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
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS INDEPTH
May 27 to 31, 2026
Fly from home to Inverness, Scotland for a three-night stay. Over the coming days, explore the highlights of the Scottish Highlands, including Culloden Moor, the last battlefield of the Jacobite Rebellion, cruise on Loch Ness with visit to Urquhart Castle, and a private tasting and tour at a top malt whisky distillery. Also, stroll through the grounds of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since the mid-1800s.
Optional Post-Voyage Extension
Art & Gardens of Oslo
June 9 to 12, 2026
Fly from Bodø 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 Fram Museum of polar history and Vigeland Sculpture Park, the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland, showing more than 200 of his works in bronze, granite and wrought iron.
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
Arrive Inverness and transfer to hotel for welcome dinner and overnight.
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day 3
Athens/ Piraeus
AM lecture followed by exploration of Inverness Old Town and indoor Victorian Market with lunch on your own during free time in town; Afternoon optional visits: 1) Clava Cairns or 2) Cawdor Castle & Gardens before embarking Exploris One this afternoon.
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day 4
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
FD in Kirkwall beginning with morning visits to the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; return to the ship for lunch and set out this afternoon on one of two options: 1) exploration of Kirkwall including the medieval St. Magnus Cathedral with free time in town; or 2) visit the finest green space on the island and an award-winning private garden with the owner, a famous horticulturalist.
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day 5
Sognefjord Fjord
Full day at sea to enjoy the amenities of the ship and continue with the lecture series. Arrive at the entrance of Sognefjord for sunset.
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day 6
Vik & Naeroyfjord
AM Embark on a privately chartered boat cruise of the UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen, the innermost village on the beautiful and wild Nærøyfjord; explore the Viking Village and enjoy free time in town; PM explore Vik, a picture-perfect village on the banks of the Sognefjord, home of Hoppestad Stave church, one of only 28 remaining and the oldest in Norway; try the local gamalost cheese; and visit the Moahugane Burial Mounds or Djupvik, home of a unique mythological garden on the banks of the Sognefjord.
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day 7
Nordfjordeid
AM cruising with time for lectures; PM arrive Nordfjordeid with excursion options that include 1) kayaking with a guided hike to learn about local ecosystem; 2) a motorcoach excursion to see the Briksdal Glacier and take the Loen Skylift to the top of Mt. Hoven, 3) visit with a local family in their private home to learn about the Norwegian way of life and culture and the Norwegian Fjord Horse Center.
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day 8
Runde & Ålesund
Early morning cruise around the bird cliffs at Runde, nesting site of over 240 species including puffins then visit beautiful Ålesund, with Art Nouveau buildings and islands stretching out into the ocean; optional excursions include: 1)Medieval village of Sunmøre, an open-air museum; 2) Viking’s Island, or 3) in-depth city walk including Mt Aksla & free time; PM cruising with time for lectures.
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day 9
Bronnoysund
AM exploration of Bronnoysund paired with optional excursions: 1)hike the mythical mountain of Torghatten; 2) enjoy panoramic drive and visit to Hildur’s Farm; or 3) Norwegian Aquaculture Center; PM cruise across the Arctic Circle with time for whale-watching.
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day 10
Reine (Lofoten Islands)
Full day in Lofoten Islands, stopping in photogenic small fishing villages such as Å, Reine, and Nusfjord; visit the Lofotr Viking Museum, home to the world’s biggest Viking house; and learn about Lofoten Sustainable Farming during lunch ashore. Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
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day 11
Return Home
Transfers to Bodø airport or optional morning tour in Bodø for those with late flights.
Everything you need to know about the tour
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