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Circumnavigating Iceland The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes 14 Days (Flight Included)

Circumnavigating Iceland The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes 14 Days (Flight Included)

From AUD $12,969

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Description

Iceland old and new 
In Reykjavík, you’ll get a taste of modern Iceland, with its stylish restaurants, boutiques and galleries, and museums detailing 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. 
Raw natural beauty 
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 keep an eye out for colonies of  Atlantic Puffins.

Trip Name
Circumnavigating Iceland The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes 14 Days (Flight Included)
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 140 m Passenger Capacity: 530 Built: 2020 MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to Hurtigruten’s fleet of custom built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. She will explore some of the most spectacular corners of the globe. Featuring Hurtigruten's revolutionary battery hybrid powered propulsion system, MS Fridtjof Nansen will be a near identical twin to her sister ship MS Roald Amundsen. Combining state of the art technology and premium on board experience with Hurtigruten’s 125 years of experience and unparalleled destinations, the two Norwegian built ships introduces the next generation of adventure travel. Cabins and public areas The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor hot tubs with spectacular views. Science Center The core of the onboard experience is the Nansen Science Center, an edutainment venue to guests and crew meet to create a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. Nansen Science Center will also be the on board HQ for the Expedition Team. Restaurants MS Fridtjof Nansen's three restaurants will host a variety of dining options, with menus drawn from our rich Norwegian and Nordic tradition, as well as international cuisine and local inspiration. Whether enjoying your meal at Aune Main Dining, Fredheim – the informal international meeting place, or the specialty restaurant Lindstrøm, you will indulge in low key yet refined, modern Norwegian Nordic cooking – where our honest and delicious cuisine reflects our destinations. After a day of exploring new destinations, guests can relax and rejuvenate in the elegant Explorer Lounge, a large gym and Wellness center, or enjoy the scenery and sunsets on the massive in- and outdoor Observation Decks with the aft infinity pool and hot tubs as one of the highlights. Everything you need for an expedition cruise Each expedition voyage is accompanied by a hand-picked team of specialists and modern-day explorers. Highly experienced, passionate and knowledgeable, the Expedition Team will be your guides and guardians on your voyage of exploration, instructing you on safety, sustainability and science. MS Fridtjof Nansen will feature a variety of custom built expedition equipment, including kayaks, a fleet of Blueye underwater drones and Expedition Boats for safe landings in remote areas. In the footsteps of a great explorer The newest addition to our fleet will honor the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

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 nearby. After an overnight stay, MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. Collect your complimentary expedition jacket and settle into your cabin. Your adventure has begun.
Day 2 - DAY 4 Snæfellsnes peninsula
 Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesIt'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’s nicknamed '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 Beautiful Patreksfjörður
 Birdwatching, waterfalls and stunning beachesPatreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Here, you’ll learn all 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! You'll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords, or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to the Dynjandi waterfalls – six falls combined that together make the largest and most spectacular cascade 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 The Northwestern Region
 Exploring Northwest Iceland, expedition-styleOne 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, there's no preset plan. 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 or a beach clean-up. Or perhaps we’ll launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we sail, we may stop to enjoy the sight. 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 Akureyri and Goðafoss
 See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue and fin whales here, too.  Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and visit top-notch eateries and museums.   A little further afield, you can witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also keep an eye out for Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.
Day 6 - DAY 8 Grímsey’s puffins
 Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic PuffinsThis remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is well known for its Atlantic Puffin colonies. Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island’s first settler, Grímur. 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. By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic.
Day 7 - DAY 9 Hike in Bakkagerði
 Local folklore and staggering natural beautyYour 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. 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 8 - DAY 10 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 9 - DAY 11-14 From Reykjavík to Australia or New Zealand
 Your Iceland expedition cruise has come full circle and you'll arrive back in Iceland's stylish capital in the early morning. 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, you can join our optional Post-Programme to tour the south of Iceland before you head home. Or simply extend your stay and enjoy Reykjavík and its surrounding geothermal attractions.
Day 10 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-05-202427-05-2024AUD $12,998Polar Outside. From
14-05-202427-05-2024AUD $13,764Arctic Superior. From
14-05-202427-05-2024AUD $16,269Expedition Suite. From
22-05-202404-06-2024AUD $12,969Polar Outside. From
22-05-202404-06-2024AUD $13,769Arctic Superior. From
22-05-202404-06-2024AUD $16,386Expedition Suite. From
30-05-202412-06-2024AUD $13,434Polar Outside. From
30-05-202412-06-2024AUD $14,285Arctic Superior. From
30-05-202412-06-2024AUD $16,683Expedition Suite. From

Inclusions

    • Explore mystical Iceland – the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’
    • Fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
    • A paradise for bird
    • and whale watching

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