Highlights
Explore Iceland’s coastline in its entirety and see some of the country’s most captivating sights on this full circumnavigation, starting and ending in Reykjavík. Adventure below the surface on a hike in a lava tunnel, take in the majesty of the Golden Circle and relax in the Blue Lagoon before boarding the MS Fridtjof Nansen for 7 nights, experiencing the breath-taking geological wonders of the land of fire and ice.
Day 2:The Lava Tunnel TourWhat you can expect
Witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption while we walk in the path of a lava that flowed thousands of years ago. The lava tunnel is one of the biggest in Iceland and gets up to 30 metres wide and 10 metres high. The lava tube ceiling has caved in near the entrance, which creates beautiful columns of light. The fantastic range of colours of the tunnel wall is caused by the different mineral types of the rock. This is a tour for the senses. Experience a new world, hear the talk of the cave and sense the forces of nature like you have never done before. Learn new things and step out of your comfort zone. Scenes from the Hollywood movie Noah, with Anthony Hopkins, were shot in this lava cave. You walk around 350 metres into the lava tunnel and the temperature in the cave is around 4 degrees although it can be warmer outside and usually water leaks from the ceiling when it rains and snows so we recommend raincoats.
Day 3:Explore The Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon - Full-Day TourWhat you can expect
Come and discover the best of Iceland, combining Iceland's most popular tours in one day! Start the day by visiting one of Iceland's most famous sites, The Golden Circle and later relax in the wonder that is the Blue Lagoon in the afternoon.
The Golden Circle Tour Allows You To Visit Iceland’s Most Stunning Sights, Starting With The Geysir Geothermal Area
where the Strokkur geyser shoots a column of water up to 30 meters (98 ft.) into the air every 4-8 minutes in a thrilling display of nature’s forces. The tour continues to Gullfoss waterfall, created by the river Hvítá, which tumbles and plunges into a crevice some 32 m (105 ft.) deep, flowing down into a wide curved three-step staircase. The Golden Circle tour also includes the historical and geological wonder that is Thingvellir National Park, listed on UNESCO's world heritage list, where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart at a rate of a few centimetres per year. After an amazing day of nature exploring, you head back to Reykjavik and from there onwards to the Blue Lagoon Spa to soak in the warm and comfortable lagoon, one of the wonders of the world. The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most famous tourist attractions and considered by many to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as well as an unmissable part of any visit to Iceland.
The Blue Lagoon Is Surrounded By A Mossy Lava Field, Offers State-of-the-art Facilities
A unique atmosphere and silica masks that make your skin extra firm, yet incredibly soft! Included in this combo is the Blue Lagoon Comfort Package where you receive entrance to the Blue Lagoon, a silica mud mask, use of a towel and a drink of your choice. After having enjoyed all that the Blue Lagoon has to offer, you return to Reykjavík on one of our new and comfortable coaches, with free Wi-Fi.
Day 4:ReykjavikDiscover Iceland’s modern capital.Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history. It is well worth spending some time exploring this delightful city.Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, or gaze in awe at the striking HallgrímskirkjaChurch, and drop by the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin before enjoying your first dinner on board.If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Program with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.
Sat 24 May 2025
Depart 8:00 PM
Day 5:GrundarfjordurGateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesThe majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbor of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. Its wide array of landscapes has earned it the nickname ‘Little Iceland’.At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube?
Sun 25 May 2025
12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Day 6:IsafjordurExplore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside townFlanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest houses in Iceland.One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft – the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning panoramic view at the top.
Mon 26 May 2025
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Day 7:AkureyriSee dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighboring Skjálfandi bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy a botanical garden oasis and visit local eateries and museums.A little further on, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You’ll witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, an active volcanic area and one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.
Tue 27 May 2025
8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Day 8:HusavikCross the Arctic Circle and go whale watchingHúsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and we’ll be stopping here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and occasionally blue whales. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea, and you can learn more about them at the Húsavík Whale Museum.Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettifoss and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which according to the Icelandic myths, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later, we will sail along the coast of Grímsey island without landing, cross the Arctic Circle, and continue on to our next destination.
Wed 28 May 2025
10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Day 9:BakkagerdiExplore a place beloved by puffins and elvesYour Iceland cruise continues to the tiny, remote settlement of Bakkagerði. 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.This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. In season, 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.
Thu 29 May 2025
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Day 10:HeimaeyDiscover the town that defied a volcanoHeimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the 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. You could also take a hike to find puffins at Stórhöfði, where nearly eight 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.
Fri 30 May 2025
1:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Day 11:ReykjavikEnjoy Reykjavík at your own paceYour Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great chance to see the places you missed when you arrived.Relaxing with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a ‘hot pot’ – 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.If you want to discover more of Iceland, you can also join our Post-Program before you head home.
Sat 31 May 2025
Arrive 6:00 AM
