Group Size: 65 - 96 participants across all sponsors
Price: Starting from $10,990 per person, double occupancy
Co-sponsored with: Archaeological Institute of America, Princeton Journeys, World Affairs Council, and additional sponsors to be named
Trip Overview
Embark on a 10-night private charter aboard the 57-cabin Hebridean Sky for a summertime exploration of Norway’s magnificent landscapes, ancient settlements, and idyllic villages—when this northern realm becomes the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Begin with an overnight stay in Aberdeen, Scotland’s storied “Granite City,” before crossing the North Sea along the pathways of Vikings and early settlers. Journey up Norway’s spectacular coast, lingering in its most beautiful fjords—including Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord, and Lysefjorden beneath Preikestolen—while marveling at snowcapped peaks, glittering glaciers, and sheer granite cliffs. Along the way, uncover layers of history at sites such as Scotland’s Pictish Stones and Shetland’s Bronze Age and Viking ruins at Jarlshof, step into Viking and medieval heritage at Stavanger’s Arkeologisk Museum and Hopperstad Stave Church, and call at peaceful towns and villages like Ålesund and Lillesand, far from the congestion of large cruise ships. Experience extraordinary wildlife at Runde Island, Norway’s southern fjords, and the dramatic Kjenndal Valley near Loen; enjoy a scenic Skylift ride, farm and village visits in Sunnfjord and Bygstad, and a choice of walks in Rosendal’s Hatteberg Valley or near Folgefonna Glacier.
Conclude in Oslo, with the option to extend your stay at the iconic Grand Hotel while exploring the city’s cultural treasures, from the Opera House and Vigeland Sculpture Park to the museums of the Bygdøy Peninsula.
Schedule by Day
Click each drop-down below to view a detailed itinerary. For a full view, please select "print page".
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category | Double Occupancy | Single Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
Category A, Standard Suite (forward) | $10,990 per person | $17,590 |
Category B, Standard Suite | $11,990 per person | $19,190 |
Category C, Superior Suite | $13,990 per person | $22,390 |
Category D, Premium Suite | $15,990 per person | Inquire |
Category E, Corner Suite | $17,490 per person | Inquire |
Category F, Deluxe Balcony Suite | $18,990 per person | Inquire |
Category G, Owner's Balcony Suite | $20,490 per person | Inquire |
Category H, Hebridean Balcony Suite | $22,390 per person | Inquire |
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (March 1, 2027) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
- One night at Mercure Aberdeen Caledonian Hotel
- Ten nights aboard Hebridean Sky
Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Scottish Highlands
June 26 - 29, 2027
Under development - more information coming soon
Optional Post-Tour Extension: Oslo
July 11 - 14, 2027
Under development - more information coming soon
The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program
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 passing coastal scenery, the ship’s amenities, and the full lecture program.
Travel on land will be by modern air-conditioned motorcoaches, with most drives lasting under an hour at a time. Daily activities can involve up to three miles of walking (with more strenuous optional hikes of up to four miles), often over unpaved paths, grassy areas, uneven terrain, and cobblestoned streets. Many historic buildings do not have elevators, and you will sometimes encounter steps without handrails. Hebridean Sky has an elevator that connects all passenger decks. However, the ship does not have facilities for wheelchair-dependent passengers; there is no wheelchair-accessible cabin nor chair lift on board. Aboard the ship, you should feel comfortable walking on a rocking surface at times. You may need to climb into and out of Zodiac inflatable tenders for some shore excursions (staff and crew will be on hand to assist).
This promises to be a memorable journey, but as with all travel, a flexible attitude, a spirit of adventure, and a willingness to explore new areas will enhance your enjoyment of this program. You do not have to participate in all of the scheduled activities, except when traveling to the next destination. We are sure you will be pleased with the exciting educational program provided, but we want you to be aware of the pace and activity level.
