You’ll touch down in Iceland’s small but perfectly formed capital, Reykjavik, and press pause for a couple of days before boarding. It’s colourful, cool, coastal and has a beautiful Old Town and Old Harbour. Take a dip in local hot springs (Sky Lagoon has some of the best views), try a world-famous Icelandic hot dog and wander around Tjornin or along the sea front.

Complete your deep Iceland dive as you base yourself in Selfoss, the gateway to the island’s famed Golden Circle. The trio of sensational sights on the 190-mile round-trip route include the continent-spanning Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss, a 32-metre-high thundering waterfall.

Mother Nature is well and truly on her A-game when it comes to Iceland. As you hop around the coast, you’ll go from mountain to natural harbour to waterfall to puffin colony to volcano. Each day and each bay brings something different – it’s almost impossible to comprehend that such a bijou island can pack so much in.

A wealth of knowledge will be at your disposal by way of the HX Expedition Team, the Science Centre and a Citizen Science programme that encourages you to get involved. There’ll be a pro photographer on board to capture the trip and give you tips for your own image captures, and daily briefings by the team to outline what’s next on the agenda. It’s truly immersive stuff.

Reykjavik

Begin the trip with a full day in the Icelandic capital, seeing the sights, sampling the one-of-a-kind cuisine, and soaking up the small-city vibes.

Reykjavik

Head to the port and board the MS Fridtjof Nansen, your home for the next week. Get your bearings as she sets sail on the first leg of the round trip.

Grundarfjörður

Overlooked by the unmistakable peak of Kirkjufell, this delightful fishing village on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is your first port of call. It’s the gateway to Snæfellsjokull National Park, a spiritual spot dominated by the stratovolcano of the same name

Ísafjörður

The focus shifts to maritime history in the Westfjords, a remote peninsula in the north-west of the island. Dip into the Westfjords Heritage Museum or, if you fancy trying out nature’s StairMaster, take in the views from the top of Naustahvilft, also known as the troll seat.

Akureyri & Goðafoss

Pass through Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjörður en route to Akureyri, the island’s second largest city. The gorgeous Goðafoss (the ‘waterfall of the gods’), Lake Myvatn and the geothermal wonders of Námaskarð are all visited on the included HX excursion.

Húsavík & The Arctic Circle

The town of Húsavík is a base for whale-watching trips in Skjálfandi Bay from April to October. On an optional sea-life-seeking trip, you may see minke or humpback whales as well as white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. After departing Húsavík, you’ll sail round Grimsey Island and briefly pop into the Arctic Circle.

Bakkagerði

The birdwatchers’ dream of Bakkagerði, a tiny town full of folk law tales, is home to puffins, kittiwakes, eiders and fulmars. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the valleys and by cliffs for the nesting birds.

Heimaey

The petite Vestmannaeyjar island of Heimaey is today’s focus. It sits just off the south coast and has been dubbed the ‘Pompeii of the north’ thanks to the sudden eruption of Eldfell in 1973 which buried many of the town’s houses. You could take an included walk on the lava fields or treat yourself to a boat ride to spot puffins and other bird species along the cliffs.

Reykjavik to Selfoss

As you arrive back in Reykjavik, you’ll have completed your circumnavigation.

Selfoss

From the capital, head to Selfoss where you can base yourself for Golden Circle adventures.