part of the Kyle of Tongue Causeway which allows the road to continue right across the loch, crossing Tongue Island as it does so.

From there it’s on to Sangobeg Beach, a relaxing, secluded spot with beautiful white sands. This is an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs with a walk along the beach, before getting some pictures of the marvellous scenery.

Visit: Smoo Cave Tour This is a truly amazing opportunity to explore the Smoo Caves on a guided tour. Your experienced and knowledgeable tour guide will keep you safe (they are also a member of the Scottish Cave Rescue team) and tell you all about the history and formation of the caves.

Visit: Balnakeil Church In the northwest of Scotland sits the ruined Balnakeil Church, the earliest site of which was developed in the 8 th century by St Maelrubha. This church grew to be a highly significant Celtic monastery. However, when a new church was built in the 19 th century, it was left to ruin. That being said, trees and bushes have grown all over it now, adding an air of ancient charm. Look out for the monument to Gaelic poet Rob Donn which stands in the churchyard.

Lunch Reservation: Picnic on Balnakeil Beach Lunch today is a special treat as you will be tucking into a luxurious picnic which has been prepared by the hotel staff. Sit back on Balnakeil Beach and enjoy a selection of tasty treats while taking in the magnificent views of this impressive stretch of white sandy beach.

On your way to your accommodation for the evening you will pass over the Kylesku Bridge which has a wonderful gentle curve in it and spans across the Loch a’ Chairn Bhain in Sutherland.

Stay and Dine: Inver Lodge Hotel (2 nights) Home for the next two nights is Inver Lodge Hotel, a family-owned hotel with proud links to its surrounding area. The surroundings are immense here, one of Scotland’s last unspoiled wild areas, and enjoys regular sightings of deer and birds of prey. Staff make every effort to make you feel right at home, and the huge log fire in the foyer will help with that as well.

You will be dining at the Inver Lodge Hotel, which places a huge emphasis on supporting local producers and suppliers. The owner also has private estates which provide the steaks, salmon, and game not only for Inver Lodge, but for His Majesty The King, too.

ACCOMMODATION: Inver Lodge Hotel, Lairg Scourie Bay, Handa Island Ferry, Lunch at Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant, Achmelvich and Clachtoll Beach

Visit: Scourie Bay and Handa Island Ferry Scourie Bay is a wonderous little bay set against some very rugged surrounding countryside. Take some time just absorbing the peace and tranquillity of this unspoilt location. From there you will then take a ferry ride out to Handa Island, a relatively small island by size but a very important island as a home for seabirds and many other creatures. It is actually run as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. We highly recommend you bring your camera and a good pair of binoculars to get the best snaps and views of this very special island.

Lunch Reservation: Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant Having spent some time travelling over the sea, it’s time for some seafood at Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant. Opening in 1977, this family run business has plenty of experience in looking after their many happy customers. This really is a seafood lover’s paradise, with the menu changing each day depending on what’s been freshly landed that day. Whole lobsters are available if you pre-order.

Visit: Achmelvich and Clachtoll beach You will then visit a couple of the most impressive beaches in Scotland. Firstly, Achmelvich is a brilliant location for spotting some more wildlife, including black- and red-throated divers, porpoises, and dolphins. The gentle curve of the bay echoes the gentle feeling of satisfaction you’ll feel as you look out over the waves crashing endlessly on the shore in this little bit of heaven. Secondly, Clachtoll beach, just north of Lochinver, is equally as impressive and is also home to “Split Rock”, a giant sloping rock which rises out of the sea but looks to have had a giant slice cut out of it by a giant. The Assynt mountains surrounding this area add another layer of magic to the scenery found here.

Stay and Dine: Inver Lodge Hotel After another day of visiting some of the splendid sights Scotland has to offer, you will return to the Inver Lodge Hotel for the evening, dining once more in the excellent in-house restaurant.

ACCOMMODATION: Shieldaig Lodge, Gairloch Ardvreck Castle, Ullapool, Lunch at Inverewe Gardens and Gairloch

Visit: Ardvreck Castle On today’s first stop you will visit Ardvreck Castle, a ruined old castle built in the late 15 th century but which has sadly been left to ruin since the middle of the 18 th century, hence its current state. You can enjoy a pleasant short walk to the castle, which is not quite on an island but it very much feels that way. Some recently added information boards provide a great overview of the castle’s turbulent history.

Drive through: Ullapool Your onward journey will then take through Ullapool, a very popular tourist destination. An infinitely photogenic place, you can easily see why people often return here year after year.

Visit and Lunch: Inverewe Gardens Here you will get the chance to view some rare species from all around the world as you wander round this heritage garden. First created in the 19 th century, this oasis of flora in an otherwise rather barren landscape continues to wow visitors after all these years. There is also a small museum within Inverewe House, including an exhibition to tell you more about Inverewe’s Underwater Garden.

You will also get something to eat here from their very own café, Osgood’s. Newly refurbished and boasting an award-winning menu, this is the perfect spot for refuelling before carrying on your adventure.

Visit: Gairloch You will then have the privilege to drive through two of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring places in the UK, Gairloch. It really does feel like time has stood still in these areas of Scotland; there is something about the immensity and vastness of the mountains which just fills you with a revitalising energy. In fact, we suspect visiting these places may just inspire you to plan your next trip to Scotland.

Stay & Dine: The Shieldaig Lodge Hotel (1 Night) Your accommodation for this evening is Shieldaig Lodge in Gairloch. This former hunting lodge is perched perfectly on the waterside, bursting with charm and character.

Dine at their stunning Loch View Restaurant, enjoying panoramic views of the loch as well as exquisite dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and an incredible selection of wines and whiskies.

ACCOMMODATION: Marmadale Hotel, Portree Torridon, Eilean Donan Castle, Plockton, Skye and Sligachan Bridge, Portree

In the morning you will transcend through the majestic Torridon countryside en-route to the Isle of Skye.

Visit: Eilean Donan Castle Your first stop today is a visit to Eilean Donan Castle, which wouldn’t look out of place in a Game of Thrones scene! This ancient castle was built in the 13 th  century and survives remarkably well to this day. The tiny bridge across the water to its own little island really gets your imagination running wild as to what it must have been like living there all those hundreds of years ago. You will also be able to enjoy some stunning views out over Loch Duich. A coffee and gift shop are also available. Eilean Donan is widely considered as the most beautiful castle in Scotland, due to the idyllic setting at the junction of three different lochs (Loch Long, Loch Duich, and Loch Alsh).

Visit: Plockton You will then head to the delightful village of Plockton, lovingly known as the “the jewel of the highlands”. A peaceful walk around the bay, looking out over the views of Loch Carron, will certainly hit the spot.

After leaving Plockton you will head southwest until you travel over the engineering masterpiece that is the gently curving Skye Bridge and onto Skye.

Photo Stop: Sligachan Bridge Built in 1818, the old Sligachan Bridge is a perfect example of excellent engineering standing the test of time. Set against the backdrop of the Black Cuillin Mountains, enjoy the manmade and natural wonders together. You will have the opportunity to stop and take a few pictures of this wonderful scene.

Visit: Portree You will then stop and explore Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye. With local craft shops and a bustling fishing port, you will have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals and experience Portree’s thriving culture.  Have your camera at the ready as you will want to grab a picture of the brightly coloured, cottage lined harbour.

Stay and Dine: Marmalade Hotel, Portree (3 nights) Having explored the charming town of Portree you will make your way to your accommodation, Marmalade Hotel. This stunning hotel is in a perfect location, just five minutes from the centre of Portree but far enough away and up high enough to enjoy a world of seclusion, with views looking over Portree, the coast below, and the Cuillin Mountains beyond.

For dinner this evening you will dine in the hotel’s Chargrill Restaurant . Enjoy fantastic views over a dinner of fresh seafood or premium Scottish beef cooked to perfection on the grill. There are also options to have grilled tofu or watermelon if you fancy something a bit different.

ACCOMMODATION: Marmadale Hotel, Portree Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Neist Point, Lunch at The Three Chimneys

Visit: Dunvegan Castle and Gardens Today you will first of all head to Dunvegan Castle. Dating back to the 13 th century, this castle has had many additions over the centuries and is now registered as a category A listed building. There are also five acres of gardens for you to explore, including the Water Garden, Rose Garden, and Walled Garden, as well as woodland walks and nearby waterfalls.

Visit: Neist Point Your driver will then take you to Neist Point and the most westerly point of Skye, at the tip of the Duirinish peninsula. Here you will see one of the most famous lighthouses in all of Scotland, that was first lit back in 1909. As well as the stunning scenery, keep an eye out for whales and dolphins below.  As you are on the cliffs there will be lots of common seabirds to view too.

Lunch Reservation: The Three Chimneys You will then enjoy some lunch at The Three Chimneys which sits on the shores of Loch Dunvegan and takes pride in providing the best Skye and Scotland has to offer, including cured salmon, scorched langoustine, Black Isle beef, and Gigha halibut.

Visit: Skye Weavers Next you will travel to nearby Glendale to watch some uniquely skilled weavers at work. Explore their woven woollen textiles inspired by the island, and woven by pedal-power! Watch them work on their bicycle pedal-powered loom that weaves woollen products including scarves, throws, tweed, homewares, accessories and more.

Dine: Scorrybreac Restaurant After your day of exploring, you will head back to the Marmalade Hotel to relax and freshen up before heading to dinner at the Scorrybreac Restaurant. “Scorrybreac” means “speckled rock”, a tribute to the cliffs close to the restaurant. Combining Scottish produce with French influence, the team here produce food which may just blow your mind.

ACCOMMODATION: Marmadale Hotel, Portree Old Man Storr, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, Quiraing, Fairy Glen, Lunch at the Oyster Shed, Talisker Distillery Tour

Visit: The Old Man of Storr Get ready for some famous walks and jaw dropping scenery as your driver takes you on a mesmerising drive north of the town of Portree. You will first stop at The Old Man of Storr, a monumental rock pinnacle that can be seen from far and wide. A staggering sight to behold, be sure to have plenty of battery left in your camera as there are photo opportunities aplenty here.

Visit: Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls Continue North to Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls. You will notice that these ancient 90 metre cliffs resemble a pleated kilt, hence the name ‘Kilt Rock’. You will witness both of these spectacular sights, Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls, from the same viewpoint on the Trotternish Peninsula. The other beautiful sight here is Mealt waterfall which, flows from the nearby Mealt Loch, with the water plunging from the cliff tops to the rocky coast below.

Visit: The Quiraing Next you will continue north to the most northerly point of the Trotternish ridge, The Quiraing. As the ancient landscapes begin to unfold before your eyes, your driver will take you on a stunning drive down the narrow road and hairpin bends. With rolling hills and cliffs surrounding you, there are opportunities here for a brief walk or hike. Be sure to have your camera ready to snap the gigantic pinnacles of rock as they bask in their glorious surroundings.

Visit: The Fairy Glen Next stop, The Fairy Glen, on the west side of Trotternish. An otherworldly experience awaits as you approach this supernatural looking landscape. A short hike from the road, these rich and vibrant colours and fairy-tale views all around are a photographer’s paradise. Be sure to keep a look out as legend has it that fairies live deep within this magical Glen…

Lunch Reservation: The Oyster Shed This special spot in the village of Carbost is the ideal place to enjoy a seafood lunch, with crab, scallop, salmon, and so much more on offer. All as fresh as can be.

Visit: Talisker Distillery You will then visit Talisker Distillery, the oldest working distillery on Skye located in the picturesque village of Carbost on the shores of Loch Harport. You will enjoy a guided tour of the distillery, learn about the casks in their warehouse, see their 5 copper pot stills that give Talisker Whisky its unique taste. And, of course, enjoy a dram of their full-bodied whisky and the only Single Malt Whisky from Skye.

Stay and Dine: The Marmalade Hotel, Portree In the evening you will once again retire to The Marmalade Hotel for a chance to reflect on yet another fantastic day of touring.

ACCOMMODATION: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness Fairy Pools Hike, Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness, Mustard Seed Restaurant

Visit: The Fairy Pools After a delicious breakfast it is onwards to Glenbrittle and the magical Fairy Pools, Skye’s most popular attraction. With their crystal clear waters and beautiful waterfalls, it is easy to see why. You will walk 20 minutes to the fairy pools themselves, an easy hike, allowing you to soak in the magnificent scenery all around you. Ancient folklore says that fairies swim in these pools and if you are feeling brave, you may wish to do so as well. After that you will depart Skye, once again passing over the delightful Skye Bridge.

Visit: Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness You will then make your way to the village of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness. Here you will join your private boat, the “Cluaran Dubh”, meet your skipper Gordon and embark on your Private Boat Tour of Loch Ness which lasts for around an hour. You will enjoy stunning views of Loch Ness, The Great Glen, and Urquhart Castle.  Gordon, your skipper, was born, raised, and still lives on the Loch Ness shores. He will enlighten you with anecdotes such as witches casting spells to protect Nessie ‘The Loch Ness Monster’ from cryptozoologists. A charming and entertaining journey with awe-inspiring scenery throughout.

Dine: The Mustard Seed A firm favourite in Inverness, The Mustard Seed offers top class food in a relaxed atmosphere, exactly what you’re looking for on your last evening in Scotland. Located in a converted church, this allows for some excellent features, such as the double height ceiling and large open fire, all of which add to a sense of The Mustard Seed being truly special. On the menu you will find such delights as breast of wood pigeon, Cajun halloumi fries, Scottish salmon, and sweet and sour tofu.

Stay: Ness Walk Hotel After dinner you will spend one more night in The Ness Walk Hotel, getting what we are sure will be a restful sleep before departing in the morning.

DEPARTURE Your driver will meet you at your hotel and transport you to Inverness International Airport, where we must bid you a fond farewell.

The Best of Scotland Tour

The ultimate lux tour, the iconic scotland & ireland tour, spirit of scotland tour, scottish romance tour, the 14 day scottish luxury tour, the luxury scotland family tour, malt whisky indulgence tour, the highland whisky experience tour, the water of life tour, the ultimate scottish golf tour, legends of golf tour, st andrews golf tour, iconic east coast golf tour, north coast 500 & isle of skye road trip, photography inspired drive tour, the luxury coast & waters tour, taste of scotland tour.

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JOURNEY WITH US FOR THE ULTIMATE NORTH HIGHLAND EXPERIENCE

Why choose a private guide.

Be inspired by an expert who will help you look below the surface of what you can see, bring to life the history of the area and take you off the beaten track to places others will not see.

WHICH TYPE OF TOUR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Our website is designed to give you a flavour of what we offer and our expertise will help to tailor your unique experience.

