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Elemental Iceland – Circular Saga from Reykjavík

Elemental Iceland – Circular Saga from Reykjavík

From AUD $7,444

Description

A saga of old and new
In Reykjavík, you’ll get a taste of modern Iceland, with its stylish restaurants, boutiques and galleries, as well as its museums detailing Icelandic history and culture through the ages. As you voyage around the world’s youngest country you’ll see how geology has shaped the lives of those who live here.  
Raw natural beauty
Discover Iceland’s starkly beautiful, volcanic scenery – with active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. The country offers some of the best whale watching in Europe at this time of year. And among the Arctic birdlife, keep an eye out for colonies of Atlantic Puffins.

Trip Name
Elemental Iceland - Circular Saga from Reykjavík
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen, launched in 2020 and built by Kleven Yards in Norway, is a next-generation expedition ship designed for polar exploration. Accommodating 490 guests, the 140-metre vessel combines robust expedition capabilities with luxury, featuring Scandinavian-inspired interiors with natural materials like oak, birch, granite, and wool. All cabins are outside-facing, with 50% offering private balconies and select aft suites including outdoor hot tubs. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation types, from Arctic Superior and Polar Outside cabins to spacious Expedition and corner suites, many with private balconies, hot tubs, and seating areas. Each suite is equipped with ensuite bathrooms, toiletries, TVs, safes, coffee and tea facilities, and turn-down service, ensuring comfort and convenience during the voyage. The ship offers extensive amenities, including three restaurants serving Nordic-inspired and international cuisine, a pool bar, and a takeaway service. Public areas feature the Explorer Lounge & Bar, a gym and wellness center with spa treatments, and aft hot tubs and an infinity pool. The onboard Science Center provides interactive educational experiences, lectures, and workshops led by a hand-picked Expedition Team of experts. With daily excursions, state-of-the-art safety and sustainability features, and inclusive offerings covering meals, drinks, and activities, MS Fridtjof Nansen delivers a high-comfort, immersive expedition experience across some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 Cosmopolitan Reykjavík
 Discover Iceland's modern capitalYour expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.   Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja   Church, and drop in on 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 aboard.    If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.
Day 2 - DAY 2 Charming Grundarfjörður
 Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesThe majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbour 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. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for the array of landscapes. 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.
Day 3 - DAY 3 Picturesque Isafjörður
 Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harbourside townFlanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view 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 at the top by the stunning panoramic view.
Day 4 - DAY 4 Akureyri and Goðafoss
 See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi bay, it's one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.  Iceland’s so-called 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri sits at the fjord head. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden and visit local eateries and museums.   A little further afield, 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.
Day 5 - DAY 5 Húsavík and the Arctic Circle
 Cross the Arctic Circle and go whale watchingHúsavík isa pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and we’ll be calling here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour 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 Húsavík’s Whale Museum. Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettiffos, and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, that according to the Icelandic myths was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later, we will sail along the coast of Grimsey island without landing, passing across the Arctic Circle as we do so, before continuing to our next destination.
Day 6 - DAY 6 Puffins up close
 Explore a place beloved of puffins and elvesYour 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. 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.
Day 7 - DAY 7 Heimaey's explosive past
 Discover the town that defied a volcanoHeimaey 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.
Day 8 - DAY 8 Reykjavík and beyond
 Enjoy Reykjavík at your leisureYour Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great opportunity to see the places you missed when you first arrived.  Relaxing with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a “hot pot” –is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, why not visit Iceland’s most famous place for doing just that – the Blue Lagoon – one of the true natural wonders of the world – and 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-Programme before you head home.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-05-202626-05-2026AUD $7,917Polar Outside. From
19-05-202626-05-2026AUD $8,788Arctic Superior. From
19-05-202626-05-2026AUD $11,243Expedition Suite. From
26-05-202602-06-2026AUD $7,917Polar Outside. From
26-05-202602-06-2026AUD $8,788Arctic Superior. From
26-05-202602-06-2026AUD $11,243Expedition Suite. From
19-05-202726-05-2027AUD $7,444Polar Outside. From
19-05-202726-05-2027AUD $8,263Arctic Superior. From
19-05-202726-05-2027AUD $10,571Expedition Suite. From
26-05-202702-06-2027AUD $8,263Arctic Superior. From
26-05-202702-06-2027AUD $10,571Expedition Suite. From
26-05-202702-06-2027AUD $7,444Polar Outside. From

Inclusions

    • 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.
    • Experience the geological wonders of the land of ice and fire, from volcanoes and glaciers to geysers and hot springs.
    • Go whale watching in Húsavík, see Atlantic Puffins in Bakkagerði and Heimaey and sail into the Arctic Circle.

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