Date
May 30, 2026 - Jun 9, 2026
Trip Type
By Sea

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

Activity Level
3

Trip Overview

Join an exploration of the landscapes, remote islands, ancient settlements, and villages of Norway and northern Scotland, cruising during the peak of spring with bright green scenery, blooming flowers, and waterfalls in the fjords from melting snow. 

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 program 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

Independent departures from your home city to Inverness, Scotland.

Upon arrival in Inverness, transfer to your hotel and relax before dinner.

Overnight: Dornoch Station

Meals: D

Explore Inverness Old Town and its indoor Victorian market, with lunch on your own during free time in town before boarding Exploris One this afternoon.

Overnight: Exploris One

Meals: B, D

Disembark in Kirkwall for a morning exploration of the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney, the most important Neolithic sites in western Europe. Return to the ship for lunch and embark on one of two afternoon options: 1) Take a guided tour of Kirkwall, including the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral, with free time in the vibrant and pretty downtown; or 2) Visit The Quoy of Houton, listed as one of the top 10 UK coastal gardens, with the owner, a renowned horticulturalist, before returning on the coach by ship.

Overnight: Exploris One

Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a full day at sea looking for wildlife from one of the ship's spacious decks, indulging in the ship’s amenities and listening to lectures from our team of experts. As evening approaches, arrive at the entrance of Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

Overnight: Exploris One

Meals: B, L, D

Join a private fjord cruise of the UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjord, narrowest and best known of the many arms of the Sognefjord. This fjord stands out as Norway's premier natural wonder, boasting steep mountainsides, hanging valleys, majestic peaks, snowfields, cascading waterfalls, and quaint hamlets. Visit one such hamlet, Gudvagen, an historic Viking village, nestled deep within Naerfjord, where there is free time to explore independently. Also discover the riches of Vik, a picturesque village along the banks of the Sognefjord, including the impressive Hopperstad Stave Church, one of Norway’s 28 remaining stave churches and the oldest in the country. And don't miss the opportunity to sample the local ‘gamalost cheese;’ see Moahugane Burial Mounds, dating back to 200 AD, or walk the grounds of Djupvik, a unique mythological garden.

Overnight: Exploris One

Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a morning at sea with time for lectures before arriving in Nordfjordeid. Be welcomed by a stunning coastline, majestic mountains and valleys, expansive farmland, and a chance to see the mighty Briksdal Glacier, the largest in Europe. Here choose from various excursion options including kayaking with a guided hike to learn about the local ecosystem, driving to see the Briksdal Glacier and walk the Loen Skylift, or visiting with a local family in their private home to learn about the Norwegian way of life and culture followed by a trip to the Norwegian Fjord Horse Center.

Overnight: Exploris One

Meals: B, L, D

Get up early this morning to look for birds on the cliffs at Runde, a nesting site of over 240 species including puffins, followed by a visit to beautiful Ålesund. Known for its Art Nouveau buildings and islands stretching out into the ocean, Ålesund offers three optional excursions including: 1) the medieval village of Sunmøre, an open-air museum; 2) Viking’s Island; or 3) an in-depth city walk including Mt. Aksla, followed by free time. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising with time for lectures, relaxing on board, and keeping an eye out for whales.

Overnight: Exploris One

Meals: B, L, D

Continue cruising north this morning with time for lectures. After lunch, arrive at the coastal town of Bronnysund to delve into its history and culture, surrounded by natural landscapes. Choose from optional excursions: 1) Hike Torghatten, known for its mythical mountain with a distinctive hole; 2) Enjoy a panoramic drive and visit Hildur’s Farm for a taste of Norwegian farm life; or 3) Explore Norwegian aquaculture at the Norwegian Aquaculture Center. Reboard in the late afternoon and depart for the Lofoten Islands, crossing the Arctic Circle along the way.

Overnight: Exploris One

Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a full day exploring the picturesque Lofoten Islands, where you’ll visit charming fishing villages like Å, Reine, or Nusfjord, each offering unique insights into local life. Discover the rich Viking heritage at the Lofotr Viking Museum, home to the world’s largest Viking longhouse, and visit a local farm indulging in a lunch ashore where you’ll learn about the islands’ efforts in sustainable farming. Conclude the day with the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.

Overnight: Exploris One

Meals: B, L, R, D

Transfer to Bodø airport, or those with late flights may take an optional morning tour in Bodø, or you may begin the optional post-voyage extension.

Meals: B

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$10,990Inquire
Deluxe Stateroom, Deck 4$11,990Inquire
Balcony Stateroom, Deck 5$13,490Inquire
Navigator Suite, Deck 7$14,990Inquire
Discovery Suite, Deck 5$16,990Inquire
Grand Suite, Deck 7$18,490Inquire
Owner's Suite, Deck 7$19,990Inquire

Accommodations

  • One night at Dornoch Station
  • Eight nights aboard Exploris One

Extensions

Optional Pre-Voyage Extension: Edinburgh & the Scottish Highlands, May 27 - 31, 2026

Fly from home to Edinburgh, Scotland. Over the coming days, explore the highlights of Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, including Edinburgh Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a visit to Urquhart Castle, and a private tasting and tour at a top malt whisky distillery. Take time to relax at Dornoch Station and, if desired, enjoy a round at the historic Royal Dornoch Golf Club—advance tee time reservations are strongly recommended. Additional details and rates will be provided to confirmed participants.

Optional Post-Voyage Extension: Art & Gardens of Oslo, June 9 - 12, 2026

After exploring Bodø, fly 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 the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland, featuring more than 200 of his works in bronze, granite, and wrought iron; and the Fram Museum of Polar Exploration, which artfully narrates the story of Norwegian polar exploration. Additional details and rates will be provided to confirmed participants.

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

To make the most of what this expedition has to offer, the trip will be active, requiring you to be in good health and physical condition and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. The schedule will include long days, with some early departures, and activities scheduled throughout the day and into the evening. Daily activities can involve up to three miles of walking, often over cobblestones; elevators may not be available and stairs may not have handrails. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for several excursions ashore—and there may be additional use of the Zodiacs to take advantage of opportunities that arise. Participants should be fit and in active good health. Limited medical facilities are available on board Exploris One. The degree of difficulty will be described in daily briefings, and all activities are optional, so each traveler may choose the activity level that best suits his or her ability.

Study Leader(s)

Jeremiah Smith, Jr., Visiting Professor of Law

Mode of Travel

Exploris One features 60 cabins and 12 suites, among the most spacious available on board expedition ships. Passengers can enjoy a fitness and well-being area, panoramic decks and lounges, as well as outdoor jacuzzis for a moment of relaxation with a view between explorations.

For More Information

Please email haatravels@harvard.edu or call our office at 800-422-1636 or 617-496-0806.