This 15-day sailing adventure takes you to the coastal towns and spectacular natural formations of Iceland, before crossing to Norway to witness the majesty of the world-renowned fjords. Throughout the journey, you will be amazed by the rich birdlife and natural treasures of the homelands of the Vikings.
Highlights
Explore mystical Iceland – the land of fire and ice
Sail the magnificent Norwegian fjords in fall foliage
Discover fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city, surrounded by fantastic natural beauty including geysers, mountains, glaciers and geothermal baths. This is a city well worth exploring before embarking on your expedition ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Heimaey, or “Home Island,” welcome our visit. A zone of volcanic activity, the surrounding area is mostly comprised of steep ocean cliffs that are well-vegetated and provide a habitat for countless seabirds, including the charming puffin.
Included Excursion
Heimaey - Fun and lively walk over the lava with a local
This hiking tour is a great way to get to know the volcanic history of the island and get in touch with the beautiful nature.
Optional Excursions
Heimaey Island Tour
Join 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 at the Eldheimar Museum.
Westman Island hiking tour
See 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 the Eldheimar Museum.
Heimaey - Boat tour of Heimaey
Sail around Heimaey and its landscape and wildlife from a different angle.
Stykkishólmur has well-preserved old houses in the town center and is surrounded by wonderful scenery. Enjoy exploring the town's interesting museums or join optional excursions to iconic sites on Snæfellsnes Penninsula, such as the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs or the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur.
Included
Stykkishólmur - Walking tour & visit to the Eider center
Explore the beautiful town of Stykkisholmur, the largest town on the northern side of the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
Optional Excursions
Caves, Craters & Coves
Welcome 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.
Stykkishólmur - Highlights of Snæfellsnes
This tour visits many of the wonderful highlights on Snæfellsnes peninsula – an area rich in natural beauty, history and culture
Hiking in the Berserk Lava Fields
Join a guided hike through some of the most fascinating landscapes in 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 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
Patreksfjördur - Stroll through the most western village of Europe
Start by a stroll through the lively harbor of the fishing village Patreksfjörður, learn about the importance of the fisheries for the village and get to know some different kinds of fish.
Optional Excursions
Patreksfjordur - Splendid Combination
Admire the beauty and culture of the Westfjords with a scenic drive and walking tour featuring the powerful Dynjandi waterfall.
Patreksfjordur - Latrabjarg Cliff
Walk on Europe’s largest bird cliff, the stunning Látrabjarg, the western-most point of Europe. Enjoy the amazing world of birdlife and incredible nature as well as a stop at a fascinating Folk Museum.
Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view the oldest houses in Iceland, including the structure that houses the Maritime Museum.
Included
Isafjördur - Beach clean-up
The most important daily task of our crews (and our guests) is to stop waste before it enters the oceans
Optional Excursions
Dynjandi Waterfall & Local Village
Explore the wonders of Iceland´s mystical West Fjords region! Experience breathtaking scenery, rugged landscapes, lofty ridgetops and beautiful, deep fjords where the inhabitants of small villages and local farmers huddle together on narrow strips of land. We also visit Dynjandi waterfall and the remote fishing village of Suðureyri.
Savor the flavor of Suðureyri
Taste local produce and learn the basics of building an eco-conscious fishing village in the North Atlantic. We visit the environmentally progressive fishing village of Suðureyri, where you get an in-depth guided tour from the locals.
Vigur – Paradise Island
Meet and greet puffins and send a postcard from the smallest post office in Europe, when you join this guided tour to Vigur Island, aka Paradise Island. We first travel by boat on the Djupifjorður before setting foot into remarkably beautiful surroundings. No wonder it is called Paradise Island! Before heading back, we enjoy refreshments at a local farm run by the island's 10 inhabitants.
Hornstrandir Hike
Hike through the unique and pristine environment of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - untouched by cars, electricity or domestic animals.
Lively Akureyri is famous for its botanical gardens and pretty traffic lights. This is the most populous community outside Reykjavík, and the center of trade, culture, and services for the north of Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural treasures, likes Lake Mývatn and Goodafoss waterfall.
Included
Akureyri - Town Walk & Botanical Garden
You will discover the past and present of Akureyri strolling at a leisurely pace around town.
Optional Excursions
Akureyri - Off the Beaten Track
Dare 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 you discover some of the best of the island.
Akureyri on Horseback
Discover and enjoy Iceland’s beautiful nature on horseback.
Mývatn Nature Baths
We 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 8,200 feet.
Use the tender boats to reach this green and grassy island. It is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. With favorable conditions, you will have the chance to step across that iconic line, north to south.
Included
Grimsey Island - Arctic circle crossing ceremony
Just 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.
The Norwegian heritage of the village of Seyðisfjörður is reflected in colorful Nordic-style wooden houses dating from the early 20th century. The handcrafted architecture creates a truly unique identity in the settlement. Explore this quirky town, join an organized hike or take an optional excursion to Skálanes.
