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Ring of Brodgar is a unique stone circle in Scotland.

Scotland Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the untamed beauty and rich history of Scotland with Adventure Life's 25 small ship cruises for 2025. Sail from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, exploring the remote islands that define Scotland's wild character. From Neolithic sites to medieval ruins, and from hiking in the Cuillin Hills to kayaking through caves, each tour offers a unique perspective on this enchanting destination. Discover the mysterious St Kilda, the ancient Orkney Islands, and the stunning landscapes of the Highlands and Islands. Engage in adventure options, wildlife viewing, and village visits, immersing yourself in the authentic charm of Scotland. Don't miss the chance to embark on a journey filled with cultural treasures and breathtaking panoramas, contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • Scotland
The ancient standing stone of Clava Cairns.
from $9,678
EXPLORE

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Westbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Lord of the Glens
  • Sail through Loch Ness
  • Visit medieval abbey ruins
  • Hike in spectacular Cuillin Hills
  • Discover ancient standing stones
Starts / Ends
Inverness / Kyle of Lochalsh
Activities
Biking
Activity Level
Variable
From Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, explore the historic sites of Scotland on this week-long cruise on the Lord of the Glens. Lochs, castles, villages, pubs, and ancient ruins highlight this tour, which features inland visits like Loch Ness and Duart Castle.
Cruise Details
0
Broch of Mousa, Scotland
from $5,995
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
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $12,745
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
Discover the rich history of Edinburgh
from $6,850
EXPLORE

Shetland, Orkney & Hebrides

Edinburgh - Glasgow - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Explore Edinburgh Castle
  • Discover Lerwick
  • Explore Portree
  • Experience Kirkwall
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Sail into the heart of Celtic shores on this 8-day cruise aboard the Le Bellot. See essential places like the old and new parts of Edinburgh, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the islands of Shetland, Orkney, and the Hebrides in the north.
Cruise Details
0
Visit charming Portree
from $6,500
EXPLORE

Shetland, Orkney & Hebrides

Edinburgh - Glasgow - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Explore Edinburgh landmarks
  • Discover Lerwick’s coastal allure
  • Wander Kirkwall’s streets
  • Experience Portree’s landscape
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Glasgow
Activities
Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Set sail on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Laperouse, exploring Scotland's stunning archipelagos from Edinburgh to Glasgow, including the Shetland, Orkney, and Hebrides Islands. Each port offers a unique excursion, from the Calanais Standing Stones to the Ben Nevis distillery, finishing in Glasgow’s vibrant cultural hub.
Cruise Details
0
Grass-roofed houses of the Faroe Islands
from $6,495
EBD 15
EXPLORE

Wild Islands & Lands of Legends

Roundtrip Edinburgh - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Explore Edinburgh's historic street
  • Tour Kirkwall's medieval treasures
  • Admire Fair Isle's rugged beauty
  • Discover Lerwick's rich heritage
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Edinburgh
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 12-day expedition aboard the Sea Spirit, beginning in Edinburgh and traveling to the Orkney Islands to explore historic sites and natural beauty. Experience the rugged charm of Fair Isle, Lerwick's heritage, and the stunning landscapes of the Faroe Islands, which are filled with Viking history and seabird colonies.
Cruise Details
0
Visit charming Portree
from $8,160
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage - with Smithsonian Journeys

Glasgow, Scotland - Bergen - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Explore Bergen
  • Experience a rail journey
  • Visit Lerwick
  • Experience Loch Ness
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Bergen
Activities
Land & Sea Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Bellot, exploring the captivating landscapes of the Scottish Isles and Norwegian fjords. Start in Glasgow, then visit Fort William, Isle of Skye, Eilean Donan Castle, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Nordfjordeid, and Flåm. Conclude in Bergen, known for Bryggen's Hanseatic wharf.
Cruise Details
0
A market in Bryggen, Bergen, Norway
from $8,590
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
Hiking
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
Visit charming Portree
from $9,474
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage - with Smithsonian Journeys

Bergen - Glasgow, Scotland - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Explore Bergen’s vibrant streets
  • Discover Flam’s stunning landscapes
  • Visit Olden’s turquoise lakes
  • Stroll Lerwick’s charming alleys
Starts / Ends
Bergen / Glasgow
Activities
Local Market Visits
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the Norwegian fjords and Scottish Isles on an 8-day cruise aboard Le Bellot, featuring highlights like the Flam Railway, Briksdal Glacier, and ancient Jarlshof. Explore iconic sites, from Orkney’s Standing Stones to Eilean Donan Castle, before ending in Glasgow.
Cruise Details
0
Grass covers the houses of the Faroe Islands, blending them into the landscape.
from $14,795
EBD
EXPLORE

Historic Trails & Wilderness: Scotland, Faroes & Iceland

Aberdeen - Reykjavik - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Explore Aberdeen's iconic landmarks
  • Discover Jarlshof's settlements
  • See Faroe Islands' landscapes
  • Marvel at Vatnajokull glaciers
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Reykjavik
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day cruise from Aberdeen to Reykjavik aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore Aberdeen's landmarks, birdwatch in Fair Isle, discover Jarlshof's archaeology, the Faroe Islands' landscapes, and Iceland's natural wonders.
Cruise Details
0
Beautiful view of Spitsbergen.
from $6,795
EXPLORE

