Cruise Overview
Discover Iceland's raw natural beauty on an 11-day expedition cruise
11-day circular expedition cruise around Iceland from Reykjavík
11-day circular expedition cruise around Iceland from Reykjavík
Iceland, past and present
In Reykjavík, you’ll get a taste of modern Iceland. Check out its stylish restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and museums that delve into Icelandic history and culture through the ages. On tiny islands and in coastal fishing villages, hear tales of elves and epic Viking sagas.
Volcanic landscapes, whales, and puffins
Discover Iceland’s stark scenery, with active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. Iceland offers the best whale watching in Europe at this time of year, from humpbacks to belugas. The Arctic birdlife in the skies include Atlantic puffins.
Itinerary adjustment – August 1st Departure: Due to port congestion in Akureyri, we will now call at Grimsey on August 6th and Akureyri on August 7th.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Searching for
Cabin 1
Adults
Children
Available Dates
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Discover Iceland's modern capital.
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, then head toward the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church. You could also explore the galleries and museums dotted around the city.
With so much to explore, consider arriving early to join one of our Pre-Programs 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 laid-back welcome dinner.
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes
Day 2
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes
Time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay. Here, the colorful houses stand in contrast to the distant mountains.
Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland', for its wide variety of volcanic landscapes.
At the national park, visit Djúpalónssandur's black-sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.
A stunning beach, waterfalls, and superb birdwatching
Day 3
A stunning beach, waterfalls, and superb birdwatching
Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Learn about the fishing traditions in Europe’s westernmost village. You can even enjoy a dip in the town’s outdoor pool, which features 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. These are six combined falls that, together, comprise 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.
Explore Iceland, expedition-style.
Day 4
Explore 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 boats (RIBs) 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!
The history of the herring entrepreneurs
Day 5
The history of the herring entrepreneurs
There is an eerie charm about the remote village of Djúpavík, at the edge of the Westfjords. A vast abandoned herring factory contrasts with a stunning rural setting. A guided tour of the old herring factory should not be missed.
Explore these magical surroundings on foot and take a short and invigorating hike to the waterfall just above the old factory.
Explore Akureyri and see volcanic moonscapes.
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 harbor porpoises.
Stroll the interesting streets of Akureyri, which feature charming, colorful houses. Learn about the city’s history at the Akureyri Museum and visit Norðurslóð (Into the Arctic), a museum dedicated to Iceland’s settlement, culture, and daily life.
Further inland, visit the picturesque Goðafoss (‘God’s Waterfall’), where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also seek out eider ducks and Harlequin ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic areas.
Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic puffins.
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 is home to just 60 people and is renowned for its Atlantic Puffin colonies.
Grímsey may be best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island—the only part of Iceland to do so. You’ll have the opportunity to step across that line, hopping over to the Arctic and back.
Hike to the Orbis et Globus sculpture, a huge concrete sphere that is repositioned each year to fit the northward movement of the Arctic Circle. In fact, by 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic!
Iceland's best whale-watching spot
Day 8
Iceland's best whale-watching spot
Today, you will discover Húsavík, a fascinating town that is one of the best places in the world for whale-watching.
Húsavík looks out over Skjálfandi Bay, a hotspot for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises—the elusive blue whale even makes appearances here. 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 pep yourself up with a beer at the local microbrewery.
Local folklore and staggering natural beauty
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').
This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eider ducks, 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
Day 10
Discover the town that defied a volcano
Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off the Iceland’s southern coast. 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. You could also take a hike to find puffins at Stórhöfði, where nearly 8 million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below.
Explore Reykjavík at your leisure
Day 11
Explore Reykjavík at your leisure
Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in fascinating Reykjavík. This is a great chance to see the places you missed when you arrived.
Relaxing with friends in the geothermal waters of a heittur pottur is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, visit Iceland’s most famous place to do so: the Blue Lagoon. This is one of the true natural wonders of the world. Experience the blend of silica, algae, and minerals in its geothermal waters.
You can also join our Post-Program and explore Iceland's beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black-sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains.
What's included
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages* in the Aune restaurant
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organizes and guides activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Center
- The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please ensure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- No gratuities are expected
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages