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Ring of Brodgar is a unique stone circle in Scotland.

Edinburgh Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the untamed beauty and rich history of Scotland's wild isles with Adventure Life's array of 9 small ship cruises for 2026. Join us on a cruise journey through the captivating diversity of the Scottish landscape, from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. From the rugged beauty of the Orkney Islands to the ancient mysteries of St Kilda and the Shetland islands, each moment offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of this region. Engage in adventure options like kayaking through caves, wildlife viewing, and stand-up paddleboarding, alongside activities such as photography seminars and exploring Iron Age sites. From the windswept specks of land to the breathtaking coastal cliffs, Scotland offers a remarkable blend of nature and history not to be missed. Contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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Grass-roofed houses of the Faroe Islands
from $12,050
Save $1500
EXPLORE

North Atlantic Wonders: Iceland, Scotland and the Faroes

Edinburgh to Reykjavik - 11 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endurance
  • Explore Kirkwall’s cathedrals
  • Meet Eysturoy villagers
  • Explore Shetland’s Viking coast
  • See Faroe villages
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Reykjavik
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day North Atlantic cruise aboard the National Geographic Endurance. Start in Edinburgh, then explore ancient ruins in Orkney, Viking history in Shetland, turf-roofed villages in the Faroe Islands, and Iceland’s black-sand beaches and volcanic craters on a journey rich in culture, landscapes, and adventure.
Cruise Details
0
Branno island in Gothenburg archipelago waterfront view,  Goteborg Municipality, Vastra Gotaland County, Sweden
from $8,111
Save $1500
EXPLORE

Norway, Sweden and Denmark: Nordic Flavors and Scenic Landscapes

Edinburgh to Copenhagen - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endurance
  • Spot dolphins on River Spey
  • Kayak Sweden’s marine park
  • Taste fresh Nordic cuisine
  • Tour Zealand’s castles, villages
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Copenhagen
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Moray Firth in Scotland, Mandal in Norway, Kosterhavet National Park in Sweden, and North Zealand in Denmark on an 8-day Scandinavia cruise from Edinburgh to Copenhagen on National Geographic Endurance. Enjoy Nordic flavors, coastal scenery, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences across Scotland and Nordic countries.
Cruise Details
0
Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands
from $11,007
EXPLORE

North Atlantic Wonders: Iceland, Scotland and the Faroes

Edinburgh to Reykjavik - 11 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Explorer
  • Scapa Flow visit
  • Shetland island exploration
  • Sail past Surtsey island
  • Hike Heimaey volcano crater
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Reykjavik
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day cruise in Edinburgh aboard National Geographic Explorer and sail north to Orkney, Shetland, and the Faroe Islands before reaching Iceland. Explore Kirkwall, St. Magnus Cathedral, Leitisvatn, Djupivogur, and Heimaey. Hike, navigate fjords, visit volcanic sites, and experience Viking history.
Cruise Details
0
Visit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far north
from $7,795
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Crossing the Arctic Circle

Edinburgh - Longyearbyen - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Kirkwall’s Viking heritage
  • Sail from Leith’s historic port
  • Walk Torshavn’s colorful streets
  • Cruise past Svalbard’s icy fjords
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Longyearbyen
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day expedition from Edinburgh to Longyearbyen on the Sea Spirit, exploring Orkney's ancient sites, Fair Isle's wildlife, and the Faroe Islands' culture. Experience the Arctic Circle's volcanic landscapes and Svalbard's pristine wilderness with expert-led excursions and breathtaking scenery.
Cruise Details
0
Puffin, Fair Isle, Scotland
from $15,095
EBD
EXPLORE

Wild Scotland

Edinburgh - Aberdeen - 12 Day Itinerary aboard MV Douglas Mawson
  • Explore Edinburgh’s historic sites
  • Discover Troon’s charming coast
  • Marvel at Orkney’s ancient wonders
  • Visit St Kilda’s seabird colonies
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Aberdeen
Activities
Whale Watching, Kayaking, Snorkeling
Activity Level
Variable
Experience the stunning landscapes of Scotland’s Wild Isles on a 12-day cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson, exploring Neolithic sites and Viking heritage. Enjoy wildlife watching, local culture, and a tasting of exceptional single malt whisky in charming coastal villages.
Cruise Details
0
Discover the rich history of Edinburgh
from $9,595
25% Off
EXPLORE

North Atlantic Wonders

Edinburgh - Reykjavik - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Edinburgh historic streets
  • Visit Bass Rock colony
  • Tour Kirkwall and Orkney
  • Explore Torshavn Viking heritage
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Reykjavik
Activities
Photography Seminars
Activity Level
Variable
Sail on a 14-day cruise aboard Sea Spirit from Edinburgh to Reykjavík. Visit Bass Rock, Isle of May, Kirkwall, Fair Isle, Faroe Islands, Seyðisfjörður, Djúpivogur, Vestmannaeyjar, and Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See wildlife, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, historic villages, and Iceland’s geothermal pools while exploring the Faroe Islands and Iceland.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $14,290
No SS
EXPLORE

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland and Scotland

12 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Explorer
  • Explore Celtic and Viking culture
  • Sail around Skellig Michael
  • Zodiac cruise in Scotland
  • Visit giant seabird colonies
Starts / Ends
Windsor / Edinburgh
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise from Portsmouth to Edinburgh aboard the National Geographic Explorer. Explore Britain's, Ireland's, and Scotland's lesser-known wonders. Discover ancient megaliths, mysterious sea caves, historic dockyards, and lush botanical gardens.
Cruise Details
0
Stroll through historic Dublin
from $8,390
EXPLORE

Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys and Inner Hebrides

Dublin to Edinburgh - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Explorer
  • Visit Rathlin Island cliffs
  • Explore Isle of Skye
  • Orkney Kirkwall tours
  • Visit Shetland island by Zodiac
Starts / Ends
Dublin / Edinburgh
Activities
Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer. Begin in Dublin and sail to Rathlin Island, Isle of Skye, Loch Ewe, Shetland, and Orkney before reaching Edinburgh. Explore puffin colonies, historic castles, Inverewe Gardens, Kirkwall, and Scapa Flow. Take guided hikes, Zodiac excursions, and witness remote island life.
Cruise Details
0
Visit Neolithic sites of the Orkney islands
from $8,795
25% Off
EXPLORE

Best of British Isles

Portsmouth - Edinburgh - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Portsmouth’s historic docks
  • Discover Tresco Abbey Garden
  • Tour Waterford Crystal Factory
  • Observe Gannets Bass Rock
Starts / Ends
Portsmouth / Edinburgh
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day British Isles cruise aboard Sea Spirit from London to Edinburgh. Visit Portsmouth, Tresco, Dunmore East, Llandudno, Portrush, Hebrides, Orkneys, Fair Isle, and Isle of May. Explore castles, abbeys, and bird sanctuaries, witness unique wildlife, and enjoy guided tours of historic towns and scenic landscapes.
Cruise Details
0
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Ring of Brodgar is a unique stone circle in Scotland.
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