AIA Tours: cruise

Highlands, Islands & Fjords: Scotland, Orkney Islands & Norway

Tour Dates: May 29 - June 8, 2025 (11 days)

Tour Leader(s): Elizabeth Pierce ,

Aboard the 72-cabin Exploris One

Join Archaeological Institute of America lecturer and host Elizabeth Pierce on this exploration of ancient settlements, remote islands, magnificent landscapes, and idyllic villages from Inverness, Scotland, to the Orkney Islands and along the Norwegian coast above the Arctic Circle. Cruise during the peak of spring, with long days of bright green scenery speckled with blooming flowers and rushing waterfalls from snow melting in the mountains. Dr. Pierce will be part of a team of onboard experts who together will offer a series of lectures and informal discussions.

This varied and balanced itinerary combines the wonders of the natural world with the historical and cultural highlights of the area. Our 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—and offers rich opportunities for bird and whale watching.

In Scotland, visit Clava Cairns, a group of three Bronze Age burial mounds and, in the UNESCO Site “Heart of Neolithic Orkney,” marvel at the Neolithic standing stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae. In Norway, visit the 12th-century Hopperstad Stave Church, the oldest stave church in the country; and the distinctive pagan Moahaugane Burial Mounds, which were constructed between A.D. 200-400.

Enjoy several days inside Norway’s iconic fjords, including the awe-inspiring Sognefjord, Norway’s longest, as well as the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. Step ashore at peaceful, picturesque fjord-side towns and fishing villages off the beaten track—splendid Art Nouveau Ålesund, set on myriad islands stretching out into the ocean; BrØnnØysund, from which one can access Torghatten, a legendary mountain with evidence of five different Neolithic settlements that were inhabited for millennia; and tiny villages of Å, Reine, or Nusfjord in the Lofotens. A pre-cruise extension in the Scottish Highlands and a post-cruise extension in Oslo are also available.

Delight in cruising for eight nights aboard the elegantly appointed and newly renovated Exploris One, designed to navigate demanding waters safely while offering the highest level of service and comfort. Each of its 72 suites and spacious staterooms offers breathtaking ocean views, some with private balconies. The program is co-sponsored by other organizations, so I encourage you to contact us today at (800) 748-6262 or aia@studytours.org to reserve your preferred suite or stateroom.

EXPLORIS ONE
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.

Tour Prices (9 nights)

Per person, double occupancy

Tour prices start at $8,990 double occupancy and $13,495 single occupancy.

Download the detailed brochure for all cabin prices.

To reserve your space using the online form, click here.
For reservations or questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884).

Alesund, Norway

Flowers in Norway

Lofoten, Reine, Norway

Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Islands

Sognefjord in Norway

Stave church in Norway

Two Atlantic puffins on the island of Runde, Norway

Itinerary


THURSDAY & FRIDAY, MAY 29 & 30: DEPART U.S. / INVERNESS, SCOTLAND

SATURDAY, MAY 31: INVERNESS / EMBARK EXPLORIS ONE

SUNDAY, JUNE 1: KIRKWALL, ORKNEY ISLANDS

MONDAY, JUNE 2: AT SEA

TUESDAY, JUNE 3: VIK & NAERØYFJORD, NORWAY

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4: NORDFJORDEID

THURSDAY, JUNE 5: RUNDE & ÅLESUND

FRIDAY, JUNE 6: TORGHATTEN & BRØNNØYSUND

SATURDAY, JUNE 7: REINE (LOFOTEN ISLANDS)

SUNDAY, JUNE 8: DISEMBARK/HOME

View Detailed Itinerary

THURSDAY & FRIDAY, MAY 29 & 30: DEPART U.S. / INVERNESS, SCOTLAND
Depart home on overnight flights to Inverness. Upon arrival on May 30th, relax before dinner. KINGSMILLS HOTEL (D)

SATURDAY, MAY 31: 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. EXPLORIS ONE (B,D)

SUNDAY, JUNE 1: 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 then set out 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 by coach to the ship. EXPLORIS ONE (B,L,D)

MONDAY, JUNE 2: AT SEA
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. EXPLORIS ONE (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, JUNE 3: VIK & NAERØYFJORD, NORWAY
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 NaerØyfjord, 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 Moahaugane Burial Mounds, dating back to A.D. 200; or walk the grounds of Djupvik, a unique mythological garden. EXPLORIS ONE (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4: 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. EXPLORIS ONE (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, JUNE 5: 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. EXPLORIS ONE (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, JUNE 6: TORGHATTEN & BRØNNØYSUND
Continue cruising north this morning with time for lectures. After lunch, arrive at the coastal town of Brønnøysund 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 through it; 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. EXPLORIS ONE (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, JUNE 7: 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. EXPLORIS ONE (B,L,R,D)

SUNDAY, JUNE 8: DISEMBARK/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. (B)


OPTIONAL PRE-VOYAGE EXTENSION
MAY 26–30, 2025

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS IN DEPTH
Fly from home to Inverness, Scotland, and transfer to a nearby country estate for a three-night stay at an idyllic, 5-star hotel, along the banks of the River Ness. Over the coming days, explore the highlights of the Scottish Highlands including Culloden Moor, the last battlefield of the Jacobite Rebellion; a cruise on Loch Ness with a visit to historic Urquhart Castle; a private tasting and tour at a top malt whisky distillery; and a walk through the grounds and gardens of Balmoral Castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family since the mid-1800s. NESS WALK HOTEL

Further details and pricing will be sent to confirmed participants.

OPTIONAL POST-VOYAGE EXTENSION
JUNE 8–11, 2025

ARCHAEOLOGY, ART & GARDENS OF OSLO
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 highlights include: Hovelsrud Farm and Garden, an award-winning estate restored to its 1840s 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. GRAND HOTEL


For reservations or questions, please email us at aia@studytours.org (and include your full name) or call us toll-free at (800) 748-6262 (toll: 603-756-2884). To reserve your space using the online form, click here.

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