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.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Arctic Cruises & Tours.
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.
Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
