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.

Surtsey is a small volcanic island in the North Atlantic Ocean, south of Iceland near the Westman Islands. It was formed by an underwater eruption that lasted from 1963 to 1967 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To protect its untouched ecosystem, landing on the island is not allowed. Only a few scientists are permitted to visit for research on how plants and animals naturally colonize new land. Mosses, fungi, and lichens were the first to appear, followed by flowering plants. Over time, about 300 types of invertebrates and 90 bird species have made the island their home. While sailing around Surtsey, you can admire its unique and dramatic shape from the water.

Located off Iceland’s southern coast, Heimaey is the largest of the Westman Islands and the only one with a permanent population. The island’s landscape is a striking mix of steep volcanic slopes, like those of Eldfell, and the green meadows of Herjolfsdalur valley. Driving along Stórhöfði road, you’ll see dramatic grey sand beaches and rugged cliffs shaped by the Arctic Ocean, with views of bronze-colored mountain peaks in the distance. A visit to Eldheimar, a modern and interactive museum, offers insight into the powerful volcanic eruption that reshaped Heimaey in 1973.

Included Excursion

Circumnavigation of Heimaey
Duration: 2h00
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 on 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 a 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 hours) ends by sailing into Klettshellir (Cliff Cave). From there, return to the harbor.

For this easy excursion, the team recommends you wear comfortable shoes, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and a warm pullover. Please be aware that this tour is weather-dependent 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 photostop 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.

The team recommends 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 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.

Included Excursion:

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 the temperature underground is 6 °C (43°F), as well as good walking/hiking shoes. A helmet and flashlight will be supplied. A minimum of 10 participants is required to operate this tour.

The Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Duration  5h00
Upon leaving Grundarfjordur, your journey will take you through several small fishing villages along the famous Snaefellsjokull glacier-capped volcano. After a stop at Djupalonssandur, take a short, refreshing walk to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. 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 Snaefellsjokull crater: “Here had entered the Earth by one volcano, and 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…”

Afterwards, you will pass the cliffs of Londrangar and join the tiny fishing village of Arnarstapi, which offers splendid multicolored lava formations and an abundance of bird-life. After a walk around, you will return to your ship through Budir, famous for its beautiful surroundings of black lava and its long beach of yellow sand. Continue over Frodarheidi Heath to the north coast of the peninsula, back to Grundarfjordur.

This excursion includes walking on uneven but essentially flat terrain. The team recommends you wear a windproof 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.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

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.

Included Excursions

Godafoss & 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 the leader of the Althing or Parliament at that time, and it was he 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.

The team recommends you wear comfortable walking shoes, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and take a warm sweater. Please be aware that sites may be visited in a different order.

Charms of Myvatn Region
Duration: 8h00
From the pier, your coach will head south towards Godafoss, "Waterfall of the Gods". History tells that in the year 1000, Thorgeir, chieftain of Ljosavatn district and Lawspeaker of the Althing or parliament at that time, was entrusted with the momentous task of deciding whether Icelanders should adopt the Christian faith. When his decision was formally accepted, he went home and threw his statues of the pagan gods into the waterfall. Godafoss (Waterfall of the gods) is said to derive its name from this event.

Continue to Lake Myvatn. This large (37 sq. km) lake is one of Iceland's natural treasures. Dormant Hverfell looms over the East side, and a protected nesting area to its northwest is home to tens of thousands of birds, representing dozens of species of ducks. The surroundings of the lake are of tremendous geological interest. Numerous pseudo-craters at Skutustadir will be explored before continuing to Dimmuborgir, a magnificent lava landscape with strange formations, columns, and arches.

The striking geothermal field, next to Namafjall Mountain, is another highlight of this tour, full of mudpots, steam vents, sulphur deposits, boiling springs, and fumaroles. Lunch will be served in one of the local restaurants of the Myvatn Area. The tour continues along the shores of Lake Myvatn and then heads back to Akureyri, where a short city tour will be made before joining the pier and your ship.

For this moderate excursion, the team recommends you wear good and comfortable walking shoes (the terrain can be slippery), a windproof and waterproof jacket, and a warm pullover. Please be aware that the order of the visits may be reversed.

Thermal Bath & Godafoss
Duration: 5h9
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 that you wear comfortable walking shoes, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and take a warm sweater. Remember to bring a towel, your swimsuit for the geothermal sea baths experience, and flip-flops. There are separate changing rooms for showering at the geothermal center. It is customary in Iceland to take a shower without bathing suits for hygienic reasons.  For your personal belongings, lockers are available.

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.

Included Excursion:

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 specialties such as Schnapps, dried fish and locally canned fish cooked the Icelandic way.

For this excursion, it is advised 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 Dýrafjordur and Onundarfjordur. Breathtaking views of a spectacular landscape carved out by glaciers ages ago. First, stop at the botanical garden of Skrudur, 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 Onundarfjordur. 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 recommends 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 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.

Included Excursion:

Volcanic Landscape & Viking History
Duration  4h00
From the pier, drive to the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland, where a brief stop will be made to take some pictures. Next, you will drive across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes. Your tour continues to Krysuvik, a colorful hot-springs area, which contrasts sharply with the sand and the lava fields of the area. In Krysuvik, you can really witness the powerful jets of steam escaping from deep below the earth's crust and the multicolored pools of boiling mud of the solfataras.

The landscape contrast continues as you ride down to the sea towards a green bay and then up towards the mountains through lava and lush green meadows. You will make a quick stop at the bridge between continents, where you will get the chance to cross from the Eurasian tectonic plate to the North American tectonic plate.

Then you will be guided over the lava-covered Reykjanes peninsula to the outskirts of the little town Njardvik, where you find the newly built Viking museum in which stands "Icelander" (Islendingur), a fully seaworthy replica of an average-sized Viking vessel, which in those times would have carried a crew of 70. To commemorate the thousandth anniversary of this countryman's navigating to and discovering North America, the shipbuilder Gunnar Eggertsson travelled on the "Icelander" to America and back again in the year 2000. Homeward bound, you will go back to the port, through the Reykjanes lava fields, before arriving at the pier.

For this moderate excursion, the team recommends you wear comfortable shoes, a windproof and waterproof jacket, and take a warm pullover. Please be aware that the order of the visits may be reversed.

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