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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 23 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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The ancient standing stone of Clava Cairns.
from $9,678
Savings
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, Kayaking
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
Seabirds flying over dramatic ocean island cliffs St Kilda
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
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
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
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
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 $6,850
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
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
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
Golden light along the cliffs of the Irish coast
from $7,070
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
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
Activities
Whale Watching
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 $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
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
Activities
Urban Exploration, Archaeological Site Visits, Village Visits
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
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
Activities
Adventure Options
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
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
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
Explore the historic cities and towns of the Bordeaux region
from $7,010
EXPLORE

A Symphony at Sea: The Musical Traditions of Ireland and France

Glasgow to Bordeaux - 9 Day Itinerary aboard Le Bellot
  • Explore Glasgow's Victorian streets
  • Visit Belfast’s Titanic Museum
  • Walk Dublin’s Temple Bar
  • Tour Cork and Blarney Castle
  • Savor Bordeaux’s finest wines
  • See Saint-Malo’s historic walls
  • Enjoy onboard relaxation options
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Bordeaux
Activities
Spa Relaxation, Wine Tasting, Small Ship Sailing
Activity Level
Variable
This 9-day voyage aboard Le Bellot takes you from Glasgow to Bordeaux, with stops in Belfast and Dublin. Experience Celtic culture through guided tours, expert talks, live music, and visits to historic landmarks and wine regions.
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
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