Whales, Waterfalls & Geysers of Iceland

From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Belfast is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Northern Ireland's capital offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience. Only in Belfast can the Titanic story be traced to its source, and the excitement of an era when the city was at the height of its powers relived.

Close to Queen’s University lie the fascinating Botanical Gardens, established for over 180 years. The unique Palm House was one of the world’s first cast-iron glass-houses and displays a wide range of tropical plants, ranging from bananas to rubber.[ReadMoreMob] Alongside, the Renaissance-styled Ulster Museum tells Ireland’s 9,000-year history through art, ceramics, costume, and prehistoric archaeology. To the city’s northern edge is the impressive Belfast Castle, offering wonderful views of the city as it stands 120m above the Irish Sea. [ReadMoreDesk]

Belfast is also perfectly placed to discover the stunning Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site and an incredible natural wonder steeped in myths and legends.

Reykjavik – Iceland’s stunning coastal capital and cultural centre – is the world’s most northerly capital. The city combines colourful buildings, impulsive, creative people, extraordinary design, and some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders.

The cosmopolitan city with big heart is home to the Althing – the world’s oldest parliament, and the National and Saga Museums, which trace Iceland’s Viking history. The impressive Hallgrímskirkja Church bell tower and the rotating Perlan glass dome offer panoramic views off island. Reykjavik’s galleries and exhibitions, including the outstanding Reykjavík Art Museum and National Gallery, feature radical Icelandic design, and there are many public art installations.[ReadMoreMob]

The capital has benefited from a surge in high-quality restaurant openings, offering a broad mix of creative cuisine. Daytime cafés switch to restaurants and bars at night – tapas, concept-dining and burger joints all sit comfortably together. And then there’s the wonderful nightlife.

Located in southwest Iceland – characterised by vast peninsulas, coves, straits and islands – Reykjavik is in easy reach of several must-see geological attractions. The iconic Golden Circle Trail includes the Blue Lagoon Spa, the Thingvellir National Park, the renowned Gullfoss Waterfall, and the incredible Geysir hot springs.

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach – Reykjavik’s little bit of paradise – is also unmissable. The popular sandy beach and geothermal lagoon, where cold sea and hot geothermal waters meet to produce higher temperatures, offers hot-tubs, steam baths and various water sports to try.

Reykjavik – Iceland’s stunning coastal capital and cultural centre – is the world’s most northerly capital. The city combines colourful buildings, impulsive, creative people, extraordinary design, and some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders.

The cosmopolitan city with big heart is home to the Althing – the world’s oldest parliament, and the National and Saga Museums, which trace Iceland’s Viking history. The impressive Hallgrímskirkja Church bell tower and the rotating Perlan glass dome offer panoramic views off island. Reykjavik’s galleries and exhibitions, including the outstanding Reykjavík Art Museum and National Gallery, feature radical Icelandic design, and there are many public art installations.[ReadMoreMob]

The capital has benefited from a surge in high-quality restaurant openings, offering a broad mix of creative cuisine. Daytime cafés switch to restaurants and bars at night – tapas, concept-dining and burger joints all sit comfortably together. And then there’s the wonderful nightlife.

Located in southwest Iceland – characterised by vast peninsulas, coves, straits and islands – Reykjavik is in easy reach of several must-see geological attractions. The iconic Golden Circle Trail includes the Blue Lagoon Spa, the Thingvellir National Park, the renowned Gullfoss Waterfall, and the incredible Geysir hot springs.

Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach – Reykjavik’s little bit of paradise – is also unmissable. The popular sandy beach and geothermal lagoon, where cold sea and hot geothermal waters meet to produce higher temperatures, offers hot-tubs, steam baths and various water sports to try.

The pretty, ancient church site of Ísafjörður, perched on the peninsular of the Westfjords, has been one of Iceland’s busiest and most important fishing and trading centres for over 250 years. With its fine natural harbour, Ísafjörður is set against a backdrop of steep mountains and an arcing spit that extends out into the deep Skutulsfjörður.

The town centre’s preserved timber and tin-clad buildings are a joy to explore.[ReadMoreMob] 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 occasional music festival in town provides the chance to experience modern Icelandic culture.

Ísafjörður is also the port from which to discover the beautiful landscape of Vigur, The Paradise Island. Only a short 30-minute boat trip away, and from late May through to August the island is home to thousands of puffins, arctic terns, eider ducks, black guillemots and more.

