Iceland

North Atlantic Expedition – Iceland, Faroes and Scotland

Name: North Atlantic Expedition – Iceland, Faroes and Scotland
Brand: HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Price: 8351 EUR
Availability: InStock

Explore the North Atlantic as late summer meets early autumn: whales still feeding, the Northern Lights returning, and sea cliffs blazing bronze. Sail one continuous voyage from Reykjavík to Portsmouth, crossing shifting landscapes from volcanic Iceland through the Faroes, Orkney, and down Britain's eastern seaboard. Experience five island cultures in a single expedition: elemental Iceland, the remote Faroes, Norse-influenced Orkney, historic Edinburgh, and England's south coast.

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Route Map

Gallery

20 photos

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North Atlantic Expedition – Iceland, Faroes and Scotland 9

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Voyage Overview

Voyage Highlights

Golden season

In the window from late August to early September, whales are still feeding off Iceland's north coast, the light is softening into something warmer and lower on the horizon, and the first Northern Lights of the year are returning to the sky. Sea cliffs blaze bronze and the air sharpens: you'll feel the season turning around you.

Island to island

From Reykjavík, trace a half-circumnavigation of Iceland past volcanic islands, glacier-capped peninsulas, and open fjords, before crossing to the Faroes and their remote fjord villages. The route then carries you through Orkney and along Scotland's coast to Edinburgh, finishing in Portsmouth.

Language Services

English

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Before the cruise

Day-by-day stops

After the cruise

Please Note

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions Excursions and activities are subject to change Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements  Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)

HX Expedition Gear

Wind and waterproof expedition jacket
A complimentary Ocean Bottle water bottle to refill on board and take home

Ship Facilities

Use of sauna, hot tubs, pool, fitness room, lounges and more

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported

Extras

Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
Range of included activities

Onboard Activities

In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by our knowledgeable Expedition Team
Use of our Science Centre, including the library and advanced biological and geological equipment
The Citizen Science Program allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
An onboard professional photographer will give tips and tricks for taking the best landscape and wildlife photos
Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Daily briefing with the Expedition Team about the plans for the next day

Landing Activities

Escorted landings with small expedition boats
Necessary equipment for activities, such as walking poles, will be provided on board on loan. Your HX travel documents will have a recommended packing list.
Expedition photographers on hand to assist you

Notes

All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
Excursions and activities are subject to change
Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight stay might be needed (not included)

International flights
Additional overnight(s) if required due to international flight timings
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Optional treatments in the onboard wellness and spa area
International flights to/from your home country are not included.

Ship

MS Fridtjof Nansen

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)

The newest addition to our fleet honors the heritage of her namesake – the Norwegian explorer, scientist, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Fridtjof Nansen. Known for his innovations in Arctic expeditions, Nansen led the first crossing of Greenland on cross-country skis. He is perhaps most famous for his attempt to reach the geographical North Pole during the Fram Expedition (1893-1896). Interestingly, after Nansen's Fram expedition, the ship was passed on to another great explorer who secretly planned an expedition to the South Pole - Roald Amundsen.

Passengers490

Tonnage20,889 GT

Built2020

Ice ClassPolar Class 6

Decks9

View Ship Details

Deck Plans

Onboard Facilities

Onboard Life

Live Position

Heimaey - Pompeii of the North Heimaey Island Tour

Join a scenic drive to see bird cliffs, ancient farmhouse ruins, volcanoes, and viewpoints. Duration: 3 hours Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: G-HEI1 Min. number: 25 traveller(s) Highlights: • See the fascinating Eldfell (Icelandic for 'Mount Fire') • In the summer, Heimaey is inhabited by 4,500 people and eight million puffins. • Drive over lava fields and pass the ruins of a house buried in lava. • Visit Eldheimar Museum and learn more about the eruption of Eldfell in 1973.

