Iceland Yarn Cruise

Enjoy two full days cruising at sea as we make our way north to Iceland. Whilst sailing, join Mandy for two days of workshops as well as making the most of the wonderful programme of events and activities on board the ship.

This morning, we will arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital and largest city in Iceland. Transfer to central Reykjavik for a guided tour with a local English-speaking guide. There may be the chance to visit Reykjavik City Pond, known locally as Tjörnin, one of Iceland’s most beloved and iconic inner-city features. Around the pond, you can find several of the city’s museum, along with Reykjavik City Hall.

Hallgrimskirkja, towering over the centre of Reykjavik, is the largest church in Iceland. Known for its distinctively curved spire and side wings, it has become an important symbol for Iceland's national identity since its completion in 1986.

Created to celebrate Reykjavik’s 200th birthday, the Sun Voyager is a steel sculpture on Reykjavík‘s splendid waterfront. The statue resembles a Viking longship, but this was not the artist’s original intention. It is a dreamboat and an ode to the sun, representing the promise of undiscovered territory and dreams of hope, progress and freedom.

Home to the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and Icelandic Opera, Harpa Concert Hall is a distinctive landmark in Reykjavik. The glass façade, made up of geometric shapes that change colour with the light of day, reflects its surroundings.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time for lunch.

The Hand Knitting Association of Iceland was established by a group of mainly women in 1977. Their aim was to increase their income by knitting and selling sweaters and other garments from the unique wool characteristic of the Icelandic sheep. We’ll visit their store selling the famous Iceland sweater or Lopapeysa, as well as knitting yarn and other accessories.

The rest of our time in Reykjavik is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can visit one of the city’s many museums or enjoy a touch of retail therapy in some of the city’s many yarn shops.

Return to the ship in time for dinner. The ship departs from the port of Reykjavik late evening.

We arrive into Ísafjörður early this afternoon. Located on the peninsular of the Westfjords, with a backdrop of steep mountains, the area has been one of Iceland’s most popular fishing and trading centres for over two centuries. The town centre’s preserved timber and tin-clad buildings are a joy to explore.

Easily navigable streets offer warm cafes, bakeries and welcoming family-run restaurants that serve the finest locally caught seafood all year round. The Westfjords Heritage Museum has exhibits on the town’s maritime history, while the Old Hospital contains archives and photography. The area surrounding Ísafjörður is the most rural in Iceland, with many secluded valleys that are home to historic and isolated farms.

We leave Ísafjörður this evening and cruise past Hornbjarg, one of the most remote cliffs in the north of Iceland. You will be able to appreciate the raw power of mother nature as this towering sea cliff drops vertically into the Arctic Ocean forming a stark natural barrier against the sea. You may also be able to spot puffins, guillemots, and other seabirds who nest here.

Nestled within the steep mountains of Eyjafjörður, visiting Akureyri in May offers fantastic opportunities to discover this small fishing town, overlooked by its distinctively shaped church and the volcanic lands that surround it. Our exclusive excursion visits Garn í Gangi yarn shop, where we will be welcomed to the store for a show and tell and an opportunity for some more yarn shopping!

We depart Akureyri early evening, and our cruise continues along the calm waters of Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. This time of year is ideal for searching out marine life that makes this region home, including humpback whales. Amongst the seemingly never-ending mountainous views, you’ll be able to spot tiny villages and farms dotted along the fjord’s shores, including on the Island of Hrísey. Known as the ‘Pearl of Eyjafjordur’, Hrisey is Iceland’s second largest island, yet only around 200 people live here in one tiny fishing village. The inhabitants share the flat green lands of the island with more than 40 bird species, including ptarmigans and the largest breeding colony of Arctic tern.

Early risers will have the chance to spot the large puffin colony at Hafnarhólmi, where the birds can often be seen flying over the water or nesting on the cliffs. As we cruise past the steep cliffs and through the deep blue waters of Borgarfjörður Eystri, the landscape surrounding the fjord is characterised by layered volcanic rock. The picturesque village of Bakkagerði is nestled against the dramatic natural backdrop, its colourful houses standing out against the starkness of the rugged Icelandic terrain.

We are now on the eastern side of Iceland, cruising the fjord of Seyðisfjörður, which shares its name with the town tucked away into its innermost corner. The surrounding calm blue waters, huge mountains, hills and cliffs lead us to an incredible display of nature: the Gufufoss Waterfall. Here, the river Fjarðará cascades down to a lagoon at the head of the fjord.

Early this afternoon, we arrive into Seyðisfjörður. Renowned as one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns, it is surrounded by green valleys where over 20 waterfalls cascade into the lagoon at the head of the fjord. We'll be able to see the town's brightly coloured wooden houses, in hues of red, blue, yellow, and green, sitting alongside the quaint bright blue church.

Enjoy two full days at sea as we sail back to Newcastle, continuing our workshops with Mandy.