19 Day Iceland & Norway Explorer
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Internal flight from Reykjavik to Bergen
✓ All airport and port transfers
✓ All coach and rail transportation
✓ 9 nights in comfortable, 4-star accommodation
✓ 8 nights on a thrilling expedition cruise around the Icelandic coast
✓ Guiding and lectures by world-class expedition team
✓ Shore excursions by Zodiac boats
✓ No gratuities expected
✓ Professional, English-speaking guide for land touring
✓ Breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 9 dinners
✓ Incredible sightseeing, like stepping across the Arctic Circle, exploring Norway’s spectacular fjords, experiencing Iceland’s mountains, lava fields, waterfalls and remote beauty
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Halló! Welcome to Iceland. The world’s northernmost capital, Reykjavik, lies just below the Arctic Circle.
On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours. This fascinating Nordic city is hip, cool and has a quiet, small-town vibe to it. Reykjavik is close to nature, nestled between volcanic mountain ranges and the scenic Icelandic coastline.
Being so small, it’s a great city to explore on foot, with lots of street art to admire too. The main shopping street of Laugavegur is where you’ll find the city’s famed nightlife, dining scene and excellent shopping. Perhaps stroll around the city’s quaint, narrow streets and visit the old harbour with its brightly coloured buildings. Stroll the waterfront walkway – be prepared for the wind – and try to take in the sunset from here.
You can’t miss the famous Hallgrimskirkja church. At 75 metres tall, from the top of the steeple you can enjoy sweeping views across the city and beyond. Its iconic jagged grey spire, resembling a mountain peak, can be seen from most parts of Reykjavik.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check-in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
It’s a free day for you to explore Iceland’s capital.
There are plenty of museums to visit, including the Settlement Exhibition to learn more about Iceland’s Viking history – it’s home to remnants of the original 10th-century houses that were built when they arrived. There are still many Viking influences around the city, blending seamlessly with modern icons like the Harpa concert hall, with its distinctive honeycomb exterior. The Perlan Museum – Wonders of Iceland is situated in one of Reykjavik’s most impressive buildings, with a planetarium and a replicated ice cave to explore.
Experience a quintessential Icelandlic tradition by taking the waters. There are 17 thermal pools in the city, filled with the natural geothermal water this country is renowned for.
Hungry? You’ll find an abundance of quirky cafes with a laidback vibe. Perhaps try a traditional Nordic delight, like fish stew or salted cod. If you’re feeling brave, fermented shark – yes, rotten shark – is an Icelandic delicacy. An Icelandic hot dog is the street food of choice, made from lamb meat. Visit Reykjavik institution Bæjarins Beztu, by the old harbour, and ask for “eina með öllu” (“one with everything”).
Today we’ll head north for the diverse landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, home to volcanic craters, black and golden sand beaches, lava fields and a glacier. A subglacial volcano towers over the scenery. It’s also known for its colourful wildlife, like birds and seals.
We’ll visit the black beach near Ytri Tunga farm, a favourite spot for local seals. We’ll continue to Snæfellsjökull National Park before arriving at the Vatnshellir lava cave, under the glacier, where you’ll descend into a magical world of stalactites, stalagmites and strange lava formations. This 8000-year-old lava tube reaches over 200 metres.
The day will continue visiting volcanic settings and black pebble beaches before finally arriving at the beautifully symmetrical Kirkjufell Mountain. One of Iceland’s most iconic landmarks, it rises 463 metres above the shoreline.
Before heading back to Reykjavik, you’ll make your way through the dramatic lava fields of Berserkjahraun, created some 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.
Today you’ll head down the South Coast of Iceland, stopping first at the remote seafront village of Vik. It’s a photographer’s dream, set on a dramatic stretch of coastline wedged between glacier-topped mountains, cliffs and black sand beaches.
From here we’ll continue to the roots of Kötlujökull glacier, where you’ll be greeted by layers and layers of different coloured ice. If any of the smaller ice caves are accessible, your guide will take you through them.
