Newhaven-Rosyth-Queensferry, Scotland Cruise from Leith to Oban — 12 Days

Leith-Edinburgh

Leith brings Edinburgh within reach, but rewards those who stay by the water. Once a working port, this lively district pairs maritime history with independent restaurants, galleries and a strong local character. At Ocean Terminal, step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the former royal residence now open to visitors. Trams and buses connect you with the capital: Edinburgh Castle, its museums and Georgian streets make an easy day ashore.

Dundee

Dundee brings Scotland’s design, maritime and industrial history to the banks of the River Tay. At V&A Dundee, striking architecture houses exhibitions celebrating Scottish creativity and design from around the world. Nearby, Discovery Point tells the story of Captain Scott’s Antarctic ship, RRS Discovery. Explore the waterfront and historic streets, or make a day trip to St Andrews or the Angus coast.

Invergordon

Invergordon sits on the Cromarty Firth, where the Highlands meet a deep-water estuary shaped by centuries of maritime history. From the quayside, travel to Inverness, Culloden Battlefield or Loch Ness. Each offers a distinct view of Highland history and landscape. Closer to port, Invergordon’s murals tell local stories, while the waterfront reflects the town’s enduring connection to the sea.

Stromness

Stromness is Orkney’s second-largest town, its stone-built streets climbing from a sheltered harbour on Mainland’s west coast. Founded around its busy port, the town’s narrow lanes and old merchants’ houses reflect centuries of North Atlantic trade. Walk the waterfront, then visit Stromness Museum for the islands’ maritime and natural history. Beyond town, Neolithic Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar reveal Orkney’s extraordinary prehistoric past.

Torshavn

Tórshavn is one of the world’s smallest capitals, yet it offers a revealing introduction to the Faroe Islands. Begin at Tinganes, where red-painted timber buildings cluster on a narrow headland beside the harbor. The Løgting, the Faroese parliament, meets nearby, continuing a political tradition rooted in the islands’ Norse past. In the compact center, cafés, shops and museums offer an easy pause before the Atlantic’s open horizons reclaim your attention.

Suduroy Island Faroes (Scenic Stop)

Isle of Skye

Skye is Scotland at its most elemental: dark Cuillin peaks, sea-lochs and cliffs shaped by Atlantic weather. From Portree, the island’s principal town, roads lead to landmarks including the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Allow time for the journey: distances are modest on a map, but narrow roads and changing weather slow the pace. Come for walking, Highland history and views that shift with every turn; Skye is best experienced without a hurried schedule.

Stornoway

Stornoway is the working heart of Lewis, where fishing boats share a harbour with ferries and visiting ships. Lews Castle houses Museum nan Eilean, while its grounds make an easy first walk. The road west leads to Callanish, where prehistoric standing stones rise above the Atlantic-facing moor. Here, Gaelic heritage is not a display alone; it remains part of daily life, heard in place names and conversation.

Isle of Barra

Barra makes a striking first impression: white-sand bays, Atlantic light and a harbour watched over by a medieval castle. From Castlebay, visit Kisimul Castle, a medieval stronghold set on a rocky islet in the bay. Elsewhere, quiet roads lead to crofting settlements and Traigh Mhòr, where scheduled flights land on the tidal beach. Walk the machair, notice the Gaelic place-names and make time for the island’s broad Atlantic views.

Oban UK

Oban sits on Scotland’s west coast, where hills rise above the sheltered Firth of Lorn. Its ferry terminal links the mainland with the Hebrides, and the compact town is easy to explore on foot. Climb to McCaig’s Tower for views across the harbour and islands. Then sample seafood along the waterfront or visit Oban Distillery, founded in 1794. For a port call, Oban pairs island links, historic sights and a working harbour within easy reach.

Troon UK (Ask Travel Agent)

Arriving