Icelandic Mosaic

Reykjavik sits on a wide bay along the country’s western coast. Visit Perlan on Öskjuhlíð hill for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Head toward Hallgrímskirkja, then explore the city center. Walk along Skólavörðustígur and Laugavegur, where you find shops and local activity. Travel outside the city to the Reykjanes Peninsula and visit the Blue Lagoon to experience geothermal pools.

Reykjavik sits along a broad bay on the country’s western coast. Visit Perlan on Oskjuhlíd hill for wide views of the surrounding landscape. Head toward Hallgrímskirkja, then explore the city center. Walk along Skolavordustígur and Laugavegur, where shops and local spots line the streets. Travel outside the city to the Reykjanes Peninsula and visit the Blue Lagoon for a geothermal bathing experience.

Included Excursions
Volcanic landscape and viking history
Duration : 4h00
From the pier, drive to Kleifarvatn Lake, one of Iceland’s deepest lakes, and stop for photos. Continue across the volcanic plateau of the Reykjanes Peninsula.
Proceed to Krýsuvík, where steam vents and boiling mud pools reveal strong geothermal activity. Travel through lava fields toward the coast, then continue into green valleys and mountain areas. Stop at the Bridge Between Continents and walk between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates.
Continue across the Reykjanes Peninsula to Njardvik and visit the Viking World Museum. View the “Íslendingur,” a full-scale Viking ship replica that once carried around 70 crew members. Learn about its 2000 voyage to North America led by Gunnar Eggertsson.

Return to the port through lava fields. Wear comfortable shoes and bring windproof and waterproof layers. The visit order may change.

The Golden Circle
Duration : 8h30
Travel inland from the pier to Thingvellir National Park, located about 48 km from Reykjavik. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Althing parliament began in 930. Walk through a rift valley surrounded by mountains and lava plains.
Continue to Gullfoss, where the Hvítá River drops about 30 meters in two stages. Then visit the Geysir region. Watch Strokkur erupt regularly and observe active geothermal features.

Stop for lunch in the Geysir area. On the return journey, pause at Hveragerdi before heading back to Reykjavik. Wear comfortable shoes, a waterproof jacket, and bring warm layers. The visit order may change.

The Westman Islands were formed from a succession of underwater eruptions and consist of 15 islands and around 30 islets. As you will discover, Heimaey has a rich history and captivating landscapes. Dominated by the Eldfjall, it’s the only island in the chain that is inhabited. This exceptional site has a very pronounced relief   taking in vertiginous cliffs, reefs, sea caves, and surf. Raise your eyes and you will be able to admire the spectacular dives of the Gannets.

This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.

Included Excursions
Circumnavigation of Heimaey
Begin your tour from the harbor that for a long time has been a shelter for the Icelandic fishing fleet, but was almost lost in the volcanic eruption on the island in 1973.

After some 15 minutes of walking, embark aboard a boat to discover the island from the sea.
Sail past the cliffs surrounding the harbor to start an interesting and informative journey passing bird colonies with millions of inhabitants and exploring caves that can only be visited by boat.
The bird life you get a chance to see on this tour is magnificent, as the Westman Islands have one of the largest varieties of sea bird species in Iceland. These include puffin colonies of an estimated 6 to 8 million puffins. Nowhere else in the world can such large number of puffins be found in such close proximity to man.

In addition, the islands also house one of the world’s largest gannet and guillemot colonies. Numerous other species of nesting sea birds can also be seen. In addition to the bird life, whales are also often sighted, including orcas, dolphins and porpoises.
After viewing the island and bird cliffs from every angle, the boat tour (approximately 1 ½ hour) ends by sailing into Klettshellir (Cliff Cave). From there, return to the harbor.

For this easy excursion, it is recommended you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and you take a warm pullover. Please be aware that this tour is weather depended and that circumnavigation may not be possible. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Sight of puffins can go down after mid-August.

