DETAILS
Among the special features, the cruise is bookended with time in some of the region’s most remote and inaccessible island groups –Scotland’s Orkney Islands and Norway’s Lofoten Islands; both feature splendid wild and cultivated landscapes as well as fascinating remains of ancient settlements. In addition, this itinerary includes ample time in Norway’s must-see fjords including Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord, Nordfjordeid, and Bronnoysund. We also call at the lovely Art Nouveau architecture in the impossibly scenic port of Ålesund. Throughout, there will be ample time to relax and enjoy the amenities of Exploris One, including a full day at sea.
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- Pricing from
- $8,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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May 30, 2026 - Jun 9, 2026
Optional Pre-Voyage Extension
EDINBURGH & THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
May 27 to 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.
Optional Post-Voyage Extension
Art & Gardens of Oslo
June 9 to 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.
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. NOTE: Neither the
National Trust Tours nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
ITINERARY
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days 1-2
Depart U.S./Overnight flight to Inverness
Depart home on overnight flights to Inverness. Upon arrival on May 31st, relax before dinner.
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day 3
INVERNESS / EMBARK EXPLORIS ONE
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.
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day 4
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
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.
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day 5
Sognefjord Fjord
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.
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day 6
Vik & Naeroyfjord
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.
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day 7
Nordfjordeid
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.
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day 8
Runde & Ålesund
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.
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day 9
Torghatten & Bronnoysund
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.
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day 10
Reine (Lofoten Islands)
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.
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day 11
Return Home
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.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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