Iceland: Into the Westfjords

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to ourgroup hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality area where you canleave your luggage and enjoy refreshments if arriving prior to 4pm. Whilst here you can collect your luggage cabintags speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkationor to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a localpharmacy or supermarket.The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.Accommodation: The Grand Hotel Reykjavik (or similar)

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabinnumber. Your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to the port for clearance anddelivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with youthroughout the day.Breakfast and check-out. Join our guided Golden Circle tour. Our journey takes us to the famous seismic sights of theGolden Circle route - Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir and history-rich Thingvellir National Park. This evening, get to knowyour fellow expeditioners, expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner to celebrate the start of a thrillingadventure.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Over the next three days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-droppingviews of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristineNorth Atlantic vegetation.At Patreksfjordur, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Latrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Latrabjarg ishome to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of naturalwonders and unspoiled nature. Latrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of theNorth American continent on the other side of the Atlantic.Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the afternoon as we cruise northward, taking in breathtaking landscapes andkeeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, we'll embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power ofDynjandi waterfall.

The Westfjords of Iceland are notably some of the most remote fjords in the country with many nooks and crannies or fjords and islands to explore. Spend two days enjoying expedition activities across this dynamic corner of Iceland, meeting locals who call this region home and using the ship as a platform of adventure and discovery.

Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland's most picturesquefjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village's culture and industry have beenintricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with toweringmountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is oftenhailed as the "Alps of the Westfjords," especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords ofDyrafjordur and Arnarfjordur. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramaticbackdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1 - That Viking Thing ExperienceDuration: 2 hours + free timeLevel of difficulty: EasyToday you will step back in time and learn about the Viking ways and how the hardy Norse people lived off the land.Walk through a recreated Viking area, learning about what is fact and what is fiction in the many stories you'veheard about the famous Vikings. A short hike brings you to the old ruins of the Viking meeting place called a Thing -the closest translation in English is 'parliament.' Step inside the interactive Viking Museum for a chance to dress upin authentic hand-sewn Viking clothing, take photographs, drink Icelandic Viking beer, bake your own Viking bread,and explore the museum - all part of learning more about Viking ways.Option 2 - Sandafell Mountain HikeDuration: 3 hoursLevel of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult (dependent on fitness level)For avid explorers, Iceland is littered with hidden gems, and possibly the best-kept secret of all is the Westfjords.Lying in the most north-westerly area of the island, this sprawling area of natural beauty is truly a hiker’s paradise.Rocky peaks, deep crevices, and charming Icelandic towns all add to the appeal of the Westfjords, not to mentionthe various hiking trails snaking across the unusual countryside. Today we will hike Sandafell, offering gorgeousviews over the town, surrounding mountains and the water below.

The Westfjords of Iceland are notably some of the most remote fjords in the country with many nooks and crannies or fjords and islands to explore. Spend two days enjoying expedition activities across this dynamic corner of Iceland, meeting locals who call this region home and using the ship as a platform of adventure and discovery.

On Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes ofvarying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds. The island's unique ecosystem is a haven for birdlife,making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Stroll along the coastline, keeping an eye out for puffins and otherseabirds, or venture deeper into the island to discover hidden gems. With its rolling hills, picturesque landscapes,and fresh sea air, Vigur offers an unforgettable experience.

Vigur Island is a little more than a mile (1.6 km) in length and about 450 yards (412 m) wide. This green oasis punctuates the waters of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord east of the town of Isafjordur. The island is home to a single farming family and has some meticulously preserved historical landmarks including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark; and a 200-year-old rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland. Summer is the best time to see large numbers of Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots. One of the export articles from this small island was eider down and one can see where the eider ducks nest and how the down is collected and cleaned.

Picturesque Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1 - Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & BathsDuration: 8 hours including lunchLevel of difficulty: EasyOur first stop will be the the Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. There is a 400-metre trail, easy and mostly flat, approximately 10 minutes to get to the main viewpoint. Next, you'll visit LakeMyvatn and explore the area. At the conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Mývatn Nature Baths.Drawing on a centuries-old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experiencethat begins with a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth´s surface and endswith a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 metres / 8,200 feet.Option 2 - Góðafoss, Lake Myvatn & DimmuborgirDuration: 8 hours including lunchLevel of difficulty: ModerateOur first stop will be the the Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. There is a 400-metre trail, easy and mostly flat, approximately 10 minutes to get to the main viewpoint. Next, you'll visit LakeMyvatn’s Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters. Wander the marked walking paths through the area. You can easily walkaround the bowl-like landmasses or take a hike to reach the top for a magnificent view of the scenic surroundings. Atthe conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Dimmuborgir, an area strewn with enormous lava rocks andcliffs. The formation of these extraordinary lava cliffs and pillars are the result of molten lava flowing over a pond inthe eruption of Lúdentsborgir and Þrengslaborgir some 2,300 years ago. The most famous of these formations is"The Church", aptly named, as this is a cave, open at both ends and with a dome-like ceiling.Option 3 - Hverfjall Volcanic Crater Hike, Dimmuborgir & DettifossDuration: 8 hours including lunchLevel of difficulty: StrenuousOur first stop will be Dimmuborgir, an area strewn with enormous lava rocks and cliffs. The formation of theseextraordinary lava cliffs and pillars are the result of molten lava flowing over a pond in the eruption of Lúdentsborgirand Þrengslaborgir some 2,300 years ago. The most famous of these formations is "The Church", aptly named, as thisis a cave, open at both ends and with a dome-like ceiling. From here walk up the steep slopes of Hverfjall Crater andaround the crater’s rim for otherworldly and awesome views of the surrounding landscape. This is a 9km loop trailand takes approximately 3 hours or 3.5 hours to include walking around the rim. At the conclusion of lunch, re-jointhe coach to travel to Dettifoss waterfall in northeast Iceland and is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall inEurope. The falls are 100 metres / 328 feet wide and have a drop of 44 metres / 144 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfurcanyon.Return to Akureyri for a free evening. Discover the charm of this northern gem as you explore its vibrant streets.Unwind in cosy pubs, savour the taste of Iceland's finest craft beers at local breweries, or immerse yourself in thecity's lively atmosphere.

Akureyri, called the Capital of the North is the second largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile) long Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is sheltered from the ocean winds and embraced by mountains on three sides. Late 19th-century wooden houses impart a sense of history, and the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church rising on a green hill near the waterfront, provide a focal point. To the south of Akureyri is the pyramid-shape rhyolite mountain Súlur. Beyond it is Kerling, the highest peak in Eyjafjörður District.

Disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue youronward journey. Transfer to Akureyri airport.Note: Passengers who book an early morning flight to Reykjavik must advise us in advance so we can arrange earlierdisembarkation and the appropriate transfer.

Akureyri, called the Capital of the North is the second largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile) long Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is sheltered from the ocean winds and embraced by mountains on three sides. Late 19th-century wooden houses impart a sense of history, and the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church rising on a green hill near the waterfront, provide a focal point. To the south of Akureyri is the pyramid-shape rhyolite mountain Súlur. Beyond it is Kerling, the highest peak in Eyjafjörður District.