Crossing the Arctic Circle

Edinburgh - Longyearbyen - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Sea Spirit
  • Discover Edinburg's unique charm
  • Explore Kirkwall’s Viking heritage
  • See Fair Isle’s rare seabirds
  • Visit Jan Mayen’s volcanic shores
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Longyearbyen
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise from Edinburgh to Longyearbyen aboard the Sea Spirit, exploring Scotland's capital, Orkney's ancient sites, Fair Isle's wildlife, and the Faroe Islands' culture. Experience the Arctic Circle, Jan Mayen's volcanoes, and Svalbard's stunning glaciers and polar bears in an unforgettable adventure.
Cruise Details
0
pair of killer whales
from $3,050
EXPLORE

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

Aberdeen - Longyearbyen - 10 Day Itinerary aboard MV Plancius
  • Explore Aberdeen
  • Experience Fair Isle's charm
  • Explore Jan Mayen
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Longyearbyen
Activity Level
Variable
Join this exciting 10-day Arctic Ocean cruise aboard MV Plancius. Departing from Aberdeen, marvel at orcas off Girdle Ness before immersing in Fair Isle's knitwear and seabirds. Explore Jan Mayen's volcanic landscapes, then navigate ice edges for polar bears near Spitsbergen's fjords.
Cruise Details
0
Fair Isle
from $9,395
EXPLORE

Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen

14 Day Itinerary aboard Ultramarine
  • Explore Aberdeen
  • Discover Fair Isle
  • Experience Faroe Islands
  • Explore Jan Mayen
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Helsinki
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 14-day expedition cruise from Aberdeen to Helsinki on the Ultramarine. Explore Fair Isle, the Faroe Islands, Jan Mayen, and Spitsbergen, encountering iconic Arctic wildlife like puffins, seabirds, reindeer, and whales.
Cruise Details
0
Grass covers the houses of the Faroe Islands, blending them into the landscape.
from $13,095
Save 20%
EXPLORE

Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen

Aberdeen - Helsinki - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Explorer
  • Discover Aberdeen's Granite City
  • Explore Fair Isle's seabirds
  • Visit the Faroe Islands
  • See Jan Mayen’s volcanic landscapes
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Helsinki
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 15-day Arctic Saga cruise starting in Aberdeen. Discover Fair Isle's seabirds, the rugged Faroe Islands, Jan Mayen's volcanic landscapes, & Spitsbergen's majestic fjords. Watch for whales, puffins, & polar bears while enjoying Zodiac cruises, guided hikes, & cultural experiences. Lastly, visit Longyearbyen before returning to Helsinki.
Cruise Details
0
Visit the colorful town of Longyearbyen in the far north
from $7,795
EBD 15
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
Activities
Village Visits, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing, Photography Seminars, Adventure Options
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
Black-legged kittiwake
from $12,698
EXPLORE

Wild Scottish Isles & Iceland

Dublin - Reykjavik - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Seabourn Venture
  • Explore Dublin’s historic streets
  • Cruise Calf of Man shores
  • Discover Tobermory's harbor
  • Visit St Kilda's stunning cliffs
Starts / Ends
Dublin / Reykjavik
Activities
Kayaking
Activity Level
Variable
Discover iconic castles, Viking sites, and dramatic cliffs on this 11-day Seabourn Venture cruise from Dublin to Reykjavik. Explore Ireland, the Isle of Man, Scotland’s islands, the Shetlands, and Iceland’s Westman Islands, encountering ancient ruins, seabird colonies, and vibrant local culture.
Cruise Details
0
Glass-still waters around Spitsbergen
from $7,500
EXPLORE

19 Days Extensive Arctic Ocean - North Spitsbergen Explorer

Vlissingen to Longyearbyen - 19 Day Itinerary aboard MV Hondius
  • Explore North Sea Wildlife
  • Seabirds at Fowlsheugh
  • Visit Ythan Estuary Seals
  • Arctic bird expedition
  • Explore Granite City
  • Sail through Fair Isle
Starts / Ends
Vlissingen / Longyearbyen
Activity Level
Variable
Board the MV Hondius in Vlissingen for a 19-day Arctic Ocean adventure to North Spitsbergen, with sightings of dolphins, orcas, and minke whales. Visit Raudfjord, Monaco Glacier, Hinlopen Strait, and the Seven Islands, encountering seals, seabirds, and polar bears.
Cruise Details
0
Visit Neolithic sites of the Orkney islands
from $5,399
Air Credit
EXPLORE

Iceland to the North Sea

Reykjavik to Dublin - 9 Day Itinerary aboard World Traveller
  • Marvel at Belfast
  • Discover wonders of Tórshavn
  • Marvel at the Stornoway
  • Explore Isafjörður
Starts / Ends
Reykjavik / Dublin
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day Reykjavik to Dublin aboard World Traveller. Discover the enchanting wonders of Iceland, Denmark, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland on an unforgettable journey.
Cruise Details
0
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