DAY 1 – Depart London aboard Caledonian Sleeper

From London depart in style onboard the Caledonian Sleeper.  Enjoy the comfort of your own private cabin with ensuite facilities,  station lounge access pre travel, priority boarding, proiority access to onboard Club Car, plus hot breakfast.  Speak to us about upgrading from twin bunk beds to Caledonian Double.

Overnight: Caledonian Sleeper
Inclusions: Rail travel & room supplement
Rail travel: 11 hrs 30 mins

DAY 2 – North Coast 500: Inverness to Dornoch

After disembarking the train from the overnight journey, collect your hire vehicle and begin the NC500 adventure. Enjoy a stop at one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, Glen Ord, founded in 1838 on the edge of the Black Isle. The distillery malts its own barley and uses traditional methods of long fermentation and slow distillation to create a whisky that is said to taste sweet, fruity and slightly spicy.  Before continuing on your way, you might want to head further east into Black Isle for beautiful beaches and natural attractions, such as Chanonry Point.  Your accommodation for the next two nights is in the delightful historic town of Dornoch renowned its tranquil location, stunning scenery and sunny climate.
An optional overnight stay at Inverness is available prior to starting NC500 route.

Meals: Full Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Dornoch (2 nights)
Drive time: 1 hr 30 mins

DAY 3 – Dunrobin Castle

Enjoy exploring Dornoch and surrounds with a full day to visit local attractions.  Open between April and October, Dunrobin Castle resembles a French chateau, with fairy-tale spires and turrets. Journey through the castle, admiring fine furnishings and an impressive art collection. Explore the castle gardens and grounds and don’t miss the eclectic private collection in the garden museum.
For those keen golfers, tee-off on the Royal Dornoch championship course, ranked 13th in the world! The coast is also a favourite with wildlife such as seals and a sizeable population of both breeding and wintering birds.  Close by is Belblair distillery which has been producing whisky since 1790.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Dunrobin Castle admission, Car hire
Overnight: Dornoch
Drive time: 40 mins

DAY 4 – North Coast 500: Dornoch to Thurso

Today’s journey takes you further north along the Sutherland east coast where you’ll pass through small villages and see stunning views of the coastline. A 2 hour drive will bring you to John O’Groats, the northeastern tip of mainland Britain. It’s a popular tourist destination, known for its rugged coastline and as the starting point for many people attempting the famous Land’s End to John O’Groats journey.  Dunnet Head, the most northerly point, is a short onward drive.  Your accommodation for the next two nights is in a traditional Scottish country house hotel hidden amoungst wonderful woodland.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Thurso region (2 nights)
Drive time: 2 hrs 40 mins

DAY 5 – North Coast 500: Thurso area

Today is yours to enjoy the Caithness region. The vast open landscape, also known as the flow country, is rich in archaeological remnants of a bygone age. The geological features of the coastline features soaring sea stacks, colonies of sea birds, and vertically faced headlands jutting out into the wild waters of the Pentland Firth.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Thurso region

DAY 6 – Thurso to Ullapool

The Highlands are known for their breathtaking landscapes, and the drive today offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of one of Scotland’s most stunning regions. Choose the coastal route for spectacular rugged scenery, being sure to stop at the UK’s largest sea cave, Smoo Cave.  Seaviews, magificent countryside, and serene lochs make for an unforgettable driving experience.  Spend the night in a hotel tucked away amid the beautiful landscapes of Western Scottish Highlands.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Ross-Shire
Drive time: 4 hrs

DAY 7 – Ullapool to Gairloch

Take the short drive from your accommodation to the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool, known for its beautiful harbour and vibrant arts scene.  Driving further south, experience Corrieshalloch Gorge with a walk across the suspension bridge, onto Gruinard Bay with its pink sand beach, the charming village of Poolewe before arriving in Gairloch.  Your acommodation tonight is at a historic hotel with seaviews.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Gairloch
Drive time: 1 hr 20 mins

DAY 8 – Gairloch to Inverness

Complete the final leg of North Coast 500 passing Loch Maree, known as one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs.  Your journey takes in the Torridon mountain range, Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, Britain’s oldest National Nature Reserve.  Take in the views of two summits, spot red deer, or even take one of the many short hikes.  Arrive at Inverness in the afternoon to check-in to your city centre hotel.  Tonight, why not visit one of the many hotels featuring traditional Scottish dishes plus local live music.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire
Overnight: Inverness city centre
Drive time: 1 hour 30 mins

