Date
May 26, 2026 - Jun 5, 2026
Trip Type
By Sea

Group Size: Up to 114 guests across all sponsors and independent travelers
Price: Starting from $9,990 per person double occupancy, $15,990 single occupancy
Co-sponsored with: American Horticultural Society, Archaeological Institute of America, Carleton College Alumni Adventures, National Trust Tours, Yale Alumni Academy

 

Activity Level
3

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 Edinburgh 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. 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 Reine and Nusfjord, immersing yourself in the rich history, natural beauty, and unique experiences of these captivating destinations.

Schedule by Day

Depart U.S for Edinburgh, Scotland

Upon arrival in Edinburgh, relax before a welcome reception and group orientation. 

Overnight: Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa

Meals: R

After breakfast enjoy a historic tour of Edinburgh, with lunch on your own during free time in town before boarding the Sea Spirit this afternoon.

Overnight: Sea Spirit

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 in the afternoon take a guided tour of Kirkwall, including the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral, with free time in the vibrant downtown before returning to the ship.

Overnight: Sea Spirit

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: Sea Spirit

Meals: B, L, D

Take a scenic drive through the natural wonders of Sognefjord. See 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; and see Moahugane Burial Mounds, dating back to 200 AD.

Overnight: Sea Spirit

Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a morning at sea with time for lectures before arriving in Loen. 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, or ride one of the steepest cable cars in the world on the Loen Skylift and marvel at the stunning views of the valley below.

Overnight: Sea Spirit

Meals: B, L, D

Visit beautiful Ålesund, known for its Art Nouveau buildings and islands stretching out into the ocean, Ålesund offers three optional excursions including: 1) a historic World War 2 bunker inside the city’s mountain; 2) a coach tour of the Giske islands; 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: Sea Spirit

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 scenic panoramic drive followed by a walking tour of the charming town center; 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: Sea Spirit

Meals: B, L, D

Enjoy a full day exploring the picturesque Lofoten Islands, where you’ll visit charming fishing villages like 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: Sea Spirit

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
Classic Suite I$9,990$15,990
Classic Suite II$10,990N/A
Superior Suite$12,990N/A
Deluxe Balcony Suite$14,990N/A
Premium Suite$17,990N/A
Owner's Suite$19,990N/A

Accommodations

  • One night at the Sheraton Grand Hotel
  • Eight nights aboard Sea Spirit

Extensions

OPTIONAL PRE-VOYAGE EXTENSION  
EDINBURGH & THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS  
MAY 24-27, 2026

Fly from home to Edinburgh, Scotland. Spend the next two days exploring the highlights of Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. Enjoy two nights at Cheval Old Town Chambers, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue with a private tasting and tour at one of Scotland’s top malt whisky distilleries before joining the main program at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa. 

Further details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants. 

 

OPTIONAL POST-VOYAGE EXTENSION 
ART & GARDENS OF OSLO 
JUNE 5-8, 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. 

Further details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants. 

What to Expect

Activity Level 3

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. You do not have to participate in all scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination.

Study Leader(s)

Jeremiah Smith, Jr., Visiting Professor of Law

Mode of Travel

Explore in style and comfort aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit. Providing spacious suites and social areas for 114 guests, while featuring the maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of small ships.

For More Information

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