$175

Grundarfjördur – Highlights of Snæfellsnes

Join us on a tour of the most spectacular highlights on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Natural wonders lining up This scenic coach tour takes you through the landscape of Snaefellsnes with its sandy beaches, rocky shorelines and jagged mountains. We stop at Djúpalónssandur, where we’ll walk to view the intriguing rock formations. Continuing to Arnarstapi, we’ll walk from the town’s beautiful harbour along the line of the cliffs to explore, and with luck, we’ll capture photographs of the seabird colonies that thrive here. We then continue to Ytri Tunga to look out for seals. Duration: 5h15 Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: G-GRF2 Min. number: 25 traveller(s) Highlights: • Visit Snæfellsnes peninsula – rich in natural beauty, history and culture • Hike to impressively strange rock formations along the shore of Djúpalónssandur • See the prominent rock formations at Lóndrangar and the beautiful lighthouse at Malarrif • Witness one of Iceland's many seabird colonies in Arnarstapi and look out for seals in Ytri Tunga. Practical information: • Included: Private coach and guide • Remarks/requirements: Approx. 3 hrs driving time and an optional 45-minute walk. Please dress according to local weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes. • Walking or Activity information: Involves physical activity on uneven surfaces and/or steep terrain, including grass, mud and gravel. You may be expected to carry your own backpack and equipment. Not suitable if you have limited mobility. All walking is optional. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language availability: English • Generally Puffins can be seen from May- August. In April and September other seabirds can be seen but in fewer numbers. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

$177

Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure (Only Bookable Onboard)

Our experts will lead you on this sea kayaking adventure. Paddle into Wonder There’s truly no better way to feel the scale, silence, and raw beauty of this landscape than from the seat of a kayak. Guided by seasoned experts, you’ll glide across the water with your fellow adventurers, experiencing your surroundings in a uniquely intimate and peacefully immersive way. Duration: 3h00 Difficulty: Level 3 — Active Booking code: N/A Highlights: • Explore from a rare water-level perspective • Enjoy nature up close, without the noise of a motor • Each outing is led by expert guides who ensure the utmost safety and share insights, and you’ll be provided with all the top-quality gear you need Practical information: • This is an optional, add-on activity, available at an additional cost. • This activity can only be booked on board. • Top-quality kayaking gear is provided, including a two-person hard-shell sea kayak, paddle, boots, life jacket, drysuit, and pogies. • Please note that this kayaking activity only uses two-person kayaks. Solo guests will be paired with another guest. • Participants must have basic swimming skills and be able to get in and out of the kayak on the water independently. • While we aim to offer this activity on every voyage, its operation is subject to weather and ice conditions. • A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language requirements: A basic level of English is needed to understand the guide’s instructions.

$114

Heimaey - Boat Tour

Admire wildlife and visit spectacular caves on a guided tour that features sagas and stories from the area. Caves, wildlife and sagas Join a coastal tour of Heimaey on a guided boat trip, where you’ll visit two sea caves that have marvelous acoustics. The sea is a wildlife paradise where seals, porpoises and dolphins thrive in summer – and you might see orcas and other whales. On this excursion you’ll learn how the eruption of the Eldfell volcano in 1973 changed this coast forever. Generally Puffins can be seen from May- August. In April and September other seabirds can be seen but in fewer numbers. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Duration: 2 hours Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: G-HEI3 Min. number: 20 traveller(s) Highlights: • Our expert guide will tell you about Viking sagas and local history. • Admire the rich birdlife and scout for puffins, fulmars, kittiwakes, and gannets. • Explore the spectacular Fjósið and Klettshellir caves, which are only accessible by boat. • Learn about the island’s volcanic eruption in 1973, which added new land and a new island. Practical information: Practical information: • Language: English • Requirements: Dress according to the weather • Remarks: Please note that this tour is weather dependant and sometimes it is not possible to circumnavigate. When circumnavigation is not possible passengers are guaranteed the experience of seeing the bird cliffs from as many different angles as possible. Kindly note that the puffins leave land mid-August and wildlife sighting cannot be guaranteed. • Generally Puffins can be seen from May- August. In April and September other seabirds can be seen but in fewer numbers. • Walking information: Minimal walking • Not wheelchair accessible • Language: English

$271

Heimaey - Rib Safari

Explore the waters around Heimary Island and discover caves, lava formations whilst looking out for wildlife. Cave and wildlife adventure Orcas and whales often swim in these waters – as well as dolphins and porpoises – so keep an eye out! We’ll visit sea caves and even explore a few on this excursion. You’ll see amazing lava shapes created by a volcanic eruption here in 1973. Approach a big puffin colony in Stakkabót and see thousands of these unusual birds. Puffins can be seen from May- August. In April and September other seabirds can be seen but in fewer numbers. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Duration: 1h30 Difficulty: Level 3 — Active Booking code: G-HEI5 Highlights: • Enjoy a ride in a small boat (RIB) and see the highlights around Heimaey Island. • Visit Stakkabót, where, between May and August, you’ll be able to see thousands of puffins flying and splashing into the sea • See the spectacular Kafhellir cave, where the sunlight appears to shine from underneath the island. Practical information: Practical information: • Language: English. • Remarks/requirements: Kindly note, that this is a physically active tour. Dress according to the weather.Kindly note that wildlife sighting cannot be guaranteed and the puffins leave land in mid-August. • Generally Puffins can be seen from May- August. In April and September other seabirds can be seen but in fewer numbers. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. • Walking information: To and from the boat. • Wheelchair accessible: No