On the way back, we’ll stop by the waterfalls Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss. Skógafoss, with a cascade of 60 metres and an enormous width of 25 metres, is one of Iceland’s biggest and most beautiful waterfalls. There’s usually a rainbow here on sunny days!
Today you’ll be transferred to the port at the appropriate time to board the MS Fram, your expedition ship and home for the next nine days.
Cruising the entirety of Iceland’s coast is the perfect way to experience the country’s rugged, wild scenery and thrilling landscapes. You’ll see waterfalls, glaciers and charming towns. When you’re not exploring on land, enjoy the onboard amenities, entertainment and experiences – like port presentations and in-depth lectures that provide interesting context to your voyage.
As we sail north, keep an eye out for whales as the landscape changes to vast lava fields, volcanic mountains and smooth hillsides.
We’ll dock at the friendly town of Stykkishólmur, with its sherbet-coloured, well-preserved old houses. Enjoy exploring the interesting museums, like the Volcano Museum housed in a lovely old cinema.
Patreksfjördur is a charming settlement on the west coast of Iceland with around 660 inhabitants. The picturesque fjord offers scenic hiking trails if conditions allow. Patreksfjördur is also close to the spectacular waterfall of Dynjandi and to Látrabjarg, a renowned site for birdwatching.
Your experienced captain will plan a day exploring the stunning fjords of northwest Iceland. Deep fjords, steep mountains and the remote beauty of this region make for a breathtaking experience.
Conditions will determine the final program and activity for the day. We might visit a small settlement, embark on a hike or launch our kayaks.
In northern Iceland, Akureyri is a lively town, famous for its botanical gardens and heart-shaped traffic lights. Its brightly-coloured houses and snow-capped mountains make for a pretty sight as you cruise into the harbour. It is the most populous community outside Reykjavík, and is the centre of trade, culture and services for northern Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural treasures, such as Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall.
It’s not every day you get to step across the Arctic Circle! We’ll use the tender boats to reach this green and grassy island, best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. You’ll have the chance to step across that legendary line, the boundary between the far north and south.
We’ll dock at Bakkagerdi today, the main settlement in Borgarfjörður. This area is known for its natural beauty, ‘the land of the elves’. Puffin colonies abound in the fjord, making this a popular place for birdwatching.
Bakkagerdi is off the typical tourist track, and offers peace, quiet and lovely views.
The island of Heimaey, or ‘Home Island’ welcomes us for our visit. The harbour has a very narrow entrance, caused by a volcanic eruption in 1973. The island, a modern Pompeii, was nearly destroyed by lava flow.
Most of the island has steep cliffs, is well-vegetated and provides a habitat for countless birds, including the charming puffin. In the summer, it’s home to around eight million puffins.
We’ll return to Reykjavik. Upon disembarking, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bergen, to commence the Norwegian leg of this adventure.
On arrival in Bergen, make your own way to the hotel. We recommend the Flybussen express bus; tickets can be purchased when boarding the bus.
It’s a free day for you in the coastal town of Bergen. Explore the capital city of fjords, surrounded by mountains on one side and water on the other. It’s a quaint, nature-filled destination.
Perhaps take the funicular trip up to Mount Fløyen for amazing vistas of the town and Bergen fjord. Or visit Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy the old Hanseatic wharf and traditional wooden buildings.
Today your luggage will be transferred to Oslo to allow you to enjoy the fjords, unburdened. Your luggage will be picked up from hotel reception, no later than 6:30am, and be available at hotel reception in Osco the next day, no later than 9pm. You will need to pack an overnight bag for your stay in Voss.
Make your own way to the railway station, approximately 100 metres from your hotel, to board the train for Voss. When you arrive, make your own way to the hotel, located approximately 100 metres away.
Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.
Today, get ready for a visual feast as wind your way through this country’s spectacular fjords.
Start with the bus trip to Gudvangen, which includes the steep hairpin curves of Stalheimskleiva.
