If you arrive early enough, you might like to take a cruise on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, visit the charming 15th century Cawdor Castle, or stop off at Culloden Battlefield with its interactive visitor centre.

Your accommodation: A 5-star guest house on the outskirts of Inverness

You’ll drive to the beautiful west coast of Scotland crossing over the breathtaking Bealach na Bà (The Pass of the Cattle), a spectacular mountain pass which is both the steepest road in the UK, and a landmark of the North Coast 500. You will then arrive at your luxurious country house accommodation to make the most of highland hospitality.

Your accommodation: A 5-star Country House Hotel. Dinner is included at your accommodation this evening. (A cosy inn or B&B can be arranged if you prefer).

Today you can discover the beauty of the surrounding area stopping off to visit attractive villages, enjoying a walk on unspoilt sandy beaches or taking a wildlife cruise and glimpsing a new perspective on this magnificent coastline before returning to the welcoming comfort of your hotel.

Drive on through the wild and rugged North West Geopark to the small fishing port of Lochinver and your charming accommodation. Enroute you can visit the vibrant coastal town of Ullapool with its range of shops, galleries and cafés, and you’ll pass by the ruins of Ardvreck Castle.

Your accommodation: A boutique guesthouse with superb views over the town and surrounding countryside.

Take a scenic drive to explore the rugged beauty of this area with its dramatic mountains and pristine beaches. For something a little more active, you can walk to the ‘Bone Caves’ at Inchnadamph where the ancient remains of bears, lynx, arctic fox and other animals from Scotland have been found; or take the short boat trip to Handa Island, no longer inhabited it is now a nature reserve teeming with birdlife including puffins and razorbills.

Continue your journey along the north coast of Scotland to the county of Caithness, visiting Smoo Cave at the village of Durness before stopping off for some hot chocolate in a wonderful local chocolate shop & café. Enroute you’ll also pass by the Strathnaver Museum, where you can discover the history and culture of this area, including the tragedy of the Highland Clearances.

Your accommodation: A charming 4-star country house hotel or a luxurious B&B, as you prefer.

Today you make your way to the ferry crossing, leave your car behind and be welcomed to the island by knowledgeable, local tour guide.

You’ll experience Orkney’s Neolithic sites which have been awarded World Heritage Status, including Skara Brae; the Ring of Brodgar; and the Standing Stones of Stenness. You’ll also get the chance to see the Italian Chapel, the Churchill Barriers and St Magnus Cathedral, Britain’s most northerly cathedral. You’ll then return to the mainland this evening.

N.B. If your time frame allows we can also arrange for you to spend a night or three on Orkney!

You may like to take in some of the spectacular coastal scenery of Caithness, including its famous sea stacks, before heading south down the northeast coast of Scotland to the picturesque town of Dornoch. En route you could you could make the short walk to the Badbea Clearance Village where, during the infamous Highland Clearances, people were forced to live on the cliff edge.

Your accommodation: A beautifully restored former manse, now a 5-star boutique hotel.

Today you can discover Dornoch, home to the world-famous Royal Dornoch Golf Course and a number of delightful shops and cafés – you may even like to have a round of golf on the links course! Or you could visit nearby Dunrobin Castle. Seat of the Clan Sutherland, this castle is more akin to a French chateau in its architectural style.

Your North Coast 500 Vacation Itinerary wraps up as you return to Inverness, passing by the famous Glenmorangie Distillery which offers tours and tastings. You can also visit one of the local potteries or a contemporary glass-making studio to browse for some special souvenirs before beginning your homeward journey. You may even like to take the short summer ferry hop to the Black Isle, a fertile peninsula – not actually an island – with historic villages, from where you can continue your journey to Inverness.

Optional: To take full advantage of this day, why not let us book you an extra night’s stay in the Inverness area this evening?