The North Coast 500 & Isle of Skye Package

Upon arrival at Inverness airport you will be met by your private driver who will be looking after you for the duration of your trip.

Stay: Ness Walk Hotel, Inverness (1 Night)
From the airport your driver will take you to the 5-star Ness Walk Hotel, which sits right on the banks of the River Ness and enjoys an oasis of calm in Inverness, an otherwise busy city, as it is surrounded by a huge canopy of trees. Here, beautiful period features combine with sleek modern features to deliver an ambiance that oozes sophistication.

Dine: Torrish Restaurant
You will dine in the luxurious Torrish Restaurant at Ness Walk this evening, where you will be warmly welcomed and have the chance to try some Isle of Lewis mussels, Orkney hand-dived scallops, Speyside lamb, as well as many other delicious dishes. There is also a vegan à la carte menu, so there will be something for everyone.

Visit: Dolphin Spirit Cruise
You are in for a very special treat this morning as you will be heading out on a Dolphin Spirit cruise out across the Moray Firth in search of dolphins and other amazing wildlife. Have your camera at the ready for a chance to snap these magnificent creatures.

Visit: Rogie Falls
As you travel onwards you will then stop at Rogie Falls, a beautiful spot just above the village of Contin.
Enjoy a short walk to the suspension bridge to view the waterfalls and the Black Water River in all their glory. Watch the water as it flows down from the nearby Ben Wyvis Mountain.  Rogie Falls are a sight to behold and famous for viewing leaping Atlantic salmon.

Lunch Reservation: The Storehouse
After a busy morning you will recharge with some lunch at The Storehouse. This well-loved restaurant, with adjoining food hall and farm shop, has a menu that changes daily to incorporate the freshest local produce. On a nice sunny day you can even sit outside and bask in the heat as you enjoy your lunch.

Visit: Fyrish Monument
As you reach the West Highlands you will be taken to view the Fyrish Monument, near Alness, Easter Ross.
Built on Fyrish Hill in 1782, these imposing pillars stand proudly overlooking the Cromarty Firth.
You will make the short walk up the ‘jubilee path’, through the woodland before arriving at the summit to enjoy the breath-taking views.

Stay: Links House (1 Night)
Having enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Links House, you will get the pleasure of experiencing the luxurious and comfortable rooms here too. The elegance and grandeur of the furnishings are second to none and we guarantee a memorable stay at Links House.

Dine: MARA restaurant, Links House
You are in for a treat this evening as you will be dining in the MARA Restaurant at Links House. Offering one of the finest dining experiences in the Highlands, MARA will be sure to provide a meal to remember. Their menu includes hogget, pork cheek, sea trout, and they have an entire plant-based menu.

Visit: Dunrobin Castle and Gardens
Dunrobin Castle and Gardens is a true highland gem as it’s the most northerly of Scotland’s large houses. It is also one of the UK’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, having occupants since the 1300’s. You will get the chance to marvel at the huge conical spires before exploring the gardens, which were inspired by the gardens of Versailles. There are also lovely views across the Moray Firth to the Cairngorm mountains in the distance.

Visit: Clynelish Journey of Flavour Tour
On this fantastic tour of Johnnie Walker’s highland home, you will get to experience a world of different flavours with a full sensory tour and tutored whisky tasting. This is a whisky tour like no other, using lights, music, and special effects to transport you on a fun-filled flavour journey.

Lunch Reservation: The Coastal Tasting Room
You will also be having lunch at Clynelish where they offer tasting platters which pair the very best whisky with premium Scottish produce for a taste sensation like no other. There are a range of Highland antipasto, cheeses, and chocolates, as well as hot smoked duck and Great Glen salami. Tasting platters can also be tailored for your individual preferences.

Visit: Brora Beach
Your next stop is Brora beach, a gorgeous golden sandy beach offering the chance for a relaxing stroll. You may also want to pack a pair of binoculars for the day as there is a good chance of spotting minke whales, dolphins, and seals.