NEW: OUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCES

Discover what we love about the North Highlands, learn about some of our favourite places and enjoy some of the sights you will see when visiting the North Highlands and North Coast 500.

EXPLORERS' EXPERIENCES

Best choice for a NC500 tour

If you want a full appreciation of the Scottish Highlands, look no further than the extremely knowledgeable and passionate husband and wife team at NCE. We did extensive research of our options and NCE stood out as the best.

Madelaine, California

Stunning NC500 Tour Guide! 

If I had to pick just a few words for our North Coast Explorer tour it would be things like - luxury, bespoke, friendly, knowledgeable, personalized, well-research - and amazing! We wouldn't ever contact anyone else - and neither should you. North Coast Explorer is simply THE BEST!

Chris, Seattle

A highlight of our trip to Scotland

Anyone who is considering booking a tour, you should. It's so much better not to drive it, and just to sit back, and let Robert & Sally-Ann take over and show you the best of the best! They are expert planners, great communicators and just wonderful people.

David, Los Angeles

North Coast 500

Nc500 – scotland’s answer to route 66.

Travel the popula r North Coast 500 Route around the Highlands right through Caithness in the far north – Scotland’s answer to Route 66. Awarded by many tourist organisations in 2018, 2019 and 2020 as one of the most popular touring routes in the world!!

Local knowledge makes a world of difference. RobbieMac travelled this route long before it became NC50.

Modify one of our existing NC500 tours – or ask us to build a private tour that meets your interests and timeframes.

The  North Coast 500  (NC500) our answer to Route 66, is a designated ‘tourist route’ using existing roads around the Northern Highlands. The route of 516 miles, with a dramatic fjord-like coastline of complex geography and geology and some amazing scenery with glistening sea lochs and many uninhabited Islands keeping watch.

The tour ‘Inverness – Inverness’ can be done clockwise or anticlockwise However we recommend clockwise so that you get to enjoy the tremendous views coming down the east via Caithness! Contact us to discuss alternative start and end pick up points for your tour.

• The official NC500 usually starts and ends at Inverness Castle, which guards the beautiful River Ness. However we are happy to discuss other locations.
• Weave past the dark waters of Loch Ness, keep a lookout for ‘Nessie’ our elusive monster.
• Applecross (but not if you’re in a coach or large vehicle) as the hairpin bends of Bealach na Ba are too challenging, but the views are dramatic. A photographers dream!
• Ullapool north is a feast of burns, land lochs and sea lochs.
• Watch wildlife along the way with circling birds, hairy heilan coos or sheep lazing on roadsides or wild deer coming down later in the day.
• Knockan Crag Reserve in the Assynt Geopark is truly ‘big country, big views’.
• Loch Assynt and ruins of Ardvreck Castle. 
• The roads bend and weave north besides breathtaking white sands, littered with inlets and sea lochs.
• World famous Flow Country aka Forsinard Flows.
• Keep following the coast to Thurso the largest town in west Caithness, with its’ busy Scrabster Harbour.
• Travel east along the Pentland Firth – great views of the Orkney Islands.
• Dunnet Beach and surf, swimming or learning to ride a surf board.
• Dunnet village with historic Loch St John,and a terrific wildlife sanctuary and bird hides.
• Castle and Gardens of Mey, once holiday home of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
• Canisbay Kirk, and onto John o’Groats, a shopping and tourist mecca .
• Don’t forget the obligatory photograph of the John o’Groats sign!
• Wick, visit Old Pulteney Whisky Distillery or 8 Doors Distillery.
• Wick Harbour – a big contrast to the heydays of the herring industry.
• Jonn o’Groats and the dramatic Duncansby Stacks.
• Dunrobin Castle, on the Moray Firth on the east coast.
• Notable waterways on the way south are: Loch Fleet with its’ wildlife colony of grey and common seals and otters, and Dornoch with a special protection area for wildlife.
• Cromarty is a busy deep water port once used by naval shipping in WW1 and WW2 and now predominantly for cruise ships.
• Black Isle and Beauly Firth linking with the Moray Firth and extending to the east coast as a wildlife reserve.
• Return through farmlands and back into Inverness for the end of your NC500 tour!

• Scrabster,  Invergordon, Thurso, Mey, Gills Bay, John o’Groats or Wick or surrounding area – to be agreed when booking.
• Scrabster and Invergordon cruise ship passengers, and Gills Bay and John o’Groats Ferry passengers for private tours are met at the harbour entrances just a short walk from the gangway and parking/coach area.
• Office: +44 1955611542
• Mobiles: +44 7854638268 / +44 7799688379
• Email Enquiry: [email protected]
• Website: www.robbiemactours.co.uk

RobbieMac Tours & Ancestry © 2021

Orkney & Scotland's Northern Coast 5 day tour

Escape to Scotland’s extreme Northern Coast and Orkney on this magical tour from Edinburgh.

Tour Highlights

Orkney Isles - These beautiful islands are full of ancient history and wildlife.

Glencoe and Rannoch Moor - Be moved by the sheer beauty and tragic tales of one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes.

Loch Ness - Take a chance to spot the famous Loch Ness Monster.

Skara Brae and Ring of Brodgar - Learn how people used to live in ancient times at these prehistoric monuments.

North Coast 500 - A rollercoaster road of ruined castles, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages

Culloden - A sad place to visit. It’s the location of a tragic Outlander scene, and a catastrophic battle between Jacobites and Government troops.

John o'Groats* - Look out to the North Sea at the island of Britain's most northerly point.

Your journey

The archipelago of Orkney hides many treasures: and on our five day tour, your experienced guide will ensure you find the best of them.

You’ll unearth some of the most well-preserved prehistoric sites in Europe, examine a beautiful red sandstone coast, and discover the vibrant culture of remote island communities.

You’ll also have a chance to find the Loch Ness Monster, see Scotland’s beautiful north, and learn about the tragedy of Glencoe.

It’s an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Tour Details

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

• Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
• Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
• Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
• Air conditioning as standard
• The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
• Tour accommodation
• Gaze upon lovely lochs as you venture north
• Listen and learn about the tragic tale of Glencoe

Leave Edinburgh and head west past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument. You pass Doune Castle before stopping in the small town of Callander for a refreshment. After crossing the Fault Line into the magnificent Highlands, you take in the splendour of Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn, Glen Ogle, and Glen Dochart.

You admire spectacular views and listen to a haunting story in Glencoe before you continue north up the Great Glen to the mysterious beauty of Loch Ness.

The loch is 23 miles long and you have plenty of time to try and spot the monster.

You arrive at Inverness, where you’re dropped off at your booked accommodation. The evening is free for you to explore the 'Capital of the Highlands'.

• Arrive in the Capital of Orkney, Kirkwall
• Explore mainland Scotland’s most northern scenery

It’s an early start, leaving behind the 'Capital of the Highlands', crossing over the Black Isle, and continuing past Dunrobin Castle.

From here, you drive along the northeast Highland coastline, travelling into some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery.

Onwards through Scotland's most northerly mainland village, John o' Groats*, and then to Gills Bay, where you board the ferry, and cross the Pentland Firth into the Orkney Archipelago.

It’s a short drive to the famous Italian Chapel where you stop for a visit before continuing to the Viking stronghold of Kirkwall, Capital of Orkney. Here you can visit Kirkwall's magnificent Viking Cathedral and enjoy its historic winding streets in the evening.

*Ferry timetables vary depending on the season. Due to this, a visit to John o'Groats may not be possible.   

• Go to an ancient site that is older than the pyramids, Skara Brae
• See the wild ocean clash with redstone cliffs

Today is your chance to explore this archipelago’s fertile green pastures, fringed by shores of golden sands and washed by waters of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

You visit the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, the mystical prehistoric stone circle at Brodgar, and the Druidic standing stones of Stenness.

You then travel onto Maeshowe*, where in the 12th century the Vikings left one of the largest collections of Norse runic inscriptions.

Then it’s back to Kirkwall for your second night after what is sure to be a memorable day.

*Please note that unfortunately Maeshowe will be closed on 6/10/24, which mean the tour that departs on 4/10/24 will be unable to visit the site. We apologise for the inconvenience.

• Stroll around the beautiful harbour town of Ullapool
• Take a look at the stunningly located ruins of Ardvreck Castle

After a relaxed start*, you leave Orkney and sail the Viking waters back to the mainland. From here, you travel the old road right across the very top of Scotland, driving past the stunning Ben Loyal and Ben Hope mountains, following the rocky cliffs and stunning golden sand beaches.

You then visit the far northwest Highlands and the wilderness of the mountains of Assynt before stopping to view the 15th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle.

From here, you travel to Ullapool, situated at the mouth of Loch Broom, a beautiful whitewashed fishing village where you spend your last night's stay on tour.

*Ferry timetables vary depending on the season. Due to this, passengers may have less time in Kirkwall in the morning as the ferry departs earlier.

• See the ancient standing stones made famous by Outlander, Clava Cairns
• Learn about one of the most brutal events in British history at Culloden

Leaving Ullapool behind, you take in the drama of the River Droma as it plunges 60m down into Corrieshalloch Gorge. You then admire the beautiful Loch Glascarnoch, on the way past the 'Capital of the Highlands', Inverness.

You can visit Culloden Moor, the site of The Battle of Culloden in 1746, one of the bloodiest events in our history and the last battle to have been fought on the British mainland. Next, you take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns, made famous by Diana Gabaldon in the ‘Outlander’ books.

From here, you travel through the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest, hugging the Cairngorm mountain range. You enjoy lunch in these beautiful surroundings before travelling through The Big Tree country of Perthshire, the Kingdom of Fife, and back to Edinburgh.

Attractions

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

• Culloden VC, Museum & Battlefield

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight.

You stay one night in Inverness, then two nights in Kirkwall on Orkney, and the final night in Ullapool*.

* Please be aware that Ullapool is busy all year round and Kirkwall is busy between June and August . You may need to be flexible with rooms we're able to reserve for you here. If you'd prefer to find your own accommodation for this location, please choose the 'book your own accommodation' option when you book your tour.

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE .

Alternatively, please email us your questions at [email protected] or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab : types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices,  per person per night :

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email [email protected] as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email [email protected] , or check out our full FAQs .

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Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500

8 Day Tour Departing From Edinburgh

4.5 254 reviews

Price from $2235.00 USD

• No Change Fee
• Flexible Payment
• Peace of Mind

Tour Details

Itinerary & departure, optional experiences.

• 2 - 8 Day Tours
• 8 Day Tour Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500

Accommodation Included

Let us take you on a journey to some of Scotland’s most stunning and historically significant sights. Discover Orkney’s wild coastline and Neolithic settlements such as Skara Brae, the towering Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness. Admire the spectacular views of the North Coast 500 beaches and shores. This famous drive will leave you in awe with its impressive landscapes, rock formations and cliff top coastal vistas. You’ll be blown away by the iconic sights and scenery on the Isle of Skye and can indulge in some of Scotland’s finest seafood at the fishing port of Oban. There’s even the chance to travel on the famous Jacobite Steam Train, one of the greatest rail journeys in the world. Your passionate local guide will tell tales of Viking history, myths, and legends. We guarantee this tour will leave you loving Scotland as much as we do!

North Coast 500

Isle of skye, ring of brodgar, jacobite steam train (hogwarts express), dunrobin castle.

Italian Chapel

Highland Folk Museum

Kilchurn castle, old man of storr, glenfinnan viaduct, eilean donan castle, clava cairns, cairngorms national park, whisky distillery, kelpies , forth bridges.

Tour Highlights

The North Coast 500 is one of Scotland's most famous driving routes, spanning 516 miles of stunning landscapes. You'll pass rugged coastlines, traditional villages, historic castles, and sandy beaches... A must-see for any nature enthusiast.

Skye is Scotland’s most popular isle, and you’ll quickly understand why. Skye exudes magic from every mountain, waterfall and rainbow, while its unique geology and beguiling mythology are unlike anywhere else in Scotland. Skye is an ancient and truly enchanting island.

Follow in the footsteps of humans 5000 years ago at this epic stone circle. The Ring of Brodgar is a vast and mysterious archaeological gem, and the most iconic site in the heart of Neolithic Orkney.

The Jacobite Steam Train shot to worldwide fame as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films. The route between Fort William and Mallaig on the West Highland Line has been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world.

Skara Brae is an exceptionally well-preserved Neolithic settlement, featuring household furniture from 5,000 years ago. The site remained hidden for centuries until a storm in 1850 revealed this remarkable discovery. Prepare to be amazed!

A castle straight out of a fairy tale. Set along the North Coast 500 route, Dunrobin Castle overlooks the North Sea, boasting beautiful gardens, an extensive art collection, and a rich history dating back to the 13th century.

Smoo Cave is a standout natural attraction on the North Coast 500, showcasing remarkable Scottish geology. Its impressive 50ft entrance leads to a stunning waterfall chamber, complete with an underground lake and boat trips.

Ullapool is an idyllic fishing town in the north-west coast of the Scottish Highlands. Here, you can explore quaint shops, savour fresh seafood, or stroll along the town's shores while watching the sun set over the North Atlantic Ocean.

As the capital of Orkney, it should come as no surprise that Kirkwall is steeped in Norse history. Visit St. Magnus Cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, or take a stroll through the town's charming streets to visit its many traditional shops.

The beautiful Italian Chapel was built during World War Two using two military huts. The chapel was the creation of Italian prisoners of war who were based on the island, and it is now one of Orkney’s best-loved attractions.

Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open air museum, which offers a glimpse into Highland life through the centuries. Attractions include an 18th century township and a working croft, as well as costumes, photographs, textiles and agricultural tools.

Situated on the shores of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute, Kilchurn Castle is a historic gem dating back to the 15th century. This well-preserved fortress offers a captivating glimpse into Scotland's medieval past, boasting impressive stone walls and fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.

The Old Man of Storr is a striking pinnacle of rock, perched high upon Skye’s otherworldly landscape. This geological wonder is one of the island’s most iconic sights - it looks even more impressive on a misty day.

Kilt Rock is a breath-taking sight on Skye’s dramatic coastline. Marvel at the magic of Mealt Falls, as it cascades down the striking cliff face - which is said to be shaped by a mythical giant’s kilt.

Oban is tourist town with a busy ferry port serving the Hebrides. Enjoy fresh seafood by the water and visit McCaig’s tower - a local landmark which resembles the Colosseum - for amazing views of Oban and its neighbouring islands.

The Cuillin mountains are a breath-taking geological wonder, which form the centrepiece of Skye’s otherworldly landscape. The striking red and black peaks have been around for millions of years, through volcanic eruptions and glaciation. A truly captivating sight.