DAY 9 – Inverness at leisure

Today is yours to explore Inverness and surrounds at your own pace.  Take a short drive to Culloden, the location of 1745 Jacobite brutal battle. Immerse yourself in the interactive visitor centre, view artefacts from both sides of the confrontation, and experience the battle in the surround cinema.  Alternatively, a 30 minute drive will deliver you to the medieval Urquhart Castle on the bank of Loch Ness.  Admission is included with your Scotland Explorer Pass.
Other options include visiting the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery to discover the history, art, and culture of the Highlands. Take a leisurely walk along the Caledonian Canal from Inverness. Enjoy the spectacular views as you follow the path to where the canal meets the Beauly Firth. This peaceful walk offers a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.  Return hire car in the afternoon.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Car hire, Scotland Explorer Pass
Overnight: Inverness

DAY 10 – Day Tour: Isle of Skye or Loch Ness

Join a small group tour which takes you to the magnificent Isle of Skye and one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, Eilean Donan Castle. Alternatively, spend a day Nessie-hunting, take a cruise on the mysterious Loch Ness, explore the village of Fort Augustus, and visit the ruined loch-side Urquhart Castle.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Escorted day tour
Overnight: Inverness

DAY 11 – Inverness to Stirling

Today, use your rail pass for the  journey south to historic Stirling.  After checking into your city centre hotel, visit the Wallace Monument which is only a short drive or bus ride from the town centre. Climb the 246 steps to the top for panoramic views and learn about the life of William Wallace, one of Scotland’s greatest heroes. End the day by taking a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets of Stirling’s old town. Admire the charming architecture and soak in the historic atmosphere.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: First Class Rail Pass
Overnight: Stirling (2 nights)
Rail journey: 2 hrs 50 mins

DAY 12 – Stirling

Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Stirling Castle. Wander through its historic halls, explore the Royal Palace, and enjoy the stunning views of the Wallace Monument and surrounding countryside. Learn about the castle’s significant role in Scottish history and the dramatic events that took place there.  In the afternoon spend some time browsing the independent shops and markets. Look for unique souvenirs, local crafts, and Scottish specialties. Finish the day with a relaxing dinner at one of Stirling’s charming restaurants or pubs. Enjoy the local cuisine and perhaps sample some Scottish whisky. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the town, enjoying the historic ambiance and beautiful evening views.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Scotland’s Explorer Pass (Admission to Stirling Castle)
Overnight: Stirling

DAY 13 – Stirling to Edinburgh

This morning’s rail journey delivers you to Scotland’s stunning capital, Edinburgh.  The route transits through picturesque Scottish countryside, with views of rolling hills and charming towns along the way.  Upon arrival, check in to your city centre hotel just a couple of minutes from the famous Royal Mile.  This afternoon, entry to Edinburgh Castle is included with your Scotland Explorer Pass.  The evening is yours to discover this breathtaking city by night.  Why not try traditional haggis, neeps and tatties at a cosy Scottish pub, washed down with a wee dram!

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Scotland Explorer Pass (Admission to Edinburgh Castle)
Overnight: Edinburgh (2 nights)
Rail journey: 40-50 mins

DAY 14 – Edinburgh

After breakfast, validate your sightseeing pass and spend the day discovering the best of Edinburgh.  Three city tours are included with your pass which provides 24 hours of unlimited travel.  Discover Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Georgian New Town, Grassmarket, and the harbour districts of Newhaven and Leith.  The evening is yours to enjoy Edinburgh at leisure or why not take a ghost tour of the medieval Old Town.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: Hop-on, Hop-off Bus
Overnight: Edinburgh

DAY 15 – Edinburgh to London

After checking out of your hotel, take one of the frequent rail services to London Kings Cross with your First Class rail pass.  The journey along the east coast travels through some beautiful countryside, offering views of the North Sea, rolling hills, and picturesque towns.  Please enquire if you would like to extend your tour with a stop in historic York, or require assistance with accommodation in London.

Meals: Full Scottish Breakfast
Inclusions: First Class Rail Pass
Rail journey: 4 hrs 30 mins