Is parking available near the departure point for the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

Parking can be difficult to find in the center of town. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of the excellent public transportation that is available.

How early should I arrive for the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

Check-in closes 15 minutes before your departure time. The tour departs on time, so please do not arrive late.

Can I bring luggage with me on the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

You may bring up to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.

What should I bring with me on the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Bring your camera and spending money for food, optional admission tickets, etc.

Are admission fees included in the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

No. You pay for access to sites such as castles and museums as you arrive. Most of these locations accept both cash and card.

What type of vehicle is used during the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

The tour is conducted in a 16 seat Mercedes Mini-coach. There are three steps up into the coach – each 150mm in height. There are grab handles on both sides, the step edges are clearly marked and the treads are non-slip.

Can I bring a wheelchair on the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

The bus is not wheelchair accessible, however, there is storage available for a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Guests must be able to get on/off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a companion as guides cannot assist physically.

Are restrooms available on the bus during the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

There are no restrooms on board the bus, however, the group does make regular breaks to use the restroom during the tour.

Can I bring my small child with me on the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

All guests must be at least 5 years old to participate in this tour. If your child is 5 or older, but under 1.35m (4.4 ft.) tall, please notate this in the "Special Requirements" box so a booster seat can be arranged.

Where will we be staying during the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

You stay one night in Ullapool and one night in Thurso.

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

Recommended by 97% of travelers

Inverness, Scotland

3 days (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Scotland's North Coast 500 is the country's answer to Route 66 and not having a vehicle doesn't mean having to miss out. Travel in a top-of-the-range, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach and see all of the highlights, from serene beaches to dramatic sea cliffs, and includes accommodation.

Journey along the North Coast 500 without having to drive
Small-group tour (maximum 16) ensures a personal experience
Includes 2 nights' accommodation: No need for additional bookings
Get insight into local culture and history from your guide

What's Included

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

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Refreshments and meals (pre-booking evening meals after 7pm is highly recommended)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

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

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start time
.7:45 am

Itinerary

Day 1

Inverness - Ullapool

4 Stops

Bealach na Ba Road

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shieldaig Lodge

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Gairloch Leisure Centre

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Overnight in Ullapool.

Meals: Not included

Day 2

Ullapool - Thurso

3 Stops

Ardvreck Castle

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Smoo Cave

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Thurso

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Overnight in Thurso.

Meals: Not included

Day 3

Thurso - Inverness

4 Stops

Dunnet Head

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

John O'Groats

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Dunrobin Castle and Gardens

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Not included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
All Inverness tours will depart from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral, Ardross Street, IV3 5NS

We apologise, but we cannot accommodate children under 5 years old on our tours. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. Please note that if this policy is not followed, we will have to refuse travel without issuing a refund. Thank you for understanding
Luggage Allowance:You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
During winter months (Nov-March), tour may not go to Applecross due to bad weather on high route and daylight hours.
Booking three or more people? We can accommodate up to 8 guests in a group, please add each required room to your basket separately
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travelers

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Frequently Asked Questions (11)

Q:What is the departure point for the 3-Day North Coast 500 Small-Group Tour?

A:The tour departs from the Bus stop near Inverness Cathedral

Apr 2023

The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 21 days in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 31 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Once in a lifetime tour!

Jonel_S, May 2026

Beautiful country, with history & geological knowledge sprinkled in along the tour. Eilidh was a wonderful guide and very sensitive to the varying needs of the travelers in her care. She has a great love for this part of the world and it shows in how much she delights in sharing it. Also a terrific playlist!! Rabbie’s tours are always equal parts beautiful sights and well informed guides! This was my first overnight experience with Rabbie’s and it went very smoothly. I booked the tour thru Viator and am curious about the hotel choices they made on my behalf but overall it was ok. Of the 16 people on the bus we were booked in 3-4 different hotels each night. Some made res on their own, some thru Rabbie’s and others thru agents. The quality of the hotels were not always similar. So if you are picky about your accommodations I’d advise do your own research.

Fabulous trip made extra special by our Guide

Iain_M, Mar 2025

An excellent trip with a very knowledgeable guide. Each day was filled with so many wonderful views and places but nothing felt rushed. We certainly will be booking another trip with Rabbie's.

Amazing

Irina_G, Aug 2024

The scenery is breathtaking, the tour organization is top level. Special thanks to Scott for this amazing trip!

Most Epic/ Insane scenery

Catherine_P, Jun 2024

Magical experience. Day 1 was rainy/ foggy and we missed the famous mountain pass. But still amazing. Day 2 and 3 spectacular. Day 2 along the top of UK from Ullapool to Thurso My favourite. The beaches and Smoo Cave are spectacular. We had plenty of time at stops with a few extra stops for pics along the way too. We where always kept informed of our next loo stop. I NEVER PUT MY CAMERA DOWN it was insane how stunning the West/ North Coast is! The East Coast is OK! Personally I'd do it the other way around get the boring East side done first. Lol Anyway.... I recommend highly this wonderful 3x day tour well worth the Money... I stayed In Ullapool @ Harbour House Hotel I stayed In Thurso @ The weigh Inn Hotel. Both very nice comfy rooms. Wonderful Views amazing cooked breakfasts to keep you going untill lunch stops. Wonderful Driver/ Tour guide Only 7 of us on the minibus which was perfect as we could all spread out. (Only downside quite a few of the Charging points did not work. So I was loosing power on my phone and missed a chunk for taking pictures.) Anyhow what are you waiting for BOOK IT NOW!!! I went in April and it was 😍 lovely

Scenery With A Twist...or 1,000 Twists!

Shelley_O, Jul 2023

The scenery was amazing, not only because of its beauty but there was so much to see. Mountains, rivers, lochs, wildlife - it demanded one's attention; you wouldn't want to miss anything! The accommodations were very comfortable indeed.

Deanna was a great story...

Ashok_R, May 2023

Deanna was a great story teller and very knowledgeable. She quickly figured out what we would like to see and do, then she adjusted the trip. Each day turned out better than the one before!

Likely to Sell Out