Portree is Skye’s central hub and most populated town, with numerous shops and places to eat. The main square is a hive of activity, while the quaint harbour with its brightly coloured facades is lifted straight from a postcard.

The Glenfinnan Viaduct is known to many as the ‘Harry Potter Bridge’ after featuring in two of the famous films. The iconic bridge has twenty-one arches which curve around the dramatic Highland landscape, with views over the stunning Loch Shiel.

Eilean Donan Castle is perfectly formed and instantly recognisable. A charming stone bridge leads out to the island, which is surrounded by three lochs and a backdrop of mountains. The castle is one of the most photographed sights in Scotland.

Inverness is world-famous for its proximity to Loch Ness, and its connections to the Outlander story. Known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, Inverness has numerous pubs where Highland hospitality is best served with a local drink and live music.

Clava Cairns is a special place, from the peaceful setting to the arrangement of 4000 year old stones. The prehistoric structures include ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones; perfect for staging your very own Outlander-inspired photo!

The Cairngorms National Park is an area of vast natural beauty, and is the largest national park in Britain. Scotland’s wild scenery can be found in abundance, with lochs, glens, rivers and mountains as far as the eye can see.

Our national drink is enjoyed around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try whisky than in Scotland itself. Learn about whisky production, and sample the ‘water of life’ straight from the source at a whisky distillery.

The Kelpies are steel sculptures of two horses’ heads; 30 meters high and weighing 300 tonnes. Kelpies are mythological creatures in Scottish folklore, and this modern attraction is the largest equine landmark in the world, designed by Scottish artist Andy Scott.

The Firth of Forth has a trio of iconic bridges. The 1890 Forth Bridge is a masterpiece in engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964, followed by the striking Queensferry Crossing in 2017.

Passionate Local Guide

Seven-Night Stay at Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

Complimentary Breakfast Each Morning of Your Stay

Whisky Distillery Visit

All Ferry Crossings

Accommodation

Bed & breakfast or guest house.

Your tour includes carefully chosen Bed and Breakfast (B&B) or guest house accommodations, hand-picked for their unique charm. B&Bs are renowned for their warm Highland hospitality, often including a complimentary Scottish cooked breakfast. At times, you'll stay at a guest house hosted by local families, giving you the opportunity to experience Scotland in an authentic way. Conveniently situated within a mile of the town centre, both B&Bs and guest houses offer easy access to local attractions and restaurants. During peak season, accommodations may be slightly farther from the town centre.

Accessibility and Facilities

For more information, see our Accessibility Statement .

What Other Explorers Say

We had the most fabulous tour guide in Louise. She was a fountain of knowledge and told the most amazing stories. Scotland is a beautiful country and I can’t wait to come back and see it again. Louise took us to some incredible places like Dunrobin Castle, The kelpies, up to the Orkneys to see Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Steness. Highly recommend this tour and if you get the lovely Louise as your guide you are in good hands.

This small group tour was amazing! We visited even more sites than I expected, and all were worthwhile. Many were spectacular! Steve’s friendly commentary, stories and music playlist were icing on the cake. In addition to multiple stops each day that often included some free time, we had evenings on our own to explore the towns where we stayed. Accommodations were clean, comfortable and safe, and most offered a cooked breakfast.

If you want to have a Fantastic trip and an experience of a lifetime, then go with Highland Explorer Tours and Steve will ABSOLUTELY ensure that. My mother, nephew & I took the 8-day tour and would take it another 10 times with Highland Explorer Tours. Our guide, the highly-esteemed Steve, was phenomenal, hands down. Besides his effortless maneuvering of the van (crazy highland single-track roads), while dropping knowledge, he also provided a fantastic playlist.

A wonderful trip from start to finish. Our driver/guide was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and fun to be with. Cara was a considerate driver on the narrow roads. She ordered ahead for us so we could enjoy fresh lobster at a pop-up cafe. The accommodation was comfortable and there were plenty of places to choose our evening meals.

Took the tour with a bunch of family members. There were so many beautiful sites! I fell in love with Ullapool and Oban. Steve was a top notch guide: very knowledgeable and a lot of fun, great taste in music!

A wonderful tour with Steve P - he clearly loves his work and he loves his country and showing it off to visitors - with great humor, knowledge, patience and creativity. He was able to adapt the itinerary to accommodate the weather (which was mostly excellent) and the group members' needs. From the time we left Edinburgh until when we returned a week later, Steve's stories and descriptions were engaging and informative.

This was an amazing tour of Scotland!! Our tour guide , Tim was impressive!! his stories, his knowledge of Scottish history, geology and his music playlist made the trip an unforgettable experience. The sights are unbelievable! Like Tim said “Scotland is easy to photograph”. The accommodations in the different B&B are high quality. Our room in Oban had a grand view of the harbor. Great tour!! Highly recommend!!

Explore Orkney and the North Coast 500 with @highextours

Tag or mention us on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our channels, website, and in our brochure.

We've added a visit to the stunning @8doorsdistillery to our incredible 8-day tour of the Isle of Skye, the North Coast 500, and the Orkney Isles!⁠

📷 by our lovely passenger @justmaggiethistime riding the Jacobite Steam Train on tour recently - thanks for sharing this beautiful view with us!⁠

📷 by our Driver Guide @timmyalloverthe_place guiding the 8-Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 tour.⁠

📷 by our fabulous guest @kelmorris23 - thank you so much for coming along and sharing these beautiful moments with us! ⁠

Captured by one of our amazing driver guides @sophs_on_tour 📸​⁠

⁠ 📸 captured by @simone_n_watson 🐑⁠

Drifting past storybook cottages en route to Loch Ness 🏠✨ Would you live in one of those?

📷 by the wonderful @justmaggiethistime. Thanks so much for sharing those beautiful moments of your tour with us!⁠

View this post on Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

Your 8-Day Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 tour departs from the city centre in Edinburgh. For more details on your pick-up location, please visit our Departure Info page.

Yes, seven nights bed & breakfast or guesthouse accommodation is included in the tour price.

Accommodation is carefully selected by our experienced team ensuring a hearty Scottish welcome. While the specific bed & breakfast or guesthouse may vary, you can be confident your stay will be comfortable. Find more info on our Accommodation page.

We have made some of the activities optional so you can tailor your Scotland trip to your liking.

Reserve at the time of booking

Jacobite steam train.

Pay on arrival at the site:

Armadale Castle & Gardens

All essential information about the Jacobite Steam Train on our tours can be found here.

Your accommodation comes with a freshly made breakfast each morning. However, lunch, dinner, and snacks are not included in the tour. Throughout your 8-day tour of Scotland, you'll have the opportunity to visit numerous outstanding restaurants and cafes in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. We highly recommend trying these to explore Scottish cuisine at your own pace, catering to your preferences and dietary needs.

Absolutely! Joining us solo is a fantastic way to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. You'll typically find a mix of couples, friends, and fellow solo adventurers on our tours. Please note that single room availability is limited.

Yes! You can check out our sister company, HAGGiS Adventures , which offers multi-share hostel dorm accommodation (mixed gender) for those seeking a more economical choice. Please note, you must be at least 18 years old to join a tour with HAGGiS Adventures.

While our coaches don't offer onboard toilets, rest assured that our itineraries include regular comfort stops, allowing frequent access to restroom facilities.

Our guides are unable to assist with wheelchairs or provide physical assistance during boarding or disembarking from the coach. Passengers should be capable of boarding and disembarking independently using the access stairs or with the help of a traveling companion. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in our onboard luggage storage during travel.

Please note that some stops on our tours may involve rough terrain or only be accessible by steps.

It's important to be aware that your accommodation may have limited accessibility for wheelchair users. More info can be found on our Accessibility page.

Yes! Our routes include stops where you can grab a snack or recharge with a drink. Occasionally, we pause at shops offering local souvenirs as well. For precise details about timing and stops, don't hesitate to inquire with your guide.

Although our tours follow a structured plan with key stops, part of the excitement comes from unexpected surprises! We refrain from providing additional details beyond what's outlined here, as factors like weather, traffic, and the preferences of our driver guides may lead to slight deviations. Trust that your journey through Scotland will be unlike any other!

If you need to cancel your tour, you will need to inform us in writing by sending an email to [email protected]. You can find our cancellation and refunds policy in section 3 in our Terms and Conditions .

Feel free to visit our general Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common queries, or reach out to us directly via our Contact Us page.

Isle of Skye, Orkney & North Coast 500 Itinerary & Map

Edinburgh to Inverness

Leaving Edinburgh, we travel past the stunning views of the Forth Bridges and enter the Highlands through Perthshire, a land of forests, rivers and mountains. We visit the quaint village of Dunkeld with its historic cathedral sitting on the banks of the River Tay. After a visit to the Highland Folk Museum, used to film scenes in Outlander, we make our way through the mountainous Cairngorms National Park before heading to Culloden Battlefield; site of the last battle fought on British soil, followed by the mysterious chambered cairns and standing stones of Clava Cairns, both of which featured in the hit series Outlander. Our home for the night is Inverness, Capital of the Highlands. Explore some of the many live-music venues, or take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the tranquillity of the River Ness Isles; there’s so much to see and do here. (Overnight: Inverness)

Inverness to Kirkwall

We depart Inverness and head further north to join the spectacular North Coast 500 trail which takes us along the stunning northeast coastline. Our first stop of the day is at Dunrobin Castle, one of Scotland’s most northerly castles dating back to the early 1300s. This fairytale castle resembles a French chateau, with spectacular gardens. Continuing north your guide will regale you with stories of folklore, and recount one of Scotland’s most important historical events; the tragedy of the Highland Clearances and explain how this shaped communities into what they are today. No Scottish trip would be complete without paying a visit to a local whisky distillery where you have the chance to savour the taste of our favourite national drink the ‘water of life’. An hour-long ferry takes us over to Orkney; an archipelago with beautiful views as far as the eye can see. You may even get the chance to spot dolphins, whales and orcas! We arrive at our destination for the night Kirkwall*, Orkney’s largest town. (Overnight: Kirkwall*) *Some departures will stay in Stromness due to accommodation availability

We depart Kirkwall and head to one of Orkney’s most loved attractions, The Italian Chapel, built by prisoners during WWII. The rest of the day will be spent exploring Orkney’s Neolithic history with stops at Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic settlement anywhere in Western Europe, the towering Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness. The afternoon will be spent exploring the stunning Yesnaby Cliffs home to puffins from April until July. This stretch of coastline is a must-see location on your visit to Orkney. We return to Kirkwall late afternoon with the chance to explore the town and the opportunity to visit St Magnus Cathedral and take a walk by the ‘Peedie Sea.’ (Overnight: Kirkwall*) *Some departures will stay in Stromness due to accommodation availability

Kirkwall to Ullapool

We bid farewell to Orkney to catch the first ferry back to the mainland to re-join the North Coast 500 trail. This stretch of coastline offers up some truly stunning views. We make a stop at Smoo Cave, a spectacular sea cave set into the limestone cliffs of Sutherland. We travel from east to west over the majestic Kylesku bridge, stopping for a stroll at the jewel in the crown of the north-west Highland’s Geopark – Knockan Crag. We arrive into Ullapool at in the evening where you can spend the night exploring the beautiful harbour village, try some local ale and listen to traditional live music. (Overnight: Ullapool)

Ullapool to Portree

We depart Ullapool and travel through some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes on route to the Isle of Skye. Think serene lochs, rugged scenery and mountain ranges with cascading waterfalls. We pass the romantic Eilean Donan Castle, before crossing the Skye Bridge to our enchanting island destination. Hear tales of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the mainland against the backdrop of the jagged Cuillin Mountains. Your guide will tell stories of folklore such as how the mysterious Old Man of Storr was created. Your last stop of the day will be a visit to Kilt Rock with its impressive cascading waterfall. We spend the night in Portree, Isle of Skye’s bustling hub. (Overnight: Portree)

Portree to Oban

This morning we have the chance to explore a wee bit more of the beautiful Isle of Skye. We visit the stunning Sleat peninsula known as the ‘garden of Skye’ and drive through the magnificent Cuillin Mountains. Say goodbye to Skye as we ferry to the west coast fishing village of Mallaig with time to enjoy a lunch of fresh Scottish seafood. Here you can board the Jacobite Steam Train aka ‘Hogwarts Express’ to Fort William, one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world. The train crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. After a stop in eerie Glen Coe our journey takes us along the west coast, to the bustling fishing town of Oban, where we will spend the next two nights. (Overnight: Oban) Please note: Jacobite Steam Train tickets have limited availability and we only offer standard class seating, we are unable to offer first class seating or upgrades.

After an action-packed 6 days of exploring, today is an opportunity to relax, explore or get active at your own pace. From our base in Oban you can set off by ferry for a day on one of the Western Isles (Mull, Iona, Staffa or Kerrera), visit the local Whisky Distillery for a taste of Scotland’s ‘Water of Life,’ or climb up to Battery Hill to see McCaig’s Tower and watch the sun set over Oban. All activities today are optional. (Overnight in Oban)

Oban to Edinburgh

We leave Oban and travel through the Pass of Brander and Loch Awe before crossing back into the Lowlands of Scotland. Marvel at the dramatic splendour of the ruins of Kilchurn Castle and catch a glimpse of the beautiful Falls of Dochart as you head further south. You’ll notice the scenery change as we drive past Stirling and the striking Wallace Monument. After lunch we make our way to the iconic Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures dedicated the horse-powered heritage of Central Scotland and designed by Andy Scott. We arrive into Edinburgh in the early evening.

8 Day Tour Itinerary & Map

Day Highlights

Departure Point

60 High Street, EH1 1TB, Edinburgh

We depart from our blue corner shop at 60 High Street, centrally located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town of Edinburgh. A useful landmark to find us is the Radisson Blu Hotel, situated just one street above.

Not sure how to get here? Find more info on our Departure Info page.

Departure & Return Time

Check-In Closes: 8:15 AM

Departs: 8:30 AM

Returns: 5:00 PM

Please Note

We are unable to hold the bus or refund for any late arrivals. Return times are approximate and subject to road conditions and weather. Please ensure you allocate sufficient time for any onward travel plans, allowing at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or activities.

Tours Dates & Prices

Choose a departure date, number of people and accommodation option.

Follow the footsteps of Harry Potter and enjoy a magical ride on the Jacobite Steam Train aka the ‘Hogwarts Express’. The steam train between Fort William and Mallaig is said to be the most beautiful rail journey in the world. The steam train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct and sweeps along the west coast, offering magnificent views of distant isles and white sand beaches. *Please note: Jacobite Steam Train tickets have limited availability and we only offer standard class seating, we are unable to offer first class seating or upgrades.

