North Coast 500 – 5-Day Private Luxury Tour of the Scottish Highlands

Explore the Best of the NC500 with a Private Driver-Guide

Embark on a luxurious 5-day journey around Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500 route with Macaulay Luxury Travel. Discover breathtaking coastlines, dramatic Highland landscapes, rich history, ancient castles, and warm Scottish hospitality – all without the stress of driving or planning. Travel in comfort aboard our Mercedes Viano (seats up to 7 passengers), and let your expert guide Emma lead you on a bespoke adventure you’ll never forget.

This extended tour is fully customisable and ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking an immersive and authentic Highland experience. Whether you’re keen to discover hidden gems, sample world-class whisky, or soak up the rugged beauty of the far north, we’ll craft a route that suits your interests and pace.

Tour Highlights

Private transport & expert guide throughout
Custom itineraries tailored to your interests
Iconic stops like Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch, John O’Groats & more
Scenic drives, wildlife spotting & whisky tastings
Optional visits to Outlander filming locations
Curated dining & accommodation recommendations
Collection & drop-off from your Inverness hotel, airport, or local area.

Sample 5-Day Itinerary

All routes can be adjusted to your preferences. Below is a sample to inspire your perfect NC500 adventure.

Day 1: Inverness to Dornoch – History, Highland Cows & Whisky

Collection from your chosen location in or near Inverness:

Visit Flora Macdonald Statue at Inverness Castle (photo stop)
Optional stops on the Black Isle:
- Beauly Priory – Outlander location
- Robertson’s Larder – See Highland cows up close
- Glen Ord Distillery – Whisky tour or tasting
Lunch at The Storehouse of Foulis overlooking Cromarty Firth
Afternoon options in Dornoch:
- Glenmorangie or Balblair Distillery
- Shin Falls & Carbisdale Castle
- The Witches Stone, Dornoch Cathedral, or Historylinks Museum
- Dornoch Beach or Royal Dornoch Golf Club
- Dornoch Jail – Unique boutique shopping
Optional drive along Loch Fleet Nature Reserve

Overnight Stay Recommendations:
- Dornoch Castle Hotel / Dornoch Station Hotel / Royal Marine Brora

Day 2: Dornoch to John O’Groats – Castles, Cliffs & Coastlines

Depart Dornoch at 9am:

Highlights and options include:
- Dunrobin Castle – Fairytale castle with falconry shows
- Carn Liath Broch – Iron Age marvel
- Brora Heritage Centre or Clynelish Distillery
- Gelato stop at Capaldi’s of Brora
- Timespan Helmsdale or Dunbeath – Crown filming location
Lunch recommendation:
- The Bay Dunbeath / Laidhay Tea Rooms / River Bothy
Post-lunch scenic drive north with stops such as:
- Whaligoe Steps & Haven – 250ft cliffside walk
- Camster Cairns – 5,000-year-old tombs
- Old Pulteney Distillery & Wick Harbour
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
- Duncansby Head & Sea Stacks
- John O’Groats – Northernmost point on mainland Britain
- Optional stop at 8 Doors Distillery
Overnight Stay Recommendations:
- Mackay’s Hotel Wick / John O’Groats Lodges / Caithness View Farm Lodges

Day 3: John O’Groats to Tongue – Puffins, Beaches & Norse Heritage

Depart Hotel around 10am:

Morning drive west along the north coast
Optional stops include:
- Dunnet Head – Northernmost tip of mainland Britain
- Castle of Mey – Queen Mother’s former residence
- Strathy Bay or Melvich Beach – Pristine beaches
- Bettyhill & Strathnaver Museum – Norse & clan history
Possible lunch stop at Halladale Inn or Bettyhill Hotel
Scenic drive past Ben Loyal and Kyle of Tongue
Overnight Stay Recommendations:
- Tongue Hotel / The Ben Loyal Hotel

Day 4: Tongue to Ullapool – Mountains, Lochs & Secluded Roads

Collection from accomodation around 9am:

Drive through some of the most remote Highland roads
Suggested stops:
Ardvreck Castle ruins
Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
Lochinver or Kylesku Bridge – Stunning photo opportunities
Drumbeg Loop – One of Scotland’s most scenic routes
Enjoy lunch with a view in Lochinver or Kylesku
Arrive in Ullapool, a picturesque fishing village
Overnight Stay Recommendations:
The Ceilidh Place / Harbour House / The Arch Inn

Day 5: Ullapool to Inverness – Forest Trails & Final Views

Depart accomodation around 10am:

Begin your final leg back to Inverness
Optional route through:
Corrieshalloch Gorge – Dramatic suspension bridge
Rogie Falls – Forest walk and waterfalls
Beauly or Strathpeffer for a charming Highland town stop
Return to Inverness around 5–6pm
Drop-off at your chosen location / Hotel,

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Pricing & Additional Info

Prices start at:

£3,000 for up to 4 guests
£3,500 for up to 7 guests

Tour includes private transport and guide services only.
Accommodation, meals, and attraction entry fees are not included but assistance with bookings is provided.

Additional Information:

Tour starts/ends in Inverness – flexible pick-up options available (Inverness Airport, Rail Station, Hotels, or Invergordon Port)
Suitable for families, couples, photographers, whisky lovers, and Outlander fans
Custom stops and experiences available on request
Child seat available on request
Recommended for ages 5+

Frequently Asked Questions – North Coast 500 Private Tour

What is included in the 5-day North Coast 500 private tour?

Our NC500 private tour includes a professional driver-guide, luxury transport in our Mercedes Viano (seating up to 7 guests), hotel pick-up and drop-off, custom route planning, and sightseeing recommendations. Accommodation, meals, and attraction entrance fees are not included but can be pre-arranged or suggested by us.

Is the North Coast 500 tour suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! This private tour of the NC500 is ideal for families. We offer flexible stops, optional nature walks, beaches, wildlife spotting, and even Highland cows! Child car seats are available upon request.

Where does the North Coast 500 tour start and finish?

The tour begins and ends in Inverness, the official starting point of the NC500 route. We offer flexible pick-up and drop-off from your Inverness hotel, airport, train station, or Invergordon Cruise Port.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Yes! Every tour is fully customisable. Whether you want more whisky distilleries, historic castles, Outlander filming locations, or scenic coastal walks, we tailor the route to suit your interests and travel pace.

Do you provide accommodation for the NC500 tour?

Accommodation is not included in the tour price, but we are happy to recommend and help you book hand-picked hotels, lodges, or guesthouses based on your preferences and budget.

How much does a private North Coast 500 tour cost?

From £2,700 for up to 4 guests
From £3,500 for up to 7 guests
This covers private driver-guide services and luxury transport for the full 5 days. Accommodation, food, and attraction fees are extra.

What vehicle is used for the NC500 private tour?

You’ll travel in comfort and style in our Mercedes Viano, a spacious, executive 7-seater vehicle equipped for Highlands terrain. It offers excellent visibility, air conditioning, and luggage space for multi-day tours.

When is the best time to do the North Coast 500?

The NC500 is beautiful year-round. However, the best time to tour the NC500 is between April and October, when the weather is milder, attractions are fully open, and there's a greater chance to spot puffins, seals, and Highland wildlife.

Can I start or end the tour in a different location?

While the standard itinerary begins and ends in Inverness, we may be able to arrange custom pick-up/drop-off from other locations such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, or even Skye – just ask!

How do I book the NC500 private tour?

You can book directly through our website by filling out the form below or email info@macaulayluxurytravel.com. Early booking is advised due to limited availability.