$184

Grundarfjördur – Caves, Craters and Coves

Look out from atop a volcanic crater, hike stunning coastal trails, and explore underground caves. Spectacular scenes that inspired Jules Verne Hike to the top of beautiful Saxhóll Crater and enjoy views of the snowy peak of Snæfellsjökull. Next, discover the stunning black pebble beach, Djúpalónssandur. Take in magnificent views from the clifftop and look out for stone hut ruins on your way to a picturesque cove. Then descend 115 ft underground at Vatnshellir Cave to see amazing colours and lava formations. Duration: 6h30 Booking code: G-GRF3 Min. number: 10 traveller(s) Highlights: • Walk around the stunning volcanic crater Saxhóll • Join a scenic hike in the Snæfellsjökull area and marvel at the glacier view • Visit Djúpalónssandur black pebble beach and the cave at the beachside • Take a journey underground and learn where Jules Verne found inspiration for his famous sci-fi novel Practical information: • Language: English/German • Port: Grundarfjördur • Included: hot drinks and snacks • Walking Information: Loose gravel, mud paths, and paved surfaces. Expect steps and inclined surfaces. • Remarks/Requirements: Approximately 2 hours of total driving time. We recommend bringing warm clothes and gloves, as the temperature underground is 6°C/43°F. Helmets and flashlights will be provided. • Not accessible for wheelchairs.

$363

Husavik - Whale Museum Visit

Visit the Húsavík Whale Museum—one of the few museums in the world solely dedicated to whales. Ocean Giants Discover the eight exhibition rooms of the Húsavík Whale Museum at your own pace. You’ll find 11 whale skeletons on display, including a narwhal and an 82-ft blue whale. The largest mammal in the world, there are only a few full blue whale skeletons on display across the globe and only one in Iceland. You’ll also find exhibits about Iceland’s whaling past. Duration: At your own pace. Difficulty: Level 1 — Easy Booking code: INCL-HUS2 Highlights: • Explore Húsavík Whale Museum at your own pace. • Discover the skeletons of majestic ocean giants, including an 82-ft blue whale. • Learn about the history of whaling in Iceland and browse fascinating artifacts. Practical information: Practical Information • Included: Museum entry • Remarks/requirements: Please dress according to the weather conditions and wear comfortable walking shoes. • Walking or Activity information: Short ﬂat walk over easy terrain and pavement-like ground. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability: English

Included

Walking tour of the Royal Mile

Enjoy a wonderful guided tour of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile and visit St. Giles’ Cathedral. Historic city Your guided walk will take you along the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile, past Edinburgh’s historic and modern buildings. You’ll walk the mile-long procession route that links Edinburgh Castle on one end to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the other. During the walk, you’ll stop to visit the majestic St. Giles’ Cathedral. Duration: 4h Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: INCL-LEI1 Min. number: 10 traveller(s) Highlights: • Enjoy a guided walk along the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle • See John Knox House, Canongate Kirk, and the Scottish Parliament Building • Visit St. Giles’ Cathedral and see its famous crown steeple • Learn about Edinburgh’s past and present from an expert guide Practical information: Practical information: • Language: English • Remarks/requirements: Sensible walking attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes and sun/rain protection may be needed. • Walking information: Approximately 1.2 miles. Terrain is paved, some cobblestones and curbs The Royal Mile is on a gentle incline. • Wheelchair accessible: No

Included

Explore Torshavn (Walking Tour)

Explore the history and heritage of the Faroe Islands’ capital. Thor’s harbour Walk through history, exploring the old town Tinganes – the 9th-century meeting site of the Vikings. Enjoy colourful old warehouses that are now fashionable offices, the 18th-century Lutheran cathedral, and small turf-roofed homes. Enter the old town and find yourself in a confusion of lanes and narrow passages, steps and rocks, and tiny black-tarred houses – a genuine and unique town from the Middle Ages. Duration: 2h00 Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: INCL-THO1 Highlights: • Enjoy a walking tour of Tórshavn • Experience culture, history, and heritage • See small turf-roofed homes in many different colours • Explore the old town, with roots back to the Vikings Practical information: Practical information: • Remarks/requirements: Good sturdy shoes with warm, wind and waterproof clothing. • Walking information: 1 KM Walking distance, paved road and cobblestone and uneven ground. • Wheelchair accessible: No. • Language: English, German & all Scandinavian languages.