Pay locally

Armadale Castle is the ancestral home of Clan MacDonald. The castle’s beautiful ruins sit amidst glorious gardens and woodland. The museum captures a 1500 year history of the Highlands & Islands through a range of engaging exhibits and artefacts. Tickets are subject to availability.

Tours We Think You'll Love

Visit remote islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa, and enjoy a wildlife cruise.

See More Tour details

Highlands & Islands; world-famous Loch Ness to remote corners of Lewis, Harris and Skye.

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• Scottish North Coast 500 and Culloden Tour

Overview of our Scottish North Coast 500 Tour

• 7 Day Private Tour
• Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness hotel or airport pick up & drop off
• Tour departs on any date you want
• Dedicated Driver/Guide for the 500 mile tour - Private Tour
• Unique & less travelled trip around Scotland’s Northern Coastline
• Stay in a luxury heritage property
• Customisable tour length – simply call

7 Days £3795

per person based on 2 Adults sharing

Discover Scotland’s majestic north coast on our Scottish North Coast 500 & Culloden tour. This part of Scotland sees fewer visitors than other parts, but any hardy souls who make the journey will be rewarded with spectacular scenery everywhere they look.   As well as doing the North Coast 500 — a 516-mile journey along Scotland’s ragged north coast — you will also be staying in the HQ of the Jacobite leader, Bonnie Prince Charlie. You will be taken to the battle site of the failed rebellion and scene of the last battle on the British mainland: Culloden.

For many, the scenery is the main attraction, with vast unspoilt wilderness and the sense of remoteness and tranquillity. For others, the main attraction is the region’s rich historical heritage. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Scotland. Many of the places and sights on this 500-mile route are steeped in the history of the past; as you travel, you will learn more about the Jacobites, the Highland Clearances, and go all the way back to the Vikings and even the Picts! Discover the Scottish Highlands’ unique culture and history. And if you’d like a mixture of Scotland’s Lowlands and Highlands, check out our Glasgow and Edinburgh Two Cities and Outlander Tour .

The Northern Highlands is like nowhere else in Britain: the scenery changes like the weather, remote glens, unspoilt hills and mountains, huge lochs and churning rivers.   Northern Highlands is surrounded on all three sides by magnificent and often breath-taking coastline.   Not only are the weather conditions for each of the 3 coasts different but they also have differing cultural histories, which gives each coastline its own unique feel. If you’d like to incorporate this Scottish North Coast location as part of your own tour, tell us more about it on our Customised Scottish Tours page .

Got a question about this tour?

Simply email or call and one of our experts will be happy to help

Visit Culloden site of the last major battle on the British mainland

Stay overnight in a now Luxury hotel, which was where the Jacobite leader Bonnie Prince Charlie set up his HQ before the last battle ever to take place on Scottish Soil.

Visit charming and picturesque Plockton

Stay in excellent accommodation and heritage properties

Various optional walks and hikes

Walk in John Lennon’s footsteps and hear about and even visit the old site of Scotland’s first hippie commune ‘The Far North Project’

Visit John O’Groats and even the real ‘edge of the earth’ Dunett point

Stay in Inverness, the capital city of the highlands

Interactive tour of Culloden – experience the battle and see the artefacts

Visit Highland folk museum – Scotland’s first open air Living History museum. Find out about highland culture in this immersive experience.

Driven and guided through the North Coast 500 by your friendly Driver/Guide

Learn about the history of the areas you visit from your Driver/Guide. The ancient Picts and Vikings to The Jacobite and the Highland Clearances to the more recent Arctic Convoys of World War 2, the Cold War & much more besides

Explore the Black Isle

See lots of magnificent mountains and munros

See Castles and stately homes and even stay in one

Northwest Highlands Geopark

Take part in a living history presentation

Explore Sutherland

Explore Applecross peninsula and view the spectacular scenery it has to offer

Explore Wester Ross

Learn about Highland culture and how things have changed

See many splendid Lochs and Lochans

Explore the dramatic region of Assynt – some of the oldest rock formations in the world

Visit charming and picturesque fishing village of Cromerty and do the audio walking tour

Day 1 ITINERARY

Today you will be met and transferred from Edinburgh or Glasgow or Inverness to the Culloden House Hotel – HQ of Bonnie Prince Charlie the Jacobite leader, before the battle of Culloden. Where you will spend 2 nights.

Here you will be able to get a feel for the atmosphere and explore the battle site with your guide as well as visit the visitors centre to find out more about the last battle to be fought on British soil. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure soaking up the atmospheric surroundings.

Day 1 HIGHLIGHTS

• Meet and greet and Private chauffeur transfer to hotel
• Spend the night at the Culloden House Hotel
• Spend the remainder of the day soaking up the atmosphere before tomorrow’s immersive tour

Day 2 ITINERARY

This morning after breakfast you will meet your friendly Inspiring Travel Driver/Guide, together you will leave the Jacobite HQ behind and take to the battlefield to discover a pivotal moment in future of Scottish Highlands culture, the battle of Culloden.  Here you will be able to get a feel for the atmosphere and explore the battle site with your Driver/Guide as well as enjoy the fantastic visitors centre to find out more about the last battle to be fought on British soil.  After which we will visit the Highland Folk Museum, where history will come to life in Britain’s first outdoor museum, as actors in period costume show you what life would have been like hundreds of years ago.

(Breakfast Included)

Day 2 HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit  the atmospheric battlefield of Culloden
• Enjoy the Culloden visitors centre- witness what it was like to be there in the 360 degrees immersive film, view the battlefield from the rooftop & see the battle table.
• Visit pre -historic standing stones and feel the connection to the past
• Visit the immersive Highland Folk Museum, Scotland’s on living outdoor museum and feel a real connection with the Highland way of life

Day 3 ITINERARY

After breakfast we will leave your fantastic hotel and travel towards the coastline, this is the start of the North Coast 500. We will hit Wester Ross and head along the coast to Torridon.  Here you will see Scotland’s typical beauty and some of its most impressive mountains with the Isle of Skye serving as a backdrop on the horizon.

We take a slight detour to visit the charming village of Plockton. With cottages curving behind a tiny harbour and views across the Loch to mountains it is well worth a visit.  After your visit we will take you to on one of the classic journeys of the Highlands, the Applecross peninsula, where all the classic elements of Scotland’s coastal scenery will come together – atmospheric mountain ranges, white sandy beaches, small remote crofting cottages and views over the lochs and seas to the islands.  At the east end of Loch Torridon we will stop at your accommodation for the evening, here you will be blessed with awe inspiring scenery, rising from the water are the mountains of Liathach and Beinn Eighe.  All the while your Driver/Guide will be on hand, imparting all their knowledge of the area as well as to answer any questions you have.

Day 3 HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through Wester Ross & see Scotland’s typical beauty
• Visit the charming village of Plockton
• See the dramatic coastal scenery of the Applecross peninsula

Day 4 ITINERARY

Leaving the majestic scenery of Torridon behind, we continue up the coast, passing Badacharo & Poolewe, where the Arctic Convoy departed from during world war II. The way to Ulapool is a fantastic road with outstanding scenery and great views out to Gruinard Bay. The region just north of Ulapool, called Assynt is arguably more impressive than anything you have encountered previously on this road trip, as the vast peaks rise from the Moors. Assynt is home to some of the world’s oldest rock formations that are part of the Northwest Highlands Geopark. Lochinvar is your base for the night, nearby there are some crofting villages to take in as well as the imposing Suilven mountain and views out to the Hebrides.

After you have dropped your bags at your fine accommodation near Lochinvar you might be tempted to drive back down to Inverkirkaig to the falls of Kirkaig to the base of Suilven, an easy trek taking in a waterfall and a remote loch, or possibly a shorter walk just north of Lochinvar with fantastic views of the Assynt peaks (from Baddriach to Achmelvich), or maybe you would prefer to explore some more by road to Loch Assynt, Ardveck Castle & Knockan Crag, one of the world’s most important geological sites, or how about just relaxing at the hotel, simply discuss the options with your dedicated Driver/Guide and let him know what you want to do. They will accommodate your requests as well as being on hand to impart information and answer questions.

Day 4 HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy this fantastic guided road trip further north
• See the impressive region Assynt and admire its impressive beauty
• Stay in Lochinvar with views to the Suilven
• Optional walks in the area of the Suilven mountain area or some more scenic road trips
• Lochinvar is also the highlands foodie capital, offering everything from Scottish Tapas to Michelin stared cuisine

Day 5 ITINERARY

The North coast receives fewer visitors than the west coast.  Stretching from Cape Wrath to John O’Groats.  The North Coast offers sheer cliffs and white sandy bays, sculpted over time by the battering Atlantic storms.  Along the north coast road you will see steep mountains in the west and lochs and moors in the east, not to mention the cliffs beaches and rocky headlands.

After incessant raids in the dark ages, the Vikings ruled much of the northern highlands by the 9th century, they named the area ‘South Land’ which now forms the district of Sutherland.

First though we will reach the far north west of Scotland, a trip too far for some, as villages become fewer and fewer.  As you are more intrepid than most you will be rewarded with a feeling of insight about life on the edge of civilisation along with sights of stark beauty like nowhere else in Scotland, a landscape marked with lochs and lochans.  A visit to Durness the most north-westerly village on the British mainland where John Lennon used to come to visit his aunt Lizzie, which features on the song In My Life.  Near Durness we will take you to visit the Balnakeil craft village, which was the sight of Scotland’s first hippie commune ‘The Far North Project’, before travelling on via the attractive setting of Tongue scene of the sinking of the Jacobite sloop the Hazard and its cargo of £13,600 worth of gold coins, along with the capture of the 1000 men trying to rescue the stricken treasure, look out for the shapely peaks of Ben Hope & Ben Loyal and the ruins of Castle Varriach, after which we will continue hugging the rugged and beautiful coastline to your accommodation just outside Thurso.

After checking in to your hotel, time permitting, you may wish to travel out to John O’Groats and the surrounding area, possibly visit Dunnet Head for a real ‘edge of the world’ experience, past the Queen Mothers old residence, where Prince Charles often visits in July, Castle of Mey, or simply just relax at your hotel and visit tomorrow morning, again discuss any options with your dedicated Driver/Guide and let them know what you prefer to do.

Day 5 HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the remote north coast for an edge of the world experience
• Visit the most northerly village in the UK where John Lennon often visited
• Optional visit to the Far North Project UK’s first hippie commune
• Stay in the UK’s surfing mecca of Thurso
• Witness the unique stark beauty of the north coast

Day 6 ITINERARY

The east coast tells a tale of human history. Relics of the Pict’s as well as Castles and Cathedrals and several places and monuments linked to the Highland Clearances.  Stretching from Wick to Inverness the east coast is a fertile place, with rolling moors, fields and woodlands which run down to the sandy beaches in places like the Black Isle, which is not an island at all but a peninsula.

We now change compass direction and start heading back down south to compete this epic and scenic road trip and finish off in Inverness.  Today we see a monument to the Duke of Sutherland, as huge as it is controversial it can be seen for miles around, you will learn more about the highland clearances and the affects it had on this area and the people who lived there. After which you will be taken to the Black Isle Peninsula to visit the picturesque fisherman’s town of Cromarty, here you will visit Cromarty Courthouse to find out more about the area and do the audio guided tour of the town. Today you may want to visit and tour the Glenmorangie Distillery (at own expense) or visit Chanonry point, one of the best dolphin spotting sites in Europe, simply discuss the options with your Driver/Guide after breakfast and they will take you to the preferred option.  Today you will say fond farewell to your friendly Driver/Guide as they drop you off at your hotel in Inverness for the end of your tour.

Day 6 HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the east coast and find out about its unique history
• Start heading south to finish this epic scenic journey
• learn about the Highland clearances and see the huge controversial monument to one of its architects.
• Option of a own expenses visit to a distillery
• Visit picturesque town of Cromarty

Day 7 ITINERARY

Check out of your hotel in Inverness before your onward private chauffeur  transfer.

Extra days, different itinerary, anything can be arranged, simply call or click the Tailormade – Customised Tours button.

Day 7 HIGHLIGHTS

• Private chauffeur drive transfer  from Inverness

WHAT TO EXPECT

A sedate journey through the winding single track roads, your Driver/Guide will concentrate on the road letting you appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you on all sides.

This area sees fewer visitors than other parts of Scotland, but any hardy souls who make the journey will be rewarded with spectacular scenery everywhere they look.  Along the way you will travel to Assynt and have the option to have a stroll to take in the views of the Suliven and the startling sugar loaf outline of the iconic mountain.  Wander the streets of the friendly coastal town of Cromarty, made up of handsome Georgian Townhouses and cute cottages.

As well as doing the North Coast 500 you will also be staying in the HQ of the Jacobite leader, Bonnie Prince Charlie, you will be taken to the battle site of the failed rebellion and scene of the last battle on the British mainland, Culloden.  Here you can immerse yourself in the stories and tales and history of the past in the interactive visitors centre.

Along the way you will learn about the highland clearances & why the people were forced off the land and how they recovered from their plight. As well as finding out about some of the more unique and unknown aspects of recent history in the area, walk in the footsteps of John Lennon or discover how a cold war early warning centre went full circle and became Scotland’s first hippie commune.

The coastline being the main reason to visit, indented by sea lochs, which give rise to high shattered cliffs that spring waterfalls or beautiful white sandy beaches that give way to Munros and mountains that sweep up from the shore.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Private return chauffeur drive to & from airport or hotel in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen or Inverness on day 1 and day 7
• Private Tour for your party only in A/C Vehicle with dedicated tour guide/driver from day 2 to day 6
• STGA Badge Tour Guide – Your Guide/Driver comes with a coveted badge award which means they have graduated from a multi-year assessment course ran by the Scottish Tourist Guide Association, have been trained to a rigorous standard in terms of knowledge & guiding skills, which essentially means they have the ability to make Scotland come alive for you are going to add significant value to your holiday here.
• Trips and entrance fees to parks, museums, castles etc as indicated on detailed tour itinerary.
• Accommodation – Luxury heritage property for first 2 nights and best Available 4 – 5*  hotels for the remaining nights, price based on accommodation stayed in and/or assessed by the Managing Director of Inspiring Travel.

Extra days, different itinerary, take out the transfers? simply   call  or click on the  Tailormade – Customised Tours  button.

Beach on the North Coast 500

Fairy Pools - Skye

Remote Scotland

Achmelvich Beach

John O Groats

The Kylesku Bridge in Sutherland

Suilven summit

North Coast 500

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THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP TO THE HEART OF SCOTLAND

Experience a journey of stunning scenic contrasts and explore the rich heritage and culture of the heart of scotland –  all in one amazing route..

