Group Size: Up to 114 guests across all sponsors
Price: Starting from $8,990 per person double occupancy, $13,495 single occupancy
Co-sponsored with: American Horticultural Society, Archaeological Institute of America, Carlton College, National Trust Tours, Yale Alumni Academy
Trip Overview
Embark on an exploration of the magnificent landscapes, remote islands, ancient settlements, and idyllic villages of Norway and northern Scotland, cruising during the peak of spring, with long days of bright-green scenery speckled with blooming flowers and rushing waterfalls in the fjords from snow melting in the mountains. This eight-night itinerary, from Inverness to the Orkney Islands and along the Norwegian Coast above the Arctic Circle, seamlessly blends the wonders of the natural world with the historical and cultural highlights of the area. Begin and end your journey in the remote Orkney Islands and Norway's Lofoten Islands, both showcasing wild landscapes and ancient remains. The cruise includes ample time to explore Norway's iconic fjords, including Sognefjord, Norway’s longeest, as well as Naeroyfjord and Geirangerfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Delight in the comforts of the newly renovated 72-stateroom Exploris One, experiencing Zodiac cruises along the nesting cliffs of Runde and whale watching in the Lofotens. Step ashore at picturesque fjord-side towns like Ålesund and tiny villages like A, Reine, and Nusfjord, immersing yourself in the rich history, natural beauty, and unique experiences of these captivating destinations.
Schedule by Day
Pricing
| Category |
Double Occupancy (Per Person) |
Single Occupancy |
| Premium Stateroom, Deck 3 | $8,990 | $13,495 |
| Ocean Stateroom, Deck 3 | $9,790 | $13,990 |
| Superior Stateroom, Deck 4 | $10,290 | N/A |
| Deluxe Stateroom, Deck 4 | $10,990 | N/A |
| Balcony Stateroom, Deck 5 | $11,990 | N/A |
| Discovery Suite, Deck 5 | $13,990 | N/A |
| Navigator Suite, Deck 7 | $14,490 | N/A |
| Grand Suite, Deck 7 | $15,990 | N/A |
| Owner's Suite, Deck 7 | $16,990 | N/A |
Accommodations
- One night at the Kingsmills Hotel
- Eight nights aboard Exploris One
Extensions
Optional Pre-Extension: Scottish Highlands In Depth May 26 - 30, 2025 More information coming soon
Optional Post-Extension: Art & Gardens of Oslo Jun 8 -11, 2025 More information coming soon
What to Expect
This is a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy and requires participants to be in good health and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. To make the most of what each locale has to offer, shore excursions will be active, and you will often be spending much of the day off the ship. These adventure-filled days will be offset by relaxing time spent cruising at sea, with the opportunity to enjoy the ship’s amenities and the full lecture program. Travel on land will be by modern air-conditioned motorcoach, with most drives lasting under an hour at a time (except for our drive to see Geirangerfjord which takes approximately 1.5 hours each way. Daily activities can involve up to two miles of walking, often over unpaved paths, grassy areas, and uneven terrain where stairs are unavailable or do not have handrails. If you rely on a cane or walker, you may not be able to visit all sites on the program. Many historic buildings do not have elevators. Excursions will also involve standing, often in the warm sun. On board the Exploris One, an elevator connects all passenger decks. The ship does not have facilities for wheelchair-dependent passengers; there is no wheelchair-accessible cabin nor chair lift on board. Aboard ship, you should feel comfortable walking on a rocking surface at times. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiac inflatable tenders for some shore excursions (staff and crew will be on hand to assist). You do not have to participate in all scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination.
