Iceland Circumnavigation

10 Days

Overview

Experience the geological extremes on one of the world’s youngest islands. Walk on lava fields and ice sheets. Feel the wondrous power of hot springs and waterfalls. Cruise into the Westfjords and spot nesting sea birds. Hike along magnificent stretches of coast. Icelandic experts and musicians add insight and energy to the expedition.

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.

Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, turned sleepy summer islet. Walk around the charming little hamlet that has survived, and hike across hiking trails that trace the path past seasonal puffin population on the cliffs.

Skagafjörður is the gateway to north Iceland, known for its glacier rivers, Icelandic horses and saga history. Take a float trip on the Jökulsá river or visit a historic rural turf farm to understand rural life in Iceland. Or choose to explore Drangey Island and learn about Grettir the Strong and the saga named after him. You’ll also have a chance to spot the multitudes of birds that call the island home, such as kittiwakes, shearwaters and possibly even ravens and gyrfalcons.

Siglufjördur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland’s northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods.

Húsavík, the site of the first house built in Iceland, is the gateway to the geological exploration of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as the Lake Mývatn area, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, filled with hiking and waterfall exploration, or stay along the coast and take a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the GeoSea bath.

This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Celebrate officially arriving in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea sailing around the northern corner of Iceland to start your journey south.

Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Bakkagerði is well known for its local puffin colony. Walk across boardwalks to witness these colorful symbols of Icelandic wildlife. Once you have your best puffin photos, take an invigorating hike up to the best panoramic view of the fjord or bike along the fjord for an alternative view.

Arrive in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the foot of the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4×4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur or join a hike to the black sand beaches of southern Iceland.

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you’ll see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.

Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.