Inverness

Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Inverness, keeping in mind your constraints:

Day 1: Arrival in Inverness

• Pick up your rental car and drive to your accommodation in Inverness
• Spend the day exploring the city, visiting attractions such as Inverness Castle, St. Andrew's Cathedral, and the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
• Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at a local restaurant

Day 2: Inverness to Ullapool

• Drive to Ullapool, a charming fishing village on the west coast of Scotland
• Take a scenic drive along the North Coast 500, stopping at viewpoints such as Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Knockan Crag National Nature Reserve
• In Ullapool, visit the Ullapool Museum and enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Ullapool to Durness

• Continue your journey along the North Coast 500, driving through the stunning Scottish Highlands
• Stop at attractions such as the Ardvreck Castle ruins and the Smoo Cave
• Arrive in Durness, a small village on the north coast of Scotland, and enjoy a relaxing evening at your accommodation

Day 4: Durness to John O'Groats

• Drive to John O'Groats, the northernmost point of mainland Scotland
• Along the way, stop at attractions such as the Dunnet Head Lighthouse and the Castle of Mey
• In John O'Groats, take a boat tour to see the local wildlife, including seals and puffins
• Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at a local restaurant

Day 5: John O'Groats to Inverness

• Drive back to Inverness, taking a different route to see more of the Scottish countryside
• Stop at attractions such as the Dunrobin Castle and the Falls of Shin
• Return your rental car and depart from Inverness

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your road trip along the North Coast 500! Let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance.