Iceland- Land of Elves, Sagas & Volcanoes 9-11 Day

From Reykjavík to Reykjavík OR From Reykjavik to Reykjavik
  • All Arctic Cruises
  • Iceland and Greenland
  • Expedition
  • Small Ship Cruising
  • Wildlife and Nature
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Tour Description

Iceland -The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes This 9-day or 11-day journey offers the opportunity to explore Iceland’s beautiful and majestic wildlife, culture and scenery in depth.

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.

Viva's Best Bits...

Discover the incredible landscape of Iceland, the land of myths and sagas.

Sail past Húsavík for the best chance to spot humpback whales.

Join excursions and learn more about the country and its history.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1
Reykjavik - Embarkation

**Departures onboard MS Fram**
As today is Embarkation day, we recommending arriving in to Rekyavik at least 1 or 2 days prior to travel. It is a wonderful city to explore.

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.

Day 2
Stykkishólmur - Full day

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.

Stykkishólmur Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Walking tour & visit to the Eider center
- Hiking in the Berserk Lava field
- Caves, craters and coves
- Highlights of Snæfellsnes

Please ask for more details

Day 3
Patreksfjördur - Full day

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.

Patreksfjördur Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Stroll through the most western village of Europe
- Splendid Combination
- Latrabjarg Cliff

Please ask for more details

Day 4
Northwest Iceland - Exploration Day

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.

Day 5
Djupavik - Full Day

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.

Day 6
Akureyri - Full Day

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.

Akureyri Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Town Walk & Botanical Garden
- Off the Beaten Track
- Akureyri on Horseback
- Mývatn Nature Baths

Please ask for more details

Day 7
Grimsey Island & Husavik - Full Day

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 Optional Excursion:
Grimsey Island - Arctic circle crossing ceremony

Day 8
Husavik & Langanes Peninsula

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.

Husavik Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Whale museum visit
- Whales & Puffins
- Diamond Circle

Please ask for more details

Day 9
Bakkagerdi - Full day

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 Excursion:
Puffin Colony visit

Day 10
Heimaey - Full day

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.

Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Fun and lively walk over the lava with a local
- Heimaey Island Tour
- Boat tour of Heimaey

Please aks for more details

Day 11
Disembark Rekjavik.

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.

We recommend staying overnight in Rekjavik as flight times are not confirmed until closer to travel

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice condition
Excursions and activities are subject to change

Day 1
Reykjavik - Embarkation Day

**Departures for MS Fridtjof Nansen**

As today is Embarkation day, we recommending arriving in to Rekyavik at least 1 or 2 days prior to travel. It is a wonderful city to explore.

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.

Day 2
Stykkishólmur - Full Day

The friendly town of Stykkishólmur features beautiful, well-preserved old houses and is surrounded by wonderful scenery. Enjoy exploring the town´s interesting museums or join optional excursions to see such iconic sites on Snæfellsnes Penninsula as the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs or black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur.

Stykkishólmur Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Walking tour & visit to the Eider center
- Hiking in the Berserk Lava field
- Caves, craters and coves
- Highlights of Snæfellsnes

Please ask for more details

Day 3
Patreksfjördur - Full day

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.

Patreksfjördur Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Stroll through the most western village of Europe
- Splendid Combination
- Latrabjarg Cliff

Please ask for more details

Day 4
Northwest Iceland - Exploration Day

Our experienced captain will plan a day exploring the stunningly beautiful 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.

Day 5
Akureyri - Full Day

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.

Akureyri Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Town Walk & Botanical Garden
- Off the Beaten Track
- Akureyri on Horseback
- Mývatn Nature Baths

Please ask for more details

Day 6
Grimsey Island - Full Day

We will use our 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. You get the chance to step across the boundary between the far north and south.

Included Excursion:
- Arctic circle crossing ceremony

Day 7
Bakkagerdi - Full Day

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 Excursion:
Puffin Colony visit

Day 8
Heimaey - Full Day

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.

Excursions to choose from (additional costs may apply):
- Fun and lively walk over the lava with a local
- Heimaey Island Tour
- Boat tour of Heimaey

Please aks for more details

Day 9
Disembark Rekjavik

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.

We recommend staying overnight in Rekjavik as flight times are not confirmed until closer to travel

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice condition
Excursions and activities are subject to change

What’s Included

Accommodation
  • Included Copy 20 8 nights onboard MS Fridtjof Nansen or 10 nights onboard MS Fram (Depending on departure)
  • Included Copy 31 Prices based on lead in Polar Inside cabin. Cabin Upgrades available
Food
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary tea and coffee
  • Included Copy 20 Breakfast, lunch & dinner incl. house beer, wine, sodas & still water - in Aune/Fredheim restaurant
  • Included Copy 31 À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
  • Included Copy 20 Complimentary reusable water bottle to use at water refill stations on board
Fees & Services
  • Included Copy 20 Professional English-speaking Expedition team that gives lectures as well as accompanying landings
  • Included Copy 20 English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and accompany activities onboard and ashore
  • Included Copy 20 Boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities
  • Included Copy 20 Wind- and water-resistant jacket
  • Included Copy 20 Free Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. No Streming
  • Included Copy 20 Range of included excursions
  • Included Copy 20 Use of the ship’s Science Center, which has an extensive library & advanced biological microscopes
  • Included Copy 20 Professional onboard photographer gives top tips & tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photo
  • Included Copy 20 Use of the ship’shot tubs, panoramic sauna, indoor gyms
  • Included Copy 20 Escorted landings with small expedition boats while in Iceland
  • Included Copy 20 Free Wi-Fi on board. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. No Streming
  • Included Copy 31 Optional shore excursions, small-group activities & treatments in the wellness and spa area
  • Included Copy 31 Gratuities not expected
  • Included Copy 7 International flights, Travel Insurance, additional pre/post cruise arrangements not included
Transportation
MS Fram

max. 318 Passengers

MS Fridtjof Nansen

500 in Antarctica (530) Passengers

Activities

  • Included Wildlife observation
  • Included Shore excursions - Some free and some at additional charges - Please ask for more details
  • Included Kayaking (additional charges apply)
  • Included Hiking
  • Included All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
  • Included Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
Click here for dates & prices
Duration

9 days

Price from

$3,793 USD

Per person, sharing

Based On Lowest Cabin

Select Date