Circumnavigating Iceland: The Land Of Elves, Sagas And Volcanoes

ITINERARY

DAY 1
Discover Iceland's modern capital
Your Iceland expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík, a city full of art, culture and history. Visit Laugavegur, the main shopping street and head towards the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. Or why not explore the galleries and museums dotted around the city.
With so much to explore, you may want to arrive early to join one of our Pre-Programmes and explore the Golden Circle or Icelandic Highlands.
Once aboard MS Fram – a smaller ship built for more personal exploration – it's time to settle in, meet your Expedition Team, and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner.

DAY 2
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes
It's as though time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay, where colourful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains.
Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’snicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of volcanic landscapes.
At the national park you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.

INCLUDED
Explore the beautiful town of Stykkishólmur, set in spectacular nature on the Northern Snæfellsnes peninsula.

DAY 3
A stunning beach, waterfalls and superb birdwatching
Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Here, you’ll learn about the fishing traditions in Europe's most westerly village. You can even enjoy a dip in the town's outdoor pool, with wonderful fjord views.
Explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords.
Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff.

INCLUDED
On a guided walk, you’ll learn about Patreksfjörður’s fisheries and visit a bustling factory.

DAY 4
Explore Northwest Iceland, expedition-style
One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary we won't know exactly what's in store until the day itself. Rest assured, your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure.
We may take you ashore in our small expedition boats for a hike, swim or beach clean-up. Or perhaps we’ll launch our kayaks to explore a pretty cove. Be ready for anything!
Don’t forget, you can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or soak in a hot tub!

DAY 5
The history of the herring entrepreneurs
The remote village of Djúpavík,at the edge of the Westfjords,has an eerie charm. A vast abandoned herring factory contrasts with a stunning rural setting. A guided tour of the old herring factory should not be missed.
Explore the magical surroundings here on foot and take a short, invigorating hike to the waterfall just above the old factory.

INCLUDED
Visit an old herring salting factory near Djúpavík that’s now a popular cultural arena.

DAY 6
Explore Akureyri and see volcanic moonscapes
Today we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, to Akureyri, Iceland's northern capital. It's a prime area to see humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.
Stroll the interesting streets of Akureyri, which feature charming, colourful houses. You can also learn about the history of the city at the Akureyri Museum, and visit Into the Arctic – Norðurslóð  –a museum dedicated to Iceland’s settlement,culture and life in the north.
Further afield you can visit the picturesque Goðafoss – ‘God’s Waterfall’ – where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also seek out Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.

INCLUDED
ExploreIceland’sbeautiful city ofAkureyriand discover why it’s known as the ‘Capital of the North’.

DAY 7
Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic Puffins
Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island’s first settler, Grímur. This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is famous for its Atlantic Puffin colonies.
Grímsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island – the only part of Iceland where it does so. You’ll have the opportunity to step across that line, hopping over to the Arctic and back!
Hike to the Orbis et Globus landmark, a huge concrete sphere sculpture that’s repositioned each year to fit the northward movement of the Arctic Circle. In fact, by 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic!

INCLUDED
Cross the Arctic Circle in a special ceremony on Grimsey Island.

DAY 8
Iceland's best whale watching spot
Today you’ll discover Húsavík, a fascinating small town that's one of the best places in the world from which to see whales.
Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphin, harbour porpoise and even the elusive blue whale. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea. Learn more about them at Húsavík’s Whale Museum.
You can also enjoy the geothermal waters at Geosea, which overlooks Skjálfandi bay, and refresh with a beer at the local microbrewery.

INCLUDED
Discover Húsavík’s attractions andhidden gems on a fascinating town walk.

DAY 9
Local folklore and staggering natural beauty
Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny settlement off the beaten track. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'.
A popular hiking area, you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi – a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

INCLUDED
Experience the peaceful magic of a natural area said to be home to elves.

DAY 10
Discover the town that defied a volcano
Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, found off the south coast of Iceland.It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful 1973 volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.
Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. Or why not take a hike to seek out puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Don’t miss climbing Mount Eldfell –at the volcano’s summit you’ll have incredible views of the town below.

INCLUDED
Visit a fort, old buildings, the local folk museum, and learn about the volcanic eruption in 1973.

DAY 11
Explore Reykjavík at your leisure
Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in fascinating Reykjavík. Now is a great chance to see the places you missed when you first arrived.
Relaxing with friends in heittur pottur, geothermal waters, is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, why not visit Iceland’s most famousplace for doing just that – the Blue Lagoon –one of the true natural wonders of the world. Here, you’llexperience the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters.
You can also join our Post-Programme and explore Iceland's beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• A stay in a cabin of your choice
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages* in restaurant Aune  
• À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board*
• Complimentary reusable water bottle
• English-speaking Expedition Team who organise and accompany activities on board and ashore
• Range of included activities

*House beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water
*Please note there is very limited Wi-Fi and phone signal in the remote areas we travel to, and streaming is not supported.

Onboard Activities

• In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
• Full use of our Science Center, extensive library and advanced biological and geological equipment
• Citizen Science Programme where you can assist with ongoing scientific research
• Photography tips and techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife from our onboard professional photographer
• Use of ship's hot tubs, panoramic sauna and indoor gym.
• Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings

Landing Activities

• Escorted landings with small expedition boats
• Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
• Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

• All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
• Excursions and activities are subject to change
• Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
• No gratuities expected

What's not included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team