THE OPEN ROAD
Highland Horizons: Scotland’s North Coast 500
From
Per Person
$3,902
*
8
Nights
Embrace slow travel on Scotland’s ultimate road trip
Trade the tourist crowds for the freedom of the open road on a curated drive through Scotland’s wildest landscapes. This snapshot of the iconic North Coast 500 drops you into a world of mist-shrouded glens, jagged coastlines, and charming towns. It’s the ultimate "Slow Travel" getaway with stays in 4-star hotels and an included Scottish Explorer Pass that unlocks free entry to over 70 historic landmarks.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual rental car for the duration of your trip – upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in the Edinburgh area at the Houstoun House Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in the Inverness area at the Lochardil House Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in Brora, at the Royal Marine Brora Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in Tongue, at the Tongue Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Kylesku at the Kylesku Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in the Inverness area at the Lochardil House Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in the Edinburgh area at the Houstoun House Hotel, or similar
- Scottish Explorer Pass
- Daily breakfast
Great Ways to Explore
Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Explorer Pass.
Drive through the scenic Cairngorms National Park.
Stop in the charming village of Beauly.
Explore Chanonry Point on the Black Isle.
Take a photo at the famous "Journey’s End" signpost.
Embrace the art of "Slow Travel" on a vacation where the journey itself becomes your destination. Renowned as Scotland’s ultimate road trip - and affectionately dubbed "Scotland’s Route 66" - the North Coast 500 offers a breathtaking escape into some of the most dramatic, diverse, and remote landscapes in Europe.
While the full route spans 516 miles, this expertly curated itinerary captures a spectacular snapshot of its absolute highlights, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the magic of the Highlands without feeling rushed. Every day on the road unfolds like a postcard. You will wind through rugged, mist-shrouded glens, coast along dramatic shorelines with sweeping ocean views, and pause in charming, historic towns.
To elevate your journey, this vacation package includes the Scottish Explorer Pass, granting you complimentary entry to over 70 Historic Scotland properties across the country, such as the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Leave the frantic pace of daily life behind and discover the rugged soul of Scotland at your own perfect speed.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare to Edinburgh (EDI)
- Manual rental car for the duration of your trip – upgrade to automatic available
- 1 night in the Edinburgh area at the Houstoun House Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in the Inverness area at the Lochardil House Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in Brora, at the Royal Marine Brora Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in Tongue, at the Tongue Hotel, or similar
- 2 nights in Kylesku at the Kylesku Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in the Inverness area at the Lochardil House Hotel, or similar
- 1 night in the Edinburgh area at the Houstoun House Hotel, or similar
- Scottish Explorer Pass
- Daily breakfast
Great Ways to Explore
Visit Edinburgh Castle with your Explorer Pass.
Drive through the scenic Cairngorms National Park.
Stop in the charming village of Beauly.
Explore Chanonry Point on the Black Isle.
Take a photo at the famous "Journey’s End" signpost.
Package Overview
Embrace the art of "Slow Travel" on a vacation where the journey itself becomes your destination. Renowned as Scotland’s ultimate road trip - and affectionately dubbed "Scotland’s Route 66" - the North Coast 500 offers a breathtaking escape into some of the most dramatic, diverse, and remote landscapes in Europe.
While the full route spans 516 miles, this expertly curated itinerary captures a spectacular snapshot of its absolute highlights, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the magic of the Highlands without feeling rushed. Every day on the road unfolds like a postcard. You will wind through rugged, mist-shrouded glens, coast along dramatic shorelines with sweeping ocean views, and pause in charming, historic towns.
To elevate your journey, this vacation package includes the Scottish Explorer Pass, granting you complimentary entry to over 70 Historic Scotland properties across the country, such as the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Leave the frantic pace of daily life behind and discover the rugged soul of Scotland at your own perfect speed.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Learn More
about Uphall, Inverness, Brora, Tongue and Sutherland
Deal Of The Week
Number of Nights:
- 8
Day 1. Welcome to Scotland!
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport, pick up your rental car, and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.
You may want to use your included Scottish Explorer Pass to visit Edinburgh Castle. Dramatically perched on Castle Rock, this iconic fortress offers centuries of royal history alongside sweeping city views.
