ICELAND, JAN MAYEN, SPITSBERGEN – ISLAND HOPPING IN AND AROUND THE ARCTIC  

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

MS Fram

Purpose-built (2007) as an expedition cruise ship, MS Fram is an exceptional base camp for explorers. On board, comfort is a top priority (she was fully upgraded in 2022), so after a day of exploration you can relax in a hot tub, dine in your choice of two restaurants or at the outdoor BBQ and catch up with your fellow guests with a cocktail in hand as you watch the scenery glide past in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. In the Science Centre, at the heart of the ship, you’ll discover more about the places you sail to and listen to talks by the Expedition Team.

Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland

Your adventure deep into the Arctic starts in Reykjavík. A laid-back city of art, culture and history, delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.

Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.

Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner.

Day 2 Grundarfjördur

The majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbour of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.

Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the western tip. It’s nicknamed ‘Little Iceland’ for its array of landscapes.

At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube.

Day 3 Ísafjördur

Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view some of the oldest houses in Iceland.

One of these historic 18th century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft – the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts at the top by the stunning panoramic view.

Day 4 Akureyri and Godafoss

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.

Iceland’s ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the fjord head. Here, you’llenjoy the oasis of a botanical garden, and can visit some excellent eateries and museums.

A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You can also see geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s more active volcanic areas, and one of the few places to explore the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

Day 5 Húsavík

Today you’ll discover Húsavík, a pleasant small town famous for excellent whale-watching opportunities. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and even elusive blue whales.

Geology and mythology come together at nearby Ásbyrgi canyon, a horseshoe-shaped canyon which, according to Norse mythology, was created when Odin’s horse Sleipnir accidentally put one of his eight legs down on the ground.

Further south is Lake Mývatn. Nowhere else will you find such an array of active volcanic features and landscape evolution, including evidence of dramatic eruptions such as the 18th-century Mývatn fires and the Krafla fires of the late 1970s.

Day 6 At Sea

Take time to relax on the ship day as you cruise through Arctic waters towards Jan Mayen. Enjoy panoramic views and chat with fellow guests in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or take a soak in a hot tub out on deck while scanning for seabirds.

You can also listen to a lecture or two on topics such as local history, geology or Arctic wildlife. Or visit the Science Center for more in-depth insights into the places we’ll be visiting and maybe participate in a Citizen Science project that contributes to ongoing scientific research.

Day 7 Jan Mayen

Jan Mayen has no permanent residents and visits to the island are rare. If conditions allow, you’ll be setting foot in one of Earth’s most remote places.

Jan Mayen’s surreal, moss- and lichen-streaked landscape is dominated by the Beerenberg volcanic cone. It’s the world’s northernmost active volcano and it last erupted in 1985.

You won’t see land mammals here, but the island is designated an Important Bird Area, supporting large populations of Northern Fulmars, Brünnich’s Guillemots and Little Auks. Look out for abundant marine life in the surrounding waters too, including whales and seals.

Day 8 At Sea

Spend the day at your leisure as we sail deeper into the Arctic towards the Svalbard archipelago. Savour the quiet moments, simply appreciating the peaceful feeling of being at sea. This is a rare opportunity to disconnect and get a break from the modern world.

Feeling active? You can enjoy a workout in the gym or simply relax in the panoramic sauna while gazing out at the view. As ever, the Expedition Team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer insights about these Arctic islands.

Day 9 – 12 Spitsbergen

Day 13 Longyearbyen