From Gudvangen you’ll go by premium boat to Flåm, through the narrow and beautiful Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will travel on the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest and most spectacular train lines in the world, to the high mountain station of Myrdal. It’s a feat of engineering, with a horseshoe tunnel that spirals in and out of the mountain. One of the world’s steepest tracks; on a 20km railway stretch, there’s a height difference of 866 metres. You’ll see magnificent mountain scenery; deep gorges, steep mountainsides and mountain farms on the steep slopes. You will then change for your train to Oslo.
On arrival, make your own way to your hotel located adjacent to the train station, where your luggage will be waiting for you.
It’s a free day for you to explore Oslo at your own pace. Nestled between forests and a fjord, Oslo is a compact city that blends art and culture with nature and its stunning surroundings.
Consider checking out its port, main streets, and the artworks at Frognerparken. The Viking Ship Museum on the Bygdoy peninsula is home to the world’s best-preserved Viking ship, exhibitions of ship burials of the Viking Age and unique Viking woodcraft.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Nordic adventure comes to an end.
At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport. We recommend the airport express train located at the station next to your hotel.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check-out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Hurtigruten offers unique expedition cruises to some of the most remote and pristine waters of the world. As with all expeditions; nature prevails. Weather, and ice and sea conditions, sets the final framework for all Hurtigruten’s operations. Safety and unparalleled guest experiences are at all times our top priorities. All our indicative itineraries are continuously evaluated for adaptions, whether this is due to constraints the elements unexpectedly presents – or exciting possibilities nature and wildlife offer. That is why we call it an expedition.
Shore excursions are only made available once you are closer to departure, as these are subject to change. Once known, your Dedicated Support Agent will provide as much information to you as possible. Alternatively, these can be booked on board your expedition. Please keep in mind that all shore excursions are subject to availability and conditions on the day.
For detailed cruise itinerary, click HERE.
For information on what to pack for Expedition Cruises to Antarctica and beyond, click HERE.
For further information on 'Life on Board' the MS Fram ship, click HERE.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE
PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT
Polar Inside - INCLUDED CABIN
Our cosy Polar Inside cabins can be found on all decks. All cabins include bathrooms with shower/WC. Most of the cabins have separate beds where one doubles as a sofa, while some are equipped with a double bed or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.6-10 square metres, no window.
Polar Outside - UPGRADE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $1000 per person twin share ($2000 single share) - subject to availability
Our Polar Outside cabins are situated mostly on middle or lower deck and all have bathrooms with shower/WC. Some have double beds, others offer separate beds (where one is a sofa bed) or upper and lower berths. All the cabins have individual specifications.
Arctic Superior - UPGRADE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $1800 per person twin share (3,600 single share) - subject to availability
Relaxation and comfort are the hallmarks of our Arctic Superior cabins. Situated on both upper and middle deck, they all have bathrooms with shower and WC. They are also equipped with tea and coffee -making facilities. Most of them have separate beds, where one doubles as a sofa, and some have double beds. All the cabins have individual specifications.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Full-service airline used will be Etihad Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa or similar.
Flights are not direct and include a maximum of two connections
If you would like to travel with a preferred airline, please ensure you mention this in the special request field. Please note that appropriate fare and tax difference will be applicable in order to confirm your request.
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control
Any airline 'extras' such as pre-allocated seating are at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $1,600 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”.
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
Please note gratuities are not included on the cruise BUT they are not expected. It is typical throughout the Arctic and Scandinavia that tipping is not expected nor is it a requirement. It is at the customer's discretion. You may consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $7,788 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Australian passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Iceland or Norway.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visas should not be applied for before receiving final documentation.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-40 people.
Trip Style
Expedition Cruise - These trips are for the true explorer. Expedition small ship cruising is the best way to get off-the-beaten-track and see some of the world's most unspoilt and remote destinations. The experience on an expedition cruise is very different from that of a conventional, larger cruise ship. The focus is not about the ship’s creature comforts but very much about about the destination, it’s nature and wildlife. Daily shore excursions by zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step on to shore in the world's most remote locations where few have ever been before. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package, on board your small ship you'll have an expert expedition team giving you informative lectures and educational lectures in many different scientific fields.
Children
Children must be 12 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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