HIGHLIGHTS
- Witness
the incredible diversity of Iceland’s landscapes forged by
the powerful seismic activity that has shaped the island’s
appearance and way of life.
- The
cliffs at Latrabjarg are the easternmost point in Europe and home to a
large colony of nesting puffins.
- Hike
on Vigur Island where you can get close to rare Arctic birdlife.
- In
Husavik, keep your eyes and cameras peeled for the fluke of a whale
tail as it descends for a deep dive.
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Jul 28, 2025 | Aug 05, 2025 | 9,503 |
9,895 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Jul 28, 2025 | Aug 05, 2025 | 9,503 |
9,895 |
ITINERARY
Aurora
Expeditions operates in remote and challenging environments, and in the
spirit of expedition travel, we encourage you to adopt a flexible and
adventurous attitude when joining our voyages. This itinerary is a
guide only and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other
conditions beyond our control.
Day
1 Arrive Reykjavik
Having
made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of
Aurora Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at
your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality
desk to collect your luggage cabin tags and to speak with our ground
operations team, who may have information to share with you about
pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine,
withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or
supermarket. The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today
are at your own expense.
Accommodation:
Fosshotel Reykjavik Hotel (or similar)
Day
2 Embarkation Day
Breakfast
and check-out. Join our guided Golden Circle and Geothermal Energy
tour. With 85% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources,
Iceland sets an outstanding example when it comes to sustainable
energy. Our journey takes us to the famous seismic sights of the Golden
Circle route - Gullfoss waterfall, geysir, and history-rich Thingvellir
National Park, before we experience first-hand how green, sustainable
energy is produced at one of the largest single-site geothermal power
plants on the planet at the Geothermal Energy Exhibition and
Ljósafossvirkjun Power Station.
We’ll
also spend time at a true eco-village. Powered with thermal and solar
energy, Sólheimar is fully sustainable, boasting greenhouses
and forestry programmes, while its sustainable workshops are dedicated
to candle-making, carpentry, weaving and soap-making. Late afternoon we
return to Reykjavik for embarkation. This evening, get to know your
fellow expeditioners, expedition team and crew.
Day
3 Arnarstapi / Grundafjordur
At
Arnarstapi, our Zodiacs tender us ashore. Located on the Snaefellsnes
Peninsula, this area features diverse landscapes characterised by lava
fields, glistening fjords and home to Breidafjordur Bay which is rich
in 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. You can choose from a selection of shore excursion options that
best suits your interests and level of fitness. Options include a bus
tour to Mount Kirkjufell, one of the most famous mountains in Iceland,
or a choice of hikes including a glacier hike at
Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
Days
4-5 Westfjords
Over
the next two 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. Alternatively, enjoy a
shore excursion by coach to Rauthasnduris to explore the beach and seal
watching. At Dynjandi, witness one of Iceland’s most
impressive waterfalls – a difficult feat in a country that is
filled with spectacular cascading falls.
Day
6 Husavik & Akureyri
Arrive
in Husavik, the whale watching capital of Iceland. Choose from a
selection of shore excursions to best suit your interests and level of
fitness. Choose to visit Godafoss Falls and soak at Myvatn Nature
baths, an outdoor hot spring bathing complex surrounded by mountain
views. Alternatively, explore both Godafoss and Dettifoss waterfalls,
the Mývatn region and Krafla. In the evening, we reboard our
vessel in Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city outside the
capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.
Day
7 Siglufjordur
Siglufjordur
is the northernmost town on Iceland’s mainland and is a
historic fishing town whose fortune has been closely linked to the
success of the fishing industry. It’s an area of spectacular
natural beauty surrounded by mountains and the fjord. In the morning,
our expedition team will lead you on a guided hike suited to your level
of fitness. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore
this quaint town at your leisure, visiting the numerous galleries,
museums, artisanal workshops and local church. If we’re
lucky, we might get to taste some local beer.
Day
8 Vigur Island
On
Vigur Island, birdwatchers can try and tick a few species on their
list, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of
difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds.
Day
9 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. Transfer to Keflavik
airport or to your centrally located hotel.
Note: We do not
recommend booking flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of
disembarkation, as we may experience
delays at the conclusion of the voyage.
Sylvia Earle (Luxury Expedition, 126-guests)
Due to sail in October 2021 our new ship honours the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. As the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998 - this vessel pays tribute to Sylvia's long standing conservation efforts for marine protected areas and ocean wildlife. Sylvia Earle will be actively involved in the development of her namesake.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All
airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
- One
night’s hotel accommodation including breakfast, in Reykjavik
on Day 1.
- Visit
Iceland's famous Golden Circle prior to embarkation, on Day 2.
- Onboard
accommodation during voyage, including daily cabin service.
- All
meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage.
- Beer,
house wine and soft drinks with dinner.
- Captain’s
Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house
beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages.
- All
shore excursions and Zodiac cruises.
- Educational
lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team.
- Complimentary
access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial
consultation).
- One
3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket.
- Comprehensive
pre-departure information.
- Port
surcharges, permits and landing fees.
Note: A $15 USD per
person per day gratuity for the crew is automatically added to your
onboard account. It is at your discretion if you would like to remove
the tip (or adjust the amount) when you settle your bill. It is not
necessary to tip the expedition team members. This gratuity amount is
included for suites as part of their ‘Suite
Benefits’.
EXPEDITION
EXCLUSIONS
- International
or domestic flights – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Transfers
– unless specified in the itinerary.
- Airport
arrival or departure taxes.
- Passport,
visa, reciprocity and vaccination fees and charges.
- Travel
insurance or emergency evacuation charges.
- Hotel
accommodation and meals – unless specified in the itinerary.
- Optional
excursions and optional activity surcharges.
- All
items of a personal nature, including but not limited to alcoholic
beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), gratuities,
laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, wi-fi, email or
phone charges.