Hornstrandir – the King and Queen of Cliffs – is home to huge numbers of migrating birds every year, with fulmars, guillemots, kittiwakes, puffins and razorbills often seen perched on the rugged rocky ledges.

Soaring 500 metres into the sky, this incredible structure dominates that landscape at the tip of Iceland's mystical, remote Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. You’ll have unrivalled views as you glide by on board your smaller, more intimate cruise ship. 

One of the most unique natural wonders in Iceland, the remarkable Drangaskörð is a collection of dragon tail-like pinnacles rising from the sea and dominating the skyline of the breathtaking Westfjords. 

An awe-inspiring sight, Drangaskörð is among Iceland's most prominent landmarks and is best seen from the water. Aboard your smaller cruise ship, you'll be presented with unspolit views of this spectacular attraction and simply unmissable photo opportunities.

Located in Northern Iceland, Akureyri is a beautiful town best known for its spectacular landscapes, lush vegetation and its diverse wildlife. On your journey to Akureyri you’ll sail through the longest fjord in Iceland, Eyjafjordur, a wonderful prelude to your time on shore. 

The perfect destination for nature lovers, the waters surrounding the town are teaming with rare, native species such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and porpoises to go in search of. [ReadMoreMob]Within reach on tours are incredible natural wonders too, such as the Godafoss ‘Waterfall of the Gods’ and Lake Myvatn.

In the town centre, there are many museums, galleries and exhibitions to discover and enjoy, offering an insight into the diverse culture of Akureyri and Iceland as a whole. ‘Arts Alley’ – the main street that runs directly through the town – is Akureyri’s cultural hub. Here you will find the very best galleries, exhibitions and restaurants that the town has to offer.

The magnificent Eyjafjörður is the longest fjord in Iceland. Situated at the edge of the Arctic circle, the fjord lies on the migratory routes of many species of whales and birds so it's the perfect place to observe fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat.

The Eyjafjörður is narrow, so during a scenic cruise through the fjord, you'll get closer to the stunning natural landscapes, creating incredible photo opportunities.

Pretty Hrisey Island is known as the ‘Pearl of the Eyjafjordur’. It is Iceland’s second largest island, yet only around 200 people live here in one tiny fishing village. Those who do live on Hrisey share the flat green lands with about 40 bird species, including ptarmigans and Arctic terns. Framed by incredible mountainous landscapes and surrounded by the still waters of the Eyjafjordur, Hrisey is a delight to see as you glide along the longest fjord in Iceland.

Surrounded by the glorious Arctic Ocean and located on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Grimsey Island - Iceland's northernmost inhabited territory - is home to over a hundred people and over a million seabirds of varying species that perch themselves on the island's stunning cliff faces.

During a scenic cruise around the shores of this tranquil, unmolested bird watchers paradise you'll spot puffins, razorbills, guillemots and many more thriving in their natural habitat - an unforgettable sight.

The beautiful Borgarfjörður Eystri fjord in Eastern Iceland is among Europe’s most stunning destinations.

Regarded as a hiker’s paradise, Borgarfjörður Eystri – a European Destination of Excellence – is renowned for its craggy shores, steep cliffs and  the 1136-metre-high Dyrfjöll Mountains, which create an incredible backdrop of spectacular sights to captivate you as your ship sails the fjord's sumptuous blue waters.

Be sure to keep an eye on the shores to see the traditional fishing villages and spot native birds, including Puffins, Fulmar, Kittiwake and Eider Duck perched on the marshy ledges.

Nestled in between the beautiful Mount Strandartindur and Mount Bjolfur in the Eastfjords of Iceland, Seyðisfjörður is a unique place, and home to a unique collection of wonderfully preserved wooden structures.

Regarded as one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns, Seyðisfjörður’s remoteness makes a visit here even more special.  The valley above the town echoes to the sound of the 25 thundering waterfalls formed by the river Fjaroara as it cascades down to a lagoon at the head of the fjord. Gufufoss is one of its very photogenic waterfalls.[ReadMoreMob]

With its small population of some 800 people, Seyðisfjörður is a relaxing place to explore. The Skaftfell Centre for Visual Art makes for a quaint cultural visit and has a pleasant bistro. Fishing, cycling, golf and kayaking are all on hand in this welcoming town.

Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.

Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.

A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.