HIGHLIGHTS
- Circumnavigate
the entire island nation
- Heli-flightsee
over remote parts of Iceland
- Explore
two national parks
- Cross
the Arctic Circle by sea
- Photograph
Kirkjufell Mountain and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall
- Visit
Látrabjarg, the tallest bird cliff in Europe
- Observe
iconic puffins
- Visit
Vatnajökull glacier
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Jul 27, 2026 | Aug 07, 2026 | 13,895 |
14,676 |
Rates are listed per person
|
| Start Date | End Date | From EUR | From USD |
|---|
| Jul 27, 2026 | Aug 07, 2026 | 13,895 |
14,676 |
ITINERARY
Day
1: Arrive in Iceland
Arrive
at the international airport in Keflavik, and transfer independently to
your included hotel in Reykjavik, which is about 40 minutes away.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore
Iceland’s fascinating capital. Plenty of cultural and
historical landmarks are located right near the walkable city center.
Day
2: Embark on Ultramarine
Enjoy
your complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Your transfer to the ship is
scheduled for the afternoon, leaving you time to explore Reykjavik in
the morning and have lunch on your own before you rendez-vous back at
the hotel for the bus transfer to the port.
Day
3: The West-Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Dramatic Landscapes
The
scenic Snaefellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland is renowned for
its diverse landscapes: glaciers, mountains, lava fields,
geothermal areas and ruggedly beautiful coastlines. Often referred to
as “miniature Iceland” or “Iceland in a
nutshell,” the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, while not vast, is a
microcosm of all of the natural wonders and dramatic landscapes
you’ll see throughout Iceland.
This
exciting day begins with guests disembarking Ultramarine and traveling
by coach bus—with local guides and members of our expedition
team—to visit the lonely Kirkjufell (“Church
Mountain”), which rises from the sea as a dramatic backdrop
for Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall—undoubtedly the most
photographed location in all of Iceland. Kirkjufell may be extra
familiar to fans of “Game of Thrones” in which the
mountain appeared as one of the landmarks beyond “The
Wall.” The tour of the peninsula may also include visits to
some of the tiny, beautiful villages that dot the peninsula. The
majority of these small settlements, the most notable of which include
Arnarstapi, Grundarfjörður and
Stykkishólmur, are located on the northern side of the
peninsula, where communities rely on the rich fishing grounds of
Breiðafjörður Bay. Tourism and fishing drive
the local economy.
You’ll
also be able to stretch your legs on a short walk along a craggy but
undemanding foot path along coastal cliffs that offers views of the
Arnarstapi rock arch, also known as Gatklettur, formed from massive
basalt columns. A section of this short trail passes through a lava
field, a signature Icelandic experience. Other highlights of
today’s outing include a visit to the Bjarnarhöfn
Shark Museum, and an Icelandic food tasting experience. You
can’t leave Iceland without sampling hakarl (fermented shark).
Day
4 to 6: The Westfjords: Hidden gem of Iceland
Each
region of Iceland has its own appeal for nature seekers, birding
enthusiasts and history-lovers, and the seldom-visited Westfjords,
where the land meets the sea in the most dramatic fashion, is no
exception. Often referred to as “Iceland’s
best-kept secret,” this rugged peninsula at the
country’s remote northwestern tip is rife with fjords, and
mountains that slope gracefully down to the sea. We’ll spend
our time exploring the fjords and shores of Iceland’s oldest
region, enjoying its kaleidoscope of diverse land and seascapes. Here,
tumbling cliffs and gushing waterfalls alternate with colorful beaches,
and rolling green hills lead up to high moorlands dotted with rocky
outcrops, small lakes, and the occasional shaggy Icelandic sheep or
pony grazing in the distance. A few modest outposts of civilization, in
the form of small fishing communities nestled along the fjords and
shores of the Denmark Strait, face out into the mighty
Atlantic—keeping alive a maritime heritage going back to the
Viking days.
The
Westfjords are the least developed parts of Iceland’s coastal
areas and, consequently, the wildest. Guests will venture into this
territory on Zodiac cruises and during guided shore landings at
unspoiled wilderness areas where they can hike and explore on foot. We
also hope to visit remote settlements such as the island farm at Vigur,
and witness the thousands of seabirds—including puffins,
guillemots, fulmars and razorbills—at Látrabjarg,
one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe. This is a much sought-after
destination for birders and ornithologists from around the world.
We’ll also visit the Heritage Museum at Hnjótur,
which showcases the history of everyday life in the Westfjords. If
weather conditions are favorable, we aim to take guests heli
flightseeing during our time in the Westfjords.
Day
7 & 8: Northern Iceland (Norourland): Waterfalls, lava fields,
and geothermal areas
Iceland
is truly a land of contrasts. This becomes increasingly evident over
the next two days as our coach bus follows the iconic Diamond Circle
route. You’ll soon learn that the north of Iceland, with its
long valleys and peninsulas, is interspersed with mountains, lava
fields, and smooth hills carved out over time by the unceasing river
flow. Many firsttime visitors to the region are surprised to discover
that the deep and numerous indentations along the northern coasts are
alternately lush with vegetation—or completely barren. Your
sense of awe will be intensified as we approach the Arctic Circle and
the captivating brilliance of the midnight sun.
