Iceland Circumnavigation

Day 1: Travel to Reykjavik

Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavik.

Day 2: Embarkation in Reykavik

Arrive in Reykjavik, the world's northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artefacts, and unusual whalebone carvings on display.

Day 3: Flatey Island

Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visitng Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast. Sail past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges.

Day 4: Exploring Northwestern Iceland

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside bird-covered cliffs. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and view the down cleaning process.

Day 5: Isafjordur

Located in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers. Explore by Zodiac and hike ashore to view the local landscape and photograph flowering plants.

Day 6: Siglufjordur and Akureyri

Siglufjordur was the center of Iceland's once-thriving herring industry. We stop by the Herring Museum for a talk and a tasting. Continue to picturesque Akureyri, backed by snow-capped mountains. Explore the old town, with its beautifully maintained period houses, or visit the botanical garden.

Day 7: Lake Myvatn

Drive to Myvatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. This is world-class field geology! See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarand, so hot they actually bubble. At the Krafla geothermal area see the explosion crater at Viti and continue to an unforgettable sight: Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods.

Meet the ship in Husavik, and watch for whales as we sail north to the land of the midnight sun. Take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here we celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting and fishing, another wonderful photo op.

Days 8 : Northeast Iceland

With plenty of rarely-visited coastline, this day is left open to explore Iceland's rugged east coast. Join the experienced naturalists for a hike or a Zodiac cruise to get a better view of the beautiful stacks at the end of the peninsula. Or, conditions permitting, w may have our first chance to kayak today under the steep cliffs.

Day 9: Djupivogur

Dock in Djúpivogur to explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap. Via small boat, get up-close and personal with the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón.

Day 10: Heimaey and Surtsey 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 see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbour. You'll visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.

Day 10: Return to Reykjavik

Today completes your circumnavigation of Iceland, disembarking in Reykjavik. Stop by the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths, prior to your flight home. Whether you choose to enjoy the surreal bath and spa facilities or just stroll around the fascinating environs, the Blue Lagoon is unforgettable!

NOTE: This itinerary is for guidance only as each voyage will vary depending on ice and weather conditions, and opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is key and all part of the adventure of an expeditionary cruise.