$16

Discovery Kayak (Only Bookable Onboard)

Enjoy the freedom to explore icy waters at your own pace on this self-guided kayaking adventure. Paddle in peace Unlike our guided sea kayaking adventure, this experience lets you paddle at your own pace (within a defined perimeter). There’s no fixed route – just time to soak up the stunning scenery, glide along glacier-carved coastlines, listen to the subtle sounds of cracking ice, and watch for wildlife along the way. Duration: 1-1.5h00 Difficulty: Level 3 — Active Booking code: N/A Highlights: • A rare opportunity to independently explore the surrounding nature in silence • Expert guides remain nearby for safety oversight and advice, and all the top-quality gear you need is provided Practical information: • This is an optional, add-on activity, available at an additional cost • This activity can only be booked on board • Not available on MS Spitsbergen • Top-quality kayaking gear is provided, including a one to two-person inflatable kayak, paddle, paddle jacket, boots, life jacket, dry bag, whistle or signaling device • Participants must have basic swimming skills and be able to get in and out of the kayak on the water independently • While we aim to offer this activity on every voyage, its operation is subject to weather conditions • A reasonable level of fitness is required to participate • Wheelchair accessible: No • English proficiency is not required for this activity

$79

Heimaey - Lava and History Walk

Visit a fort, old buildings, the local folk museum, and learn about the volcanic eruption in 1973. Historic sites revealed Heimaey is part of Vestmannaeyjar – an archipelago rich in history and natural beauty. On a guided walk you’ll visit Skansinn, a replica of a fort built on the orders of a Danish king. Admire the wooden church and Landlyst, one of Heimaey’s oldest buildings, then walk to see lava formed during Eldfell’s volcanic eruption before visiting the Sagnheimar Folk Museum in the town centre. Duration: 1hr Difficulty: Level 3 — Active Booking code: INCL-HEI1 Highlights: • Learn about the Eldfell volcano that erupted on the island in 1973 and its history. • On a lava walk, understand more about volcanic eruptions, and how new land is formed • Visit the old fort, Skansinn, and learn about its intriguing history • Admire stunning hilltop views and visit the Sagnheimar Folk Museum Practical information: Practical information: • Language: English. • Remarks/requirements: Dress according to local weather conditions. • Walking information: Approximately 2 km / Paved and gravel ground. • Wheelchair accessible: No.

Included

Kirkwall - Skara Brae & Ring of Brodgar

Visit the extraordinary UNESCO-listed Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, the best-preserved Neolithic village in Northern Europe. Visit Orkney’s largest island, Mainland, which is rich in prehistoric archaeology.See the 5,000-year-old Ring of Brodgar, part of UNESCO’s Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Your journey of discovery continues to Skara Brae, where you can see the fascinating remains of the Neolithic village uncovered by a fierce storm in 1850. See artifacts including tools, beads and pottery in the visitor center, and visit the grand 17th century Skaill House, which is also located on the site. Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: E-KIR12 Min. number: 25 traveller(s) Highlights: • Discover the monuments of Orkney’s Neolithic heartland. • Stand among the 5,000-year-old standing stones at the Ring of Brodgar. • Explore the renowned Skara Brae, the remarkably well-preserved Neolithic village, and see the 17th century mansion, Skaill House. Practical information: Practical Information • Remarks/requirements: Please wear comfortable walking shoes, warm layers and a waterproof coat. • Walking or Activity information: Involves moderate physical activity on relatively level surfaces and gentle terrain. There is a 0.3-mile walk to/from the visitor center to reach Skara Brae, and there is some rough ground at Ring of Brodgar. • Wheelchair accessible: No • Language Availability: English