Heimaey, Pompeii of the North
Duration : 3h00
Leave from the perfectly formed natural harbor with its tall cliffs inhabited by multitudes of birds. Both the birds and their eggs have been an important source of food for the islanders. From there, drive from the pier into the Herjolfsdalur Valley where ruins of old farmhouses dating back to the settlement can be found.
The tour then continues along the scenic western part of the island, providing an opportunity to view the outer islands of the archipelago. The youngest island, 'Surtsey', was formed in a volcanic eruption in 1963; it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, a photo stop will be made at Storhofdi, which offers magnificent views over the island; here puffins nest during spring and the early summer months.
The tour continues to two volcanoes, the 5,000 years old Helgafell, 'Holy Mountain', and the considerably younger Eldfell, 'Fire Mountain', which erupted in 1973 making it necessary to immediately evacuate the islanders to the mainland. Stop here and walk to the viewpoint for a panoramic view, about 10 minutes.
As you continue onwards, drive over the new lava field making your way past the 'Skansinn' – a fort with a wooden church, which was donated to the people of the Westman Islands by the state of Norway to commemorate the millennium of Christianity in Iceland.

Then, visit the new Eldheimar – 'Pompeii of the North' Museum where the history and aftermath of the 1973 eruption is explored. After the visit to the museum, you will head back to your ship.

It is recommended you wear good and comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers. The walk up the viewpoint is very steep and can be slippery.

This secret boreal hideaway is located at the foot of the Kirkjufell, on Snaefellsnes peninsula. Arriving by boat means you will get a closer view of the lava-stone rock standing like a sentinel at the entrance to the bay; Grundarfjordur lies sheltered behind this cone-shaped rock. A stone’s throw from the jetty, crystal clear waters, tundra and beaches give onto the cerulean waters of Breidafjordur. Scattered with its emerald-colored lawns, this town, with its buildings that merge into the surrounding countryside, will most certainly win your favor.

Included Excursions: 

Caves, Craters & Coves
Duration : 5h30
An adventurous tour exploring some of the area’s best loved coastal hiking trails, coupled with an approximate 45-minute cave exploration – all under the watchful eye of the famous Snaefellsjokull glacier!

First up is a refreshing walk amongst the craters at Saxholl. The walk to the main crater takes about 30 minutes return and despite not being particularly high (approx. 300 meters/990 ft), it offers great views and a chance to walk around a volcanic crater rim and take a look inside.

Next, discover some of the beautiful coves and take an approximate 1 km (½ mi) scenic hike. Visit Djupalonssandur which is a beautiful pebbled beach located at the foot of the glacier. Take in magnificent views from the cliff tops and look out for the ancient labyrinth built by fishermen.

Then last, but certainly not least, head to the Vatnshellir cave and take a journey into the underground along a 200-meter (200 yd) lava tube (quite appropriate considering this is the exact location where Jules Verne based his famous novel Journey to the Center of the Earth!). Follow the path of the lava flow into the cave and descend 35 meters (115 ft) below the surface to see amazing colors and lava formations. The upper section of the cave has great features and unique formations of lava statues curved on the sides. The lower part of the cave is reached by way of a long and narrow staircase that will take you deep down underground, to a place which was hidden from the outside world for thousands of years. Scientists believe Vatnshellir was created in an eruption 6,000 to 8,000 years ago.

It is recommended to bring warm clothes and gloves, since temperature underground is 6 °C (43°F), as well as good walking/hiking shoes. Helmet and flash light will be supplied. A minimum of 10 participants is required to operate this tour.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Upon leaving Grundarfjordur, your journey will take you through the several small fishing villages along the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier-capped volcano. 
While you drive along the roots of the volcano you may be able to see the mystical glacier, which was made popular in 1864 by the French writer Jules Verne in his novel A journey to the Center of the Earth, where he located the entrance to the subterranean journey inside the Snæfellsjokull crater: “Here we had entered the Earth by one volcano, and we had come out by another. And this other was situated more than twelve hundred leagues from Sneffels, from that drear country of Iceland cast away on the confines of the Earth…”

Departing from the charming town of Grundarfjördur, journey along the rugged coastline, passing through small fishing villages that have thrived in the shadow of the glacier for centuries. Your first stop is  Kirkjufellsfoss, a striking 10-meter-high waterfall cascading over basalt columns—a true hidden gem of the peninsula.

