Join L’Austral on a voyage to the fringes of the Arctic Circle, where the first Vikings went ashore in the 9th Century. There are many stories and legends of their passage, describing the country’s wide open spaces, the last frontier of Europe, forged by fire and ice. On this 8-day journey, experience wild and fascinating Iceland’s natural heritage, which has retained all of its mystery. On the edge of the Arctic, between 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.
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 Grundarfjordur at the end of a beautiful fjord is your stepping off point to explore the region’s extinct volcanoes. As their role in the landscape has long since been completed and the glaciers have disappeared, it is the rivers which have fashioned the countryside on more gentle lines. The village is known for the Snaefellsjokull volcano that seems to watch over the peninsula from a lofty 1440 m and was made famous by Jules Verne in his novel “Voyage to the Center of the Earth”.
A 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 look out for the kittiwake, the Alca torda (small penguin), glaucus 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.
At the end of a magnificent fjord more than 40 km long, the administrative capital of North Iceland deploys its charms on the banks of the Eyjajordur with its multi-colored houses under the midnight sun. From the town leave to explore Lake Myvatn, shaped by volcanic eruptions and host to the famous “Waterfall of the Gods” at Godafoss. L'Austral’s route takes you into the very heart of north-west Iceland’s fjords, a wild unspoilt land of lost valleys and vertical cliffs where man can barely survive. In this isolated region, the Isafjordur fjord is arguably the most beautiful one in the country, notably for the stacks of ancient basalt rock slides. The delightful little town of Ísafjordur is dwarfed by mountains at the end of the fjord and is totally dependent on fishing.
L’Austral’s route takes you to the heart of the fjords of North-West Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and steep cliffs, where man struggles to survive. In this very isolated region find the Isafjördur fjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly for its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows. The town of Isafjördur, which nestles at the back of its fjord, between imposing mountains, is a delightful little town that lives exclusively from fishing. The capital of the Western fjords, its old wooden houses bear witness to its past as a major fishing port. With its relief and its bold and raw colors, Iceland offers lovers of wide open spaces an endless variety of unlimited pleasures.
Dominated by the Eldfjall, Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Vestman archipelago. A stunning landscape of vertical cliffs, reefs, marine caves and the ever-changing ocean is home to seals and cetaceans such as the killer whale. Watch the comings and goings of the inimitable puffins as they plunge into the sea.
Welcome to Reykjavik or the “bay of steam”. Coiled within a large bay sheltered from the wind, the world’s most northern capital is blessed with an almost surreal beauty. Founded by a Viking chief in 874, this fascinating yet vibrant city is minutes away from fields of lava and the silvery reflections of the famous Blue Lagoon, a vast natural swimming pool.
Day 8: Disembark in Reykjavik
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.
Select a Date
Superior Stateroom
8 cabins, 226 sq ft, located on Le Champollion Deck. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area and private bath.
Select a Date
Deluxe Stateroom
28 cabins, 200 sq ft with private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Select a Date
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
200 sq ft with 43 sq ft private balcony. A/C, king or twin beds, seating area, private bath.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
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.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day 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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.