Included
Seydisfjôrdur - A stroll around Seyðisfjörður
Enjoy a walking tour of Seyðisfjordur’s colorful streets, including visits to the Blue Church and the local culture center with modern art exhibitions
Optional Excursions
Skálanes Nature Reserve
Visit a remote spot that is off the beaten track, even for most Icelanders.
Vök Baths
Plunge into Iceland´s purest hot springs water in the bathing pools at Lake Urridavatn.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with onboard lectures as we head towards Norway. The expedition team will present talks and workshops and share their knowledge and experience. You will also have the chance to visit our science center to learn more.
Geiranger features stunning and idyllic villages along its 65-mile stretch. The fjord here is world-famous for its beauty and UNESCO-listed as a World Heritage site. Enjoy taking in the scenery as we sail into this famous fjord, hopefully with fall colors on the hillsides.
Lysefjord is 25 miles long and 1,400 feet deep. The Preikestolen plateau towers an impressive 2,000 ft over the Lysefjord. We will sail into the fjord to enjoy the amazing landscapes from on deck, and hope to have a fine view of Preikestolen from below.
Kristiansand is one of the most popular summer destinations for Norwegians thanks to its beautiful beaches, charming old town, interesting local history and great nature experiences within easy reach. Visit the fish market on the dock or join our optional excursion to see more of the region.
Included Hamburg Harbour Cruise
A visit to the "Hansestadt" Hamburg is simply incomplete without a tour through the harbor, the second largest seaport in Europe
Optional Excursions
Kristiansand – The Jewel of the South
Join us onboard the sightseeing boat M/S Maarten for a leisurely cruise along Norway’s southern coastline from Kristiansand to Lillesand.
Kristiansand - River Rafting in Setesdal Valley
This white-water rafting adventure truly is wet and wild! You paddle, you surf, you laugh and you shriek with delight.
Enjoy an idyllic day at sea as we head towards Hamburg. Take in the panoramic views from one of many viewpoints around the ship, relax with a book or join one of our onboard lectures.
The second-largest city in Germany, Hamburg is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe – featuring large parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves. Enjoy an overnight stay on board, which gives you plenty of time to explore the city and some of its many canals.
Included Hamburg Harbour Cruise
A visit to the "Hansestadt" Hamburg is simply incomplete without a tour through the harbor, the second largest seaport in Europe
Optional Excursions
Hamburg – Bremen's Top 10
Come with us to Bremen, a fascinating city and UNESCO World Heritage site with 1,000 years of history!
Hamburg – Lübeck’s Ancient Alleyways & a Pub from the Past
Welcome to Lübeck, once known as the 'Queen of the Hanseatic League' and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This former ‘Free Imperial’ and Hanseatic city is steeped in history and tradition with proud old patrician houses and red-brick churches.
Hamburg – Cycle Tour Along the Elbe River
Experience the ‘Free Imperial’ and Hanseatic City of Hamburg from a different perspective. This is one of Hamburg’s finest tours, especially for passengers who love to combine light outdoor activities with a touch of culture.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$8,582
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Outside cabin on lower/middle deck(RS)
183 sq ft, Cabins on middle decks with queen bed
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Outside Cabin on Lower/Middle Decks (RR)
205–248 sq ft, Larger cabins on middle decks with flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed. Most are 215 sq ft.
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Outside cabin on upper deck
High deck cabins with balcony. Spacious cabins, different sizes, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofabed, TV, kettle, tea and coffee. Please note: This cabin is automatically made with a double bed. To order twin beds, please notify us at time of booking.
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Outside Cabin on Lower/Middle Decks (TY)(TT)
258–291 sq ft, Large cabins without balcony. On middle decks, with flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa bed, amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee.
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Outside Cabin with Balcony (XT)(XTD)(XY)
161–205 sq ft, Spacious high-deck cabins with a balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, amenity kit, kettle, tea and coffee
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Corner Suite (MF)
237 sq ft, Corner suite with large windows, without a balcony, with flexible sleeping arrangements, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
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Suite with Balcony (ME)
215–301 sq ft, Suites with a private balcony on high decks, with flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker
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Large Suite with Balcony (MD)
377 sq ft, Large corner suite with a private balcony, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa bed, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, espresso maker. Accessible to guests with limited mobility.
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Corner Suite with Balcony (MC)
215–323 sq ft, Aft corner suites with a private balcony and hot tub, large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, some with sofa bed, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
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XL Suite (MB)
474 sq ft, Extra-large corner suites without a balcony. Aft corner suites with sofa bed, flexible sleeping arrangements, large windows, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
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XL Suite with Balcony (MA)
495–517 sq ft, Extra-large corner suites with a private balcony. The ship’s most spacious cabins, with large windows, flexible sleeping arrangements, sofa bed, mini-bar, amenity kit, bathrobe, kettle, tea and coffee, espresso maker.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