The North East 250 explores everything for which Scotland is famous in a unique Scottish road trip taking you through the whisky distilleries of Speyside, the spectacular mountain passes of the Cairngorms National Park, the famous castles of Royal Deeside, the Granite City of Aberdeen, the rugged North Sea coastline to the east, and the picturesque seaside villages of the Moray Firth Coast..

Moray Firth Coast

Royal Deeside

The North East 250 explores everything for which Scotland is famous in a unique Scottish road trip taking you through the whisky distilleries of Speyside, the spectacular mountain passes of the Cairngorms National Park, the famous castles of Royal Deeside, the Granite City of Aberdeen, the rugged North Sea coastline to the east, and the picturesque seaside villages of the Moray Firth Coast. Explore the route here

SO MANY THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Restaurants with harbour views, world famous whisky distilleries that will give you a tour and a free dram, ancient castles that form the backdrop of a Hollywood movie and secluded beaches where you can watch the Northern Lights shimmer. The North East of Scotland is an unforgettable destination.

Where to Stay

What to eat, art and culture, outdoor and adventure, history and heritage, organised tours, north east 250 blog.

What to see, where to go, and what to do when you get here.

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It’s chilly and some may say the best time of the year. We love to embrace the winter walks with the family, this year it seems more accessible for us to do this with our families. The NE250 off...

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North Coast 500

• Complete the North Coast 500 - Scotland's most iconic road trip
• Dramatic mountains-capes and coastline dotted with ancient fortresses and stately castles
• Visit the northern whisky distilleries of Glen Ord, Glenmorangie and Old Pulteney
• Hidden coves, turquoise seas and the white sand beaches of Achmelvich and Sango
• Indulge in the freshest of local scallops and mussels fresh off the boat!

Begin your Scottish road trip in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness, Scotland's most northerly city. Complete with a variety of eateries serving everything from mouth-watering cakes to hearty Highland fayre and locally-sourced cuisine it's the perfect place to begin and end your North Coast 500 journey. After meeting your knowledgeable hosts and settling into your accommodation why not round off the day with a dram in the Castle Tavern overlooking the castle and River Ness?

If you have arrived with plenty of time to explore then history buffs shouldn't miss a visit to Culloden Battlefield - site of the final battle of the Jacobite Rebellion. Alternatively, Chanonry Point is a great place for spotting wild dolphins playing and feeding in the turbulent tidal waters of the channel. 

Ballifeary Guest House is an impressive Victorian Villa with many original features. It is ideally located only a matter of yards from Eden Court Theatre and a short walk from the River Ness where you can find many restaurants, Inverness Castle and the cathedral. Rooms have been refurbished to a high standard offering every comfort you would expect.  

Aye Stay is family run B&B in situated close to the renowned Eden Court theatre right in the heart of Inverness, the Gateway to the Highlands, providing a base to explore the city and the spectacular sights of the surrounding areas. All rooms are equipped with high speed free wifi, USB charging ports, Smart TV, Scottish fine soap toiletries, and coffee & tea making facilities with yummy biscuits!

The house that this accommodation is located in was built in the mid-19th century by a local shipping merchant. It is full of character and still has the original fireplace. It is an approximate 8-minute walk from the city centre and a large choice of restaurants and pubs. The rooms are warm and cosy. 

We recommend beginning your Scottish road trip with a visit to Glen Ord Distillery for a whisky tour and tasting. Can there be a better way of getting your adventure off to a great start? Drive west through remote glens and along the shores of misty sea lochs. Detour to the ancient ruins of 14th century Strome Castle, and stop in at the Kishorn Seafood Bar for some of the freshest seafood you've ever had, before reaching the iconic Bealach na Ba roadside viewpoint. Pause to take in the view and trace the coastline of Applecross to reach the tiny seaside communities of Torridon. Tonight you'll stay in the villages of Shieldaig or Torridon, bound to the north by the craggy summits of Liatach, Beinn Alligin and Beinn Eighe. 

Take an evening stroll along the shoreline from your accommodation, looking out for frolicking otters, or take a short drive to the fishing village of Lower Diabeg. This remote village at the end of the road is a hidden gem boasting views of Skye from a sheltered bay. 

Drive time:  2hr 15 min - 3 hr 30 min

Tigh an Eilean is situated in Shieldaig village on the shores of Loch Torridon. It is a small family run hotel owned by Chris and Cathryn who will provide a warm welcome, and complimentary tea and scones on arrival. The hotel has an award-winning AA restaurant, cosy lounge, and residents bars with views out onto the loch, perfect for watching those spectacular west coast sunsets.

This B&B overlooks Loch Gairloch with stunning views of the Isle of Skye.

Easan Beag (Gaelic for  little waterfall ) is situated on the outskirts of the village of Gairloch and is an ideal base to explore the surrounding countryside.

The Stables is located close to the shores of Loch Torridon and enjoys superb views of the mountains. Stay in a cosy en suite room, and enjoy great food and a homely atmosphere in its traditional pub.

Leave the coastal mountains behind for the sandy beaches of the west coast. En route stretch your legs on a short forest walk in Beinn Eighe Nature Reserve on the shores of Loch Maree overlooking the impressive peak of Slioch. 

As you pass through charming seaside villages why not stop for a seashore foraging experience in Shieldaig? Alternatively, head to Badachro Gin & Whisky Distillery to sample their craft bottles. Make sure to spend time in charming Poolewe with its white-washed cottages. From here you can visit Inverewe Gardens, home to giant California Redwoods, or take a wildlife boat trip on seas concealing rare coral reefs as you look out for illusive sea eagles soaring overhead. 

Finally, make your way to the harbour town of Ullapool via Gruinard Beach and the towering flanks of An Teallach mountain. For dinner choose multiple options, including a local seafood shack serving fresh crab and lobster, a delightful harbour-front bistro, or simply enjoy fresh fish and chips on a sunny evening looking out over Loch Broom. 

Drive time:  2 hr 10 min

Harbour House is a family-run bed and breakfast situated on the shores of Loch Broom just a short stroll from the village of Ullapool. The comfortable and pleasantly furnished en-suite bedrooms have modern amenities and look out to either the loch or the rugged mountains. The spacious lounge with its panoramic view of the harbour, loch and hills, provides a place to relax and unwind.

The Arch Inn in Ullapool offers comfortable ensuite rooms with views over Loch Broom and the Fannich Mountains in the distance. It is also known as a great place for live music and the restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced products such as local scallops, langoustines, lobster and oysters. Meet the locals in the Drink Inn Bar before enjoying a night of restful sleep.

A warm and friendly welcome awaits at this family-run guest house that is perfectly located on the shores of Loch Broom with views out across the water.

As you set out from Ullapool to reach Durness on Scotland's northern coastline little will prepare you for the immense beauty of Assynt and Sutherland. Pause to explore and learn about the 3 billion-year-old landscape on a 2 km walk in the Knockan Crag Nature Reserve and Geopark. Drive between the oddly shaped summits of Suilven and Stac Pollaidh (pronounced "Polly" ) as you head for the coastline. If you can't resist another walk then a 4 km circuit around the base of Stac Pollaidh is ideal and affords excellent views over the surrounding lochs and mountains. 

Arrive in Lochinver, another small fishing town on the coastline, and home to arguably the best sweet and savoury pies in the Scottish Highlands. Eat-in or takeaway for a picnic lunch with a view you won't soon forget. Fuelled and ready to continue, visits to the beaches of Achmelvich and Clachtoll are a must before continuing north to Durness through ever-more remote and wild scenery. 

Although not the most northerly point on the mainland the village of Durness, with its little houses scattered across the landscape, certainly has an edge-of-the-world feel to it. As you stand on the viewpoint over Sango Bay gaze out over the ocean - the only landmasses separating you from Arctic Greenland are the far-flung Faroe Islands and Iceland!

Drive time:  3 hr 10 min

Fiona and Robbie will welcome you warmly to their scenic retreat with every aspect of Highland hospitality. All seven bedrooms are individually decorated with their own unique style, offering total relaxation and comfort.

This small family-run hotel is situated in the east of Durness the most north-westerly village in Mainland Britain and was named after the famous Smoo Cave. Set in a tastefully extended traditional crofting house the hotel has developed with character and in keeping with its surroundings.

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check into this accommodation. This small guest house is a modern property and the guest rooms have all the amenities you require for a comfortable overnight stay.

Today follow scenic roads tracing Scotland's northernmost coastline to arrive in the town of Thurso. We recommend stopping off in the village of Bettyhill on the way, a couple of small cafes serve delicious home baking, and there's the nearby Strathnaver Museum (a must for those of MacKay ancestry) and the turquoise waters of Farr Beach. 

From Thurso it's around a 1-hour return trip to John O'Groats - a much-visited spot that marks the end of the journey between the two most distant point in the UK (with Land's End in England being the most southwesterly). Although it is commonly referred to as the most northerly point on the UK mainland, this is in fact the nearby peninsula of Dunnet Head. John O' Groats though is still worth visiting, if not just for checking it off your list, then certainly for seeing Duncansby Head's spectacular 60-metre sea stacks and cliffs teeming with sea birds.

On your return to Thurso from John O'Groats there's plenty to see; including the Castle & Gardens of Mey, the Rock Rose Gin Distillery, and for the birding enthusiast, the RSPB Nature Reserve at Dunnet Head. 

Drive time:  1 hr 50 min - 3 hr

Bed and Breakfast at 4 is a stylish townhouse centrally located in Thurso, Scotland's most northerly town. It is located within easy walking distance of shops, pubs, and restaurants. The rooms are all well-appointed with ensuite facilities and breakfast is served in a spacious conservatory.

The hotel retains much of its character with the thistles above each of the dormer windows and a cockerel above the main entrance. The restaurant uses locally sourced seasonal produce and has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, there is also a well-stocked bar area for you to relax in after a day’s sightseeing.

Y-Not is situated in the heart of the coastal town of Thurso, a stone’s throw from all amenities, shops, bars and restaurants. It is just a short 5 minute walk to Thurso river, harbour and beach. There is also a 2 mile coastal walk with fantastic views over the Pentland Firth to Scrabster Habour, with views of the Orkney Islands and Dunnet Head.

Begin your journey south to Inverness along the sea cliffs of the east coast. Near Wick stop off at the striking ruins of 16th century Castle Sinclair Girnigoe with their commanding position overlooking Sinclairs Bay. Whisky connoisseurs shouldn't miss a tour and tasting at the Old Pulteney single-malt distillery (est. 1826) or, further south, the iconic Glenmorangie Distillery. 

En route south detour to the inaccessible harbour of Whaligoe, reached by a steep descent on 330 zig-zagging steps cut into the seacliffs. For those without an affinity for heights admiring his feet from the top should be enough, while the intrepid may wish to descend to the harbour following in the footsteps of fishermen. Further south Dunrobin Castle, the seat of the Earl of Sutherland, which looks more like a French chateau than a Scottish castle is well-worth a visit even if it is just to stroll around the lush sprawling gardens. Containing a staggering 189 rooms, this vast stately home has been inhabited in various forms since the 1300s. Why not enjoy afternoon tea in the castle tearoom before arriving once more in Inverness?

Drive time:  2 hr 45 min

After breakfast your self-drive discovery tour on the North Coast 500 comes to an end. If you didn't have time on arrival we highly recommend exploring the area around Inverness before continuing on your onward journey.  

If you would like to add an extra night in Inverness, or in Glasgow or Edinburgh, to help facilitate your onward travel simply speak to one of our Specialists and we will happily arrange this for you.  

This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've  carbon counted our trips .

Other Information

Experience Scotland's most iconic road-trip for yourself, escaping the rhythm of everyday life as you make for the stunning beauty of Scotland's far north. Sample the fruits of the land and sea, from fresh crab and lobster, to craft gins and iconic single-malts. Allow our local expertise to guide you on a hassle-free road-trip. Experience Scottish hospitality at it's finest, not just at your accommodations, but as you tour distilleries and meet the local historian.

Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!

Self Drive | Take the wheel and explore an area at your own pace taking in places and highlights that our travel experts recommend.

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

You will overnight in hand-picked small hotels, B&B's and guesthouses, all of which have been chosen to ensure you experience warm Scottish hospitality at its best! We regularly use the below properties listed in the itinerary but may accommodate you elsewhere if these are unavailable. Please note that Torridon is a small village and accommodations are limited but we will accommodate you in the either Torridon or one of its neighbouring villages. Otherwise, The Torridon Hotel is a lovely 5* upgrade option which can be booked with a supplement. 

Single Rooms

This holiday is available to solo travellers but as all our tours are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs. If you require single rooms within your party we will, of course, try to accommodate your request subject to availability.

Breakfast is included each morning and normally consists of a continental buffet with tea and coffee, fresh fruits, yoghurt, cereals, eggs and bread with jams. Often also on the menu are cooked options like freshly made porridge, a traditional cooked Scottish breakfast and smoked fish with scrambled eggs.

We don't include lunch and dinner so you are free to choose from the available options. Your information pack includes details and recommendations of convenient lunch stops, cosy cafes and restaurants along the way. A couple of decades ago the food scene in Scotland was somewhat lacking, but now you'll find a range of high quality, varied options with everything from award-winning fish and chips to intimate Michelin-listed dining experiences, and casual restaurant menus showcasing delicious locally-sourced produce.

Additional Nights

You can add additional nights wherever you please on the route. Of course we highly recommend additional nights in the Highland city of Inverness at the start/end of your trip for cultural sight-seeing. If you plan on doing any outdoor activities on your trip then overnights in the town of Ullapool is recommended.

Your information pack will include a day-by-day itinerary, with recommended driving routes between overnight stops, as well as recommended detours and must-see sights and attractions. You can use Google maps to navigate the route on your phone, or your car's sat-nav. If you are hiring a car we recommend adding on a sat-nav as internet signal in the Highlands isn't always reliable.

Recommended Reading

If you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:

• Lonely Planet Scotland
• Philip's Navigator Scotland Atlas (Road Maps of Scotland) 
• 6 Nights in 3-4* B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels
• 6 Breakfasts
• Detailed information pack brimming with our local knowledge
• Our daily recommendations for places to see and visit
• Our daily recommendations for top places to eat and drink
• 24/7 Emergency support from our UK office
• Car hire (available as an optional extra)
• Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
• Entrance to attractions/historic sights
• Personal equipment
• Travel insurance (required)
• Additional nights at the start/end or along the route

You can start this tour on any day of the week from March to October, subject to availability. The busiest times of the year are around Easter and May when accommodations fill up quickly, so book as early as possible if you are planning to travel then. If you travel before Easter, and after mid-October it is worth noting that some attractions may either be closed, have limited access (i.e. castle interiors may be closed but the gardens open), or may open later and close a little earlier in the day. We always recommend checking the links in our information pack for up-to-date opening times to avoid disappointment. 