Prepare
to be overwhelmed by some of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe:
Dettifoss (unrivalled in its thunderous roar), the historic
Goðafoss (also known as “Waterfall of the
Gods”) and the beautiful Aldeyjarfoss (which cascades 20
meters over a wall of hexagonal basalt columns). You’ll be
equally awestruck by the spectacular Kolugljúfur and
Jökulsárgljúfur gorges, the rocky sea
stacks of Hvítserk and Stórakarl, the
horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, the geological wonders of
Mývatn and the lava fields of Dimmuborgir—which
appeared in numerous scenes in “Game of Thrones.”
Anticipate some surreal moments at Hverir, where you’ll
witness bubbling mud pots and geothermal vents, and likewise at
Skútustaðir, where you’ll encounter
pseudocraters, volcanic features formed not by eruptions but by steam
from underground.
You
can also fulfill a polar milestone on this voyage by crossing the
Arctic Circle. In fact, you’ll get to visit the small island
of Grímsey (population: 70), which is the only part of
Iceland that lies within the Arctic Circle. Expect to see large
populations of puffins. While the stunning scenery will prompt you to
reach for your camera over and over again, we invite you to stand still
for a moment, put down your device, and simply embrace the wonder of
this enchanting landscape.
Day
9 & 10: East Iceland (Austurland): Fjords, mountains, and
helicopters
East
Iceland is characterized by fantastic scenery, featuring deep narrow
fjords, and tall mountains. The region is home to the
country’s largest forest
(Hallormsstaðaskógur), lush farmlands and plenty of
streams and mountains. Thanks to the abundant fjords and their natural
harbors, picturesque fishing villages line the coast.
Iceland’s biggest rhyolite (volcanic)
formations—those easily accessible from an inhabited
area—are found around the village of
Borgarfjörður Eystri, while impressive magma chambers
filled with colorful mineral deposits can be visited along the eastern
coast. In the summer months, the east of Iceland becomes a creative hub
for artists and young people from Iceland and abroad.
You’ll
have opportunities on these two days to view some of this stunning
scenery during a heli flightseeing adventure (weather permitting, of
course), and during a coach excursion to Vatnajökull National
Park, with its abundance of glaciers (notably Vatnajökull),
volcanoes, waterfalls and geothermal springs. Plentiful activities
await us in the park: we’ll travel to
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a stunning
glacial lake; explore the spectacular icebergs at
Jökulsárlón; spend time at black sand
Diamond Beach; and take a guided glacier hike in Skaftafell area.
Day
11: The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar): Nature rich archipelago
East
Iceland is characterized by fantastic scenery, featuring deep narrow
fjords, and tall mountains. The region is home to the
country’s largest forest
(Hallormsstaðaskógur), lush farmlands and plenty of
streams and mountains. Thanks to the abundant fjords and their natural
harbors, picturesque fishing villages line the coast.
Iceland’s biggest rhyolite (volcanic)
formations—those easily accessible from an inhabited
area—are found around the village of
Borgarfjörður Eystri, while impressive magma chambers
filled with colorful mineral deposits can be visited along the eastern
coast. In the summer months, the east of Iceland becomes a creative hub
for artists and young people from Iceland and abroad.
You’ll
have opportunities on these two days to view some of this stunning
scenery during a heli flightseeing adventure (weather permitting, of
course), and during a coach excursion to Vatnajökull National
Park, with its abundance of glaciers (notably Vatnajökull),
volcanoes, waterfalls and geothermal springs. Plentiful activities
await us in the park: we’ll travel to
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, a stunning
glacial lake; explore the spectacular icebergs at
Jökulsárlón; spend time at black sand
Diamond Beach; and take a guided glacier hike in Skaftafell area.
Day
12: Disembark in Reykjavik
You’ll
disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s bustling capital, at the
end of your journey. If you have booked postexpedition accommodation,
we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
Ultramarine (Luxury Expedition, 199-guests)
Ultramarine is designed to go beyond the familiar in polar exploration, to discover new places, and immerse you in the best the region has to offer. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size. It also features a best-in-class 70-day operational range and an innovative mix of sustainability features that exceed all industry standards.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Specialist
Expedition Leaders:
Our
team is comprised of the most professional and passionate Expedition
Leaders in the world, who bring a wide range of experience and
expertise to every adventure.
Immersive
Off-ship Activities:
Itineraries
are packed with adventure options designed to immerses travelers in the
polar wilderness, enabling them to connect with the natural wonders of
their surroundings.
On-Ship
Experiences & Facilities:
Designed
for comfort and adventure, each ship accommodates no more than 200
guests. Facilities include comfortable cabins, exceptional dining
options, wellness treatments, and breathtaking panoramic views of the
polar landscape.
Food
& Beverages :
Premium
dining, with a wide selection of options that accommodate a variety of
dietary preferences.
Quark
Expedition Perks :
Complementary
Wi-Fi, alcohol on all voyages, and the Official Quark Expeditions parka
to take home.
Transfers
:
Select
voyages include essential transportation and accommodation arrangements
for guests, ensuring seamless travel to and from the expedition
starting point.
Adventure
Options:
- Polar Plunge in the Arctic
- Zodiac Cruising in the Arctic
- Hiking in the Arctic
- Presentations
- Flightseeing in the Arctic Aboard Ultramarine
Optional
Activities
- Paddling excursion in the Arctic - USD 295
- Sea Kayaking in the Arctic - USD 1,795