$110

Kirkwall on Foot

Join your guide for a walking tour and see some highlights of Kirkwall. Depart on foot with your guide from the picturesque harbor in Kirkwall and stroll along the ancient shoreline of Kirkwall, which dates to when the town was first founded by the Vikings. The shoreline is now a lovely flagstone street which runs from the harbor to the center of town. En route, hear stories of bygone times in Kirkwall. Arrive at St. Magnus Cathedral, a beautiful red and yellow sandstone building that dominates the skyline of Kirkwall, and learn about its 850-year history. Next, visit the neighboring Earl’s and Bishop’s Palaces, once belonging to Earl Patrick Stewart, who used forced labor to build the Earl’s Palace. Your walking tour ends at the Orkney Museum, where you will have free time to visit the museum, browse the shops, and stroll back to the ship at your leisure. Duration: 1h30 Difficulty: Level 2 — Moderate Booking code: INCL-KIR1 Highlights: • Free time in Kirkwall • St. Magnus Cathedral • Earl’s and Bishop’s Palace • Orkney Museum Practical information: Practical information: • Language: English. • Remarks/requirements: Appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. • Walking information: This is a walking tour and guests will be walking for the majority of the duration of the tour. • Wheelchair accessible: No.

Included

Current Offers

3 promotions apply to this voyage. Click any offer for full terms.

Booking & Cancellation Policies

Children Policy

Children: 5–15 years Child discount: 20%

Third Person Policy

Child discount: 50%

Cancellation Policy

120+ days before departure: 25% penalty 119–90 days before departure: 40% penalty 89–58 days before departure: 70% penalty 57–44 days before departure: 90% penalty 0–43 days before departure: 100% penalty

Wi-Fi & Communications

See General Terms & Conditions PDF (guestAgreementPdf) — HX consolidates all specific policies (cancellation / name change / children / third person / onboard charges) into a single T&Cs document.

Your booking is made with Gvoya — the terms shown above are the Gvoya platform terms applied to this voyage. Full details: Booking Terms·Cancellation Policy

Discover More

Get a 360-degree look at our destinations with our blog articles.

Discover More

Get a 360-degree look at our destinations with our blog articles.

AI PickActive promotion on this HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) departure to Iceland

North Atlantic Expedition – Iceland, Faroes and Scotland

Route Map

Gallery

Voyage Overview

Voyage Highlights

Golden season

Island to island

Language Services

Day-by-Day Itinerary

International flights

Reykjavík and Beyond

Heimaey's Explosive Past

Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Grundarfjordur

The Drama of Vigur

Whale Watching in Húsavík

Iceland’s Wild East

Sailing Towards the Faroes

The Hidden Paradise of Eysturoy

10th Century Tórshavn

Highlights of Orkney

Sailing Scotland’s East Coast

The Scottish Capital

A Final Day at Sea

Portsmouth’s Dramatic Harbour

International flights

Please Note

Food & Beverages

HX Expedition Gear

Ship Facilities

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Extras

Onboard Activities

Landing Activities

Notes

Ship

MS Fridtjof Nansen

Deck Plans

Onboard Facilities

Onboard Life

Live Position

Optional Extras

Heimaey - Pompeii of the North Heimaey Island Tour

Grundarfjördur – Highlights of Snæfellsnes

Guided Sea Kayaking Adventure (Only Bookable Onboard)

Heimaey - Boat Tour

Heimaey - Rib Safari

Grundarfjördur – Caves, Craters and Coves

Husavik - Whale Museum Visit

Walking tour of the Royal Mile

Explore Torshavn (Walking Tour)

Discovery Kayak (Only Bookable Onboard)

Heimaey - Lava and History Walk

Kirkwall - Skara Brae &amp; Ring of Brodgar

Kirkwall on Foot

Current Offers

Extra 5% off Cabins or 10% off Suites

Northern Lights Promise

Medical Screening Form Promise

Booking & Cancellation Policies

Children Policy

Third Person Policy

Cancellation Policy

Wi-Fi & Communications

Cabin Categories

MA | Extra-Large Suite

MB | Extra-Large Suite

MC | Corner Suite

MD | Large Suite

ME | Suite with balcony

MF | Corner suite

XT | Outside cabin with balcony

TT | Outside cabin

XTD | Outside cabin with balcony

XY | Wheelchair-accessible outside cabin with balcony

XTJ | Outside cabin with balcony

TY | Wheelchair-accessible outside cabin

RR | Outside cabin

Discover More

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22 fun facts about Greenland

Snæfellsnes Peninsula and Grundarfjordur

Whale Watching in Húsavík

Iceland’s Wild East

Kirkwall - Skara Brae & Ring of Brodgar