Iceland and Beyond – Reykjavík to Hamburg via Scotland’s Northern Isles

 Gateway to spectacular SnæfellsnesThe 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 lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for the array of landscapes. At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater, or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube.

 Explore Westfjords’ beautiful harbourside townFlanked 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.

 Explore a ghostly factory and hike in magical surroundingsThe remote village of Djúpavík, at the edge of the Westfjords, has an eerie charm. A vast abandoned herring factory contrasts with a stunning rural setting. A guided tour of the old herring factory should not be missed. Inside its cavernous interior, huge machines rust away quietly, and the everyday objects of the workers sit on desks untouched.   Explore the magical surroundings here on foot and take a short, invigorating hike to the waterfall just above the old factory. Looking down onto the shore, you may spot the old rusting ship from a previous era – this really is a place of contrasts.

 See dramatic moonscapes and waterfallsGaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi bay, it's one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.  Iceland’s so-called 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri sits at the fjord head. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden and visit local eateries and museums.   A little further afield, 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 watchingHúsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and we’ll be calling here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour 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 Húsavík’s Whale Museum. Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettiffos, and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which according to Icelandic myth, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later, we’ll sail along the coast of Grímsey island without landing, passing across the Arctic Circle as we do so, before continuing to our next destination.

 Explore a place beloved of puffins and elvesYour Iceland expedition cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. 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.  A popular hiking area, here you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins.

 See the second-largest ice cap in EuropeLeaving the land of ice and fire and heading towards the British Isles, if conditions allow, we hope to cruise by and admire Vatnajökull, the second-largest ice cap in Europe. Set in Vatnajökull National Park, the ice cap is the largest in Europe by volume and area. Given its unique natural characteristics, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. As you explore, your Expedition Team will help you understand more about how climate change impacts glaciers in Iceland and beyond.

 Relax and recharge with a day at seaRelax and enjoy a day at sea as we sail towards Lerwick in the Shetlands Islands.  Socialise with your fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, and swap stories of your adventures so far. Keep your eyes peeled while on deck formarine life and seabirds – you can even chill out in the hot tub as you do so.  Or why not listen to some lectures from the Expedition Team and find out more about what lies ahead in the British Isles.

 Discover Scotland's most northerly inhabited islesToday we'll dock alongside Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands. Set in stunning scenery, we’ll spend the day exploring this friendly, Victorian-influenced fishing town. Navigate the narrow lanes on foot to discover little shops selling local whiskies, woollen sweaters and fudge. By the old waterfront, you’ll find the Shetland Museum, charting the area's rich history. Nearby you can see Fort Charlotte and the regal Town Hall. The wider island is home to remarkable Iron Age villages and the Shetland Crofthouse Museum, where you'll learn about the hard life of the local crofters.

 A scenic stop for bird loversYour cruise continues to the remote Fair Isle, known for its birds and knitwear. A magnet for birders and wildlife photographers, the island is home to 27 bird species. It's a vital stop for migrating seabirds, drawn to the red sandstone cliffs, green fields and moors. We’ll attempt to land so you can join a clifftop hike to a spectacularly sited lighthouse with the Expedition Team. Gain fascinating insights into the life and history of the 65-strong island community at the local museum. You can support Fair Islanders by buying genuine Fair Isle knitwear direct from local makers. If landing isn’t possible, the scenic cruising is just as spectacular.

 Learn about Kirkwall's Norse heritageToday we cruise to the Orkney Islands' largest town. You'll explore Kirkwall, the vibrant, Viking-influenced capital of the Orkneys that's still compact enough to cover on foot. Visit the regal St Magnus Cathedral, made from distinctive local red sandstone, and the adjacent Earl’s Palace to see the stone ruins of this once-grand Renaissance building. The Neolithic settlement of Scara Brae is also only a bus ride away.  Whisky aficionados will enjoy Kirkwall's Highland Park and Scapa distilleries for their sublime single malts. If you fancy something different, Orkney Distillery produces gin made from local Orcadian botanicals.

 Reflect as you head towards GermanyEnjoy a final day at sea as you cruise from Scotland to Germany.  If you haven’t already, today is a great day to make the most of the ship’s facilities. Relax and enjoy the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs. Work out in the fitness room or drink in the views from the observation decks. You can also enjoy the company of fellow explorers over drinks in the Explorer Lounge & Bar and reflect on the wonderful voyage you’ve had.

 End your cruise in Germany’s second cityYour expedition cruise comes to an end as we arrive in Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany and one of the greenest urban areas in Europe. There’s much to see and do in Hamburg. If you have time, you'll find many attractions in the Altstadt district, including the St Nikolai Memorial and the historic street of Deichstraße.   Hamburg is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chilehaus, and the world's largest historic warehouse complex in Speicherstadt. Art lovers should head to Kunsthalle, the nation’s foremost art museum.