Icelandic nature offers stunning landscapes with waterfalls amongst Europe's most powerful and awe-inspiring. Iceland is located at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a position that means that the landscape is highly active geologically, with many erupting volcanoes and geysers. Experience a variety of islands, towns and settlements, spectacular views and interesting sites, accompanied by our knowledgeable Expedition Team. During this 11-day expedition cruise around Iceland, enjoy hikes through lava fields, breathe the pure Icelandic air, swim in natural hot springs, visit one of the many museums or simply explore on your own and chat with friendly locals. Immerse yourself in the Icelandic experience with one of our many fantastic excursions.
Highlights
Experience Stykkishólmur’s diversity of lava and rock formations
Take a stroll around Flatey and travel back in time along the scenic lanes
Discover Ísafjörður a nearly perfect natural harbor with unique architecture
Visit the Hornbjarg cliff, one of the greatest sea bird habitats in Iceland
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Many visitors find landing at Keflavik airport enchanting. The hub seems carved out of an arctic desert, with lava stones covered in moss, and haunting mountains nearby. But just 45 minutes away, Reykjavik is a charming and vibrant modern city, offering top restaurants, interesting museums and quaint narrow streets.
Explore the town of Stykkishólmur on your own or join an optional excursion to explore more of the Snæfellsnes peninsula which is said to be a miniature version of Iceland. In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull glacier, there are black sandy beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters.
Patreksfjördur is a charming settlement on the west coast of Iceland with around 660 inhabitants. The picturesque fjord offers scenic hiking trails if conditions allow. Patreksfjördur is also close to the spectacular waterfall of Dynjandi and to Látrabjarg, a renowned site for birdwatching.
Next stop is Akureyri, a lively and energetic town. In fact, it is the most populous community outside Reykjavík and serves as the center of trade, culture and services for the north of Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural treasures, although the town itself is a popular destination. Enjoy an optional hike or join an excursion to the impressive Goðafoss waterfall.
At Grímsey use your small boats to reach this green and grassy island. It is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. You can have the chance to step across that line, North to South.
Húsavík is recognized as one of the best whale watching locations in the world, due to the island's thriving bay ecosystem. Melting snow and rivers bring nutrients from mineral-rich mountainsides which, when combined with the boundless summer sun, leads to teeming masses of plankton, the main source of food for baleen whales. Húsavík is also the oldest settlement in Iceland. The town’s most famous landmark is Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church built in 1907. Over the years, Húsavík has become an increasingly popular tourist center and is home to the Húsavík Whale Museum. After leaving the town, we sail past the Langanes peninsula.
Bakkagerdi is the main settlement in Borgarfjörður. This area is known for its natural beauty and is “the land of the elves”. Puffin colonies abound in the fjord, making this a popular place for birdwatching. Bakkagerdi is off the typical tourist track and offers peace, quiet and lovely views. If you prefer more action, join us for an optional tour to the natural forest of Hallormsstaður. The Norwegian heritage of the village of Seyðisfjörður is reflected in colorful Nordic-style wooden houses dating from the early 20th century. The handcrafted architecture creates a truly unique identity in the settlement. Explore the town, join an organized hike or take an optional excursion to Skálanes.
Heimaey is the largest of the Westman Islands, which are located off Iceland's south coast, and is dominated by magnificent cliffs. These form natural habitats for many different seabirds, including puffins and kittiwakes. The islands are also a great place for spotting whales. In 1973, a huge volcanic eruption surprised the residents of Heimaey. It forced the entire population to evacuate and set sail to mainland Iceland. A large number of buildings were buried under lava and ash. Many were completely destroyed, but others were later unearthed and restored. An entire museum, Eldheimar, has been built around the remains of one of the homes.
Day 11: Reykjavik | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your voyage of discovery and adventure ends in Reykjavik.
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.
$7,671
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Polar Inside - I
Size: 10-13 m2. Upper-deck cabin, No window, Double bed (optional twin)
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Polar Outside - FJ
172-226 square feet. Outside cabin: Double bed, seating area, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc, limited or no view. (FJ 503 with twin beds).
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Polar Outside - N
113-140 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, shower/wc. (N-352 with upper/lower berths).
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Arctic Superior - U
118-252 square feet. Outside cabin: One bed, one sofa bed, table, TV, refrigerator, kettle, shower/wc. (U-526 with upper/lower berths).
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours 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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.