


Circumnavigating Iceland – The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes
Duration: 11 days
Ship: MS Fram
Departures:
25 July & 04 August 2020
Price from : $ 7436 per person
Check prices and availability
Circumnavigating Iceland – The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes

Duration: 11 days
Ship: MS Fram
Departures:
25 July & 04 August 2020
Price from : $ 7436 per person
Check prices and availability- Explore mystical Iceland – the land of fire and ice
- Fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
- A paradise for bird and whale watching
- Circumnavigation of Iceland
Itinerary
Many visitors find landing at Keflavik airport enchanting. The hub seems carved out of an arctic desert, with lava stones covered in moss and haunting mountains nearby. But just 45 minutes away, Reykjavík is a charming and vibrant modern city, offering top restaurants, interesting museums and quaint narrow streets.
Stykkishólmur has beautiful and well-preserved old houses in the town centre and is surrounded by wonderful scenery. Enjoy exploring the town´s interesting museums or join optional excursions to the iconic sites of Snæfellsnes Penninsula, such as the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs or the black sandy beaches of Djúpalónssandur.
Included activity:
Walking tour & visit to the Eider centre (2 hrs)
During this pleasant walk around town, enjoy thought-provoking talks on the area´s religion, social issues and the Icelandic health system. Naturally, there will be interesting information on the history and culture of this welcoming community as well. We also visit the Icelandic Eider Centre at Stykkishólmur, with the adjacent Breidafjordur being the largest active eider duck nesting area in the world.
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IncludedStykkisholmur - Walking tour & visit to the Eider centerExplore the beautiful town of Stykkisholmur, the largest town on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
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Stykkishólmur - Caves, craters and covesWelcome to an adventurous tour to some of the area’s best loved coastal hiking trails, together with approximately 45 minutes of cave exploration - all under the watchful eye of the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier.
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Stykkishólmur - Highlights of SnæfellsnesThis tour visits many of the wonderful highlights on Snæfellsnes peninsula – an area rich in natural beauty, history and culture
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Hiking in the Berserk Lava fieldJoin a guided hike through some of the most fascinating landscapes on Iceland. We visit the enormous Berserk Lava Field, formed by an ancient volcanic eruption about three to four thousand years ago.
Patreksfjördur is a charming settlement on the west coast of Iceland with around 660 inhabitants. The picturesque fjord offers scenic hiking trails if conditions allow. Patreksfjördur is also close to the spectacular waterfall of Dynjandi and to Látrabjarg, a renowned site for birdwatching.
Included activity:
Stroll through town (1 hr)
Stroll along the lively harbour of Patreksfjörður and learn about the importance of fisheries to the village and the various types of fish. We visit the local church and walk to the snow avalanche protection wall where you get the best views of the fjord. The village has a rich history as a base for English and French sailors, merchants and navy mariners.
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IncludedStroll through the most western village of EuropeWe will start by a stroll through the lively harbour of the fishing village Patreksfjörður, learn about the importance of the fisheries for the village and get to know some different kinds of fish.
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Patreksfjordur - Splendid CombinationAdmire the beauty and culture of the Westfjords with a scenic drive and walking tour featuring the powerful Dynjandi waterfall.
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Patreksfjordur - Latrabjarg CliffWalk on Europe’s largest bird cliff, the stunning Látrabjarg, the western-most point of Europe. Enjoy the amazing world of bird life and incredible nature as well as a stop at a fascinating Folk Museum.
Our experienced captain will plan a day exploring the stunning fjords of northwest Iceland.
Conditions will determine the final program and activity for the day. We might visit a small settlement, take you on hikes or launch our kayaks.
In 1917 Elías Stefánsson settled down in Djupavik and built a herring salting factory. Today you can still see the remains of the factory as well as only seven houses and a hotel here. We will explore the landing site, and the beautiful natural scenery surrounding it.
Included activity:
Herring Factory visit & Leisurely Hike (2 - 3 hrs)
Join in an exciting hike up a mountain ridge for an amazing view of the entire coast, then learn a bit of local history with an exciting guided tour through a former herring factory. The fish facility is also part of contemporary movie history, as scenes from the Hollywood blockbuster, Justice League, were filmed here. Afterward, savour some local pastries served by the owner of a small guesthouse near the pier.
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IncludedDjupavik - Herring Factory visit & Leisurely HikeJoin in an exciting hike up a mountain ridge for an amazing view of the entire coast, then learn a bit of local history with an exciting guided tour through a former herring factory
Lively Akureyri is famous for its botanical gardens and pretty traffic lights. This is the most populous community outside Reykjavík, and serves as the centre of trade, culture and services for the north of Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural treasures, such as Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall.
Included activity:
Town walk & Botanical Garden visit (2 - 3 hrs)
Discover the past and present of Akureyri on a leisurely stroll around town. See the town centre before making your way up to a viewpoint. The walk also goes to to the Botanical Gardens (Lystigarðurinn) where you can see some 2,000 species of local and foreign flowers that bloom outdoors due to Akureyri’s warm microclimate.
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IncludedAkureyri - Town Walk & Botanical GardenYou will discover the past and present of Akureyri strolling at a leisurely pace around town.
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Akureyri - Off the Beaten TrackDare to venture off the beaten track! This tour offers sights not seen by the usual tours. Our 4x4 Super Jeeps offer the chance for fun and excitement as we discover some of the best of the island.
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Akureyri on HorsebackDiscover and enjoy Iceland’s beautiful nature on horseback.