Check-in - Houstoun House Hotel
Uphall,
Scotland
Set in 22 acres of beautiful woodlands, Macdonald Houstoun House is the perfect country hotel and retreat. Once visited by Mary Queen of Scots, this historic building has the classic grace of a historic 16th century Tower House. As befits an elegant country retreat, it offers 70 stylish and comfortable guestrooms, which blend luxury and character. For traditional Scottish fare with a modern twist, the Jeremy Wares at Houstoun House restaurant is a two AA Rosettes Award-winner for excellent local ingredients, expertly cooked in season. In the cellar, the cozy and more relaxed Vaulted Bar is the perfect spot for a drink or afternoon tea. Guests will also enjoy the hotel's Vital Health and Wellbeing Club, with fully equipped Technogym, 60-foot indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam and spa treatment rooms, as well as the clay surface tennis court concealed in the hotel's lovely walled gardens, offered free of charge to hotel guests.
The Scottish Explorer Pass is a 14-day, flexible one-price admission ticket to the many iconic Historic Scotland properties and attractions located across Scotland – including entry to Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart Castles, Skara Brae, St Andrews Cathedral and Fort George. Other benefits include free entry to Historic Scotland’s program of daytime events, and a 20% discount on audio tours at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle & Glasgow Cathedral.
*Please note: many of your visits will need to be pre-booked, in order to guarantee admission. Information regarding booking will be listed on your voucher. Some sites may be closed during the winter months. The Explorer Pass is valid for 14 consecutive days as long as it is activated on the date listed. Activation at a later date will be prorated from the original date listed.
Day 2. Edinburgh area - Inverness area
Depart Edinburgh for Inverness today using one of two spectacular routes. Whichever path you don't choose today can be enjoyed on your return journey to Edinburgh.
Option 1: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor & Glencoe
Head west past Britain's largest lake, Loch Lomond, and follow the scenic A82 across the dramatic, remote landscapes of Rannoch Moor. Wind through Glencoe - one of Scotland's most breathtaking and historic glens - before driving past Fort William. Your route continues alongside legendary Loch Ness via Fort Augustus, finishing the day in Inverness.
Option 2: Stirling Castle, The Hermitage & The Cairngorms
Drive north along the A9, with the option to detour to Stirling Castle (included in your Explorer Pass) to tour its grand halls and historic Old Town. Back on the A9, stop near Dunkeld for a woodland stroll through The Hermitage on the banks of the River Braan. Your journey then cuts directly through the heart of the scenic Cairngorms National Park past Aviemore, leading you straight into the Highlands.
A Tip For Your Trip: Today's point-to-point driving route is the equivalent of approximately 200 miles.
Check-in - Lochardil House Hotel Inverness
Inverness,
Scotland
Nestled in serene woodlands, Lochardil House offers a tranquil escape to explore the Northern Highlands. Originally a Victorian Mansion (1876) with 28 unique rooms, it exudes timeless elegance with a majestic Scots pine staircase to welcome you to its inviting reception area. Located just 1.5 miles from Inverness city center, it provides the ideal base from which to visit such iconic sites as Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, and the legendary Loch Ness.
Day 3. Inverness area - Brora
Depart the Inverness area for Brora today, exploring historic villages, wildlife hotspots, and coastal castles along the way.
Head west to the charming village of Beauly to visit the ruins of the medieval Beauly Priory. Just north in Muir of Ord, stop at Glen Ord Distillery - one of Scotland's oldest, dating back to 1838 - to see traditional whisky production in action. From there, drive to Chanonry Point on the Black Isle, one of the best coastal spots in the country for dolphin watching.
Journey along the east coast to the fishing village of Portmahomack to see the Tarbat Discovery Centre and the striking Tarbat Ness Lighthouse. Continue north through the historic town of Dornoch toward your final stop. Before checking in, don't miss Dunrobin Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Sutherland. Its French chateau-style spires, manicured gardens, and falconry displays make for a spectacular afternoon visit.
A Tip For Your Trip: Today's point-to-point driving route is the equivalent of approximately 85 miles.
Check-in - Royal Marine Hotel Brora
Brora,
Scotland
Set along the scenic coastline of Scottish Highlands, Royal Marine Hotel offers a relaxed coastal escape in the village of Brora, just off the famous North Coast 500 route.
Surrounded by beaches, rolling countryside, and historic landmarks, the hotel provides an excellent base for exploring the eastern Highlands, from scenic hikes and lochs to golf courses, castles, and local distilleries. The hotel features 21 individually styled rooms that combine classic Highland character with modern comforts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the property.
Guests can enjoy modern Scottish cuisine with a strong regional influence at the hotel’s restaurants, where seasonal menus highlight locally sourced ingredients. Additional amenities include on-site beauty treatments and easy access to outdoor activities, making the Royal Marine Hotel a comfortable and well-positioned retreat for discovering the Highlands.