During the shoulder season - March to early April and after mid-October - the Scottish weather tends to be more unpredictable and is often colder and rainier. However, attractions and popular viewpoints will generally be quieter. 

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures dip below 0 degrees Celsius and it snows regularly in the Highlands. The Highlands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for rainy days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers are always recommended.

From March to October average daily temperatures vary from 5-18 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 11-17 mm per month on averarge. Generally, the driest months are April, May and July, while June through to September are the mildest. Although the weather can be less predictable exploring later in the year in October allows you to take advantage of the spectacular autumnal scenery and you may even see or hear the roars of rutting red deer stags. To see the purple heather blooming on the hillsides the best time to travel is from late July to early September. 

Your trip begins in the Highland city of Inverness.  If traveling in your own car from across the UK you'll find Inverness is easily accessible and well-connected. If you are driving or traveling from further afield we recommend an extra night in Glasgow or Edinburgh at the start of your trip so you can make the most of your first day of sight-seeing in Inverness. 

By Road:  Inverness is connected to southern Scotland via the A9. Reach Inverness from Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh in 3 hrs 15 min (M80 and A9) and 3 hrs (M90 and A9) respectively.  Newcastle is approximately a 5 hrs 15 mins (A1, M90 and A9) drive from Inverness, and Manchester, Birmingham and London are 6 hrs 30 min, 7 hrs 40 min and 10 hrs respectively. 

Alternatively, if arriving in Inverness by public transport and renting a car please see the excellent   Traveline   Scotland website for timetables and fares and more information regarding public transport in Scotland. Inverness is well-linked to southern Scotland and across the UK,  Europe and beyond by flying into either Inverness Airport, or Glasgow and Edinburgh's international airports. 

By Air:  Located 9 miles east of Inverness, the airport is served by routes from around the UK, Ireland and Amsterdam. The Stagecoach number 11 bus service runs from the city centre to the airport. Alternatively take a taxi directly to your accommodation or collect your hire car from the sirport and drive the 15 minutes into Inverness. 

By Rail:  Inverness is connected to central and southern Scotland and England by good rail links. See the   Scot Rail   website for Scottish locations and   National Rail   for UK-wide locations.

By Bus:   Services from UK destinations are operated by   National Express . Services from Scottish destinations are operated by   Scottish Citylink . 

Car Rental 

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we would book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car. Car hire collection can be arranged from Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh or a number of other Scottish locations. 

Your trip also ends in Inverness so you may depart as you arrived. If you hired a car drop-off in the pre-designated location and travel on via public transport. Otherwise, continue on your onward journey by car.

On confirmation of your booking, you will receive a personalised itinerary and comprehensive information pack. This carefully curated pack, designed with our own local knowledge and expertise, will include recommended driving routes, the must-see places and attractions to stop at en route, and our suggestions for the best places to eat and drink. 

We don't include car rental in the cost of our discovery tours to keep things flexible as we realise many people may wish to use their own car. If you decide to arrange car rental through us, we have a partnership with Europcar and can arrange this easily for you. As standard we book an Economy category car (suitable for up to 4 people) with included comprehensive insurance, prices are on a request basis. Please just let us know if you would like to upgrade your car. Car hire collection can be arranged from Inverness, Glasgow, Edinburgh or a number of other UK locations.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

The Biggest Choice

Around since 2003, 21,000+ customer reviews, positive impact.

At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided walking or cycling adventure.

This is active travel led by you.

You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.

We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.

We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.

Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.

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Northern Scotland Small Group Tours

• Choose from 16 Northern Scotland tours
• 200+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best Northern Scotland small group tours

Compiled by

Melissa Northern Scotland travel expert at TourRadar

4-Day Isle of Skye & West Highlands Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh

5-day highland explorer: skye & far north small-group tour from edinburgh, self guide cycle tour - hebridean way, scotland's shetland islands, scotland's orkney islands, walk the north west highlands and skye, west highlands, iona & the jacobite guided rail tour, north highlands & orkney guided rail tour, 6-day outer hebrides & skye adventure small-group tour from edinburgh, 3-day the north coast 500 small-group tour from inverness.

• Christmas & New Year
• Get off the beaten track and explore the wonders of Skye
• View the majestic Glencoe and visit the great Talisker Bay
• Marvel in the stunning scenery of the Scottish countryside

“Very enjoyable and relaxing.”

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Glimpse Britain's highest mountain
• Explore the natural wonders of the Skye
• Let the Highlands take your breath away

“We recommend the tour but particularly because he made it.”

• Self-Guided Cycling
• Sightseeing
• Cycle from Oban to the scenic Isle of Barra
• Ride through the Hebridean Way starting at Vatersay
• Visit the historic Callanish Standing Stones

• Visit the Shetland Museum & Archives
• See puffins at Hermaness Nature Reserve
• Hike to Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head lighthouse

“This was a really enjoyable and comprehensive tour of Shetland. A great mix of history, sightseeing, and culture.”

• Board the ferry to scenic Stromness
• Explore Kirkwall's Viking history
• Tour the Scapa Flow Museum on Hoy

“Lots to do and see and it was good to have some free time also. 5/5 for the tour experience in the Orkneys.”

• Hiking & Trekking
• Explore Ullapool and hike Ullapool Hill
• Hike Stac Pollaidh and visit Corrieshalloch Gorge
• Tour Beinn Eighe and Eilean Donan Castle

“Amazing tour and Ken was a calm, knowledgeable guide. Would definitely recommend hiking in the highlands.”

• Ride the Jacobite steam train over Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Discover Staffa Island's unique geological wonders
• Visit the historic Isle of Mull and peaceful Iona

“Everything had been well planned and the timetable worked well. Fantastic experiences, lovely hotels and excellent food.”

• Train & Rail
• Explore Dunnet Head's mysterious history
• Visit ancient Skara Brae and Maeshowe
• Tour Dunrobin Castle and its gardens

• Walk amongst the Callanish standing stones
• Relax on white sandy beaches
• Discover Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes

“Nice pace and perfect group size of 16.”

• Explore the wild side of Scotland
• Discover the diversity of Scotland
• Try some fresh seafood

“The transportation, food and other guests on the 'bus' were everything and more. I bonded with all of them and could not have asked for a better experience!”

Discover TourRadar

• Tour 1 – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• Tour 2 – Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky
• Tour 3 – Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian’s Wall
• Tour 4 – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• Tour 5 – The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle
• Tour 6 – St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
• View All Private Tours
• 1 Day Tour – The Best of Scotland in a Day
• 1 Day Tour – Loch Ness & the Highlands
• 2 Day Tour – Inverness & the Highlands
• 3 Day Tour – The Isle of Skye & the Highlands
• 4 Day Tour – Inverness & the Isle of Skye
• 5 Day Tour – The Grand Tour of Scotland
• 6 Day Tour – The Outer Hebrides & Isle of Skye
• 7 Day Tour – The Complete Tour of Scotland
• Departure Point
• Gift Vouchers
• Accommodation Explained
• Our Story – The Wee Red Bus
• John Muir Trust
• Our Vehicles
• Sustainable Tourism

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION – All group tours depart from Bus Stand ZE, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3BQ (opposite Howie’s Restaurant) .

Kylesku Bridge

The north coast five hundred – 7 day tour, tour highlights, join us on this 5 day tour (from inverness) or 7 day tour (from edinburgh) around the famous north coast five hundred, a classic touring route showcasing the best of the far north. ‘scotland’s route 66’ is a spectacular 516 mile round trip from inverness through stunning coastal scenery, peppered with iconic scottish sights - castles, wild beaches, whisky and some of the best views in scotland. the north coast five hundred offers a truly unique touring experience, quite unlike anywhere else in the world..

• Glenmorangie Distillery
• Dunrobin Castle
• Strathnaver Folk Museum
• Smoo Cave and Durness
• Achmelvich Beach
• Assynt and Torridon mountains
• Fishing villages of Ullapool and Shieldaig
• Corrieshalloch Gorge
• Inverewe Gardens
• Bealach na Ba mountain pass

Optional extra day of touring to Inverness – see Day 1 of the following tour .

Inverness to Thurso: We leave the pretty capital of the Highlands and travel to our first stop in Tain at the famous Glenmorangie whisky distillery. One of the best-known malt whiskies in the world there will be an opportunity to tour the distillery and sample the ‘water of life’.

We cross the Dornoch bridge and hug the coastline towards spectacular Dunrobin Castle; a towering, fairy tale castle of the Northern Highlands inhabited since the early 1300s. There will be time for lunch, a castle tour and a stroll through the magnificent Versaille-inspired ornamental gardens.

It’s not long before we reach the famous photo stop and signpost at John O’ Groats. We’ll also visit wild Duncansby Head to admire the spectacular sea stacks before overnight in the delightful wee town of Thurso, a relative metropolis in these parts!

Thurso to Durness: We bid farewell to the most northerly town on the UK mainland and continue west towards Strathnaver Folk Museum to hear the tragic story of the Highland Clearances. At this picturesque folk centre we’ll also learn about the Gaelic and Norse heritage of northern Scotland.

As we travel towards Tongue we stop for a lovely short walk at ruined Castle Varrich. The views across the Kyle of Tongue towards Ben Hope are stunning. After a spot of lunch we continue our spectacular route around Loch Eriboll to Durness. The rocky coastline, pristine beaches and turquoise waters are truly a sight to behold.

We’ll visit Smoo Cave, an impressive sea cave set into the limestone cliffs of Sutherland and one of the most popular tourist attractions on the north coast. Overnight in Durness.

Durness to Ullapool: Our leisurely drive around the north-west corner of Scotland takes us along single-track roads through the sleepy crofting settlements of Scourie and Kylesku to the Rock Stop café in the North-West Highlands Geo Park.

Some of the oldest rocks in the world surround us here. There will be time to visit the remote white sands of Achmelvich beach before lunch in the fishing port of Lochinver.

The remarkable mountains of Inverpolly Nature Reserve such as Stac Pollaidh and Suilven are never far from view as we continue to 15th century Ardvreck Castle on the shores of Loch Assynt. From here it’s a short, spectacular drive to the pretty seaside village of Ullapool where we’ll spend the night and perhaps enjoy some harbour-fresh fish and chips.

Ullapool to Gairloch: Our first stop this morning is the hair-raising Corrieshalloch Gorge, a mile-long box canyon where you can test your head for heights by walking across the Victorian suspension bridge and viewing platform. There are fabulous photo opportunities of the dramatic crashing waterfalls.

We travel past whitewashed crofting cottages on the Gairloch peninsula to Inverewe Gardens. This National Trust for Scotland property is a unique botanical garden celebrating mankind and the natural environment. The warm currents of the Gulf Stream have nurtured an oasis where exotic plants from all over the world flourish on a latitude more northerly than Moscow.

We spend the night in Gairloch, a thriving West Highland community with sweeping views to the Isle of Skye.

Gairloch to Inverness: Our final day is another classic drive. We follow the beautiful shoreline of Loch Maree to Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre in the rugged landscape of Torridon. This area is well-known to climbers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of wild places. Mountains like Liathach and Beinn Eighe rise steeply from the road adding to the drama of this Wester Ross scenery.

We’ll stop at the picture-postcard fishing village of Shieldaig on Loch of Torridon. After coffee we follow one of the most famous roads in the country, the Bealach na Ba, a 2000 foot mountain pass to the village of Applecross for lunch. Weather permitting the views from here to the Isle of Skye and Outer Hebrides are sensational.

The final leg of this wonderful trip takes us cross-country to Rogie Falls for a delightful woodland walk and viewpoint over the famous salmon leap. Time to reflect on this epic road trip before the short journey back to Inverness.

Optional extra day of touring to Edinburgh – see Day 2 of the following tour .

Looking for a shorter tour? How about the Five Day Tour of Scotland ?

Tour 1 Loch Ness & the Highlands bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 2 Stirling Castle, Highland Lochs & Whisky bus tour from Edinburgh

Tour 3 Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Hadrian's Wall bus tour from Edinburgh

Guaranteed Hairy Coos!

Tour 4 The Best of Scotland in a Day

Tour 5 The Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle

Tour 6 St Andrews & the Kingdom of Fife

2 Day Tour Inverness & the Highlands

3 Day Tour Isle of Skye & the Highlands

5 Day Tour The Grand Tour of Scotland

Private Tours of Scotland

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Scotland Tours from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and London

• Scotland Tours
• Scotland's Northern ...

• Duncansby Head
• Puffin, Handa Island
• Loch Eriboll
• Castle of Mey
• Ben Loyal annd Ben Hope

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Scotland's Northern Edge - 5 day tour

Scotland's Northern Edge 5 day/4 night

This fascinating tour of the Far North takes us to Inverness, then through Lairg and along the banks of Loch Shin to reach Kinlochbervie for a two-night stay. The next day board a ferry at Tarbet for a cruise to visit Handa Island, a sea bird nature reserve. There's no human activity here, but 1000s of fulmars, razorbills and puffins call it home. Our tour heads east to Thurso for a further 2-night stay, and along the way, we visit Smoo Cave and enjoy incredible coastal panoramas. Spend a full day exploring more northern treasures, including the dramatic sea cliffs at Duncansby Head and the Castle of Mey, HM The Queen Mother's beloved Highland home.                                         

Handa Island - enjoy fantastic nature-spotting opportunities during a visit to this sea bird nature reserve   

Strathnavar - visit the local museum to learn the tragic story behind the Highland Clearances

John O'Groats - capture an "I was there" photo at the iconic signpost for your next social media post  

Castle of Mey - explore the castle and gardens which were the treasured Caithness home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother   

Dunnet Head - if the weather is kind, enjoy views of Orkney from the most northerly point on the British mainland   

Movie locations - Merlin, The Eagle and Sea of Souls

Hotel accommodation included

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Full Tour Itinerary

Select Day:

Day 1 - Glasgow/Edinburgh - Lairg - Kinlochbervie

From Glasgow and Edinburgh, our Far North Adventure starts by crossing the Firth of Forth to reach the Kingdom of Fife and the rolling farmlands of Perthshire beyond.

There is a break for refreshments before we continue through the Grampian Mountains to reach the Spey Valley and the scenic beauty of the Cairngorms National Park .

From Inverness we head for Tain, then along the banks of the Dornoch Firth to reach Bonar Bridge and the famous Falls of Shin , where salmon battle their way upstream to spawn.

