Circumnavigating Iceland
The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes: Itinerary 1 (Flight Included)
Explore mystical Iceland – the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’
Fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
A paradise for bird- and whale watching
Iceland old and new
In Reykjavík, you'll get a taste of modern Iceland, with its stylish restaurants, boutiques and galleries, and museums detailing Icelandic history and culture through the ages. On tiny islands and in coastal fishing villages, you'll hear tales of elves and epic Viking sagas.
Raw natural beauty
Discover Iceland's starkly beautiful, volcanic scenery – with active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. Iceland offers among the best whale watching in Europe at this time of year, from humpbacks to belugas. And among the Arctic birdlife you'll keep an eye out for colonies of Atlantic Puffins.
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
After your flight from Australia or New Zealand, your adventure starts in Reykjavík. Packed full of art, culture and history, this delightful city is well worth exploring either before or after your cruise. Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, head to the striking Hallgrímskirkja church or fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum. Or why not book a Pre-Programme with us and discover the stunning waterfalls, hot springs, geysers and national parks nearby. After an overnight stay, MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket and settle into your cabin. Your adventure has begun.
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’s nicknamed '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.
Birdwatching, waterfalls and stunning beaches
Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Here, you’ll learn all 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!
You'll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords, or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to the Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular cascade 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.
Exploring 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, there's no preset plan. 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 or a beach clean-up. Or perhaps we’ll launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we sail, we may stop to enjoy the sight. 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!
See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls
Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales here, too.
Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and visit top-notch eateries and museums.
A little further afield, you can witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also keep an eye out for Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.
Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic Puffins
This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is well known for its Atlantic Puffin colonies. Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island’s first settler, Grímur.
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. By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic.
Local folklore and staggering natural beauty
Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk around town to explore this magical place.
A popular hiking area, here 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.
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 a powerful 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.
Your Iceland expedition cruise has come full circle and you'll arrive back in Iceland's stylish capital in the early morning. From the ship, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay before your flight back to Australia or New Zealand the following day. If you want to discover more, you can join our optional Post-Programme to tour the south of Iceland before you head home. Or simply extend your stay and enjoy Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Dates and times will be confirmed closer to departure, you’ll just need to reserve your spot after booking.
What else is included?
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our Iceland ships
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