Stay and Dine: Forss House, Thurso (2 Nights)
For the next two nights, the delightful Forss House will be your home as they will be sure to give you a warm highland welcome. This grand country house was built in 1810 and proudly sits within 20 acres of pristine countryside, including woodlands, waterfalls, and the gentle river Forss. You are guaranteed to feel a deep sense of calm and relaxation while staying here.

Forss House has an enviable reputation as having one of the best restaurants in the highlands. Indeed, it is the only 2 AA Rosette restaurant in Caithness. Dishes include Scrabster scallops, Scottish beef fillet, and spring onion and truffle risotto. Why not round the evening off with a selection of premium Scottish cheeses.

Visit: John O’Groats
Your first stop today will be John O’Groats, the world famous village, which represents one end of the longest distance between two inhabited places in the UK, the other being, of course, Land’s End all the way down in Cornwall. While it is famous for being exactly that, John O’Groats really deserves a visit in its own right, with its glorious beaches and bays, plentiful wildlife, and dramatic coastline.

Visit: Duncansby Stacks
Speaking of dramatic coastlines, you will make the very short journey to Duncansby Stacks near John O’Groats, where you can marvel at these incredibly jagged and towering peaks that thrust up out of the wild North Sea around them. There is also the Duncansby Lighthouse 500m away which to this day keeps sailors safe from the rocks around this dangerous area known as “Hell’s Mouth”.

Lunch Reservation: Puldagon Farm
Puldagon Farm offers a lovely experience. You can dine in their recently renovated restaurant, which was previously a working barn, and offers a huge range of hearty dishes. After lunch you can browse the farm shop, perhaps picking up a gift or two for loved ones back home, before having a wander around outside and seeing some of the adorable animals they have on the farm.

Visit: Castle of Mey
With full bellies your journey continues to Castle of Mey, which dates back to the 16^th century. Castle of Mey has changed hands many times over the years but is now owned by the Royal Family after the Queen Mother bought the castle in 1952 and committed a lot of time and effort into renovating both the castle and gardens, which are also exquisite and well worth exploring. There is also an animal centre where you can see Alice the donkey, various rare breeds of sheep and poultry, pigs, rabbits, and chipmunks.

Stay and Dine: Forss House
After a fantastic day of touring, you will return to Forss House for an evening of relaxation and fine dining before yet another adventure in the morning.

Visit: Kyle of Tongue Bridge and Sangobeg Beach
This morning you will travel over the impressive Kyle of Tongue Bridge, which was first built in 1971 but was fully refurbished in 2011. The bridge forms part of the Kyle of Tongue Causeway which allows the road to continue right across the loch, crossing Tongue Island as it does so.

From there it’s on to Sangobeg Beach, a relaxing, secluded spot with beautiful white sands. This is an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs with a walk along the beach, before getting some pictures of the marvellous scenery.

Visit: Smoo Cave Tour
This is a truly amazing opportunity to explore the Smoo Caves on a guided tour. Your experienced and knowledgeable tour guide will keep you safe (they are also a member of the Scottish Cave Rescue team) and tell you all about the history and formation of the caves.

Visit: Balnakeil Church
In the northwest of Scotland sits the ruined Balnakeil Church, the earliest site of which was developed in the 8^th century by St Maelrubha. This church grew to be a highly significant Celtic monastery. However, when a new church was built in the 19^th century, it was left to ruin. That being said, trees and bushes have grown all over it now, adding an air of ancient charm. Look out for the monument to Gaelic poet Rob Donn which stands in the churchyard.

Lunch Reservation: Picnic on Balnakeil Beach
Lunch today is a special treat as you will be tucking into a luxurious picnic which has been prepared by the hotel staff. Sit back on Balnakeil Beach and enjoy a selection of tasty treats while taking in the magnificent views of this impressive stretch of white sandy beach.

On your way to your accommodation for the evening you will pass over the Kylesku Bridge which has a wonderful gentle curve in it and spans across the Loch a’ Chairn Bhain in Sutherland.

