Iceland’s geology in all its manifestations - glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and rock and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty - is world-class. It alone makes a circumnavigation a very compelling idea. And when you add in the other itinerary components of Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and contemporary character, the island’s geography and birdlife - seeing it all from land and sea is irresistible. Join the National Geographic Explorer on this 6-day voyage to see the best Iceland has to offer!
Highlights
Discover geological wonders of Gulfoss Falls and Thingvellir National Park
Hike, kayak, and Zodiac cruise the remote, natural reserve of Hornnstrandir
Enjoy a private dinner prepared by one of Iceland’s top chefs
Explore remote, spectacular natural reserves accessible only by boat
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Your overnight flight arrives early in Reykjavík. We are whisked away past colorful, Scandinavian-style buildings to hear about today’s exciting options during breakfast. Note: for those who wish to go directly to our hotel for early check-in, a room can be reserved for you for an additional charge.
Choose a scenic drive amid the volcanic landscapes and natural hot springs of the Reykjanes peninsula to the tiny fishing village of Grindavík. Or soak in the soothing geothermal waters of the iconic Blue Lagoon. After lunch, check into the Borg Hotel or similar. Tonight explore one of Reykjavík’s fine restaurants on your own
Today see Iceland's wild nature: glacial waterfalls, abundant rivers and hot springs. Thundering Gullfoss falls and the steaming Geysir hot springs will remain in your memory. At Thingvellir National Park we see nature and history converge: it’s the open-air site of the ancient Parliament.
Your dining options throughout will be inspired Icelandic choices and settings, and dinner this evening is a special treat. A short ferry ride across the harbor takes you to scenic Videy Island, with its historic house set aside exclusively for the group. Catered by one of Iceland’s most famous chefs, with interesting Icelandic guests—dinner should be memorable.
National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier coastline, sailing beneath the immense Látrabjarg cliffs home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs were once famous for egg collecting; men were tied to ropes and lowered down onto the ledges like spiders. Stop at the charming island of Flatey for walks around the picture-postcard 19th-century village, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast.
Just south of the Arctic Circle, Hornstrandir—the spiky peninsula at the northern tip of the Westfjords—is Iceland’s truest wilderness, an uninhabited nature reserve backed by the majestic Hornbjarg cliffs and only accessible on foot or by boat. You’ll have a choice of activities each day in the Westfjords region, and the option to join the naturalist whose interests mirror yours. Hike with our botanist or birder through a wildflower-filled meadow, kayak quiet coves for independent exploration or explore on a Zodiac cruise. Join a photo hike with our National Geographic photographer and soak up the legendary scenery.
Day 6: Reykjavík/Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark in Reykjavík and take an early flight home, or continue exploring with us. Opt to visit the Saga Museum; wander among bubbling mud pools and hot springs; or stop at a farm to see and photograph Icelandic horses. Continue to lunch and transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight.
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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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
