This in-depth exploration of Iceland will give you a sense of the country's spellbinding natural beauty. Spend three pre-cruise nights in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city and discover the iconic Golden Circle, including famous landmarks such as the Gullfoss Waterfall and Langjökull Glacier, along with relaxation time at the Sky Lagoon. You'll then board your luxury all-inclusive expedition cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions to unearth Iceland’s rugged coastal beauty. From quaint fishing villages to ice-capped volcanoes, there is so much to be discovered. Spot majestic giants during whale-watching opportunities at Eyjafjörður and Skjálfandi bay and delight the wildlife lover inside you by seeking out Atlantic Puffins on hikes to cliffsides where the charming birds nest each summer. A professional photographer will capture memories at every stop, providing priceless keepsakes from your explorations, all included in your cruise along with meals, drinks, gratuities, expedition gear, Wi-Fi, access to sauna and hot tubs, and more.
Iceland Expedition Cruise with HX
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Discover Iceland's wild and rugged natural wonders on this epic expedition cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
» 11 day expedition cruise holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
Special offer
Early booking offer for 2025 departures
» Price from: £4,580 pp incl. flights
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1 » Fly to Reykjavik
Today you’ll fly from the UK to Reykjavik. On arrival, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to the Hotel Reykjavik Centrum, your base for the next three nights. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure exploring Reykjavik, a laid-back city brimming with art, culture, and history. There’s plenty to see and do no matter your interests. Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its array of boutiques and shops, gaze at the awe-inspiring Hallgrímskirkja Church and Harpa concert hall, or check out the fascinating Reykjavik Art Museum.
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Day 2 » Reykjavik & Sky Lagoon
After breakfast at the hotel, you'll have the morning to explore Reykjavik in more depth. This afternoon, set off on a half-day excursion to the incredible Sky Lagoon, a stunning infinity-edge geothermal pool overlooking the sea. Just a 10-minute drive from the city centre, Sky Lagoon features a swim-up bar and a seven-step hot and cold wellness ritual including plunge pools, saunas, and steam rooms. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the Sky Café, where you can enjoy local Icelandic dishes. The Sky Lagoon is a magical addition to your trip no matter the time of year, but if you visit during winter’s dark clutches, you may be lucky enough to glimpse the Northern Lights.
Stay: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Iceland
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3 » Golden Circle
Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore the famous Golden Circle and Langjökull Glacier by Superjeep on a full-day tour full of adventure. It begins with Thingvellir National Park, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart, resulting in an impossibly cragged rift valley. Next, visit the Geysir Geothermal Area and Strokkur, which erupts every five minutes on average. Complete the Golden Circle with Gullfoss, a giant waterfall, considered by many to be Iceland’s most impressive. Lastly, a Superjeep will bring you right up to Iceland’s second-largest icecap, Langjökull. If you’d like, try your hand at snowmobiling on the glacier. Afterwards, stop at the small but perfectly formed Faxi Waterfall en-route back to your hotel.
Stay: Hotel Reykjavík Centrum, Iceland
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4 » Embark on HX Cruise
Spend the morning at leisure before a private transfer to Reykjavik Harbour to board your expedition cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions in the afternoon. You’ll be welcomed with your complimentary expedition jacket and then given some time to settle into your cabin before your first dinner onboard.
Stay: MS Fridtjof Nansen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 5 » Grundarfjörður
Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town, is known as the gateway to the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula. You’ll spot the majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of Iceland’s best-known landmarks, rising two miles west of the small harbour here. Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park lies nearby, with its striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. This region is known by the nickname ‘Iceland in miniature’ due to its extraordinary diversity of natural wonders in a relatively compact area. At the national park, visit the black sand beach at Djúpalónssandur and the Saxhóll crater. Perhaps you’d rather descend into an underground world for a tour along a gigantic lava tube. Alternatively, ride a snowcat to the top of the famous glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Stay: MS Fridtjof Nansen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 » Isafjörður
Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour, flanked by towering mountains on all sides, and it is an excellent gateway to the wild, lesser-visited Westfjords region. In the town itself, admire the architecture, shop for local handicrafts and view some of Iceland’s oldest houses. One of these historic buildings is home to the Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about Ísafjörður’s maritime past. If you prefer something more active, break a sweat on the steep hike up to Naustahvilft, also known as ‘the Troll’s Throne.’ It’s worth it when you reach the stunning panoramic view at the top.
Stay: MS Fridtjof Nansen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 » Akureyri & Goðafoss
Today’s stop brings you to a land of dramatic, lunar-like landscapes and thundering waterfalls. Cruise into Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður, gazing at snowcapped peaks and keeping an eye out for whales as you go. You'll arrive in Akureyri, Iceland's 'Capital of the North', right on the edge of the fjord. Take a stroll through this small but vibrant town, which is home to a cluster of fascinating museums, charming cafes, an imposing hilltop church and one of the world's northernmost botanical gardens. Further afield, witness turquoise waters pounding against black rocks at the Goðafoss waterfall. Witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn; this is an active volcanic area and one of the few places in which you can see the Mid-Atlantic Range up-close.
Stay: MS Fridtjof Nansen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 » Húsavík & the Arctic Circle
The village of Húsavík, where you’ll spend the morning, is famous for its whale-watching opportunities. The town looks over Skjálfandi bay, where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises, and even occasionally blue whales visit. Keep an eye out for these giants at sea and learn more about them at Húsavík’s excellent Whale Museum. Húsavík is also a wonderful gateway to Iceland's northernmost reaches. From here, you can visit Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettiffos, and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi. The latter, according to Icelandic myths, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later on, sail along the coast of Grimsey Island, skimming the edge of the Arctic Circle.
Stay: MS Fridtjof Nansen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9 » Bakkagerði
Your explorations of Iceland bring you to a place known for puffins and elves. According to traditional Icelandic folklore, the tiny, remote settlement of Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits, or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people.’ You'll have the chance to explore this magical place on foot. This is also a wonderful destination for hiking, with its lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery punctuated by colourful rhyolite rocks. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to spot fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders, and puffins along the coastal cliffs. You may also have the chance to visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi, a true gem for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Stay: MS Fridtjof Nansen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10 » Heimaey
The Westman Islands are scattered off Iceland’s southern coast, and Heimaey is the chain’s only inhabited island. Today gives you the chance to learn its fascinating history and discover the scars it still bears of a powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island. Learn more about the eruption and its aftermath at Eldheimar, a museum featuring an excavated home truly frozen in time. If you’d rather spend the day outdoors, take a hike at Stórhöfði, where around eight million puffins nest every summer. Don’t miss climbing the volcanic Mount Eldfell, whose summit provides incredible views of the town below.
Stay: MS Fridtjof Nansen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 11 » Return to UK
After breakfast onboard, disembark your HX expedition cruise back at Reykjavik Harbour. You’ll be privately transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home the same day.
Meals: Breakfast
To book call us on:
At a glance…
Discover Iceland's wild and rugged natural wonders on this epic expedition cruise with HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
» 11 day expedition cruise holiday
» Accommodation: Superior A higher standard of accommodation with a better range and quality of facilities, often in a good location (typically 4 stars)
Special offer
Early booking offer for 2025 departures
» Price from: £4,580 pp incl. flights
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