Knitting Cruise through Iceland's Natural Wonders

With a late afternoon sailing you'll have time to make your way to Liverpool and settle into your cabin before our welcome get together and first dinner on board.

Two full day workshops with Julie as we sail towards Iceland.

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

Our exclusive full day excursion begins with a visit to Ístex Lopi in Mosfellsbær. Wool processing has been a trade here since 1896. Ístex is an appreviation of the full company name, Íslenskur Textiliðnaður, meaning Icelandic Textile Industry. Ístex 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. Thingvellir National Park is very important to every Icelander; the name translates as Parliament Plains. Althingi, the National Parliament of Iceland, was established here in 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. 

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. 

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. 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. Ísafjörður is also the port from which to discover the beautiful landscape of Vigur, The Paradise Island. 

Located in Northern Iceland, Akureyri is a beautiful town best known for its spectacular landscapes, lush vegetation and its diverse wildlife. The waters surrounding the town are teaming with rare, native species such as humpback whales, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. Within reach on the optional tours are incredible natural wonders, 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 we’ll find the very best galleries, exhibitions and restaurants that the town has to offer.

Nestled in between the beautiful Mount Strandartindur and Mount Bjolfur in the Eastfjords of Iceland, Seyðisfjörður is a 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 most photogenic waterfalls. 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.

Two full day workshops with Julie as we sail back towards the UK.

We arrive into Liverpool early this morning. Time to disembark and say farewell to your fellow crafters.