Join Le Soleal on this 8-day expedition to the edge of the Arctic, where the first Vikings went ashore in the 9th century. Experience wild and fascinating Iceland’s natural heritage, vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, volcanoes and boiling geysers. Iceland offers a kaleidoscope of wild and romantic landscapes - a rare and tormented beauty redolent of the dawn of time.
Highlights
Spot Iceland's multiple glaciers, geysers, and volcanoes
Discover the breathtaking and culture-rich Grundarfjordur
Sail to Grimsey, a small island located directly on the Arctic Circle
Explore volcanic Heimaey Island, one of Iceland's main fishing ports
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
The natural port of Grundarfjördur at the end of a beautiful fjord is your stepping off point to explore the region’s extinct volcanoes. Grundarfjördur is a growing fishing community in the center of the northern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by exceptionally beautiful mountains. Grundarfjördur offers an easy access to both the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and west Iceland, combining the breathtaking natural beauty of the peninsula with the rich cultural heritage of the whole of west Iceland.
Grimsey is small island 40 km north of Iceland and symbolically located directly on the Arctic Circle. Grimsey is a haven for numerous colonies of birds all along its untamed jagged cliffs. Be on the lookout for the kittiwake, razorbill, glaucous gull, and the Arctic fulmar. However the main resident, and also a symbol of Iceland, is the clown of the sea - better known as the puffin. Explore the island by foot and Zodiac.
Akureyri is a beautiful town surrounded by majestic mountains, where urban, rural, and marine life mix easily, and a proud community spirit prevails. Often called the capital of northern Iceland, Akureyri has been a major trading post for centuries and has grown to become Iceland’s largest regional town and the administrative, commercial, and cultural center of the north. The town has approx. 6,000 inhabitants. Most work in fisheries, light industry, and agricultural processing of products supplied by the rich surrounding farming districts.
Le Soleal's route takes you to the heart of the fjords of Northwest Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and steep cliffs, where man struggles to survive. In this very isolated region find the Isafjördur fjord, the largest town in the Westfjords Peninsula, with some 2600 inhabitants. It is an ancient church site and a trading post since at least the 16th century, although a real town did not start to form until after mid-19th century. The growth of the town was triggered by salt fish production, and ever since then the fishing industry has been vital for the community.
Located on an active volcanic belt off Iceland’s south coast, the 15 Westman Islands have been the scenes of dramatic displays of nature’s muscle in recent times. Only one of the islands, Heimaey, is inhabited – and it was there, in 1973, that an eruption began without warning by the side of Mt. Helgafell on the outskirts of town, swamping one-third of the houses with boiling lava and burying most of the rest in ash. Miraculously, the fishing fleet was in port, and evacuated the whole population to the mainland without loss of life. Six months later, when the volcano had fallen dormant again, most of the islanders returned to rebuild their homes and lives – and re-established the Westman Islands as one of Iceland’s main fishing ports. A new Mt. Eldfell (“Fire Mountain”) was formed by the eruption, where the lava is still warm to the touch even today.
As Iceland's capital and its main center of population, the City of Reykjavik is a fascinating mixture of the traditional and the technically very advanced. It is a highly unusual capital city, just as Iceland is a unique country - rugged and remote, yet technically advanced and enjoying Nordic standards of affluence.
Reykjavik dominates the life of Iceland in almost every way. More than half of the country's total population of 300,000 reside in and around Reykjavik. The economy of the entire nation looks to Reykjavik as its centerpiece and heartbeat. The city is the seat of national government, as well as home to the head offices of banks, insurers, oil companies, and other important trading houses.
Day 8: Reykjavik | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark this morning for your continued journey home.
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.
$4,130
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Superior Stateroom
The Superior Stateroom has a capacity of up to 3 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds.
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Deluxe Stateroom
The Deluxe Stateroom has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 4 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
The Prestige Stateroom on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Deluxe Suite
The Deluxe Suite has a capacity of up to 2 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and a private balcony.
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
The Prestige Suite on Deck 5 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
The Prestige Suite on Deck 6 has a capacity of up to 4 passengers per cabin, with a king-sized bed or twin beds and an 8m² private balcony.
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Owner Suite
The Owner's suite is situated on Deck 6 with a capacity up to 2 passengers per cabin. With a king-sized bed, it has been decorated by French interior designers and provides you with a breathtaking panoramic sea view.
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 are subject to change without notice.
Discounts are available for children sharing a cabin with two adults and third adult passengers in select cabin categories. Please contact us for details.
Single travelers can opt for a solo cabin - supplements start at 50%.
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.