Arctic, Iceland
Natural Wonders of Iceland - 11 Day Cruise
Join us aboard the MS Hebridean Sky for this in-depth exploration of Iceland, one of the most extraordinary and dramatic lands on the planet. This is a unique opportunity to see nature in the raw and witness the huge icecaps and glaciers, active volcanoes, gurgling mud pools, steaming hot springs and lava fields of the ‘Land of Fire and Ice’. Europe’s least populated country offers the visitor an unparalleled experience of elemental forces at work and we will take advantage of weather conditions and possible whale sightings to achieve the maximum with our time.
After a day to explore Reykjavik and the iconic landmarks of the ‘Golden Circle’, we will set sail for our circumnavigation of the island during which we will witness the immense scale of the landscape, dominated by towering snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls, as we learn of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. Early summer is the optimum time for our journey, the skies and rocks will be filled with the sights and sounds of puffins, guillemots and gannets, the wildflowers will be prevalent and the seas will hopefully be rich with whales and marine life. In addition to the wildlife, the island also provides a unique historical, cultural and geological experience. Under the surface, Iceland simmers with the sparks that are the tell-tale signs of its youthfulness as Europe’s most recent geological addition, only 16-20 million years old. Iceland is continuously being created; some of its newest land is a mere 40 years old.
We have timed our voyage for June when we can make the most of the long days and the midnight sun, spending time on deck whilst cruising, looking out for humpback whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins and observing the colonies of seabirds. With just over 100 travelling companions the atmosphere on board is warm and friendly and ashore with our experts and fleet of Zodiacs we will divide into small groups enabling us to get up close to nature and explore areas inaccessible to larger vessels.
After a day to explore Reykjavik and the iconic landmarks of the ‘Golden Circle’, we will set sail for our circumnavigation of the island during which we will witness the immense scale of the landscape, dominated by towering snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls, as we learn of the centuries old legacies of a Viking and Norse heritage. Early summer is the optimum time for our journey, the skies and rocks will be filled with the sights and sounds of puffins, guillemots and gannets, the wildflowers will be prevalent and the seas will hopefully be rich with whales and marine life. In addition to the wildlife, the island also provides a unique historical, cultural and geological experience. Under the surface, Iceland simmers with the sparks that are the tell-tale signs of its youthfulness as Europe’s most recent geological addition, only 16-20 million years old. Iceland is continuously being created; some of its newest land is a mere 40 years old.
We have timed our voyage for June when we can make the most of the long days and the midnight sun, spending time on deck whilst cruising, looking out for humpback whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins and observing the colonies of seabirds. With just over 100 travelling companions the atmosphere on board is warm and friendly and ashore with our experts and fleet of Zodiacs we will divide into small groups enabling us to get up close to nature and explore areas inaccessible to larger vessels.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
A full day tour will head inland to the famous ‘Golden Circle’ with three of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks. We will start at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is situated in a rift valley that offers incredible views of the Reykjanes Ridge. This is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which separates the Eurasian and North American plates, is above sea level. Not only is Thingvellir of tremendous geological interest, it is where the legislative parliament, the Althing, was founded in the year 930 AD. Also see the Gullfoss Waterfall, the most famous of the country’s numerous waterfalls. Here, a huge amount of water rushes down a stone cascade into a deep ravine with incredible force, creating a powerful spectacle. Our last stop is the Geysir geothermal area, the place where the word ‘geyser’ originates and where Strokkur, an explosive geyser, erupts every few minutes. Return to the ship in Reykjavik and sail this evening.
Sail this morning into Stykkisholmur, located in Breidafjordur Bay and surrounded by an archipelago of islands. The town is famed for its beautiful and well preserved old houses and is also the gateway to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula which is dominated by the Snaefellsjokull volcano, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland and known as the setting for Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Centre of the Earth”. Our tour will include a drive through the lava landscape to the glacier visiting pretty fishing ports and beaches along the way. Afterwards, there will be the opportunity to spend some time at leisure in the town.
This morning we enter the Western Fjords, an isolated but spectacular area of Iceland. We will explore Isafjardardjup and depending on local weather conditions, we hope to land on Vigur, a serene little island with only five residents but home to many more puffins, eider ducks, black guillemots and Arctic terns. We will also visit Iceland’s only extant windmill dating from the 19th century. Sail over lunch and maybe join a lecture as we spend a leisurely afternoon at sea.
Spend the morning on Grimsey Island. The Arctic Circle bisects this island which is known for its tiny community, basalt cliffs and large variety of birdlife. Join our expedition team members for a morning nature walk on the island. In the early afternoon we sail into Siglufjordur, a picturesque town that enjoys an idyllic setting in a small fjord backed by mountains. Here in the early 1900s, a booming economy due to the herring industry resulted in a prosperous town with some marvellous Icelandic architecture. Stroll through the town and visit the Herring Era Museum.
Akureyri is a delightful town on the north coast of Iceland. On a morning tour we will visit the spectacular Godafoss Waterfall where water from the Skjalfandafljot River falls from a height of 12 metres over a width of 30 metres. From Godafoss we return to the charming town of Akureyri and visit the botanical garden which was founded in 1912 and grows examples of every species indigenous to Iceland as well as an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world. Our tour ends at the Art Alley where artisans keep their workshops and galleries. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Hrisey Island this afternoon where you can join nature walks. The island is known for its rich and diverse birdlife and approximately 40 species of birds nest on the island.
