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!
Day-by-Day Summary
Day 1 : Reykjavík, Iceland Day 2 : Reykjavík & Golden Circle/Embark Ship Day 3 : Exploring the West Coast of Iceland Days 4-5 : Exploring the Westfjords & Hornstrandir Day 6 : Reykjavík/Disembark
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
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.
$4,990
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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.
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.
Notes
Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.
Costs Include:
All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar, all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship, meals on land as indicated, air transportation where indicated as included, shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits, use of kayaks (where available), gratuities (except to ship’s crew), taxes and service charges, services of a ship physician on most voyages, and services of our expedition staff.
Not Included:
Air transportation (except where shown as included), extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees, scuba diving (where available), meals not indicated, travel protection plan, items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, internet access, and laundry. Gratuities to ship's crew are at your discretion.
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).