Iceland Knitting or Crochet Cruise

Enjoy two full days cruising at sea, as you make your way north to Iceland. Whilst sailing, join Anna for two days of workshops as well as making the most of the wonderful programme of events and activities onboard ship.

This morning, we will arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital and largest city in Iceland. Our exclusive and included full-day excursion will begin with a visit to Istex Lopi in Mosfellsbaer, where wool processing has been a trade here since 1896. Íslenskur Textiliðnaður, meaning Icelandic Textile Industry or Ístex for short, produces and sells the famous Alafosslopi and other Lopi yarns for hand knitting such as Plötulopi, Bulkylopi and Léttlopi. They are also manufacturers of industrial yarns for knitting, weaving and carpet manufacturing and all their products are made out of high-quality Icelandic wool.

From Mosfellsbær, we follow the famous Golden Circle route from Reykjavik into the southern uplands. Three highlights of the tour include Thingvellir National Park, Gulfoss waterfall, and the geothermal area in Haukadalur, home to the Geysir and Strokkur geysirs.

Our fantastic day will end at the Thingborg Wool Centre, brainchild of a group of women who started to meet here to work with wool and soon opened a shop to sell their crafts.

Today, your included excursion is to the iconic Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by a mossy green lava field, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is a truly otherworldly experience. The lagoon has a floor covered in silica mud, which is incredibly healing and soothing for the skin. What was originally a pool of wastewater from a geothermal plant, soon became a national hit as Icelanders started bathing in the water and applying the wholesome mud. Now a luxurious spa, the Blue Lagoon is a glorious destination that still retains its beautiful natural atmosphere and surroundings.

We will return to Reykjavik in time for you to explore some of the cities yarn shops before re-boarding the ship to continue the voyage around Iceland.

This morning we arrive into Ísafjörður. Located on the peninsular of the Westfjords, with a backdrop of steep mountains, this 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.

This morning we sail into Akureyri. Located at the end of the Eyjafjordur, Iceland’s longest fjord, the waters around the fjord and coastline offer one of the best feeding grounds in the world for cetaceans, particularly humpback whales. Here you will have the opportunity to join an optional excursion to visit the breathtaking Goðafoss, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’. Alternatively, you can explore ‘Arts Alley’, the main street that runs directly through Akureyri, or visit one of the many museums and galleries with exhibitions offering an insight into the diverse culture of this town and Iceland as a whole.

Today we visit Seyðisfjörður, regarded as one of Iceland’s most picturesque towns, surrounded by incredible nature including mountains, beautiful sea views and waterfalls which cascade down into the lagoon at the head of the fjord. Skalanes Nature Reserve is situated on the south side of the town and covers an area of over 1,200 hectares. It is known for its diverse wildlife, boasting 47 species of birds such as the black tailed godwit, as well as cetaceans including seal and porpoise and over 150 varieties of plants!

Two full days at sea as we sail back to Liverpool and continue our workshops with Anna.