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UK Archaeology Cruises

Travel made your way
Scotland
Sheep walking on the road in the British countryside.
England
Sunset in Houses of Parliament
London
Big Ben on a sunny day in London
Ireland
Castle ruins overlooking the sea
Wales
Your small ship will carry you to world heritage sites
Shetland Islands
Michael S. Nolan
Shetland pony in the Shetland Isles.
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Embark on a timeless journey through the United Kingdom's rich past with our 50 archaeological site visit tours for 2025. The British Isles are steeped in millennia of history, from the enigmatic standing stones to ancient Celtic fortresses and Viking cultural remnants. These tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the stories etched into this land, where each stone and ruin whispers tales of bygone eras. Over a range that spans from 8 to 15 days, you will sail aboard small ships like Sea Spirit and Le Lyrial, exploring legendary locales such as Tresco Abbey Garden with its Bronze Age burial sites or Loch Ness with its medieval ruins—all starting at just $5,390 to $95,590. To weave your own tale into the fabric of these ancient isles' storied tapestry, contact one of Adventure Life's tour specialists for help planning your next seamless trip.
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    • United Kingdom
Bronze Age Clava Cairn near Inverness, Scotland
from $10,065
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
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
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
Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands
from $18,195
EBD
EXPLORE

England & Ireland: For Kin and Kingdom

Edinburgh - London - 16 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
  • Explore Edinburgh’s castle
  • Discover Aberdeen’s Glamis Castle
  • Uncover Orkney’s Neolithic stones
  • Admire Glasgow’s Victorian charm
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / London
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 16-day cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson to explore the impactful stories of those who shaped British Isles history, from Jacobites to Irish fighters. Discover the resilience of royal figures, revolutionaries, and everyday citizens who overcame challenges to preserve their cultural identities.
Cruise Details
0
Grazing highland cow on Skye Island, Scotland
from $9,926
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Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Eastbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Lord of the Glens
  • Hear Hebridean wildlife insights
  • Sip Whisky in Oban
  • Visit Sacred Iona Island
  • Explore Clava Cairns stones
Starts / Ends
Inverness / Inverness
Activities
Whale Watching, Citizen Science, Wine Tasting
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day Scottish Highlands cruise aboard the Lord of the Glens, exploring iconic lochs, historic castles, and sacred islands like Iona. Discover charming towns like Oban and Tobermory, with guided walks, whisky tastings, and wildlife encounters amid breathtaking Highland scenery.
Cruise Details
0
Eilan Donan Castle
from $6,850
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Classic Cruise – Scotland

Banavie - Muirtown - 7 Day Itinerary aboard Spirit of Scotland
  • Explore Dalwhinnie Distillery
  • Admire iconic Eilean Donan Castle
  • Stroll scenic Loch Oich
  • Pass beneath Urquhart Castle
Starts / Ends
Banavie / Muirtown
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 7-day cruise from Banavie to Muirtown on the Spirit of Scotland, featuring a champagne welcome and visits to Caledonian highlights like Dalwhinnie Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, and Culloden Moor. Enjoy excursions with cultural landmarks, wildlife encounters, and whisky tastings along the scenic journey.
Cruise Details
0
Broch of Mousa, Scotland
from $6,195
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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
Eilan Donan Castle
from $75,500
EBD 10%
EXPLORE

Private Charter - Classic Cruise - Scotland

Banavie - Muirtown - 7 Day Itinerary aboard Spirit of Scotland
  • Explore Dalwhinnie Distillery
  • Stroll scenic Loch Oich
  • Pass beneath Urquhart Castle
  • Admire iconic Eilean Donan Castle
Starts / Ends
Banavie / Muirtown
Activity Level
Variable
Experience a 7-day private cruise from Banavie to Muirtown on the Spirit of Scotland, featuring a champagne welcome and visits to Caledonian highlights like Dalwhinnie Distillery, Eilean Donan Castle, and Culloden Moor. Enjoy excursions with cultural landmarks, wildlife encounters, and whisky tastings along the scenic journey.
Cruise Details
0
Visit Neolithic sites of the Orkney islands
from $8,111
Save 20%
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Exploring Scotland’s Wild Isles: Shetlands, Orkneys & Inner Hebrides

Dublin - Edinburgh - 8 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Endurance
  • Explore Scotland's Wild Isles
  • Discover ancient stone brochs
  • Hike trails across remote isles
  • Zodiac coastal explorations
Starts / Ends
Dublin / Edinburgh
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on an 8-day cruise through Scotland's Wild Isles aboard National Geographic Endurance. Traverse the Shetland and Orkney Islands, explore the Isle of Skye's rugged coast, and visit Rathlin Island's seabird colonies. Delve into Viking heritage, ancient ruins, and dramatic landscapes guided by experts.
Cruise Details
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Pastel homes on Isle of Skye
from $11,595
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Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders

Aberdeen - Greenock/Glasgow - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Nova
  • Spot puffins on Fair Isle
  • Walk through ancient Orkney
  • Visit UNESCO-listed St. Kilda
  • Admire Staffa’s Fingal’s Cave
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Glasgow
Activities
Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 13-day Arctic cruise aboard the Ocean Nova through Scotland and the Faroe Islands. Explore rugged coastlines, ancient ruins, and thriving wildlife habitats. Sail to Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, and marvel at prehistoric sites. Visit the UNESCO-listed St. Kilda, hike through Skye’s landscapes, and explore the historic Isle of Iona.
Cruise Details
0
Edinburgh city in winter from Calton hill, Scotland, UK
from $6,495
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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
Photography Seminars
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
Turquoise waters surrounding the islands
from $6,940
Save 10%
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Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

London - Glasgow - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Explore London’s vibrant landmarks
  • Visit Dover's iconic cliffs
  • Discover Cowes' scenic coast
  • Wander Canterbury Gothic cathedral
Starts / Ends
London / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 9-day cruise aboard Le Bellot, exploring iconic landmarks, historic castles, and scenic coasts around the Irish Sea. Highlights include Dover Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, Tresco Gardens, and the Hebrides before ending near Glasgow.
Cruise Details
0
Rugged coastlines of the British Isles
from $7,880
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Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

London - Fairlie - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Explore London’s vibrant landmarks
  • Visit Dover's iconic cliffs
  • Discover Cowes' scenic coast
  • Wander Canterbury Gothic cathedral
Starts / Ends
London / Tobermory
Activity Level
Variable
Discover the Irish Sea's rich history and breathtaking landscapes on this 9-day cruise aboard Le Bellot. Highlights include Dover Castle, Tresco Gardens, Belfast's Titanic Museum, and the enchanting Hebrides, ending in Glasgow.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $12,745
Save 20%
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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
Adventures in Europe. Scottish marine band
from $6,350
EBD 10%
EXPLORE

Classic Cruise – Scotland

Muirtown - Banavie - 7 Day Itinerary aboard Scottish Highlander
  • Stroll Muirtown sea lock
  • Tour Cawdor Castle and gardens
  • Visit Culloden Moor
  • Explore Clava Cairns
Starts / Ends
Muirtown / Banavie
Activity Level
Variable
Join a 7-day cruise on the Scottish Highlander through Scotland's stunning Caledonian Canal, exploring sites like Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, and Eilean Donan Castle. Experience guided tours, whisky tastings, and scenic walks, concluding your journey in Banavie with transportation back to Inverness.
Cruise Details
0
The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile
from $6,864
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Highlights Tour: Scottish Highlands and Castles

Scotland Self-drive Tour - 12 Day Itinerary
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Edinburgh
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Local Market Visits, Fishing
Activity Level
Easy Active
Discover the best of Scotland on this 12-day self-drive adventure through the Scottish Highlands and beyond. Explore majestic castles, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes steeped in history and legend. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and discover Scotland’s natural beauty and cultural treasures independently.
Tour Details
0
Explore Dublin
from $5,499
EXPLORE

Highlands and Emerald Isles

London Roundtrip - 11 Day Itinerary aboard World Navigator
  • Join Edinburgh Castle exploration
  • Visit Belfast Giant’s Causeway
  • See Cornwall coastal charm
  • Learn Scottish culture
Starts / Ends
London / London
Activities
Kayaking, Urban Exploration
Activity Level
Variable
Set out from London on an 11-day British Isles cruise aboard World Navigator. Travel through England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. Explore Edinburgh Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, Dublin’s cultural treasures, and Cornwall’s seaside charm.
Cruise Details
0
Golden light along the cliffs of the Irish coast
from $5,460
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From the English Channel to the Irish Sea

Honfleur to Glasgow - 9 Day Itinerary aboard L'Austral
  • Visit Giant’s Causeway
  • Visit the Isles of Scilly castles
  • Hike from Warrenpoint
  • Explore Glasgow's art museum
Starts / Ends
Honfleur / Glasgow
Activities
Hiking
Activity Level
Variable
Discover coastal beauty on a 9-day voyage from Honfleur to Glasgow aboard L' L'Austral. Explore England’s charming villages, Ireland’s colorful ports, and Northern Ireland’s iconic landscapes, walk ancient castles, see dramatic cliffs, and visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cruise Details
0
Grass-roofed houses of the Faroe Islands
from $11,587
Save 20%
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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
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
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