Day 4. Brora - Tongue
Journey north toward Tongue today, crafting your perfect route along dramatic coastal cliffs, historic distilleries, and the northernmost reaches of the mainland. You can follow the A9 north to Wick to explore the cliffside ruins of Old Wick Castle, tour the Old Pulteney Distillery, or visit Ebenezer Street, the world's shortest street.
Alternatively, head straight to John O’Groats for a photo at the famous "Journey’s End" signpost, before continuing east to Duncansby Head for a coastal walk featuring spectacular views of the Orkney Islands and dramatic 200-foot sea stacks.
If you prefer a different route, opt to visit the Castle of Mey to stroll through its beautiful walled gardens, travel west to Dunnet Head - the official northernmost point of mainland Britain - and stop by the Dunnet Bay Distillery to sample their award-winning Rock Rose Gin. Whichever route you choose, you'll rejoin the main path past Reay and Melvich to Bettyhill, where you can visit the Strathnaver Museum to learn about the poignant history of the Highland Clearances before concluding your day in the scenic village of Tongue.
A Tip For Your Trip: Today's point-to-point driving route is the equivalent of approximately 120 miles.
Check-in - The Tongue Hotel
Tongue,
Scotland
Located in the village of Tongue along the iconic North Coast 500 route, Tongue Hotel is a restored Victorian sporting lodge surrounded by some of the Highlands’ most dramatic scenery.
Overlooking the Kyle of Tongue, Ben Loyal, and the ruins of Castle Varrich, the hotel combines historic character with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Originally built in the mid-1800s by the Duke of Sutherland, the property retains many original details including wood paneling, antique furnishings, and traditional fireplaces, giving guests a strong sense of Highland heritage throughout their stay.
The individually designed rooms blend period features with modern comforts, while the hotel’s dining spaces, including the Varrich Restaurant & Bar and the cozy Brass Tap Bar, focus on locally sourced Scottish cuisine and regional whiskies.
Guests can start the day with a traditional Scottish breakfast before exploring nearby hiking trails, beaches, and nature reserves such as Loch Fleet National Nature Reserve and Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve.
Day 5. Tongue - Kylesku
From Tongue, travel along the scenic A838 toward Durness, where you will navigate single-track roads filled with dramatic viewpoints, especially near Scourie. Spend your morning exploring the striking coastlines of Balnakeil Bay and Sango Sands. On the eastern edge of town, stop to tour Smoo Cave, one of Britain’s largest sea caves, before visiting the Balnakeil Craft Village to browse local artwork and enjoy a treat at Cocoa Mountain.
Afterward, continue south to the iconic Kylesku Bridge where your hotel awaits. If time permits, extend your drive into a spectacular loop toward Lochinver along the B869. This route allows you to stop in the hamlet of Drumbeg to visit Assynt Aromas and its hidden Secret Tea Garden for coastal views and refreshments.
Further along the coast, you can explore the ancient stone ruins of Clachtoll Broch, walk the white sands of Achmelvich Beach, and take in the rugged mountain scenery surrounding Loch Assynt. Before checking in, wrap up your day at the edge of the loch by exploring the evocative, 16th-century ruins of Ardvreck Castle.
A Tip For Your Trip: Today's point-to-point driving route is the equivalent of approximately 85 miles.
Check-in - Kylesku Hotel
Sutherland,
Scotland
A stay at the Kylesku Hotel puts you right on the edge of Loch Glendhu, offering peaceful, wide‑open Highland views from the moment you arrive. The hotel’s remote Sutherland location makes it feel tucked away, perfect for anyone craving quiet scenery and dramatic landscapes.
Many rooms look straight out over the water, so you can wake up to calm loch views each morning. The on‑site restaurant is a standout, serving fresh local seafood that pairs perfectly with the setting. You can unwind in the cozy lounge or grab a drink in the bar after a day of exploring the North Coast 500.
Wildlife spotting from the hotel grounds is a fun bonus, with seals and birds often popping up in the loch. Altogether, it’s a relaxed, scenic base that captures the best of the Scottish Highlands.
Day 6. Kylesku
From Kylesku, choose between two compelling day-trip options: a longer scenic coastal loop or a shorter, tranquil inland journey. If you choose the coastal route, you will head south along the A894 and A835 through dramatic Highland scenery of rugged peaks and wild moorlands toward Poolewe. Here, you'll discover Inverewe Garden, a remarkable botanical oasis established in 1862 where the warm Gulf Stream allows exotic global plants to thrive against a mountain backdrop. After exploring its colorful pathways, walled garden, and sweeping views of Loch Ewe, you'll retrace your route back to Kylesku.
