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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 47 small ship cruises for 2026. 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 trip planners to start planning your next seamless trip.
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    • Scotland
Bronze Age Clava Cairn near Inverness, Scotland
from $10,214
Save 10%
EXPLORE

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

Westbound - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Lord of the Glens
  • See Eilean Donan Castle
  • Discover Oban whisky town
  • Explore Clava Cairns stones
  • Cruise Caledonian Canal Scotland
Starts / Ends
Inverness / Inverness
Activity Level
Variable
Sail through Scotland’s Highlands on an 8-day cruise aboard Lord of the Glens. Cruise the Caledonian Canal, cross Loch Ness, and visit Culloden, Glenfinnan, Oban, Mull, Iona, and Skye. Explore castles, historic battlefields, remote villages, and coastal wildlife while navigating scenic lochs and canals.
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
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
Kayaking, Whale Watching, 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
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $12,107
No SS
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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
Grass covers the houses of the Faroe Islands, blending them into the landscape.
from $11,995
Save 25%
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Scotland and Faroes: Isles and Wonders

Aberdeen - Troon/Glasgow - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Ocean Victory
  • Explore Kirkwall’s historic sites
  • Watch Fair Isle seabirds
  • Discover Papa Stour caves
  • Tour Faroe Islands landscapes
Starts / Ends
Aberdeen / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Discover Scotland and the Hebrides on a 13-day voyage from Aberdeen to Troon aboard Ocean Victory. Visit Kirkwall, Fair Isle, Foula, Papa Stour, the Faroe Islands, Stornoway, St. Kilda, Isle of Skye, Iona, Staffa, and Islay. Experience coastal villages, ancient monuments, wildlife, cultural heritage, nature, and maritime tradition.
Cruise Details
0
Colorful sunset over the Scottish Highlands
from $9,733
Save 10%
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
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
Pastel homes on Isle of Skye
from $8,440
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Mythical islands and wild landscapes of the Hebrides

Glasgow Roundtrip - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Le Champlain
  • Visit Lunga to see puffins and seal
  • Hike near Loch Coruisk
  • Spot historical sites and seabirds
  • Portree harbor views
Starts / Ends
Glasgow / Glasgow
Activity Level
Variable
Embark in Glasgow and sail Scotland’s Hebrides on a 8-day cruise aboard Le Champlain. Explore the Treshnish Isles, Skye’s Loch Scavaig, Canna, Callanish Stones, Ullapool, Portree, and Tobermory. Spot puffins, seals, and seabirds, and learn local history in museums and cultural centers
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
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
Grass-roofed houses of the Faroe Islands
from $12,050
Save 10%
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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
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
Stroll through historic Dublin
from $8,390
Save 10%
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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, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing
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
Discover ancient cultures of the Orkney islands
from $11,007
Save 10%
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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
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
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The rolling hills of the British Isles.
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