Circular Saga from Reykjavík.

Embark on a stunning 8-day expedition cruise that circles the entire coastline of Iceland—one of the world’s most geologically fascinating and visually arresting destinations. Departing from Reykjavík, this adventure with HX – Hurtigruten Expeditions takes you deep into Iceland’s elemental heart, where fire and ice coexist in perfect harmony. Along the way, you’ll witness thundering waterfalls, steaming geysers, black sand beaches, and ancient lava fields—plus the chance to spot puffins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat.

Your voyage includes expert-led shore landings and enriching onboard lectures that offer deeper insight into Iceland’s unique landscapes, Viking history, and cultural heritage. And with the comfort of Hurtigruten’s hybrid-powered expedition ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, you’ll experience this rugged environment in an eco-conscious and luxuriously relaxed way. Whether you’re soaking in geothermal springs or standing at the edge of the Arctic Circle, this itinerary brings you closer to Iceland’s raw, untamed beauty. Book now for an unforgettable journey around the Land of Fire and Ice.

What’s Included:

Full Inclusion List

Starting from $4,685

per person

Elemental Iceland : Circular Saga from Reykjavík

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What’s Included:
All Inclusive
Cabin Included
Daily Excursions
Domestic Airfare Included
Expedition Gear
Gratuities Included
Hotel Included

Departure Dates & Pricing:

May 18 – 25, 2026:

May 25 – June 1, 2026:

Expires: 12/31/2025 • Supplier Code: HX

*Pricing and availability subject to change until booked. Pricing, unless noted otherwise, is based on double occupancy. Restrictions may apply.

Itinerary:

We’ll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay.
Map

Discover Iceland’s modern capital

Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history. It is well worth spending some time exploring this delightful city.

Take a stroll along city’s main street 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 before enjoying your first dinner on board.

If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Program with us and discovering some of Iceland’s natural highlights before your cruise begins.

Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes

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

Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. Its wide array of landscapes has earned it the nickname ‘Little Iceland’.

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?

Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harborside town

Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see 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 with a stunning panoramic view at the top.

See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls

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

Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy a botanical garden oasis and visit local eateries and museums.

A little further on, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You’ll witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, an active volcanic area and one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

Cross the Arctic Circle and go whale watching

Húsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and we’ll be stopping here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and occasionally blue whales. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea, and you can learn more about them at the Húsavík Whale Museum.

You can also visit the Eurovision Song Contest Exhibition, showcasing the contest’s history with costumes, props, and memorabilia from past performances, alongside sets and items from the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, set and filmed in Húsavík.

Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettifoss and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which according to the Icelandic myths, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later, we will sail along the coast of Grímsey island without landing, cross the Arctic Circle, and continue on to our next destination.

Explore a place beloved by puffins and elves

Your Iceland cruise continues to the tiny, remote settlement of Bakkagerði. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning ‘hidden people’. Walk around town to explore this magical place.

This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi, a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Discover the town that defied a volcano

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.

Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. You could also take a hike to find puffins at Stórhöfði, where nearly eight million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below.

Enjoy Reykjavík at your own pace

Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great chance to see the places you missed when you arrived. You can even relax with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a ‘hot pot’ –  an important part of Icelandic culture.

If you want to discover more of Iceland, you can also join our Post-Program before you head home.

Included Programs:

It’s a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages.

Day 3 Majestetiske Fossen Dynjandi 24629andrea Klaussner 2500x1250

Dynjandi Waterfall

See the cascading Dynjandi waterfall as it drapes delicately 328 feet down the mountainside.

Incl Aku3 Go Afoss Iceland Hgr 139095 Photo Shutterstock

Akureyri – Lake Myvatn—Jewel of the North

From spectacular waterfalls to lava labyrinths, discover northern Iceland’s geological jewels on this 6.5-hour bus tour.
Incl Hsu2 The Whale Museum H Sav

Husavik – Whale Museum Visit

Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum—one of the few museums in the world solely dedicated to whales.

Ships:

Set sail on a thrilling expedition around the dramatic coastlines of Iceland with Hurtigruten Expeditions. These hybrid-powered, eco-friendly ships offer the ideal mix of modern comfort and immersive exploration—bringing you closer to geothermal wonders, glacier-carved fjords, volcanic landscapes, and abundant Arctic wildlife. Below are the ships that make this unforgettable journey through the Land of Fire and Ice.

  • Ms Fridtjof Nansen 1
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Why Hurtigruten Expeditions?

HX offers over 130 years of adventure travel expertise, combining eco-friendly ships with immersive exploration of remote destinations. When booking through LaMacchia Travel, you’ll enjoy personalized service at no extra cost, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey.

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