Stay and Dine: Inver Lodge Hotel (2 nights)
Home for the next two nights is Inver Lodge Hotel, a family-owned hotel with proud links to its surrounding area. The surroundings are immense here, one of Scotland’s last unspoiled wild areas, and enjoys regular sightings of deer and birds of prey. Staff make every effort to make you feel right at home, and the huge log fire in the foyer will help with that as well.

You will be dining at the Inver Lodge Hotel, which places a huge emphasis on supporting local producers and suppliers. The owner also has private estates which provide the steaks, salmon, and game not only for Inver Lodge, but for His Majesty The King, too.

Visit: Scourie Bay and Handa Island Ferry
Scourie Bay is a wonderous little bay set against some very rugged surrounding countryside. Take some time just absorbing the peace and tranquillity of this unspoilt location. From there you will then take a ferry ride out to Handa Island, a relatively small island by size but a very important island as a home for seabirds and many other creatures. It is actually run as a nature reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. We highly recommend you bring your camera and a good pair of binoculars to get the best snaps and views of this very special island.

Lunch Reservation: Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant
Having spent some time travelling over the sea, it’s time for some seafood at Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant. Opening in 1977, this family run business has plenty of experience in looking after their many happy customers. This really is a seafood lover’s paradise, with the menu changing each day depending on what’s been freshly landed that day. Whole lobsters are available if you pre-order.

Visit: Achmelvich and Clachtoll beach
You will then visit a couple of the most impressive beaches in Scotland.
Firstly, Achmelvich is a brilliant location for spotting some more wildlife, including black- and red-throated divers, porpoises, and dolphins. The gentle curve of the bay echoes the gentle feeling of satisfaction you’ll feel as you look out over the waves crashing endlessly on the shore in this little bit of heaven.
Secondly, Clachtoll beach, just north of Lochinver, is equally as impressive and is also home to “Split Rock”, a giant sloping rock which rises out of the sea but looks to have had a giant slice cut out of it by a giant. The Assynt mountains surrounding this area add another layer of magic to the scenery found here.

Stay and Dine: Inver Lodge Hotel
After another day of visiting some of the splendid sights Scotland has to offer, you will return to the Inver Lodge Hotel for the evening, dining once more in the excellent in-house restaurant.

Visit: Ardvreck Castle
On today’s first stop you will visit Ardvreck Castle, a ruined old castle built in the late 15^th century but which has sadly been left to ruin since the middle of the 18^th century, hence its current state. You can enjoy a pleasant short walk to the castle, which is not quite on an island but it very much feels that way. Some recently added information boards provide a great overview of the castle’s turbulent history.

Drive through: Ullapool
Your onward journey will then take through Ullapool, a very popular tourist destination. An infinitely photogenic place, you can easily see why people often return here year after year.

Visit and Lunch: Inverewe Gardens
Here you will get the chance to view some rare species from all around the world as you wander round this heritage garden. First created in the 19^th century, this oasis of flora in an otherwise rather barren landscape continues to wow visitors after all these years. There is also a small museum within Inverewe House, including an exhibition to tell you more about Inverewe’s Underwater Garden.

You will also get something to eat here from their very own café, Osgood’s. Newly refurbished and boasting an award-winning menu, this is the perfect spot for refuelling before carrying on your adventure.

Visit: Gairloch
You will then have the privilege to drive through two of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring places in the UK, Gairloch. It really does feel like time has stood still in these areas of Scotland; there is something about the immensity and vastness of the mountains which just fills you with a revitalising energy. In fact, we suspect visiting these places may just inspire you to plan your next trip to Scotland.

Stay & Dine: The Shieldaig Lodge Hotel (1 Night)
Your accommodation for this evening is Shieldaig Lodge in Gairloch.
This former hunting lodge is perched perfectly on the waterside, bursting with charm and character.

Dine at their stunning Loch View Restaurant, enjoying panoramic views of the loch as well as exquisite dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and an incredible selection of wines and whiskies.