From our berth in Husavik we will head inland to visit the Lake Myvatn-Krafla area, a fine example of the volcanic world with lava fields, boiling and steaming mud pools and steam vents of sulphur and craters. The area illustrates the sheer magnitude of Iceland’s forces at work. The lake itself, with beautiful natural rock formations and hot springs, is also a unique ecosystem and the largest migratory bird sanctuary in Europe. There will be the opportunity to spend some time in the natural baths before returning to the ship. After lunch on board we have the afternoon to explore the pretty town of Husavik including time at the excellent whale museum, the exploration museum and quaint local church. Be on deck in the early evening as we sail from Husavik whilst our expedition team keep an eye out for whales.
Today we will enjoy the benefits of our small ship as we spend the day exploring the lesser known fjords in the east of Iceland. We hope to land at the small town of Neskaupstadur for a chance to visit the excellent museum which features the local art gallery, the Museum of Natural History and the Maritime Museum. Those that are feeling active can hike to the avalanche barriers behind the town, offering great views of the surrounding areas. We will also cruise through Mjoifjordur where we can enjoy the wilderness of this remote area.
As we approach Hofn we will see the shimmering white Vatnajokull Glacier, Europe’s largest glacier, sometimes called an icecap. The 600 metre thick ice surmounts active volcanoes, one of which erupted in 1996 creating a crater on the surface of the glacier, a most unusual phenomenon. From our berth we will drive to the otherworldly glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon, a dramatic drive through some of the finest scenery that Iceland offers. Once we reach Jokulsarlon, the 100 metre deep glacial river lagoon which is full of large icebergs carved from the glacier Breioamerkurjokull, we will embark on a cruise on the pristine water.
Our morning is spent at the Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands). Islanders here live with a dramatic volcanic history. In 1973 the island of Heimaey experienced an eruption which created a new mountain, Eldfell, known as Mount Fire. Explore the only community, Heimaey, where half buried houses can be partially seen peeking out through the lava and ash. We will also use the Zodiacs to explore the cliffs and coves. If time permits, we will also use our ship to circumnavigate Surtsey Island which was created volcanically in 1963 and is a closed nature reserve. Few places in the world illustrate more dramatically the powerful forces of nature.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 90.6 metres
Passenger Capacity: 118
Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three elegant sister ships—alongside the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky—renowned for their small size, comfort, and service. Built in the same Italian shipyard, this refined vessel underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2016, enhancing its private yacht-like atmosphere.
Suites
The ship offers 59 spacious, outside-facing suites over five decks, with 14 featuring private balconies. Each suite includes a sitting area, en-suite bathroom with rainfall shower, flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, dressing table, Molton Brown toiletries, robes, slippers, and individually controlled climate settings. Beds can be configured as twins or doubles, except in suites 601 and 602. The luxurious Hebridean Suite includes a large balcony, sitting room, and complimentary minibar and laundry.
Public Areas
Public spaces include a panoramic lounge for talks and briefings, The Club bar with live piano music, a library with books and games, and ample outdoor deck space including a wildlife observation area. A lift serves all decks, and there is a small hair salon and an onboard doctor. Complimentary satellite Wi-Fi is available, though signal strength may vary.
Dining
Meals are served in a single sitting in the elegant dining room or al fresco on the Lido Deck. Cuisine is fresh and varied, often featuring local produce. Enjoy daily afternoon tea, pre-dinner canapés, and wines with lunch and dinner. Breakfast is buffet-style with cooked-to-order options. Barbecues and live cooking stations are also offered. Special diets can be accommodated with notice.
Experience
Designed for those who prefer a quiet, enriching cruise, the Hebridean Sky offers a relaxed, yacht-like ambiance without large ship distractions. There’s no organised entertainment or dress codes—just thoughtful service, enriching lectures, and scenic cruising among like-minded travellers.
Comfort & Safety
The vessel is fitted with stabilisers, modern navigation systems, and safety equipment. Guests can visit the Bridge, view route information on suite TVs, and enjoy peace of mind with a fully equipped clinic on board.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
• Expedition team
• Shore excursions as per the itinerary (Note: Some itineraries have optional excursions as per the specific exclusions)
• Gratuities
• Port Charges/ Taxes
• Transfers as per the itinerary (Note: Transfers are offered in conjunction with group flights only when booked together, both can be taken off if included in the itinerary and credited - if the trip shows no flights then none are included)
Exclusions
• Passport and Visa costs where applicable
• Travel insurance
• Beverages other than those listed in inclusions
• Meals when not on board the ship unless otherwise stated
• Pre and post voyage accommodation unless otherwise stated
• Optional excursions as per specific itinerary
• Any items of a personal nature
Expedition
11 Days from
£618 GBP per day
Highlights
• Experience a complete circumnavigation of Iceland.• Enjoy excellent bird & whale watching opportunities including the waters off Husavik, Iceland’s whale watching capital.
• Discover the island’s cultural heritage in Siglufjordur & Akureyri.
• Cross the Arctic Circle on Grimsey.
• Explore the smaller fjords which the larger ships are unable to access.
• Travel with an experienced expedition team bringing knowledge of the flora and fauna, geology & cultures of Iceland.
Our Associates Include
