Group Size: Up to 114 participants across all sponsors
Price: Starting from $8,990 per person, double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Archaeological Institute of America, Cornell’s Adult University, National Trust Tours, Colorado College
Trip Overview
This itinerary, from Inverness to the Orkney Islands and along the Norwegian Coast above the Arctic Circle, combines natural wonders with historical and cultural highlights. Special features include time in Scotland’s Orkney Islands and Norway’s Lofoten Islands, both showcasing wild landscapes, ancient settlements, and opportunities for bird and whale watching. The itinerary also offers several days inside Norway's iconic fjords, including the Sognefjord and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. Step ashore at picturesque fjord-side towns and fishing villages, including Ålesund, Brønnøysund, and tiny villages on the Lofoten Islands, all of which have inspired artists and photographers for over a century. Cruise for eight nights aboard the newly renovated Exploris One, offering 72 suites with breathtaking ocean views. Onboard, enjoy a sauna, steam bath, outdoor Jacuzzis, and regional cuisine, along with complimentary beverages, Wi-Fi, and exceptional service.
Schedule by Day
Pricing
Category | Double Occupancy, Per Person | Single Occupancy |
| Premium Stateroom, Deck 3 | $8,990 | $13,900 |
| Ocean Stateroom, Deck 3 | $9,990 | $15,990 |
| Superior Stateroom, Deck 4 | $10,990 | Inquire |
| Deluxe Stateroom, Deck 4 | $11,990 | Inquire |
| Balcony Stateroom, Deck 5 | $13,490 | Inquire |
| Navigator Suite, Deck 7 | $14,990 | Inquire |
| Discovery Suite, Deck 5 | $16,990 | Inquire |
| Grand Suite, Deck 7 | $18,490 | Inquire |
| Owner's Suite, Deck 7 | $19,990 | Inquire |
Accommodations
- One night at Dornoch Station
- Eight nights aboard Exploris One
Extensions
Optional Pre-Voyage Extension: Scottish Highlands In-Depth, May 27 - 31, 2026
Fly from home to Inverness, Scotland for a three-night stay. Over the coming days, explore the highlights of the Scottish Highlands, including Culloden Moor, the last battlefield of the Jacobite Rebellion, cruise on Loch Ness with visit to Urquhart Castle, and a private tasting and tour at a top malt whisky distillery. Also, stroll through the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since the mid-1800s. Additional details and rates will be provided to confirmed participants.
Optional Post-Voyage Extension: Art & Gardens of Oslo, June 9 - 12, 2026
Fly from Bodø to Oslo, for a three-night stay at the elegant and historic Grand Hotel, opened in 1874, and for over 140 years the host to international guests, world leaders, celebrities and the Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Highlights include Fram Museum of polar history and Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland, showing more than 200 of his works in bronze, granite and wrought iron. Additional details and rates will be provided to confirmed participants.
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.
