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Peregrine Travel Centre

Circumnavigating Iceland – The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes 16 Days (Flight Included)

Circumnavigating Iceland – The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes 16 Days (Flight Included)

From AUD $13,745

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Description

Iceland past and present 
In Reykjavík, you’ll get a taste of modern Iceland, with its stylish restaurants, boutiques and galleries, museums delving into 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. 
Volcanic landscapes, whales and puffins 
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 scan the skies for here are Atlantic Puffins.
Itinerary adjustment – 1 August Departure: Due to port congestion in Akureyri, we will now call at Grimsey on 6 August and Akureyri on 7 August.

Trip Name
Circumnavigating Iceland - The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes 16 Days (Flight Included)
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 114m Passenger Capacity: 276 Built: 2007 MS Fram is designed for sailing in polar waters, holds the highest safety standards and is the perfect size for optimum nautical manoeuverability and guests' comfort. With space for only 276 guests, you are sure to get to know many of your fellow travellers. You will share stunning sights and memories of a lifetime long after returning home. The Norwegian word Fram means ‘forward’ – lifting expectations of the voyage at hand. MS Fram was built in 2007 with one mission in mind - to bring her guests closer to nature, wildlife and unforgettable experiences. As well as offering numerous lounges in which to relax, our more active guests can use our well-equipped gym. Meanwhile, on deck, our Jacuzzis guarantee you surreal memories when passing the towering icebergs of Antarctica or Greenland.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1-3 From Australia or New Zealand to Reykjavík
 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 found nearby. After an overnight stay, MS Fram awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. Your adventure has begun.
Day 2 - DAY 4 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.
Day 3 - DAY 5 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.
Day 4 - DAY 6 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 - DAY 7 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.
Day 6 - DAY 8 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.
Day 7 - DAY 9 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!
Day 8 - DAY 10 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.
Day 9 - DAY 11 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.
Day 10 - DAY 12 Discover the town that defied a volcano
 Heimaey, or “Home Island” welcomes us for our visit.  The harbour has a very narrow entrance, caused by a volcanic eruption in 1973. Most of the island has steep cliffs, is well-vegetated and provides a habitat for countless birds, including the charming puffin.
Day 11 - DAY 13-16 From Reykjavík to Australia or New Zealand
 We say a fond farewell to MS Fram as we end where we started, in the fabulous city of Reykjavík. 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 of Iceland, you can join our optional Post-Programme to tour the south of the country before you head home. Or simply extend your stay to enjoy more of Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions. It’s a great place to end an epic journey.
Day 12 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-05-202422-05-2024AUD $13,745Polar Inside. From
07-05-202422-05-2024AUD $15,353Polar Outside. From
07-05-202422-05-2024AUD $15,917Arctic Superior. From
07-05-202422-05-2024AUD $18,813Expedition Suite. From
17-05-202401-06-2024AUD $14,174Polar Inside. From
17-05-202401-06-2024AUD $15,868Polar Outside. From
17-05-202401-06-2024AUD $16,461Arctic Superior. From
17-05-202401-06-2024AUD $19,512Expedition Suite. From
30-07-202414-08-2024AUD $18,120Arctic Superior. From
30-07-202414-08-2024AUD $21,641Expedition Suite. From
30-07-202414-08-2024AUD $15,480Polar Inside. From
30-07-202414-08-2024AUD $17,436Polar Outside. From

Inclusions

    • Visit Reykjavík, cross the Arctic Circle, discover Akureyri, and opportunity to hike in Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park
    • Visit Húsavík, the best place in Iceland for whale watching
    • Enjoy excellent birdwatching, including Atlantic Puffins, guillemots and razorbills

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