Iceland Knitting Cruise

Whilst sailing, join Juliet for two days of workshops, as well as making the most of the wonderful programme of events and activities on board ship.

On Monday evening, enjoy scenic cruising along Iceland's dramatic south coast. Sail past the glacier-capped volcano Eyjafjallajökull, whose 2010 eruption brought worldwide attention to Iceland's powerful volcanic landscape, before passing the remote island of Elliðaey in the Vestmannaeyjar archipelago.

Known for its solitary white cottage perched on a grassy hillside, the island has inspired countless myths and legends, adding to the intrigue of this striking coastal landmark.

This morning, we will arrive in Reykjavík, the world's most northerly capital and the largest city in Iceland. Our exclusive, included full-day excursion will begin with a visit to Ístex Lopi in Mosfellsbær, where wool processing has been a trade since 1896. Íslenskur Textiliðnaður – meaning Icelandic Textile Industry, or Ístex for short – produces and sells the famous Álafosslopi and other Lopi yarns for hand knitting, such as Plötulopi, Bulkylopi and Léttlopi.

From Mosfellsbær, we follow the famous Golden Circle route from Reykjavík into the southern uplands. Iceland's most celebrated sightseeing route showcases some of the country's most spectacular natural wonders. Explore Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet; marvel at the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall as it plunges into a dramatic canyon; and visit the geothermal area of Haukadalur, home to the famous Geysir and the regularly erupting Strokkur geyser, which sends boiling water high into the air every few minutes. This unforgettable journey offers a fascinating introduction to Iceland's unique geology and breathtaking landscapes.

Our fantastic day will end at the Thingborg Wool Centre, the brainchild of a group of women dedicated to preserving Iceland's rich knitting traditions. During our visit, you will be able to browse a wonderful selection of high-quality Icelandic yarns, handcrafted garments and unique gifts, as well as meet local craftspeople and gain an insight into the country's enduring wool and textile heritage.

During today's excursion, a stop will be made for lunch (at own expense). Bolette will remain in port overnight.

This morning, enjoy an included guided sightseeing tour of Reykjavík with a local English-speaking guide. As you explore the world's northernmost capital, discover its fascinating blend of Viking heritage, contemporary culture and striking architecture. Your tour may include a visit to Tjörnin, Reykjavík's picturesque city pond, surrounded by museums and the City Hall, before continuing to the city's most famous landmarks.

Admire the soaring Hallgrímskirkja Church, an iconic symbol of Iceland; the spectacular Harpa Concert Hall, with its shimmering geometric glass façade; and the striking Sun Voyager sculpture on the waterfront, a modern work of art symbolising hope, discovery and freedom. Throughout the tour, your guide will bring the city's history, culture and traditions to life.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time for lunch (at own expense) or go shopping in some of the city's many yarn shops.

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 Icelandic sweater, or Lopapeysa, as well as knitting yarn and other accessories.

Return to the ship prior to sailing late afternoon.

We arrive in Ísafjörður this morning, the largest town in Iceland's remote Westfjords. Nestled beneath dramatic mountain slopes and surrounded by deep fjords, this picturesque fishing town has been an important trading and maritime centre for more than 200 years.

Today you will have time to wander its charming streets, lined with beautifully preserved timber and tin-clad houses, and discover inviting cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants serving fresh local seafood. You may wish to visit the Westfjords Heritage Museum to learn about the region's rich seafaring past, or explore the Old Hospital's fascinating historical archives and photography collections. Beyond the town lies one of Iceland's most unspoilt landscapes, where secluded valleys and isolated farms offer a glimpse into traditional rural life. Alternatively, today you might like to join one of the optional excursions offered by Fred Olsen (additional cost).

We leave Ísafjörður late afternoon and cruise through the spectacular Westfjords. En route, we pass the tiny island of Vigur, home to a single farming family, where you'll spot turf-roofed buildings, Iceland's only windmill and Europe's smallest post office. The island is also an important nature reserve, renowned for its nesting puffins, Arctic terns, guillemots and eider ducks.

Continue past the towering sea cliffs of Hornbjarg, rising dramatically from the Arctic Ocean and alive with seabirds during the summer months, before admiring the jagged Drangaskörð sea stacks, known as the 'Mountain of Teeth', one of Iceland's most striking coastal landmarks.

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, the fjord is also a summer breeding ground for humpback and minke whales.

Our exclusive excursion visits the 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!

Departing Akureyri late this afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising past Grímsey, Iceland's northernmost inhabited island, located on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Home to a small community and more than a million seabirds, its dramatic cliffs provide nesting sites for puffins, razorbills, guillemots and many other species, offering excellent wildlife viewing from the comfort of the ship.

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

Early this afternoon, we arrive in 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, and explore independently. Alternatively, this afternoon you might like to join one of the optional excursions offered by Fred Olsen (additional cost).

Two full days at sea as we sail back to Newcastle, continuing our workshops with Juliet.