Continuing westward, navigate a dramatic landscape of sandy beaches, volcanic cliffs, and jagged mountains, all framed by the glistening Snæfellsjokull Glacier. Arrive at Malarrif, home to an old lighthouse that now stands as a sentinel over a stunning black sand beach. Take a stroll along the shore, breathe in the crisp ocean air, and admire the raw beauty of the surroundings.

Next, visit Arnarstapi, where a scenic coastal walk reveals unique lava formations, sea cliffs teeming with birdlife, and fascinating geological features. After soaking in the views, take a scenic drive back to Grundarfjordur.
 
This excursion includes walking on uneven but essentially flat terrain. It is recommended you wear a wind and waterproof jacket, bring a warm pullover and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be slippery and steep. Please note that sights may be visited in a different order. 

Hrísey, a small island to the north of Iceland known as the “Pearl of Eyjafjordur”, enchants visitors with its peaceful natural environment and authentic atmosphere. Set upon a basaltic platform, the island boasts a renowned geothermal spring and a rich nature reserve, ideal for observing its abundant birdlife. Inhabited since Viking times (9th–10th centuries), Hrisey flourished in the 19th century thanks to fishing. Today, the island offers the perfect blend of history and nature.

The elegant city of Akureyri is located very close to the Arctic circle, tucked away in the Eyjafjordur fjord. It displays a stunning palette of colors: blue waters in the harbor, bronze mountain ash on the squares and brightly-colored houses in the historical center. As you walk along the cobbled streets, you will come across rows of terraces with wooden furniture. A vast stairway cut into the hillside leads up to the emblematic feature of the town, namely the Akureyrarkirkja church. The very beautiful botanical garden made possible by a microclimate offers the opportunity to discover the Icelandic flora as well as plants from all over the world.

Included Excursions

Charms of Nyvatn region
Duration : 8h00
Fall under the spell of the wild treasures of the Mývatn region, with its spectacular waterfalls, volcanic lake and mountainous landscapes, during a scenic tour followed by a lunch break in a local restaurant. From the pier, your coach will head southbound, towards Goðafoss, “the waterfalls of the gods” - an abundant, swirling, magnificent, crescent-moon-shaped waterfall. The name goes back to a historic event in 1000 AD, when the tribal chief Thorgeir publicly recognised Christianity, throwing his statues of the Norse gods into the waterfall, and linking his nation to this religion.

You will then continue towards Lake Mývatn, one of the largest in Iceland (36.5 km² - or 14 square miles), renowned for its beauty and the diversity of its landscapes shaped by volcanic eruptions, the last of which dates back around 15 years. The extinct Hverfell volcano stands to the east, while, in the north west, there is a protected site that is refuge to tens of thousands of birds, where you may observe many duck species.

This site of great geological interest has many pseudo-craters, for example, in Skutustadir and in Dimmuborgir, which is renowned for its lava maze and its strange volcanic formations (pillars, arches and other shapes).
Behind the Namafjall mountains, a striking geothermal landscape will reveal itself, with its mud pots, steam columns, sulphur deposits, hot springs and boiling solfataras. After this discovery, enjoy a lunch break in a local restaurant before concluding your escapade with a scenic tour around the charming town of Akureyri.

This moderately difficult excursion involves walking around 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) on sometimes slippery ground. It is recommended you wear closed walking shoes and warm, waterproof clothing. The excursion is not suitable for wheelchairs. Please note that the order of the visits may be reversed.

Thermal bath and Godafoss
 Duration : 5h15
You will pass by the old town of Akureyri before crossing the fjord and heading on to Godafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. Back in AD 1000, during the meeting of the Althing, the Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. The wooden idols of Norse mythology were then thrown into the falls in a symbolic gesture that swept away the old religion. Hence, Godafoss literally means "waterfall of the pagan gods".

