Early Bird Specials -
- 15% Off + Air Credit of $1,500 pp by Sep 30 2024
Please click on 'Prices and Departures' above to see departure dates, cabin types and price details.
Day 1 – Reykjavik
Arrive in Reykjavik and make your own way to our group hotel.
Day 2 Embarkation
Explore the main sights of Reykjavik on a half day city tour before transferring to the pier for embarkation.
Day 3 Arnarstapi / Grundafjordur
Arnarstapi is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is an area of diverse landscapes that is characterised by lava fields and glistening fjords and home to a vast array of birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
Excursions: Highlights of Snaefellsness (8 hours/Easy), Natural Wonders of Snaefellsnes (8 hours/Moderate) and Snaefellsnes Adventure (8 hours/Difficult)
Days 4 Patreksfjordur & Dynjandi - Westfjords
Over the next three days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
At Patreksfjordur, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Latrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Latrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of natural wonders and unspoiled nature. Latrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of the North American continent on the other side of the Atlantic.
Days 5 Thingeyri - Westfjords
Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland's most picturesque fjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village's culture and industry have been intricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with towering mountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is often hailed as the "Alps of the Westfjords," especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords of Dyrafjordur and Arnarfjordur. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramatic backdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.
Excursions: That Viking Thing Experience (2 hours/Easy), Sandafell Mountain Hike (3 hours/Moderate-Difficult)
Day 6 Akureyri & Husavik
Picturesque Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.
Excursions: Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & Baths (8 Hours/Easy), Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & Dimmuborgir (8 Hours/Moderate), Hverfjall Volcanic Crater Hike, Dimmuborgir & Dettifoss (8 Hours/Strenous)
Day 7 Grímsey Island
Located approximately 40 km (25 miles) off the mainland, Grímsey is a verdant grassy island, probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Many people travel to Grímsey just to say they have stepped across the imaginary line. With a tiny population of approximately 100 inhabitants, it’s a fantastic place for Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and photographing seabirds such as guillemots, gulls and puffins.
Leaving Grímsey to return closer to the mainland, we spend time scanning the waters of Skjálfandi Bay around Húsavik, a town known as the Iceland’s ‘whale watching capital’, home to up to 24 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of birds. The largest animal on earth, the blue whale, has also been spotted in Skjálfandi Bay, and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature as well as others, such as orcas, fin whales and pilot whales.
Day 8 Skálanes Research Centre & Seyðisfjörður
Established in 2005, Skálanes is an independent nature reserve near Seyðisfjörður, that boasts beautiful bird colonies, abundant plant life, and fascinating archaeology. The stunning cliffs that reach to 640 metres are home to thousands of seabirds including nesting eiders and Arctic terns and a gradually evolving ecosystem of flora and fauna. Seals, whales and reindeers are a common sight. The landscape hosts remains of farms and turf structures which gives a context to the interaction of humans and nature since the settlement of Iceland. You may have the option to do a Zodiac cruise around the cliffs to see the bird colonies of kittiwakes, fulmars, and guillemots, or enjoy a walk ashore.
In the afternoon, we spend some time exploring Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque fishing village that is renowned for its charming collection of colourful wooden buildings located around the lagoon. Take a stroll around town and discover the timber houses that are remnants from when the Norwegians settled here and established the herring fishing facilities from 1870-1900. From the valley above the town, the river Fjardara tumbles down in beautiful cascades to the lagoon. There are a number of delightful hiking trails to explore, or alternatively, you can discover a flourishing cultural scene with an arts centre, the famous blue church that stages music concerts and the only two cinemas in the east of Iceland. Back in town, browse the stores where you will discover handicrafts by local artists and artisans – perfect as a souvenir or gift.
Day 9 Djupivogur
In Iceland’s east, we disembark in Djupivogur, our gateway to Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier.
Excursions: Waterfalls, Glacial Lagoons & Hot Tubs (10 Hours/Easy), Wonders of Vatnajokull National Park & Canyon Hike (9 Hours/Moderate) / Falljökull Glacier Hike (9 Hours/Difficult)
Day 10 At Sea
Day 11 Westman Islands
Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Westman Islands are surrounded by 15 other uninhabited islands and around 30 rocks and skerries offering refuge for rich array of seabirds. Westman Islands are considered to have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, and when sailing around the islands it is not uncommon to see puffins but also whales and seals.
Excursions: Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing (3 hours/ Easy) / Eldheimar Volcano Climb & Museum ( 3 hours/Difficult)
Day 12 Disembark Reykjavik
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey.
