Iceland’s geology in all its manifestations is world-class: glaciers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and rock and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty. It alone makes a circumnavigation a very compelling idea. But when you add in components like Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and contemporary character, as well as the island’s geography and birdlife, seeing it all in one 360º expedition is irresistible. Join the National Geographic Explorer on this 10-day Arctic expedition cruise to see the best that Iceland has to offer.
Highlights
Meet Iceland’s people and learn about their cultural heritage
Actively explore Iceland's rugged coasts in one 360º expedition
Experience all of Iceland’s unique geological manifestations
Travel with an expert team on a holistic, narrative voyage
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts, and unusual whalebone carvings on display. Embark National Geographic Explorer.
Explore Iceland’s Western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast. Sail past the immense Látrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges.
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside bird-covered cliffs. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and view the down cleaning process.
Located in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers. Explore by Zodiac and hike ashore to view the local landscape and photograph flowering plants.
Siglufjördur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. You will stop by the Herring Museum for a re-enactment and a tasting. Continue to picturesque Akureyri, backed by snow-capped mountains. Explore the old town, with its beautifully maintained period houses, or visit the botanical garden.
Begin the day by visiting an unforgettable sight: Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Next, drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. This is world-classifield geology! See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarönd — so hot they actually bubble. At the Krafla geothermal area see the explosion crater at Viti. After lunch ashore, meet the ship in Húsavík, and watch for whales as you sail north to the land of the midnight sun. Take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here you will celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting and fishing — another wonderful photo op.
With plenty of rarely-visited coastline, this day is left open to explore Iceland's rugged east coast. Perhaps join our naturalists for a hike along a stretch of the Langanes Peninsula or you may have a Zodiac cruise to view the beautiful stacks near Raudanes. You can keep it flexible to be able to choose the best option for the day.
Dock in Djúpivogur to explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap. Via small boat, get up-close and personal with the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón.
Day 9: Islands of Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — which you will see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. You will visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.
Day 10: Reykjavik | Disembark | Home
1 Breakfast
Today you complete your circumnavigation of Iceland, disembarking in Reykjavík. Choose to visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or enjoy the hotsprings, geothermal power plant and horse farm prior to flights home.
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.
$11,460
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Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
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Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
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Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
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Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
Veranda Deck Suite #101-102; Upper Deck Suite with Balcony #213.
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Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230.
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Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window.
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Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208.
Notes
Costs Include:
All accommodations aboard ships or in hotels per itinerary or similar
All meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship
Meals on land as indicated
Air transportation where indicated as included
Shore excursions, sightseeing and entrance fees, special access permits
Transfers to and from group flights
Use of snorkeling equipment and wet suits
Use of kayaks (where available)
Gratuities (except to ship’s crew)
Taxes and service charges
Services of a ship physician on most voyages
Services of expedition staff
Your bar tab and all crew gratuities are included in the voyage price on all National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Resolution, and National Geographic Orion voyages. Please call for details.
Not Included:
Air transportation
Extensions, passport, visa, immigration fees
Scuba diving (where available)
Meals not indicated
Travel protection plan
Items of a personal nature, such as alcoholic beverages, internet access, and laundry
Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
