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Shetland pony in the Shetland Isles.

Shetland Islands Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the captivating beauty and rich history of the Shetland Islands with Adventure Life's array of 15 small ship cruises for 2026. Join us on a cruise journey through this remote archipelago, from exploring Neolithic sites to wildlife viewing and village visits. From the rugged cliffs of St Kilda to the ancient ruins of the Orkney Islands, each stop offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of this region. Kayak through caves, partake in photography seminars, or enjoy wildlife viewing as you uncover the mysteries of ancient brochs and archaeological sites. With activities like kayaking and wildlife viewing, this adventure offers a relaxed pace suitable for all travelers. Don't miss this chance to delve into the captivating nature, history, and culture of the Shetland Islands. 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
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
Landscape with red fisherman houses on Lofoten islands, Norway
from $19,439
EXPLORE

Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands and Iceland

Tromso to Reykjavik - 15 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Resolution
  • Discover Tysfjorden by Zodiac
  • Visit Lofoten fishing villages
  • Discover Lerwick coastal culture
  • Visit Torshavn historic streets
Starts / Ends
Tromso / Reykjavik
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on a 15-day cruise aboard National Geographic Resolution from Tromso through Norway’s fjords, Shetland, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland. Explore Tysfjorden, Lofoten, Lerwick, Torshavn, Seydisfjordur, Grímsey, and the Westfjords while joining Zodiac cruises, kayaking, hikes, and village visits.
Cruise Details
0
Stroll through historic Dublin
from $8,390
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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
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, Photography Seminars, 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
Scenic summer panorama with the Old Town pier architecture in Bryggen - Hanseatic wharf in Bergen, Norway.
from $11,587
EXPLORE

Coastal Norwegian Voyage: Between Tromso and Edinburgh

Northbound - 11 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endurance
  • Cruise iconic Norwegian fjords
  • Explore colorful Bergen wharf
  • Spot whales and seabirds
  • See Viking and maritime heritag
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Tromso
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 11-day Norway cruise from Edinburgh to Tromso aboard the National Geographic Endurance. Discover fjords, Arctic landscapes, and remote coastal towns through expert-led hikes, kayaking, and Zodiac excursions.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $12,107
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
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
Solar Eclipse
from $18,690
EXPLORE

Total Solar Eclipse from Iceland to Ireland

Reykjavik - Dublin - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Solar eclipse ocean viewing
  • Heimaey puffin colony encounter
  • Streymoy mountain hiking trails
  • Discover Lerwick coastal site
Starts / Ends
Reykjavik / Dublin
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Laperouse and explore Reykjavik, Heimaey, Surtsey Island, Streymoy Island, Lerwick, Portree, and Dublin. Sail past volcanic landscapes, circle remote islands, and watch a total solar eclipse at sea. Walk through villages, hike mountain trails, and visit archaeological sites.
Cruise Details
0
Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands
from $13,395
EXPLORE

Scotland to Spitsbergen: Puffins, Sea Ice and Wildlife

Aberdeen, Scotland - Helsinki - 17 Day Itinerary aboard Ultramarine
  • Explore Orkney Neolithic Ruins
  • Cruise Norwegian Arctic Fjords
  • Discover Shetland Viking Sites
  • Observe Bear Island Birds
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Helsinki
Activities
Spa Relaxation
Activity Level
Variable
Sail on 17 days aboard Ultramarine from Aberdeen to Longyearbyen. Explore Orkney and Shetland’s Neolithic ruins, Norwegian fjords, and Svalbard’s glaciers, ice, seabird colonies, and Arctic wildlife. Participate in Zodiac cruises, hikes, and cultural encounters while observing polar bears, walrus, whales, and Arctic birds in their natural habitats.
Cruise Details
0
Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands
from $7,875
EXPLORE

Iceland and British Isles Cruise

Reykjavik to Dublin - 12 Day Itinerary aboard SH Diana
  • See Puffins on Heimaey Island
  • Visit Torshavn's old quarter
  • Giant’s Causeway early access
  • Reykjavik cultural city tour
Starts / Ends
Reykjavik / Dublin
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day cruise from Reykjavik aboard SH Diana and journey through Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Scotland, and Ireland. Visit puffin colonies, Viking sites, fjords, castles, and dramatic coastlines before ending in Dublin. Discover natural wonders, rich cultures, and remote communities on this immersive exploration.
Cruise Details
0
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Hiking through the countryside of the British Isles.
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