HIGHLIGHTS
- Sail
around the Island of Fire and Ice, discovering its wealth of wildlife,
striking geological formations, and a culture steeped in saga and
exploration history
- Explore
a variety of landscapes across the island, from lava fields and
geothermal springs to black-sand beaches and thundering waterfalls
- Hike
the rim of a volcanic crater for spectacular views of the Westman
Islands
- Walk
along boardwalks for close views of puffins at
Borgarfjarðarhöfn, often called the ‘puffin
capital of Iceland’
- Visit
Goðafoss, the largest waterfall in Iceland, and cruise among
ethereal icebergs in a glacier lagoon
- Explore
Iceland's remote countryside by venturing into the uniquely shaped
Ásbyrgi Canyon and surveying the glacial canyons of the
northern coast
- With
the National Geographic Expeditions Adventurers program, our exclusive
family program, kids and teens will learn about this fascinating part
of the world—from puffling patrol to the split of Iceland's
tectonic plates
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person
Rates are listed per person
ITINERARY
Day
1:Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship
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.
Meals
Included: Dinner
Day
2:Westfjords
Explore
the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike or kayak
along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall. Enter
Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of
animal life, including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds.
Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the
landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning
process and are active stewards of the colonies of puffins and black
guillemots who call the island home.*
*Visit
subject to nesting seabird season and not available on all dates.
Meals
Included: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner
Day
3:Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður
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 northernmost mainland
settlement by joining the local forestry association, one of over 50
associations in Iceland, for an afternoon of conservation in their
local forest. Learn what it takes to maintain and develop a forest on
this volcanic island.
Meals
Included: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner
Day
4:Húsavík
Húsavík,
the site of the oldest settlement in Iceland, is your 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 hiking through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to
be formed by the hoof of Odin’s eight-legged horse, or stay
along the coast and choose a slower pace for the day with forest
bathing, bird watching and a soak in the Geo Sea bath.
Meals
Included: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner
Day
5:Borgarfjarðarhöfn
Located
on the eastern shore of Iceland, Bakkagerði is well known for
its welcoming local puffin colony. Walk across boardwalks to witness
these colorful symbols of Icelandic wildlife. Once you’ve
captured your best photo of the famous auk species, take an
invigorating hike up to the best panoramic view of the fjord or
challenge yourself to a backcountry mountain bike journey to remote
overlooks and stunning vistas.
Meals
Included: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner
Day
6:Djúpivogur
Arrive
in the town of Djúpivogur and set out by 4x4 vehicle to
visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the
surrounding countryside. Alternatively, 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. Or, join a hike to the
black-sand beaches near the town center.
Meals
Included: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner
Day
7:Heimaey and Surtsey, Westman Islands
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.
Meals
Included: Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner
Day
8:Reykjavík / Disembark Ship
Disembark
in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals
Included: Breakfast
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
