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United Kingdom Small Ship Cruises

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Experience the wild charm of the United Kingdom with Adventure Life's 37 small ship cruises for 2025. Join us on a cruise journey through Scotland's Highlands and Islands, from the captivating Loch Ness to the medieval abbey ruins and ancient standing stones. Sail through the Scottish Isles to explore the intriguing diversity of Scotland's wild islands, from the Orkney Islands to the Shetland Islands, each offering unique activities like kayaking, village visits, and wildlife viewing. Engage in archaeological site visits, hiking in the spectacular Cuillin Hills, and unravel the legendary history and wild nature of the British Isles. Delve into the heritage sites of Dublin, the charming Gudhjem, and the stunning fjords of Norway on an enriching 12-day adventure. With activities ranging from photography seminars to spa relaxation and an activity level suitable for all, this journey promises a seamless exploration of the cultural treasures and panoramic landscapes of the United Kingdom. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the hidden gems of the British Archipelagos and Celtic Shores. 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
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
Activities
Local Market Visits
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
Ring Of Brodgar, Orkney
from $13,595
EBD
EXPLORE

Wild Scotland

Edinburgh - Aberdeen - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Greg Mortimer
  • Explore Edinburgh, rich history
  • Wander Iona, ancient abbey
  • Discover St Kilda remote wilderness
  • Visit Lewis, Neolithic wonders
Starts / Ends
Edinburgh / Aberdeen
Activity Level
Variable
Join this 12-day expedition from Edinburgh to Aberdeen aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore Scotland's isles, cruise rugged coastlines, spot wildlife, and visit historic sites.
Cruise Details
0
Grazing highland cow on Skye Island, Scotland
from $9,926
EXPLORE

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
Biking, 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
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
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
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%
EXPLORE

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
EXPLORE

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%
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
Explore Dublin
from $5,499
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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
Grass-roofed houses of the Faroe Islands
from $11,587
Save 20%
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
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
A market in Bryggen, Bergen, Norway
from $7,060
Save 10%
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
Explore the island of Guernsey
from $8,795
EBD
EXPLORE

A D Day Commemoration

London to Paris - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Douglas Mawson
  • Witness D-Day’s lasting legacy
  • Sail the English Channel
  • Wander medieval Saint-Malo streets
Starts / Ends
London / Paris
Activity Level
Variable
Walk through history across London, Portsmouth, Normandy, Saint-Malo, and Guernsey. Visit iconic World War II landmarks, museums, and memorials on this unforgettable D-Day-inspired journey aboard Douglas Mawson.
Cruise Details
0
An early morning view of Alesund, Norway
from $18,270
EXPLORE

Scottish Isles & Norwegian Arctic

Glasgow - Tromso - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Aqua Lares
  • Visit Staffa's basalt columns
  • Discover St Kilda seabird colonies
  • Walk the Callanish Stones moor
  • Explore Mousa Broch Iron Age tower
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Tromso
Activities
Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 10-day cruise from Glasgow to Tromso aboard Aqua Lares, exploring Iona, St Kilda’s UNESCO site, and the Shetland Islands. Experience wildlife, cultural landmarks, and stunning coastal scenery across Scotland and Norway.
Cruise Details
0
Explore the enchanting city of Glasgow
from $18,270
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Norwegian Arctic & Scottish Isles

Tromso - Glasgow - 10 Day Itinerary aboard Aqua Lares
  • Discover Trollfjorden’s cliffs
  • Visit Reine in Lofoten Islands
  • Enjoy Bronnoysund’s coastal beauty
  • Uncover Mousa Broch in Shetland
Starts / Ends
Tromso / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 10-day cruise from Tromso to Glasgow on Aqua Lares, exploring Norway’s fjords and Scotland’s islands. Experience highlights like Trollfjorden, the Lofoten Islands, and the UNESCO site of St Kilda before concluding your adventure in Glasgow.
Cruise Details
0
Puffin, Fair Isle, Scotland
from $16,995
EBD
EXPLORE

Wild Scottish Isles & Norwegian Fjords

Aberdeen - Tromso - 14 Day Itinerary aboard Sylvia Earle
  • Explore Aberdeen’s cathedral
  • Tour Glen Garioch Distillery
  • Visit Papa Westray’s Knap of Howar
  • Experience Fair Isle’s seabirds
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Tromso
Activity Level
Variable
Embark on a 14-day voyage from Scotland to Norway aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring ancient sites in the Orkney and Shetland Islands, Viking routes, and stunning Lofoten peaks. Experience the Arctic Circle's midnight sun, seabird colonies, and breathtaking fjords while delving into the region’s maritime heritage.
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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