From Lairg, we head for Loch Shin then Loch Stack, which is overshadowed by the dramatic cliffs of Ben Stack. Journeys end today is Kinlochbervie , a thriving fishing port on the banks of Loch Inchard.                                  

Overnight: Kinlochbervie Hotel, Kinlochbervie (or similar) (2 nights)

Day 2 - Isle of Handa Excurison

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast before joining our coach for the short drive to Tarbet where the ferry will take us to Handa Island , which is internationally recognised for its extensive seabird colonies and impressive sea cliffs.

This island was a thriving community up until 1848 when the potato famine forced the residents to emigrate to Nova Scotia, Canada. Since then the island has been unoccupied and is now a nature reserve operated by the Scottish Wildlife Trust .

We'll have three-hours ashore to explore Handa, which rises to 400 feet (121 m) above sea level. The island is home to over 150 different species of birds including over 100,000 guillemots. Other residents include razorbills, kittiwakes and, the always-popular puffins .

You can discover the ruined settlement that was home to the island's population and learn the traditions of the island which had its own parliament which met daily to delegate the essential chores.

Day 3 - Kinlochbervie - Tongue - Thurso

A day of dramatic scenery awaits as we travel across the very top of Scotland to reach our next hotel in Thurso.

From our Kinlochbervie, we travel through the desolate landscapes of North West Sutherland. The locals call this area "The Lonely Lands", you'll soon appreciate why.

The Kyle of Durness leads us to the little village of Durness, which was a holiday favourite of John Lennon . He had a cousin who lived here and spent many childhood holidays in the area. The village has a garden dedicated to his memory.    

Our first stop will be to visit the impressive Smoo Cave . The entrance is the largest of any sea cave in the British Isles. On our visit see the thundering waters of the Allt Smoo cascade 196 feet (60m) through a sinkhole into the inner cave below.

The tour continues along the banks of Loch Eriboll, a picturesque sea loch, then passed Ben Hope, the tallest mountain in the north of Scotland to reach Tongue, which gets its name from the Norse, meaning "tunga".

A short drive away, we'll stop in Bettyhill to visit the Strathnaver Museum which tells the history of the region from prehistoric times through to the rise of the Clan MacKay, which dominated the area.

The notorious 18th Century " Highland Clearances " is an important story told at the museum. Local people were evicted from their homes by the landowners to make way for commercial sheep farming. Many people made the decision to resettle in Glasgow or were "encouraged" to emigrate to the New World.

We'll make the short drive to Strathnaver, where we will see the now deserted homes and cottages of a once-thriving community. They provide a moving reminder of the 350 families that were forced to flee from this valley between 1814 and 1819.   

Overnight: Station Hotel, Thurso (or similar) 2 nights

Day 4 - John O'Groats and Castle of Mey Excursion

After breakfast, we head out to discover more highlights of the Northern Highlands. Our first visit is to the spectacular cliffs at Duncansby Head. We'll see the lonely lighthouse that was built in 1924 then follow the coastal path to see the Long Geo of Sclaites, a massive collapsed cave which has created a deep cleft in the cliffs. A further walk along the clifftop provides an ideal viewpoint to see the impressive sea stacks.

Our next stop is to John O'Groats , the most northerly village on mainland Britain. Famous for its pairing with Lands End, 874 miles to the south, this is the start or end point for all types of human endeavour, often used to raise money for good causes. During our visit, a selfie at the signpost is almost obligatory, but the main attraction here are the views over the wild waters of the Pentland Firth towards the Orkney Islands.  

Next is a visit to the Castle of Mey . It was built in the 1600s by the Earl of Caithness and stands overlooking the Pentland Firth. It had fallen into disrepair when HM Queen Elizabeth, the late Queen Mother bought it in 1952. In her ownership, the castle was completely renovated, and the grounds developed to create the beautiful gardens we can see today.

The Castle of Mey became a favoured residence, and The Queen Mother holidayed there for nearly 50 years with her last visit being in 2001.

Our last stop today is at Dunnet Head, the most northerly point on the British mainland.  It offers remarkable views over the Pentland Firth and the little island of Stroma.

We return to Thurso in time to relax before dinner.

Day 5 - Thurso - Tain - Edinburgh/Glasgow

We say farewell to Thurso after breakfast and start our journey southwards.

For much of the tour we've followed the North Coast 500 route and today we will experience some of the fine coastal scenery that this famous journey is famed for.

We will see several small fishing villages that hug the coastline, reminders of the importance of herring fishing to this part of the country in the 19th Century. As we cross the Dornoch Firth, we come to Tain, once more which completes our circular tour of the far north of Scotland.

From here, our homeward journey follows the outward route. We'll make a stop for refreshments before reaching Edinburgh then Glasgow by early evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i expect on this escorted tour.

If you enjoy the art of first-class travel whilst enjoying amazing value then an Escorted Tour is just for you. These tours are carefully researched and combine quality hotels, luxury travel, informative visits and leisure time. You’ll find our Escorted Tours to be memorable - for all the right reasons!

You will travel aboard a state of the art motorcoach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, oversized windows and emergency washroom. Many coaches are equipped with WiFi too.

An experienced tour manager will lead the tour and your coach will be expertly driven by a professional driver. In certain locations you’ll may be joined by a local guide who will provide local insight and show you the highlights.

These tours are inclusive of superior tourist class accommodation, transportation, selected admission fees and many meals.

On many tours you’ll have the chance to personalise your touring experience by participating in some carefully planned optional excursions. These are at additional expense and, if available, details will be provided with your tour documentation.

What type of room should I choose?

Selecting the right sleeping arrangements can be a little bit confusing, so here is a description of what you can expect from the hotel accommodation offered as part of your tour:

Single room - this is a room for one person sleeping in a single bed. 

Twin room - this is a room for two people sleeping in two separate beds.

Double room - this is a room for two people sharing one large bed. 

Family room - this is a room for three people sleeping in one large bed (2 people) and one single bed (1 person).

Please note that a family room  is normally a standard double or twin room with either a sofa bed or a rollaway bed.

All room types, other than twin rooms, are subject to availability. 

How much luggage can I bring?

You can bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. The maximum weight allowance and luggage dimensions varies by tour so you should check the tour documentation for the luggage policy that applies to your tour.  

What should I wear?

Wear layers as the temperature on the water can vary. We recommend bringing a rain jacket, just in case! 

How many people will be on the tour?

The number of people travelling on an Escorted Tour will not normally be more than 50 passengers. On a Premium Escorted Tour you will travel with around 38 fellow passengers.

View all Frequently Asked Questions...

Accommodation

• 4 nights hotel accommodation
• Location: Kinlochbervie (2) and Thurso (2)
• Cooked/Continental breakfast (4)
• Table d' hote dinners (4)

Visits, Admissions and Experiences

• Admission to Strathnaver Museum and Castle of Mey
• Cruise to Handa Island

Tour Essentials

• Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats 
• All baggage handling and hotel tips are included
• Services throughout the tour of a professional Tour Director
• Service charges and taxes 

Departure information

From Glasgow

North Hanover Street Bus Stance Glasgow G1 2BP

Check-in: 07:00 hrs Tour Departs: 07:15 hrs Tour Returns: 18:45 hrs

From Edinburgh

Outside Reception at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edinburgh 111 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8NF

Check-in: 08:15 hrs Tour Departs: 08:30 hrs Tour Returns: 17:30 hrs

Child details

Please contact us for information on child prices. 

Price Notes

Accommodation The price of this tour includes hotel accommodation with en-suite bathroom. 

Departure and Return Times The departure and return times are given for guidance only and are subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days before departure.

FAQs Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.

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14 day tour from £ 3359.00

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10 alternative Scottish road trips to the North Coast 500

Off-the-beaten-track driving routes for an incredible break in Scotland

The North Coast 500 is one of the most popular road trips in the UK – and with 516-miles of spectacular shorelines, historic castles, windswept coastal towns and remote villages, it’s not hard to see the appeal.

It's becoming increasingly popular too – especially following a post-Covid boom in visitor numbers – with thousands now flocking every year to travel Scotland's 'most iconic route'.

However, there are a number of other off-the-beaten-track driving routes for an incredible break in Scotland.

In fact, a list of 10 alternative routes to the NC 500 has been put together by Four Seasons Campers, which offer customers a variety of unique road tours around Scotland.

The below road trips also guarantee an awe-inspiring experience – simply without the tourists that the NC 500 typically attracts. So you can enjoy a Scottish break packed with hidden gems and away from the crowds.

Spiritual Journey to the Atlantic

Explore castles, stone circles and beaches on this tour around Mull, Iona and Ardnamurchan, as you travel to the most westerly point on the UK mainland.

Liz Mackenzie, the owner of Four Seasons Campers, explains: “Take in Ardnamurchan Lighthouse and the beautiful white sands of Sanna Bay on the UK's most westerly mainland point, before taking the short ferry journey to the pretty coloured houses of Tobermory on Mull – where you can enjoy a dram of whisky at Tobermory Distillery as you watch the yachts enter the harbour.

"Drive north to the stunning Glass barn for some cheese sampling at Isle of Mull Cheese and onwards to Calgary Bay & the Art in Nature Sculpture Trail. Loop south and get the ferry to beautiful Iona with its bright white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water before porpoise spotting on the ferry back to the mainland."

Misty Mountain Trail

With a mix of dramatic landscapes, thrilling mountains and valley passes, this tour takes in Glencoe, Applecross and Loch Ness.

Liz says: “From the mystical valley of Glencoe, head north and past the impressive 5 Sisters of Kintail mountains, then over the infamous Bealach na Ba pass and Applecross, through mountainous Torridon and along Loch Maree to Garioch, then east towards the farmlands of Beauly and the remote Loch Affric Glen – home to ancient pinewoods and the rare Scottish wildcat. Loop south down by Loch Ness and back into the spectacular Nevis range of mountains for sighting or a hike of the UK's tallest mountain Ben Nevis."

East Coast Castle Trail

Featuring Scotland’s more rugged and remote landscapes, this road trip also takes in beautiful rural Perthshire before heading north to the pretty highland village of Braemar and the epic castles of Royal Deeside.

Liz adds: “Visit the pretty Perthshire village of Dunkeld with its stunning Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral before heading north through the rugged Cairngorm National Park and over the Spittal of Glenshee to reach the highland village of Braemar – best-known for its royal Highland Games. Meander along the river Dee passing a cluster of Castles including Balmoral, and the pretty traditional highland villages of Royal Deeside, before reaching the iconic Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea.

"Then loop back down to Scone Palace, one of Scotland’s most important historical sites and the crowning place of Scottish Kings."

Windswept Whisky Wonderland

This road trip takes you through the dreamy Mull of Kintyre and across the Atlantic to the pretty Inner Hebridean island of Islay – known mostly for its nine whisky distilleries and numerous golf courses. The unique micro-climate makes it a great off-season destination and a bird watcher's haven for sightings of Choughs, Eagles Hen Harriers and Osprey.

“Head west from Loch Lomond around the Argyll coast and enjoy what’s known as 'Britain’s most beautiful shortcut' with a walk or cycle along the Crinan Canal at the top of the Mull of Kintyre," Liz continues.

“Head south down the Kintyre peninsula with panoramic views over the Irish Sea. Then take the ferry to the Inner Hebridean island of Islay known as 'The Queen of the Hebrides' and hire some bikes to tour the distilleries and enjoy some whisky tasting and five star dining at one of the many restaurants."

Scotland in Miniature

Easily accessible and loved by locals who swarm here to their holiday homes every year, the beautiful island of Arran has incredible coastal views and is a foodie’s haven. A short ferry to the north onto the Mull of Kintyre completes a satisfying mini tour of this tranquil area of Scotland, Liz explains.

This tour takes you to the beautiful and easily accessible island of Arran with its golf courses, miniature mountains, array of Scottish produce and safe beaches.

Liz adds: “Take a gastro tour around the island and visit The Arran Chocolate Factory, Isle of Arran Cheeses, Blackwater Bakehouse, or head along to The Arran Butcher for some wild boar produce. And for your best friend try the Arran Dog Bakery for some healthy dog treats.

"Head to the north of the island to Lamlash and take the short ferry crossing over to the little known village of Skipness on the east coast of the Mull of Kintyre with its beautifully preserved 13th century castle overlooking Arran.”

Road to the Isles

This route takes you west along Scotland’s Road to the Isles and across to the Outer Hebrides , looping down from South Uist to the beautiful island of Vatersay. A beach lover’s dream, you’ll feel like you’ve found paradise as you meander over connecting causeways over the aquamarine ocean past stunning white beaches .

Liz explains: “Beginning along the aptly named Road to the Isles that runs between Fort William and Mallaig, this awesome road route takes in the stunning white beaches of Arisaig with views to the Small Isle of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna as well as the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct made famous in Harry Potter.

“On reaching the pretty fishing village of Mallaig, depart on the ferry to the Outer Hebridean Island of South Uist. Drive south through the Uists and the causeways connecting land, lochs and machair making it ideal for wildlife spotting. Catch the ferry to Barra and watch the planes land on the beach before touring south through the rugged hills of Barra to the stunning beaches of Vatersay island – paradise on earth."

Outer Hebridean Odessey

This route passes through the popular island of Skye with its dramatic Cuillin mountain ranges and crosses over to the northerly Outer Hebridean islands of Harris and Lewis – with its rich cultural heritage and archaeological trail.

Tour through the popular island of Skye, taking in well-loved walks at the Quiraing and Neist Point, followed by the short crossing to the most northerly Outer Hebridean islands of Harris and Lewis, recommends Liz.

She says: “Explore these stunning islands visiting the weavers of Harris and their famous gin distillery. Take time to explore the abundance of magical white sandy beaches stretching mile after mile. Then head north and back in time into Lewis and the incredible Callanish Stones and Blackhouse Village. Enjoy whale spotting as you cross back down to the mainland at Ullapool and stop for some seafood at the Seafood Shack.”

Victorian explorers

Taking you back in in time, this route starts at the pretty Victorian tourist town of Pitlochry and winds it way west to Rannoch Station – where you can feast on tearoom treats as you gaze out onto the wilderness and the old West Highland Line that is still in use today.

Liz explains that this route starts at Loch Rannoch and Rannoch Station, one of the UK's remotest railway stations, which looks out upon the vast expanse of wilderness that is Rannoch Moor. Continuing north, it takes you through the popular Victorian town of Pitlochry, with its incredible dam and fish ladder, before heading north through Aviemore and the Cairngorm National Park rich in stunning lochans, mountain streams and Caledonian pine forests perfect for cycling or walking through.

