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Rugged coastlines of the British Isles

Scotland Kirkwall Archaeological Cruises

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Embark on a voyage through time in Scotland's Kirkwall with our 14 expertly curated archaeological site visits aboard small ship cruises for 2026. The ancient heart of the Orkney Islands, Kirkwall is a gateway to some of history's most profound secrets, from the Bronze Age burial sites to the enigmatic standing stones that punctuate its wild landscapes. Over these journeys ranging up to 13 days, you will be immersed in Scotland's rich tapestry of history and natural splendor, with opportunities for wildlife viewing adding an extra layer of excitement. With prices beginning at $3,795 to $41,400, set sail for an unforgettable exploration into humanity’s distant past and witness firsthand the marvels that have stood steadfast against time’s passage. To weave your own thread into this historic tapestry, contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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The Southeast Peninsula of Saint Kitts with Nevis in the Background
from $3,795
EXPLORE

Wild Scotland: St. Kilda, Ben Nevis & Northern Isles

Fairlie to Aberdeen - 6 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Explore dramatic Glencoe landscapes
  • Discover remote St. Kilda
  • Wander historic Kirkwall streets
  • Admire ancient Orkney monuments
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Aberdeen
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Wildlife Viewing, Photography Seminars, Kayaking, Citizen Science
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Scotland’s wild Highlands and islands aboard Ocean Victory on this 6-day cruise from Glasgow to Aberdeen. Explore Fort William beneath Ben Nevis, visit the remote UNESCO-listed archipelago of St. Kilda, wander historic Kirkwall in Orkney, and experience the dramatic landscapes of Ullapool and the Northwest Highlands.
Cruise Details
0
Cross the River Liffey while exploring Dublin
from $5,095
Save 25%
EXPLORE

The Jewels of Scotland

Dublin to Aberdeen - 7 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Explore Dublin’s historic landmarks
  • Visit Dunluce Castle ruins
  • Walk Giant’s Causeway stones
  • Observe Rathlin Island seabirds
Starts / Ends
Dublin / Aberdeen
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 7-day journey aboard Ocean Victory from Dublin to Aberdeen. Visit Dublin’s landmarks, the Giant’s Causeway, Tobermory, St Kilda, Kirkwall, and Invergordon. Discover cultural sites, historic towns, natural wonders, and wildlife along the coasts of Ireland and Scotland.
Cruise Details
0
Broch of Mousa, Scotland
from $6,195
EXPLORE

Best of British Isles

Portsmouth - Edinburgh - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Tresco's exotic gardens
  • Tour Dunmore East's lush estates
  • Visit Saltee's famed bird haven
  • Stroll Kirkwall's historic streets
Starts / Ends
Portsmouth / Leith
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, starting in Portsmouth and exploring the Scilly Isles, Ireland's scenic coast, Wales' Snowdonia, and Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway. Discover Scotland's Orkney sites and Fair Isle's seabirds, and finish in Edinburgh's lively port of Leith.
Cruise Details
0
A market in Bryggen, Bergen, Norway
from $7,060
$1000 SBC
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Glasgow, Scotland - Bergen - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Explore Glasgow’s vibrant charm
  • Experience Portree’s scenic beauty
  • Visit Kirkwall’s historic treasures
  • Marvel at Olden’s glacial wonders
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Bergen
Activities
Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Laperouse to explore Scotland’s rugged isles and Norway’s stunning fjords. Highlights include the Isle of Skye, the Briksdal Glacier, and UNESCO sites like Orkney’s Standing Stones and Bergen’s Bryggen Wharf.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the enchanting city of Glasgow
from $9,700
$1000 SBC
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage – with Smithsonian Journeys

Glasgow, Scotland - Bergen - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Champlain
  • Explore Glasgow’s vibrant charm
  • Experience Portree’s scenic beauty
  • Visit Kirkwall’s historic treasures
  • Marvel at Olden’s glacial wonders
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Bergen
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain to discover Scotland's rugged isles and Norway's stunning fjords. Highlights include the Isle of Skye, Orkney's ancient Standing Stones, Shetland's Jarlshof, Olden's Briksdal Glacier, the Flam Railway, and Bergen's historic Bryggen Wharf.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the enchanting city of Glasgow
from $8,640
No SS
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords

Bergen - Glasgow - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Discover Glasgow’s vibrant arts
  • Stroll Kirkwall’s medieval streets
  • Admire Fort William’s scenery
  • Experience Hebrides’ rugged beauty
Starts / Ends
Bergen / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise on Le Laperouse, exploring Scotland and Norway's Celtic and Viking heritage. Discover stunning landscapes, ancient sites, and breathtaking wonders from Bergen to Glasgow, including the Orkney Islands and Isle of Skye.
Cruise Details
0
Kayaking in Scotland.
from $13,595
EBD
EXPLORE

Wild Scotland

Edinburgh - Aberdeen - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • 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
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 12-day cruise from Edinburgh to Aberdeen aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring Scotland's untamed islands. Discover the ancient Hebrides and lush Orkney Islands, encounter wildlife along scenic coastlines, and experience local culture in charming villages while enjoying Scotland's renowned whisky.
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, 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 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
Hiking, Village 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
Colors of Copenhagen, Denmark
from $9,000
Save $7000
EXPLORE

Copenhagen to Southampton

13 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Dawn
  • Explore Copenhagen by bike
  • Tour Skara Brae
  • Spot puffins and seabirds
  • Visit Titanic Museum and Peace Wall
Starts / Ends
Copenhagen / Falmouth
Activities
Small Ship Sailing, Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Sail from Copenhagen to Southampton on this 13-day Silver Dawn cruise. Explore Skagen’s dune landscapes and vibrant port, then unwind during a serene day at sea. Continue to Scotland’s Shetland and Orkney Islands, where Iron Age towers, Viking history, and windswept cliffs await.
Cruise Details
0
Visit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far north
from $7,795
EXPLORE

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
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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Explore the islands of Scotland via zodiac
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