DETAILS
Embark on an exploration of Norway and northern Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, remote islands, and ancient settlements during the height of spring. This eight-night itinerary seamlessly blends natural wonders and cultural highlights, from the Orkney Islands to Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Explore iconic fjords like Sognefjord and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord. Experience the comfort of the newly renovated, 72-stateroom Exploris One. Enjoy Zodiac excursions or step ashore at picturesque fjord-side towns and tiny villages, immersing yourself in the rich history and natural beauty of these captivating destinations.
- Pricing from
- $8,990
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International Ocean & Sea Voyages
- Departure Dates
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May 29, 2025 - Jun 8, 2025
E X P LO R I S O N E
Formerly named the Silver Explorer under Silversea Cruises’ ownership, Exploris One embarked on a new chapter in 2023 under the helm of French company Exploris Expeditions. Having known this vessel for many years, we recognize its suitability for intimate small-ship voyages. Our exclusive charter will host a maximum of 114 guests, alongside our dedicated staff. Benefit from the vessel’s shallow draft, enabling access to secluded areas inaccessible to larger ships. Delight in the expansive deck spaces, perfect for wildlife spotting and soaking in picturesque vistas while cruising. Renovated in 2023, Exploris One seamlessly blends adventure with luxurious comfort. Its 60 staterooms and 12 suites, all exterior facing, boast impeccable finishes. Savor refined French and International cuisine at Le Grand Restaurant and the Outdoor Grill. The Grand Salon and Panoramic Lounge offer sweeping panoramas. Onboard amenities include a dedicated lecture room, a hair salon, fitness center, massage room, sauna, and two hot tubs. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, as well as Wi-Fi access, are complimentary throughout the cruise.
OPTIONAL POST-VOYAGE EXTENSION – ART & GARDENS OF OSLO
JUNE 8–11, 2025
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. Extension highlight include: Hovelsrud Farm and Garden, an award winning estate restored to its 1840’s splendor in a stunning lakeside setting; Oslo Botanical Garden, founded in 1814, that uniquely showcases plants Vikings brought back from their extensive travels inside a 108-foot-long grounded Viking ship; the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland, displaying more than 200 of his works in bronze, granite, and wrought iron; and the Fram Museum of Polar Exploration, artfully telling the story of Norwegian polar exploration.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
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 for Historic Preservation nor Criterion Travel, the tour operator, accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalties incurred with the purchase of non-refundable tickets.
TOUR MAP
![SNE Map SNE Map](https://nationaltrusttours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SNE-Map.png)
ITINERARY
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day 1 & 2
DEPART U.S. / INVERNESS, SCOTLAND
Depart home on overnight flights to Inverness. Upon arrival on May 30th, relax before a welcome reception, orientation meeting, and 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. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit either Clava Cairns, one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites, or historic Cawdor Castle with its three spectacular gardens 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, NORWAY
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. Spend the afternoon at sea, 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
DISEMBARK/HOME
Transfer to Bodø airport, or those with late flights may take an optional morning tour in Bodo, or you may begin the optional post-voyage extension.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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