Dolphin trail

The best place in Scotland to spot dolphins, this road route takes you round the Black Isle north of Inverness and along the warm waters of the Moray Firth before heading down through the Cairngorms national park .

Liz says: “The Black Isle and Moray Firth benefit from a unique micro-climate sheltered by Cairngorm mountains and Atlantic storms. Amazing for dolphin spotting, this route also includes some beautiful coastal towns and pretty fishing villages as well as endless pebbled beaches. For whisky lovers and whisky newbies, the Speyside area to the south is the perfect place to take a distillery tour or tasting with over 50 distilleries”

The Road Less Travelled

This route takes you an alternative way to Scotland’s most travelled one, over to Skye and takes a detour down to beautiful Glenelg and Loch Hourn before heading north over the ancient turn-style ferry to Skye.

Known for its rugged beauty, this alternative route to Skye travels through the mountains of Kintail then heads south of the Skye Bridge and takes you over the beautiful steep mountain pass to Glenelg with stunning views across Kyle of Lochalsh.

Liz recommends: “Enjoy a BBQ on the beach overlooking Skye at Glenelg and take a detour south past the beautifully preserved Glenelg Brochs to remote Loch Hourn, which looks out to the remote Knoydart peninsula.

"Finally, take the short ferry ride to Kylerhea on Skye on the ancient turn-style ferry as you watch the seals frolic in the rapids.”

20 of the most glorious sandy beaches in the UK

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

The salt marsh, sand dunes, pine woodland, sandy beach and grazing marsh that make up Holkham is a National Nature Reserve – best known for its stunning panoramic views and varied wildlife.

Where to stay: The perfectly polished Victoria Inn has 20 rooms with a posh contemporary-cottage feel. Stroll through the walled rose gardens, feast on the restaurant's fresh shellfish and walk the few minutes to the golden sands of the beach.

Porthcurno, Cornwall

With soft white sand and turquoise sea, this west Cornwall beach is practically paradise. What's more, it's set beneath the world-famous Minack Theatre – perched high on the cliffs above.

Where to stay: Situated on the westerly point of Cornwall, Land's End Hotel sits upon Granite Cliffs overlooking the Longships Lighthouse and Atlantic Ocean. A restaurant serving local specialities is available on site, as well as a bar. The centre of Sennen is just a mile from the hotel.

Saunton Sands, North Devon

These three miles of stunning golden sand, between the villages of Braunton and Croyde, are host to some of the UK's best surf. Popular with families too, this is a fantastic swimming spot backed by the Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Where to stay: On a cliff top overlooking Braunton Burrows, The Saunton Sands Hotel features a spa, two swimming pools and a well-known restaurant. With views of Saunton Beach, its elegant rooms have a modern feel, the restaurant offers formal dining and a seasonal menu, and the casual Beachside Grill has wonderful views.

Studland Beach, Dorset

Studland is a four-mile stretch of sandy beach and heathland off the Isle of Purbeck. Here you can take part in some adrenaline-fuelled watersports, walk through woodland or simply gaze across the sea towards the Isle of Wight.

Where to stay: Knoll House is a hotel in Studland that boasts a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and tennis court. From the sea views to the hot tub, this small hotel makes a quaint base for a staycation of exploring.

Blackpool Sands, South Devon

Not to be confused with the other Blackpool, this South Devon beach has a turquoise blue sea and is set in a sheltered bay, surrounded by evergreens. Here you can hire a kayak or paddleboard and swimming in stunning clean water.

Where to stay: With a magnificent location, looking out over the harbour and the River Dart, right in the heart of Dartmouth, the 17th-century building of The Royal Castle Hotel offers bright, airy rooms, and a stylish restaurant.

Crantock Beach, Cornwall

Great for sandcastles and surfing alike, this expanse of golden sand, backed by dunes, sits at the Mouth of the Gannel estuary and is presided over by the National Trust. For far reaching views, follow the South West Coast Path.

Where to stay: Boasting a spa bath, Sunnyside Cottage , set in Crantock, features three bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen and a garden with a barbecue.

Summerleaze, Cornwall

One of Bude’s best-loved beaches, Summerleaze offers a thoroughly British seaside scene for a sandy beach holiday. At low tide a paddling pool emerges, as does an expanse of golden sand for walks along the coast.

Where to stay: The Beach balances style and charm with slick contemporary rooms and a traditional Victorian terrace overlooking Summerleaze beach. The restaurant showcases the best of Cornish produce, while the beach bar comes to life with live music on Sunday afternoons.

Botany Bay, Kent

Budding geologers will appreciate the chalk stacks and white cliffs of Botany Bay – a beach famed for its fossil hunting and rock pools. Smugglers were once rife here, however now you're more likely to see people relaxing on this sandy UK beach.

Where to stay: Boasting picturesque views of the English Channel and the North Sea, the charming Botany Bay Hotel enjoys an elevated position on the cliff tops in Kingsgate, near Broadstairs.

Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland

Perched proudly on a grassy hill above the sands of Bamburgh is one of the country's most iconic castles. To the other side are the world famous Farne Islands – so you won't be short of things to see on this sandy beach in Northumberland .

Where to stay: In the charming village of Bamburgh, The Sunningdale is just five minutes walk from a magnificent castle and scenic coastline. It offers a restaurant that uses local produce and bright rooms, many of which enjoy splendid views of Bamburgh Castle, the village or local farmland.

Watergate Bay, Newquay

One of Cornwall's best-known beaches, Watergate Bay is a popular surf spot but is also home to many different sporting events including the English National Surfing Competition .

Where to stay: Set just 200 yards from the beach, Beachcombers Apartments provide modern self-catered accommodation just four miles from lively Newquay. A 10 mile drive through scenic countryside brings guests to Padstow’s pretty harbour.

West Wittering, West Sussex

The whole of this sandy beach is accessible to dogs from the end of September to the beginning of May. At other times, all zones are open except between groynes 14A and 18, the area in front of the beach huts. It's a great place to take the dogs to stretch their legs – and yours. A family-friendly spot with gorgeous sand, this is one to sink your toes in.

Where to stay: Set in West Wittering, Willow House B&B has a terrace and garden views and offers guests a charming welcome and down-to-earth accommodation just a few miles from the sea.

Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire

A spectacular beach in Wales, Barafundle Bay caught everyone's attention when it was named one of the best beaches in the world. You can reach it by walking a scenic half-mile route from Stackpole Quay and once you land on the sandy beach, you'll find turquoise water. The crescent of sheltered cove is ideal for swimming, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers plenty for walkers.

Where to stay: At sunset, the Ferry House Inn and its shore-side location are bathed in a golden glow that will set the tone for your stay here. There's a cosy bar and seasonal restaurant on site.

Whitby Sands, North Yorkshire

Just a few minutes’ walk from the town of Whitby itself, Whitby Sands is perfect for sandy beach fans, with bright beach huts and sandcastle-building opportunities in sprawling supply. Fish and chips on the beach is a must here too - the battered cod at Magpie Cafe is so good that you'll often fins queues all along the street.

Where to stay: Just 10-minutes walk from Whitby Sands itself, Bagdale Hall & Annexe is an atmospheric Georgian townhouse with easy access to the North York Moors National Park.

Scarista Beach, Isle of Harris

One of the most impressive beaches in the Hebrides , even on a cloudy day Scarista Beach will take your breath away. This sandy beach is simply spectacular when the sun appears, with its flour-soft sand and turquoise water. While it's a remote one, you'll find some top foodie trips nearby.

Where to stay: With its own sun terrace and garden, Harris White Cottage in the Isle of Harris region occupies a beachfront location second-to-none.

Durdle Door, Dorset

Around 10,000 years ago, water broke through a stack of rocks on the Jurassic Coast and started to create one of the most incredible formations in the UK. Today, Durdle Door is an iconic archway with a sandy beach that you'll find on many postcards of Britain.

Where to stay: Lulworth Lodge , just a five-minute walk from Lulworth Cove, is a coastal lodge around an eight-minute drive from Durdle Door. There are 12 stylish rooms, including two that welcome dogs. The restaurant serves up fresh local fish and the outside deck is perfect for soaking up the summer sun with some fizz.

Formby Beach, Merseyside

One of the National Trust’s fastest-changing shorelines, family-friendly Formby beach has a network of dunes which move at an alarming four metres a year. Look out to the sea for amazing views across the Irish Sea and spot some wildlife in the woodlands that back the beach, too. You might be lucky enough to see some red squirrels.

Where to stay: A 20-minute drive away from the golden sands of Formby Beach, this grade 2 listed apartment on Southport Promenade is also just 750 yards from Southport Beach. The chic three-bedroom apartment provides the perfect sanctuary to rest your salty feet.

Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry

In between the mouth of the River Bann and Portstewart are rolling dunes and pristine sands. And designated drivers rejoice: the two-mile stretch is one of the last places in Ireland where cars are still allowed to drive straight onto the beach. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s incredibly popular with families who want to picnic on the shores.

Where to stay: Situated on the stunning coast of North Antrim in the seaside town of Portstewart, Me & Mrs Jones Hotel offers a boutique restaurant & bar serving highly renowned dishes and drinks for all tastes.

Rhossili Bay, Gower Peninsula

Remote Rhossili Bay has a long list of accolades and has been named the ‘best beach in Europe’ and ‘top ten beaches in the world’. One visit here and it’s easy to see why it's an award-winning sandy beach. The steep, winding walk down to the coast from Rhossili village is stunning, with panoramic views over three miles of golden sand, and on clear days, to the coastline of North Devon.

Where to stay: Featuring sea views, Creek Cottage sleeps four and provides the perfect base for your next sandy beach break. Enjoy a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and cosy living room, where you can spread out and relax after a day building sandcastles.

Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris

Visit Luskentyre out of season and you might be lucky enough to have this bright-white sandy beach all to yourself. A short drive north of Scarista, it's one of Harris’s biggest beaches, attracting seaside lovers to relax on the sand and soak up the Caribbean-like views.

Where to stay: Kirklea Island Suites is situated in Tarbert and offers self-contained units each featuring a patio, seating area, kitchen and coffee machine. Don't fancy cooking? There's an on-site restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, too.

Compton Bay, Isle of Wight

Compton Bay on the southwest of the island is popular with families, surfers and dog walkers, as everyone is welcome on the beach between Hanover Point and Brook Chine. Rising behind the coast, there are walking opportunities across acres of open downland, with stunning views out to sea from this sandy UK beach.

Where to stay: Villa Rothsay Hotel in Cowes is a boutique hotel housed in a Victorian villa. It offers views of the Solent, a comfortable drawing room and an honesty bar with Isle of Wight gin and tonic.

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2025 Northern Europe Cruises: Discover Iceland, Norway & Belgium

There's no better way to travel the world than aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. If you're interested in seeing the sights of northern Europe, you won't want to miss the opportunity to cruise with Norwegian - which consistently wins the award for Europe's top cruise line from World Travel Awards year after year. With multiple departure ports of call, you can start your cruise from your city of choice before traveling on a voyage you won't forget.

Here, we'll take a closer look at Norwegian's 2025 Northern Europe cruises , highlighting some of the most notable ports of call and helping you plan your cruise.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Northern European cruises .

2025 Northern Europe Departure Ports

If you'd like to explore Northern Europe from the sea, you'll have 10 potential ports of departure from which you can start your journey. You can begin your cruise in northern Europe or from locations further south or west if that's more convenient for you. When cruising to the north of Europe in 2025, these are the cities from which you can depart:

• Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Lisbon, Portugal.
• London (Southampton), United Kingdom.
• New York City, United States.
• Oslo, Norway.
• Paris (Le Havre), France.
• Reykjavik, Iceland.
• San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Stockholm, Sweden.
• Tromsø, Norway.

So, get ready to pack your bags and head to the departure port that best suits your travel plans in 2025.

2025 Northern Europe Cruise Ports

With a staggering list of port cities in 2025, the most challenging part of planning your trip will be deciding which cities to visit during your northern European cruise vacation. Perhaps you want to take a northern lights tour in Reykjavik, or maybe you can't wait to visit the Tower of London. Whatever your dreams are for your 2025 cruise, Norwegian has a port city that will leave you breathless. Here are some highlights of what could be on your agenda in 2025.

Reykjavik, Iceland

With its rugged natural beauty and vibrant towns filled with rich cultural experiences, a visit to Iceland won't disappoint. There are few places with the diverse topography and landscape found in Reykjavik , where you can see flowing lava, hot springs, impressive waterfalls, and rocky mountains waiting for you to snag the perfect photo to document your cruise. While the natural setting is enough to fill your senses, don't miss out on the top-tier dining experiences that you'll find in the quaint villages.

London (Southampton), England

London (Southampton) serves as a starting point for several of our cruises around northern Europe, which comes as no surprise given the vast number of activities you can participate in before starting your cruise vacation. Visit with royalty at Buckingham Palace, see London from a bird's eye view aboard the London Eye, or even take in a Broadway-style show in the West End. Sip some tea and munch some scones as you dream about the adventures awaiting you along your voyage.

RELATED CRUISES: 12-Day Baltic from Stockholm to Paris: England, Germany & Belgium 12-Day British Isles Round-Trip London: Ireland & Scotland 14-Day Northern Europe from New York to Reykjavik: Iceland, Greenland & Canada

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a city built upon a series of canals that make for the perfect morning or afternoon stroll. Take in the city's scenic beauty and marvel at the stunning architectural design of the buildings that border the canals. Consider renting a bike and traveling around the city like many of the locals. If you prefer to relax, a canal cruise might be more your speed. Don't miss the opportunity to see some of the most astounding museums in the world, including the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

Galway, Ireland

This port city on Ireland's picturesque west coast has a rich history that dates back to the thirteenth century. Explore a traditional Irish farm, search abandoned castles, or tour remarkable cathedrals during your stop in Galway. If you're up for an adventure, explore Aillwee Cave, an underground sanctuary carved from melting water during the Ice Age, where you can see interestingly shaped stalactite and stalagmite formations and catch a glimpse of the bones of an extinct species of bear. Before you leave, no trip to an Irish village would be complete without some music and ale at the local pub.

Helsinki, Finland

Known as Scandinavia's "White City of the North," Helsinki has a fascinating architectural style featuring buildings erected using local light-colored granite. Tour the National Museum of Finland to learn more about the cultural history of the Finnish people and view artifacts dating back to the Stone Age. Visit one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, the Suomenlinna fortress, a fort located on a quiet island where you can find a bit of solitude. Or take a walk through the central Market Square, where you can sample local produce, taste local food, and shop for souvenirs in the comfort of heated tents.