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Arctic puffins

Circumnavigating Iceland

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard MS Fram
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Experience the best of Iceland on this expedition around the North Atlantic island nation. An extensive voyage takes you to see a large variety of fascinating nature, wildlife, and settlements. The western region of Iceland features spectacular scenery and home to thrilling Viking sagas. The Westfjords is a spectacular nature reserve where teeming bird cliffs are in abundance. Sail north, scout for whales, as the landscape changes into vast lava fields and volcanic mountains. Grimsey is where the Arctic Circle touches Iceland, and cross the legendary boundary before heading south towards the eastern part of the country. Encounter thick forests, lush farmlands, and colorful fishing villages. Whales and other wildlife might be spotted as we sail south towards the region’s remarkable volcanic islands.
Street view of old town ReykjavikWest Fjord in Hornstrandir, IcelandWild Icelandic Horse grazingCrater Lake Viti on Krafla VolcanoArctic puffins
Highlights
  • Explore mystical Iceland – the land of fire and ice
  • See fascinating landscapes of waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
  • Experience a bird and whale watching paradise
  • Discover the entirety of Iceland´s coast
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland | Embark

Your Iceland expedition cruise starts in Reykjavik—a vibrant city full of culture and history. Enjoy a walk around this compact city. Take a stroll down Laugavegur, the main shopping street and to striking Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral. Or visit one of its many art galleries and museums. With so much to explore, you may want to come early and join one of our Pre-Programs to the Golden Circle or Icelandic Highlands.

Your Iceland adventure truly starts when you board the ship. Find your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, explore the ship and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner as we set sail towards our first stop, Stykkishólmur.

Day 2: Stykkishólmur, Iceland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
It's like time stood still at Stykkishólmur in Breiðafjörður Bay, where colorful houses stand out in contrast to distant mountains. You'll explore this small fishing town on an included discovery walk.

Join an optional excursion to Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for its array of volcanic landscapes—and discover some of Iceland's most iconic sights, like Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach.

We'll stop at the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs, where huge rock stacks jut out of the sea. You can also visit the base of Snæfellsjökull Glacier or go on a coastal hike and explore caves under the glacier.

Day 3: Patreksfjörður Village, Iceland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. On today's included walk, you'll learn about the fishing traditions in Europe's most westerly village, and enjoy a dip in the town's outdoor pool, with wonderful fjord views.

You'll have the chance to explore the surrounding area on optional hikes through the fjords or to Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also tour Dynjandi waterfalls—six waterfalls combined make the largest and most spectacular in the Westfjords.

Birdwatchers might prefer to visit Látrabjarg, where puffins, Northern Gannets, guillemots and Razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff.

Day 4: Northwest Iceland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling that anything can happen. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary, there's no preset plan. Your Captain and Expedition Team will find the best opportunities for adventure on the day.

Enjoy onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or take a sauna. We plan to take you ashore in our small expedition boats for hikes or a beach clean-up. We may also launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we sail, we may stop to enjoy the sight. Be ready for anything!

Day 5: Akureyri, Iceland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Gaze at snow-capped 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 harbor porpoises. You may see orcas, blue and fin whales too.

Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord base. You'll enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, top-notch eateries and museums. A city walk is included.
Join optional excursions to visit impressive Goðafoss Waterfall where turquoise water pounds against black rocks. Spot Eider and Harlequin Ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland's more active volcanic areas.

Day 6: Grímsey Island, Iceland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This remote and windswept island, home to just 60 people, is famous for two things: its Atlantic Puffin colonies and the fact that the Arctic Circle cuts right across the island. Grímsey is steeped in folklore, often centered around the isle’s first settler—giant-slaying Grímur.

We'll reach Grímsey in small expedition boats. There, you’ll enjoy a special Arctic Circle crossing ceremony and can join a hike to the ‘Orbis et Globus’ landmark, a huge concrete sphere that marks its edge. 

By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic. Find out why in the Expedition Team's daily lecture.

Day 7: Bakkagerdi

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny settlement off the beaten track. Your included excursion takes you on a living walk around town to learn about the area from local people. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of elves. It's also a popular hiking spot. You can hike through lush green valleys and pristine wilderness among colorful 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: Heimaey Island, Iceland

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The last stop on your Iceland expedition cruise is Heimaey. It's the only inhabited island in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, off the south coast of Iceland. Heimaey has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption in 1973 that nearly destroyed the island. Learn more on an included guided walk.
You can also visit the Sea Life Trust Beluga Whale Sanctuary, and also hike to see puffins at Stórhöfði, where around 8 million nest every summer. Be sure to check out the volcano, Mount Eldfell. It's well worth the effort to climb to its summit, offering incredible views of the town below.

Day 9: Reykjavik, Iceland | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in fascinating Reykjavik. Now is a great chance to see the places you missed when you first arrived.
You can also join our Post-Program to explore Iceland's beautiful South Coast, with waterfalls, black sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains.
Relaxing with friends in heittur pottur, public hot tubs, is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, visit Iceland’s most famous heitur pottur, the Blue Lagoon—one of National Geographic’s 25 wonders of the world—and experience the blend of silica, algae and minerals in its geothermal waters.

Ship/Hotel

MS Fram

Take advantage of the large windows aboard the MS Fram
Enjoy views from the bridge as you sail on the MS Fram
Attend informative lectures as you sail on the MS Fram

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,949
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Cabin I MS Fram
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Polar Inside - I
113-140 square feet. Inside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc
Cabin FJ MS Fram
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Polar Outside - FJ
172-226 square feet. Outside cabin: Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc, limited or no view. (FJ 503 with twin beds).
A comfortable twin cabin on the MS Fram
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Polar Outside - N
113-140 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc. (N-352 with upper/lower berths).
Cabin U MS Fram
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Arctic Superior - U
118-252 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc. (U-526 with upper/lower berths).
Cabin F MS Fram
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Arctic Superior - F
183-248 square feet. Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc.
Cabin M MS Fram
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Expedition Suite - M
172-215 square feet. One room with seating area, TV, mini-bar, kettle, double bed, shower/wc.
Cabin MG MS Fram
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Expedition Suite - MG
260-420 square feet. One room with private balcony, seating area, TV, mini-bar, kettle, double bed, shower/wc.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Photography Guide on Expedition Team
     
  • Complimentary Expedition Jacket
  • Loan of Boots, Trekking Poles, & All Equipment for Activities
  • Photos & Film/Video Footage from the Voyage Shared in The Expedition Logbook
  • Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
  • Coffee and tea are included throughout the day. Beverages (beer and wine, sodas, and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with very limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
  • À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Luggage Handling 
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
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