To the land of fire and ice – Liverpool to Iceland with extended stay in Reykjavik

Your adventure begins!

Your expedition starts in Liverpool, a city that needs no introduction, and yet people are always surprised when they visit for the first time. There’s a curious blend of the old and the modern here, and you can feel a sense of history and the pull of the sea in this most maritime of cities.

At Liverpool’s port, MS Fridtjof Nansen awaits you. After you collect your complimentary expedition jacket and check-in, you’ll have time to settle in your cabin and explore the ship. There is a mandatory safety drill just before departure, followed by a welcome dinner which ends with a toast by the Captain. You’ll then meet the Expedition Team and key crew members who will take you through an important health and safety briefing.

Towards the Outer Hebrides

As the expedition gets underway, why not spend some time getting to know the crew and your fellow explorers. Enjoy a day at sea as we sail towards our first call, the Outer Hebrides. Sea days can be as active or relaxing as you choose!  

Explore your new home for the next few days and some of the ship’s facilities. The Science Center is a great place to start; with an array of scientific equipment and an extensive library to deepen your knowledge of the places you’ll visit, or simply relax in the infinity pool and watch the sea go by.

You won’t want to miss the fascinating lectures given by members of the Expedition team as they share their knowledge of the region with you and prepare you for the adventures ahead.

Gateway to the Hebrides

Stornoway is rightly known as the gateway to the Hebrides, a stunning archipelago of hundreds of islands off Scotland’s northwest coast. Considered Scotland’s crown jewel, this is a region of jagged mountain landscapes, superb sandy beaches and rugged coastlines.

Originally a Viking settlement, Stornoway is the main town of the Western Isles and the capital of the Isle of Lewis & Harris, which is the largest and most northerly of the Outer Hebrides. The bustling harbour is the life and soul of this town. It has a beautiful waterfront with museums, art galleries, charming shops and even a pair of resident seals.

The harbour is overlooked by the handsome Lews Castle which we invite you to explore with us. The castle grounds themselves are immense. Covering more than 200 hectares, a network of trails offers plenty of exploration, taking in historical buildings and fantastic harbour views. After a recent extensive restoration project, the Lews castle is a must-see.

Further afield are mills and cottages where hard-wearing Harris Tweed is woven. There are tiny folk museums, the world-famous Callanish Standing Stones, and the mysterious Carloway Broch - the best-preserved fort in Scotland dating back more than 2,000 years.

In recent times, the Hebrides have earnt a status as a seafood paradise, and Stornoway is no exception. You can sample langoustines, crabs, scallops, mussels and oysters fresh off the boat. For a true taste of the Western Isles, you can try Stornoway's famed black pudding. To wash it all down, you can enjoy one of the varieties of single-malt whiskey on hand. After all, they too haven’t had far to travel.

Towards Iceland

Days at sea are an opportunity to wind down. Recline in the panoramic Explorer Lounge, drink in hand and take in the view. Watch the waves for whales and dolphins and keep an eye on the sky for seabirds. For even deeper relaxation, soak in a hot tub on deck and prepare to be pampered in the wellness and spa area.

If you like to keep active, there are well-equipped gyms on board, both indoor and outdoor and each with great views. Swimmers aren’t left out either and the ship has a heated infinity pool for you to enjoy.

Icelandic Heritage

Some places just know how to make an entrance! Sitting at the end of a 17-kilometre fjord lined with picturesque mountains and waterfalls. Seyðisfjörður - pronounced ‘say-this-further,’ is a progressive and characterful village of about 700 people and certainly one of the most eclectic towns you’ll visit.

Famous for its characteristic colourful wooden houses, set against a backdrop of mountains and waterfalls, the vibrant buildings pop-out, creating a genuinely unique settlement identity. The aptly named Rainbow Road only emphasis this delightfully quirky aesthetic. There are not many streets in the world fully painted in the colours of the rainbow, with an eye-catching blue church at the end. You’ll definitely want to get your picture taken here.

Seyðisfjörður is a haven for hiking with plenty of trails that lead to unusual sound sculpture, Tvisongur - a cluster of concrete domes with incredible acoustics or the aptly named Waterfall Lane, that’s winds its way to several stunning waterfalls. 

Situated at the edge of the fjord, you’ll find Skalanes, a private nature reserve surrounded by cliffs and home to wildlife including reindeer, arctic fox and mink. Bird lovers can look forward to spotting various species including Black-tailed Godwit, Golden Plover and if you’re lucky the Gyr Falcon, Europe’s largest falcon.