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Akureyri - Mývatn Nature BathsWe visit the spectacular Godafoss falls before we take you to Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can enjoy a completely natural experience. Enjoy a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam and a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 meters.
We will use our tender boats to reach this green and grassy island. Grimsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. You can have the chance to step across that line, North to South. During the afternoon we sail towards Husavik, where we will arrive in the evening and stay overnight.
Included activity:
Arctic circle crossing ceremony (2 hrs 30)
The Arctic Circle crosses Iceland at the northernmost point on Grimsey island. As we cross the Arctic Circle, enjoy a fun ceremony with the staff, then take a walk towards the Orbis et Globus (Circle and Sphere) artwork that symbolises the Circle. On the way you will have amazing photo opportunities of magnificent scenery, and wildlife like puffins, arctic terns, golden plovers and many more spectacular birds, as many of them are nesting on the cliffs or right next to your footpath.
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IncludedGrimsey Island - Arctic circle crossing ceremonyJust off the north coast of Iceland is the island of Grimsey – Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island. Covering an area of only 5,3 km², the island is small enough to easily be explored on foot.
Húsavík is renowned for its whale watching and has several interesting museums, including of course, a Whale Museum. In the evening we will sail past the scenic Laganes Peninsula.
Included activity:
Whale museum visit (1 - 2 hrs)
Husavik is not considered the whale watching capital of Europe for nothing. Join us on a visit to Husavik’s excellent whale museum if you want to learn more about these giants of the sea. The museum offers you everything there is to know about whales, and even has an actual blue whale skeleton - a spectacle you shouldn't miss.
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IncludedHusavik - Whale museum visitWe take the short walk to the whale museum where we have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating gentle giants of the ocean.
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Husavik - Diamond CircleExplore the fantastic and surreal beauty of Iceland on this tour to The Whispering Cliffs, the canyon of Asbyrgi, and the powerful Dettifoss waterfall on a unforgettable guided tour.
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Whales & PuffinsHow could the Húsavík Original Whale Watching tour possibly get better? Of course by sailing around Puffin Island, the home of thousands of puffins.
Bakkagerdi is the main settlement in Borgarfjörður. This area is known for its natural beauty and is `the land of the elves´. Puffin colonies abound in the fjord, making this a popular place for birdwatching. Bakkagerdi is off the typical tourist track, and offers peace, quiet and lovely views.
Included activity:
Puffin Colony visit (1 - 3 hrs)
Climb aboard one of our small boats that take you to a small pier next to a large puffin colony. Here you climb stairs to the top of a small hill for a spectacular view over the colony. Afterward, a five-minute shuttlebus ride takes you to the small village of Bakkagerdi, where the Icelandic queen of the elves holds court. You also find a charming, traditional peat house in the village.
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IncludedBakkagerdi - Puffin Colony visitShuttle bus between port and Hafnarhólmi puffin colony.
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.
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Heimaey Island TourJoin a 3-hour scenic drive to the main attractions of Heimaey. Visit several stunning natural sites and learn about the volcanic eruption that took place here in 1973 when we visit Eldheimar Museum.
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Westman island hiking tourSee the fascinating Helgafell volcano and learn about the volcanic eruption that began on Jan 23rd 1973. Explore the area and see how the island’s inhabitants have built up their houses. We also visit Eldheimar Museum.
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Heimaey - Boat tour of HeimaeySail around Heimaey and its landscape and wildlife from a different angle.
Our voyage of discovery and adventure ends in Reykjavik. If you have the time, we recommend you stay a few extra days to explore fascinating Reykjavik.
What's included
Included in your voyage
- Hurtigruten Expedition Cruise in cabin grade of your choice
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
- A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including ice-cruising and onshore exploration with the Expedition Team
- Professional English-speaking Expedition Team - an international handpicked team of highly educated experts of various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment neededfor optional and included activities
ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION
- In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
- Explorer Science programme, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
- Introduction photo lecture, camera adjustment and tips & tricks, photo and film footage from the voyage shared in an Expedition Logbook
- Casual opportunities to engage with the Expedition Team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatheringsto recap the day and prepare for the day to come
- Opportunities to dine and interact with the Expedition Team and officers
- Destination-focused onboard library
- Port presentations providing destination insight
- A farewell event
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
- All meals including beverages (ship beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all restaurants)
- Coffee and tea included throughout the day
- Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
- A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
- Gym, hot tubs and panoramic sauna
- Free Wi-fi on board for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
- No gratuities expected
Not included in your voyage
- International flights
- Optional shore excursions with our local partners
- Optional small-group adventures with our Expedition Team such as kayaking, camping, glacier walks, long hikes (availability contingent on weather conditions and safety)
- Optional small-group Explorer Photo programme with our Expedition Photographer
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Your ship
MS Fram
Year built | 2007 |
Year of refurbishment | 2020 |
Shipyard | Fincantieri, Italy |
Passenger capacity | 318 (200 in Antarctica) |
Beds | 276 |
Car capacity | 0 |
Gross tonnage | 11647 |
Length | 114 |
Beam | 20.2 |
Speed | 13 |
The original Fram was the most famous explorer ship of its time, and the achievements of her expeditions are unparalleled. MS Fram brings on the heritage of the original Fram, using the most advanced technology to make her exceptionally well suited for expedition voyages in Polar Regions.
Practical information
Sailing with MS Fram
Before you travel with MS Fram
Day 3
Eventyrets siste kapittel - Bergen
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