This polar journey aboard L’Austral will take you to South-East Iceland. Iceland was created from the eruptions of the earth and deploys a quite remarkable rainbow of colors, from jet black to obsidian to a palette of tawny browns, rhyolite and the tender green of the meadows bordering the cliffs. Beaches of black sand, petrified lava seas, geysers, barely dormant volcanos, craters, fumaroles: you are on the island of volcanoes, erupted directly from the Oceans.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Embark this evening and settle into you accommodations while you prepare for your upcoming Arctic voyage. Group charter flights from Paris and arrival transfers are included in your cruise fare.
Day 2: Svalbard - North West National Park
Your ship navigates the waters off of North West National Park, while zodiac excursions allow for wildlife spotting.
Day 3: At Sea
Navigation north toward the ice floe.
Day 4: Svalbard - Ny Alesund
Port details pending.
Day 5: At Sea
Day 6: Sailing by Jan Mayen, Norway
Port details pending.
Day 7: Grimsey Island, Iceland
Grimsey is a little island located 40 km north of mainland Iceland and is crossed by the symbolic line of the Arctic Polar Circle. It is formed from volcanic rock that has generated majestic basalt pillars, a delight for photographers. The island has been inhabited since the Vikings came to Iceland and legend says that it takes its name from the colonial sailor Grìmur who sailed from the region of Sogn in Norway. This site is the home to fabulous wildlife, with many bird colonies having chosen to nest along the jagged cliffs. Here we can observe the 'clowns of the sea', better known as the Atlantic Puffins. While many travelers come here in order to cross the invisible line into the Arctic Circle, the island is also famed as a place to observe the Midnight Sun.
Day 8: Akureyri & Husavik, Iceland
Husavik is a charming fishing port that turns graciously towards the Greenland Sea. You will be able to admire its delightful church that overlooks the sea front, considered to be the most beautiful example in Iceland. A typical monument in white wood with a green roof, it was built in the 20th century. Lost in the midst of the North icelandic fjords, this little village has also, in recent years, become the European Capital for the observation of many cetaceans. Sea lovers may have the unique opportunity of observing the majestic ballet of dolphins, orcas and finbacks, or admiring the imposing whales whose huge and powerful blue-grey tails slap the surface of the water. Lastly, as Husavik is not far from the Arctic Circle the Summer nights are magical: you will fall under the spell of the “midnight sun”, a long dusk of shimmering colors. Do not miss this essential stage in any visit to Iceland.
Day 9: Seydisfjordur, Iceland
Port details pending.
Day 10: Eskifjordur, Iceland
Port details pending.
Day 11: Djupivogur, Iceland
Port details pending.
Day 12: Hofnafjordur, Iceland
A stop at South-East Iceland, at Hornafjördur, a small fishing port with a breathtaking view over the Vatnajökull glacier as its backdrop. You will leave for the Vatnajökull National Park to visit this remarkable stratovolcan, the largest glacier in Europe. Of the size of Corsica, its highest point soars to some 2,120 m altitude. A majestic silhouette, this imposing glacier is home to a volcano named Grimsvötn. Dominating the National Park with the beauty of its basalt columns, discover a sumptuous site where, from the heart of the volcanic lands, the gaze gently slips towards the Atlantic Ocean. No other region in the world offers such a combination: you can truly understand why “Iceland, land of fire and ice” is such an apt epithet.
Day 13: Heimaey, Iceland
Port details pending.
Day 14: Reykjavik & Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
Encircled by the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Reykjavik is just a short distance from magnificent expanses of nature, as illustrated by the presence of Arctic Sterns in the heart of the city. Lying North of the 64th parallel, the city lives in harmony with the ebb and flow of the Ocean. You will be charmed by its natural sites formed from the exceptional geographical phenomena, such as its impressive geysers and hot baths. The Icelandic capital will also show you its quiet streets, full of houses with colorful roofs and its lake that is home to countless ducks. Reykjavík also boasts a thriving cultural scene, particularly in the field of contemporary art. It is a peaceful place which is a world away from the frenetic activity in other European capitals.
Day 15: Reykjavik, Iceland
Disembark this morning for your continued journey home. A group charter flight to Paris and airport transfers are included in your cruise fare.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
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Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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Deluxe Suite
3 suites, 290 sq ft with 54 sq ft private balcony, located on the Le France Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, desk, minibar, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 5
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Prestige Suite - Deck 6
398 sq ft with 86 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living area, private bath.
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Owners Suite
484 sq ft with 97 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, communicating cabins available. Separate living, dining areas, private bath with large tub and shower, minibar, 2 flat screen TVs, DVD, CD, and IPOD, Video on demand, Satellite phone
Notes
Please note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.