What are some must-see destinations on a Fred. Olsen cruise in the British Isles?

You don't have to sail far from home to reach somewhere remarkable. The British Isles hold ancient stone circles, sea cliffs crowded with nesting birds, colourful harbour towns and waters that wind deep into the land. Because Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sails smaller ships, we can reach the lochs, sounds and sheltered anchorages that larger vessels cannot, bringing you closer to the places that make this corner of the world so rewarding to explore.

Our British Isles cruises take in Scotland, Ireland and the Channel Islands, and each itinerary follows its own route, so the destinations below are a guide to what you might discover rather than a checklist every sailing covers. Highlights across the region include Kirkwall in Orkney, Lerwick in Shetland, Portree on the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cork and St Peter Port in Guernsey – along with scenic cruising past the Cliffs of Moher, St Kilda and Fingal's Cave. To see exactly where a particular cruise calls, take a look at the individual itinerary. Here is a closer look at what may await.

Scotland's coastline is made for a smaller ship. Its islands, sea lochs and remote headlands reward guests who want to do more than tick off the usual stops, and our hand-crafted itineraries are built to reach them. Depending on the sailing you choose, your route might include any of the following.

You might also be interested in: A Guide to Scottish Island Cruises

Orkney rewards the curious. Where an itinerary calls here, you can visit Skara Brae, a neolithic village older than the pyramids, the standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar, and the warm red sandstone of St Magnus Cathedral in the centre of town.

Britain's most northerly town has a strong Norse heritage that still shapes life here, from the Up Helly Aa fire festival to the Iron Age and Viking remains at Jarlshof. The cliffs and skerries nearby are home to puffins, gannets and seals.

The harbour town of Portree is your gateway to Skye's landscapes – the rock pinnacle of the Old Man of Storr and the waterfall at Kilt Rock among them. Many of our Scottish sailings also cruise the island's coastline, so the views can begin long before you step ashore.

Mull's main town is known for the row of painted houses along its waterfront. It's a relaxed place for a wander, with the chance to spot sea eagles, otters and porpoises along the Sound of Mull.

The largest town in the Outer Hebrides is the starting point for the Callanish Standing Stones, a circle raised some 5,000 years ago. Gaelic culture, weaving traditions and a fine natural harbour give Stornoway its distinct character.

You might also be interested in: Essential Stornoway Scotland Travel Guide

When a cruise calls at the port of Leith, you can reach Edinburgh in a short transfer. The Old Town climbs from Holyrood to the castle along the Royal Mile, and the former Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed close to the quayside at Leith itself.

Invergordon opens up the heart of the Highlands. From here you can travel to the shores of Loch Ness, the turrets of Cawdor Castle, or a working distillery to learn how Scotch whisky is made.

Known as the gateway to the isles, Oban is a busy west coast port set around a curved bay. It's an ideal base for short excursions and a good place to try fresh Scottish seafood straight off the boat.

The granite city has a working harbour, a long seafront and a maritime story that runs from fishing fleets to the North Sea. Nearby castles and the river Dee give a sense of the wider north east.

This is where a smaller ship truly comes into its own. Selected Scottish sailings cruise close to St Kilda, the remote archipelago and World Heritage Site; Fingal's Cave on the island of Staffa, with its towering basalt columns; and the sea stacks at Duncansby. Some routes also sail the sea lochs – among them Loch Hourn, Loch Torridon and Loch Scavaig – and pass landmarks such as Sumburgh Head, the Sound of Mull and Duart Castle. Where your itinerary includes them, these are the moments to find a spot on deck and simply watch the coast slip by.

Ireland pairs lively harbour cities with some of the most dramatic coastline in Europe, much of it along the Wild Atlantic Way. Our itineraries combine time ashore with scenic cruising past cliffs and islands that few visitors ever see up close. The stops below feature across our Irish sailings, though the exact route varies from cruise to cruise.

Ireland's capital is walkable and welcoming, from the medieval grounds of Trinity College and the Book of Kells to Georgian squares, traditional pubs and the literary corners that inspired Joyce and Yeats. Some sailings call at nearby Dún Laoghaire as the gateway to the city.

Cobh was the final port of call for the Titanic, and its waterfront cathedral and emigration heritage tell that story well. Where an itinerary calls here, or at nearby Ringaskiddy, you can reach the city of Cork and Blarney Castle with its famous stone.

A spirited harbour city on the west coast, Galway is the gateway to the wild landscapes of Connemara and the limestone of the Burren. It's also the jumping-off point for the Aran Islands and their early Christian sites.

One of Ireland's largest fishing ports, Killybegs sits in the rugged north west. It's the place to reach the Slieve League cliffs, which rise far higher than the better-known Cliffs of Moher and remain blissfully uncrowded.

Smaller ships allow us to follow the Atlantic coast closely. Depending on the itinerary, Irish sailings may cruise past the Cliffs of Moher, the monastic rock of the Skelligs, and the islands off the Dingle peninsula, including Great Blasket. Some routes also sail Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, and pass headlands such as Malin Head, the most northerly point on the island. Keep a lookout for dolphins, basking sharks and seabirds along the way.

Guernsey's capital is one of the prettiest harbour towns in the British Isles, its streets climbing steeply from the marina. Where a cruise calls here, Castle Cornet has guarded the harbour for centuries, while Hauteville House, the home of Victor Hugo during his years in exile, offers an unusual glimpse into the writer's world. With a mild climate and a relaxed pace, St Peter Port is a gentle, characterful stop

The British Isles are at their best from the deck of a smaller ship, and that is the heart of what we offer.

Our smaller ships reach the lochs, sounds and island anchorages that larger vessels have to sail past, so you spend more time in places that feel genuinely out of the way. Our itineraries are hand-crafted rather than mass-produced, balancing well-loved cities with the quieter corners that make a sailing memorable. Each route is different, which is part of the pleasure – it means there is always somewhere new to return for.

We also believe in the joy of the journey. With plenty of outside deck space, the scenic cruising past sea stacks, cliffs and castles becomes part of the experience rather than a detour from it. Guest speakers and enrichment talks help bring each destination to life, sharing the history, wildlife and culture you'll encounter ashore.

And throughout, you're looked after by a crew whose service is warm, friendly and sincere. It's a smaller, more personal way to discover the British Isles – the Olsen way.

To find out which of these destinations feature on a particular sailing, explore our British Isles itineraries.