Alternatively, opt for the shorter inland journey toward Lairg, a charming village nestled in the heart of Sutherland. This quieter route takes you through remote glens and along the shores of Loch Shin, one of the region's largest lochs. In Lairg, you can explore the village center or take a short detour to the nearby Falls of Shin, famous for its spectacular salmon-leaping viewpoints and riverside walks, before completing a circular return to Kylesku past peaceful mountains and waterfalls.
Kylesku Bridge
Day 7. Kylesku - Inverness area
From Kylesku, travel south along the B869 and join the A837 toward Stac Pollaidh, stopping at the viewpoint to snap photos of the jagged peaks and sweeping Assynt moorlands. Continue along the A837 and A835 to reach Ullapool, a charming fishing village on the shores of Loch Broom, where you can explore the bustling harbour, browse local craft shops, or enjoy lunch by the waterfront. Further down the A835, make sure to stop at Corrieshalloch Gorge to walk across its suspension bridge, which offers dramatic views of the 200-foot-deep canyon carved by the River Droma.
If you missed them earlier in your trip, continue along the A835 and A862 to visit the medieval ruins of Beauly Priory and the nearby Glen Ord Distillery, one of Scotland’s oldest single malt producers dating back to 1838. Finally, conclude your journey in Inverness, officially completing this magnificent section of the North Coast 500 and settling into the Highland capital for the night.
A Tip For Your Trip: Today's point-to-point driving route is the equivalent of approximately 90 miles.
Check-in - Lochardil House Hotel Inverness
Inverness,
Scotland
Nestled in serene woodlands, Lochardil House offers a tranquil escape to explore the Northern Highlands. Originally a Victorian Mansion (1876) with 28 unique rooms, it exudes timeless elegance with a majestic Scots pine staircase to welcome you to its inviting reception area. Located just 1.5 miles from Inverness city center, it provides the ideal base from which to visit such iconic sites as Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle, and the legendary Loch Ness.
Day 8. Inverness area - Edinburgh area
Today, you’ll leave the Highlands and make your way south back to Edinburgh, choosing whichever scenic route you didn't take on Day Two. If you select the first option, you will head south along the A82 through Fort Augustus, passing legendary Loch Ness and driving past Fort William. This route leads you through the dramatic, historic valley of Glencoe, across the remote landscapes of Rannoch Moor, and alongside the stunning shoreline of Loch Lomond - Britain’s largest lake - before joining the A84 and M9 into the capital.
Alternatively, opt for the second route by heading south from Inverness along the A9 through the heart of the scenic Cairngorms National Park. As you travel south past Perth, you can stop near Dunkeld for a peaceful woodland walk through The Hermitage along the River Braan. Further down the A9, consider a final detour via the M9 to Stirling, where you can use your included Explorer Pass to tour the grand halls of Stirling Castle and explore the historic Old Town before arriving back in Edinburgh.
Check-in - Houstoun House Hotel
Uphall,
Scotland
Set in 22 acres of beautiful woodlands, Macdonald Houstoun House is the perfect country hotel and retreat. Once visited by Mary Queen of Scots, this historic building has the classic grace of a historic 16th century Tower House. As befits an elegant country retreat, it offers 70 stylish and comfortable guestrooms, which blend luxury and character. For traditional Scottish fare with a modern twist, the Jeremy Wares at Houstoun House restaurant is a two AA Rosettes Award-winner for excellent local ingredients, expertly cooked in season. In the cellar, the cozy and more relaxed Vaulted Bar is the perfect spot for a drink or afternoon tea. Guests will also enjoy the hotel's Vital Health and Wellbeing Club, with fully equipped Technogym, 60-foot indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam and spa treatment rooms, as well as the clay surface tennis court concealed in the hotel's lovely walled gardens, offered free of charge to hotel guests.
Day 9. Depart Scotland
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before returning to Edinburgh Airport to drop off your car before boarding your flight home.
Fly home!
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Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
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Uphall, Scotland
Houstoun House Hotel
Polished hotel in a 16th-century tower house
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Inverness, Scotland
Lochardil House Hotel Inverness
Serene woodland hotel close to city center
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Brora, Scotland
Royal Marine Hotel Brora
Intimate hotel near the Scottish coastline
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Tongue, Scotland
The Tongue Hotel
Traditionally-inspired hotel along the North Coast 500
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Sutherland, Scotland
Kylesku Hotel
Charming hotel for exploring the North Coast 500
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