Explore a mystical land shaped by fire and ice on this excursion to the ancient Viking stronghold of Iceland. Marvel at the geological wonders of this island at the edge of the Arctic Circle, exploring its unforgettable culture, history, and people—from small fishing communities, to the ancient and modern capital, Reykjavík. First settled in 874 AD, Iceland today is the most sparsely populated country in Europe—yet it may also be the most dramatic. Volcanically and geologically active, Iceland is famed for its awe-inspiring lava fields, mountains, glaciers, and glacial rivers. Natural wonders and stirring history await on Iceland’s rugged shores. Join us as we set sail in the wake of the sagas of old.
Highlights
Soak up the culture in Reykjavík, one of the greenest cities in the world
Marvel at bird colonies up to a million strong
Visit traditional villages dating back more than eight hundred years
Search for whales in the rich, productive waters of Húsavík
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Reykjavik, or “steamy bay” is a cosmopolitan capital city and as much a part of the Icelandic experience as volcanoes, glaciers, and the midnight sun. Entirely powered by geothermal energy harnessed from the Earth, the city boasts crisp, clean, and pollution free air, as well as thermally heated streets and sidewalks. It is among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world, and is believed to be the location of the first permanent settlement in Iceland, established in AD 874. The Culture House, which opened in 1909, was originally built to house the National Library and National Archives of Iceland; in 2000, it was remodeled to promote Icelandic national heritage, including treasures like the Poetic Edda, and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. Here, we embark the Ocean Endeavour. Depart Reykjavik in the evening.
This area is often called "Iceland in Miniature" because of its diverse landscapes. These include bird-rich Breidafjördur Bay and the Snaefellsjökull glacier, sitting atop the dormant volcano that was featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Stykkishólmur is the region’s namesake community, home to a natural harbour ideal for fishing. The first trading post here was established in the late sixteenth century. The nearby mountain of Helgafell is the burial place of Guðrún Ósvífursdóttir, heroine of the Icelandic saga. The area was featured in the 2013 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Isafjördur (meaning “ice fjord or fjord of ice”) is an idyllic town in the Westfjords region. Connected to the Icelandic mainland only by a narrow strip of land, this secluded peninsula includes many roadless areas. The landscape includes jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, and sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea. Thousands of puffins inhabit tiny Vigur Island, and the splendid Dynjandi waterfall is renowned for its beauty. Fishing has always been Isafjördur’smain industry. It has one of the largest fisheries in Iceland, and is home to the University Centre of the Westfjords, which offers two master’s degree programs: one in Coastal & Marine Management, and the other in Marine Innovation. The local folk museum contains the oldest house in Iceland, built in 1734.
The fjord town of Siglufjördur was once the hub of the global herring industry and is now enjoying a rebirth in popularity. The award-winning Herring Era Museum, located on the vibrant harbourfront, celebrates the golden age of the herring fishery. The town remains dependent on fishing, although the herring population has been depleted. The old mountain road to Siglufjördur—the only connection to the rest of the country before the construction of a tunnel system—is open during the summer. The highest-elevated road in Iceland, it is used today for hiking, horseback riding, and driving.
About forty kilometres off the mainland, Grimsey Island lies on the Artic Circle, which means that it experiences midnight sun in the summer. With a stunning population of nearly a million seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and gulls, the island experiences a cacophony of bird calls around the clock as well. Grimsey’s hundred or so inhabitants are served by a ferry three times a week.
Iceland’s second-largest urban area, Akureyri is nicknamed the Capital of North Iceland. The relatively mild climate and ice-free harbour have played a significant role in the town’s history since its settlement in the ninth century—including offering a base for Allied units during the Second World War. The town is surrounded by mountains, which shield it from strong winds. Nearby Lake Myvatn offers stunning contrasts: one side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.
On the shores of Skjalfandi Bay lies the town of Húsavík. Often called the "Whale Capital" of Iceland, the local waters are home to fifteen different whale species, as well as dolphins and thirty varieties of birds. The Húsavík Museum is located by the harbour. There are numerous other museums, including the Exploration Museum, which includes artifacts from Apollo astronaut training in the area, as well as a transportation museum, and a turf house museum.
The picturesque port of Seydisfjördur is nestled between the sea and steep mountains at the tip of its namesake fjord. The town of seven hundred or so is known among other things for its flourishing art scene. Connected to the Icelandic Ring Road, Seydisfjördur welcomes car ferries from Denmark and the Faroes. The fjord itself is quite remote, and is home to a booming puffin colony and ruins of a former church at nearby Vestdallseyri. Local activities include seal-spotting, horseback riding, kayaking, and guided hikes of the Vestadalur area, which features numerous waterfalls.
By the early-nineteenth century, Djúpivogur fishing village in southeast Iceland was a tiny port with a Danish colonial trading base. Hans Jonatan, who had been a slave in Copenhagen, escaped there and became one of Iceland's first people of colour. The village is the starting point for an optional excursion to Vatnajökull glacier. The nearby coastline is defined by three fjords— Berufjörður, Hamarsfjörður, and Álftafjörður. Approximately a kilometre west of the town is a work of art named "Eggin í Gleðivík" (The Eggs of Merry Bay) by Sigurður Guðmundsson, a series of thirty-four large stone replicas of the eggs of local birds.
Day 10: Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises fourteen islands in addition to a number of rocks and skerries. Only the archipelago’s largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited, though several of the outlying islands have small cabins used during bird-hunting season. Since the early days of Heimaey’s occupation, fishing has been the principal way of life for its inhabitants. Today, the island is home to two large processing plants and a robust freezing and shipping industry, which supplies fish to European markets. Numerous species of seabirds nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs and high on the bluffs surrounding the island. Highly volcanically active, the area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption ten years later that destroyed much of Heimaey and nearly choked off the harbour with lava.
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.
$2,995
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Quadruple - Category 1
Deck four: Interior cabin, four lower berths, private bath (separate shower room and powder room) - approx. 240 sq. ft.
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Triple - Category 2
Deck four: Interior cabin, three lower berths, two private baths - approx. 200 sq. ft.
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Interior Twin - Category 3
Deck five: Interior cabin, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 125 sq. ft. (twin)/110 sq. ft. (single)
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Exterior Twin - Category 4
Deck four: Porthole window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 100 sq. ft. (twin)/90 sq. ft. (single)
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Main Twin - Category 5
Deck five: Picture window, unobstructed view, two lower berths, private bath - approx. 115 sq. ft.
Deck seven. Forward-facing picture windows, unobstructed view, matrimonial bed, private bath with full tub, refrigerator - approx. 310 sq. ft.
Notes
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Request the Twin Share Program where you are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender. Even if a cabin mate is not found for you, no single supplement will be charged.
- Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.5 times the double occupancy rate.
Initial deposit is $2000, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. Accepts client cards for deposit only. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
It is mandatory to have emergency evacuation and medical insurance to travel with Adventure Canada. It is recommended to obtain a basic minimum coverage of $500,000 on all cruises.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
