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.

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.