Into the Arctic Circle

When people imagine a windswept, remote Icelandic isle, they’re probably thinking about Grimsey, serene, beautiful, and steeped in folklore and legend. The hardiness of the local fishermen is attributed to the first settler Grímur. Legend has it he slew the giants and trolls who inhabited the island and took one of their daughters as his bride.

Grimsey’s sheer cliffs are home to vast colonies of sea birds – outnumbering humans 17,000 to 1 – and in summer, the intrepid islanders will abseil down them to collect the eggs that are considered a local delicacy. The chance to see Atlantic Puffins, the iconic seabird species of Grimsey, is a major attraction for bird lovers.

Grimsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island - the only part of Iceland to do so. You’ll have the chance to step across that line, North to South.

You can explore the island on foot and hike to the ‘Orbis et Globus’ a nine-ton concrete sphere that marks the edge of the Arctic Circle. The three-metre globe is moved a bit each year by the locals as the Arctic Circle creeps slowly northwards at a rate of about 48 feet a year.By 2050, Grimsey Island will lie outside the Arctic – more reason to visit now. In the afternoon, we sail towards Husavik, where we will arrive in the evening and stay overnight.

The Northern Capital

Akureyri is located near the base of the longest fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjörður. As we cruise along the fjord, enjoy incredible views of snow-capped peaks and a lush coastline. The fertile waters here make it one of the best places in the country to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Nicknamed ‘Iceland’s Northern Capital’ and a population of almost 20, 000 it’s the largest metropolitan area in the area, meaning there’s plenty of hidden gems to discover including secluded eateries and museums. Check out the Akureyri Museum, which showcases how Icelanders used to live in the local area.

You’ll be astonished by the array of flowers and foliage at the Arctic Botanical Gardens, an oasis of lush green in the most unlikely of settings. And whilst you’re exploring the town, check out the striking architecture of Akureyri Church, designed by the famous architect Gudjon Samuelsson.   

On an optional excursion outside town, you can explore natural treasures often considered some of the must-see sights in Iceland. At Goðafoss waterfall, nicknamed ‘waterfall of the gods,’ you’ll have the chance to see translucent turquoise water pounding against immense black rocks. Whilst fans of hit series Games of Thrones may recognise Lake Mývatn. Known for its unique and beautiful geology, including shimmering waters and otherworldly colours.

The waterfalls of Patreksfjordur

This tranquil fishing village on the west coast of Iceland is utterly gorgeous. Serving as a fishing port as far back as the 16th century, this is a town shaped by a rich maritime history. Patreksfjördur served as a base for fishermen, merchants and naval mariners.

As you explore the lively harbour, learn about the towns local fishing tradition and the variety of fish found in its waters. You can also choose to take a dip in the outdoor pool, a new addition that provides breath-taking views over the fjord.

The sheer beauty of this region makes hiking through it such a rewarding activity. Nearby is Latrabjarg, Europe’s largest bird cliff and most western point. It’s home to millions of birds including Puffins, Northern Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills. Safe from arctic foxes, the birds bravely cling to the high cliffs, and offer excellent photo opportunities, A must for twitchers and bird fanatics.

The dream beach of Raudsandur is a stark contrast to other beaches in Iceland which are black with volcanic sands, the colours of Raudsandur are rose coloured with golden hues. Whilst the Dynjandi series of waterfalls are also one of the big draws of this area, and it’s easy to see why. Six different waterfalls combine to make the largest waterfall in the Westfjords with a cumulative height of 100m. In a country famed for its waterfalls, this is one of the most impressive.

Reykjavik & Disembark

Disembarkation in Reykjavik and start your tour to explore Iceland´s South Coast.

Driving along the coast, with magnificent mountains, glaciers, rivers, waterfalls, lava and beautiful farmland on one side and the mesmerising Atlantic Ocean on the other.

The quaint town of Hveragerði, passing over Hellisheiði heath offers a great view of the wide plains formed by glacial rivers, now a fertile farmland on the south coast. See some of the fantastic greenhouses that, to their advantage, were built in a fertile area with plenty of geothermal energy for agriculture and horticulture.

On the way, you will be able to see magnificent mountains, including snow-shrouded Hekla, the country’s most active volcano, as well as catching a glimpse of the ice-capped volcano Eyjafjallajökull. Icelanders pride themselves on the Icelandic Sagas and this region is famous as the setting for the Njáls Saga.

Stop at the spectacular waterfall to experience walking behind the cascade before continuing to Skógafoss waterfall, considered to be one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. Returning to Reykjavík, visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, a photographer’s dream, with its black pebble sands, the majestic cave of basalt columns and the impressive but ferocious waves.

Reykjavik & Goodbye

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel as the end of your overnight stay in Reykjavik.

After a wonderful time exploring Iceland, you’ll fly back to Manchester Airport.