Archaeological Institute of America lecturer and host COLLEEN BATEY has excavated widely at several major Viking sites, including Jarlshof in Shetland, Orphir in Orkney, and Hofstađir in Iceland. Colleen’s main research interests lie in
the field of Viking and Late Norse archaeology, particularly in the Northern Isles of Scotland; Caithness, Scotland; and the North Atlantic region. Most recently, she published a major book on her work at the Earl’s Bu, Orphir, Orkney, where a Norse
horizontal mill was identified as part of the Earl’s Hall and round church complex. This work provides indications of local farming as well as international and national trading connections. In addition, Colleen is actively involved in the research of Viking
pagan graves in Scotland. Colleen has spent nearly 30 years working with small expedition ships, undertaking visits to the main UNESCO site in Orkney, for example, in addition to those in Greenland, Newfoundland, and the Baltic region. This has included seven prior AIA-sponsored cruises in the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. She now lives in Orkney permanently. In early 2026, Colleen was appointed Honorary Inaugural Professor for the World Heritage Site in Durham, England. She also holds Fellowships in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Durham (from where she graduated as both undergraduate and Ph.D.) as well as at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland.

Join us on the Hebridean Sky which has 59 exceptionally spacious and well-designed suites. Each suite has ocean views, and several suites have private balconies. All suites feature a sitting room, ensuite bathroom, flat screened TV, spacious wardrobes, a dressing table, and beds that can be configured as twins or a double. After a major refurbishment in 2016, and further enhancements since, the Hebridean Sky now boasts beautifully designed public spaces including a large lounge, elegant club and bar with piano, library, and two outdoor seating areas. An elevator services all passenger cabin decks. Onboard chefs prepare international and regional cuisine served at a single open seating in the Restaurant or on the Lido Deck, weather permitting. A friendly crew provides exceptional service with a 1:2 crew to passenger ratio. The ship features advanced satellite navigation and communication equipment, roll stabilizers, and a fleet of Zodiacs to access remote shorelines and islands.

Also offered:
PRE-TOUR EXTENSION
June 26–30, 2027
THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

POST-TOUR EXTENSION
July 11–14, 2027
ART & ARCHAEOLOGY IN OSLO