Icelandic Mosaic

Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital, sits along a wide bay in the western part of the country. One of its highlights is Perlan, a museum on Oskjuhlíd hill that offers sweeping views of the green landscapes below. Not far from there, visitors can see signs pointing to the striking Hallgrímskirkja church and the historic city center. There, you can enjoy a walk along Skolavordustígur and Laugavegur, two lively streets filled with charming shops. For a relaxing escape just outside the city, the Reykjanes Peninsula is home to the famous Blue Lagoon, known for its warm, mineral-rich waters.

Explore the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago formed by underwater eruptions, made up of 15 islands and about 30 islets. Focus on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, shaped by the Eldfell volcano and marked by a strong volcanic history. Walk through steep cliffs, sea caves, rocky reefs, and powerful ocean surf. Watch seabirds, including gannets diving along the coastline.

Travel across Heimaey’s contrasting terrain with volcanic slopes, green valleys of Herjólfsdalur, and open coastal views. Drive or walk along the Stórhöfði route for wide views of black sand beaches and rugged cliffs shaped by Arctic waves. See elevated mountain ridges with shifting earth tones. Visit Eldheimar Museum to learn about the 1973 eruption through interactive exhibits and preserved excavation sites.

This secret boreal hideaway is located at the foot of the Kirkjufell, on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Arriving by boat means you get a closer view of the lava-stone rock standing like a sentinel at the entrance to the bay; Grundarfjörður 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 Breiðafjörður. Scattered with its emerald-colored lawns, this town, with its buildings that merge into the surrounding countryside, most certainly wins your favor.

Grímsey is the northernmost island of Iceland surging from the Arctic ocean, with the Arctic circle running through the island. Its contrasted contours are surprising. From Grímseyjarhreppur, the island’s only town located on the west coast, then heading due south, you can take in the beauty of the hillsides, lushly carpeted with moss and grass. On the rest of the coastline, imposing basalt cliffs inhabited by sea birds stand proud.

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 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.

Your ship takes you to the heart of the fjords of North-West Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and 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 Isafjordur, 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.

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 Oskjuhlid 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 Skolavordustígur 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, such as the Blue Lagoon.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers as you disembark today. Then, head to the airport for your flight home.