After a drive through the northern landscape you will arrive in Husavik, where a dive into the warm water of geothermal sea baths awaits you, a very genuine wellness wonder. Enjoy this rejuvenating experience for body and soul in the natural tranquility of the Icelandic fjords, with the view of the mountain range to the west, Skjalfandi Bay beneath the cliffs and the Arctic Circle itself on the horizon.
You will then join your coach for a one-hour drive to your ship.

It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm sweater. Remember to bring a towel and your swimsuit for the geothermal sea baths experience and flip-flops. There are separate changing rooms for showering at the geothermal center. It is custom in Iceland to take a shower without bathing suits for hygienic reasons. For your personal belongings, lockers are available.

Godafoss and Laufas Museum
Duration : 4h00
During a short sightseeing tour, view what remains of the old town of Akureyri before crossing the fjord and heading on to Godafoss, “Waterfall of the Gods”. The name marks the historical event that took place at these falls in the year 1000 when the Chieftain Thorgeir made a public declaration in favor of Christianity, by throwing his carvings of the Pagan Gods into the falls. Thorgeir was also leader of the Althing or Parliament at that time, and it was him who had the difficult task of deciding the Nation’s fate regarding its choice of religion.

Through the wide-open valley Fnjoskadalur, drive into the part of the valley known as Dalsmynni. Formations on the hillsides suggest that a once large pro-glacial lake occupied the valley only to be let down by stages as the ice melted.

Next, continue to the Laufas Folk museum, which originally served as a manor farm and vicarage. The turf farmhouse dates back to 1866 and contains the usual household and agricultural implements used by the gentry during that period and earlier.
Then, head back to the pier.

It is recommended you wear comfortable walking shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm sweater. Please be aware that sites may be visited in a different order.

Your ship will take 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 you find the Isafjordur fjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly for its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows. The town of Isafjörður, 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.

Included Excursions: 
Maritime Culture & Traditions
Duration : 3h00
Begin your excursion by driving through the center and taking the narrow coastal road to the tiny town of Bolungarvik, here there will be a chance to visit the church. Your next stop will be at Osvor, a former fisherman's home that was restored in 1988 and once harbored boats. Osvor is a stunning example of nature's grandeur and perfectly illustrates just how difficult life was for Icelandic fishermen up until the 20th century.

The village of Bolungarvik nestles into the heart of a spectacular bay surrounded by neighboring mountains and bathed by the Isafjardardjup or "Djup" fjord, the biggest on Iceland's east coast. You will drive alongside these impenetrably deep waters to return to Isafjordur via the valley of Tungudalur. You will enjoy here a short stop to contemplate the valley’s landscapes.

On your return, pass through the historic old town and its 18th century buildings before visiting the Maritime Museum. This is one of Iceland's oldest houses, a monument in itself, next to three other buildings that have also been renovated and date back to 1780. A typically Icelandic tasting will be served at the end of your visit giving you an opportunity to savor local specialities such as Schnapps, dried fish and locally canned fish cooked the Icelandic way.

For this excursion, the team advise you to wear comfortable shoes, to protect yourself from the sun and to bring a warm and waterproof jacket. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.

Flowers & Fjords 
Duration : 3h00
From the pier, board your local coach for a short drive through a mountain tunnel and across the Westfjords mountains to the fjords of Dýrafjörður and Önundarfjörður. Breath-taking views of spectacular landscape carved out by glaciers ages ago.
First, stop at the botanical garden of Skrúður, a jewel of cultured plants contrasted by the raw sub-arctic landscape. This botanical garden was the first of its type in Iceland, founded by a cultivation pioneer in 1909. Enjoy a guided exploration of the garden.
 
Then, continue to Flateyri village and find out about local history and culture. The village is nestled in the magnificent fjord of Önundarfjörður. Enjoy a live music performance at the charming village church, followed by a short stroll down the main street and along the harbor. Stop for a coffee break with refreshments made locally. Next door to the café you can visit the old bookstore or enjoy the view by the harbor.
Finally, get back to your coach for the transfer back to the pier.

This tour involves walking approximately 2 km on uneven grounds, gravel and grass. The team recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and a wind-proof jacket.

Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical center where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.