Compare A Circumnavigation of Iceland by Adventure Smith
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 9,820 |
| Price Per Day | $ 893 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches and 8 Dinners |
| Description |
A Circumnavigation of Iceland, an 11-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Explorer, explores Iceland’s geology in all its world-class manifestations: glaciers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots and rock and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty. These features alone make a circumnavigation a very compelling idea. And when you add in the other itinerary components of Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and contemporary character, the island’s geography and birdlife seeing it all in one expedition is irresistible. |
Day 1: U.S./Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland
Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland. Recommended group flights may be available.
Day 2: Embark Reykjavik
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: National Geographic Explorer
Arrive in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just 4 hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja 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.
Day 3: Explore the West Coast of Iceland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Latrabjarg 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. Continue to 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.
Day 4: Ísafjördur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: National Geographic Explorer
Located in the Western Fjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers. Renowned for its traditional eider down production, it is a picture postcard of traditional Icelandic life and a great place for hiking, kayaking and for spotting eider ducks.
Day 5: Exploring Northwestern Iceland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: National Geographic Explorer
Hornstandir is Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, situated in the Westfjords region. Stunningly beautiful and peaceful, this remote corner of Iceland is uninhabited and can only be accessed on foot or by boat. Summertime is magical with 24 hours of daylight and many species of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes.
Day 6: Siglufjordur and Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: National Geographic Explorer
Siglufjordur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Visit the Herring Museum for a talk 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
Day 7: Lake Mývatn and Húsavík
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: National Geographic Explorer
Drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. This is world-class field geology! See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarönd that are so hot they actually bubble. At the Krafla geothermal area explore the explosion crater at Viti and continue to an unforgettable sight: Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Meet the ship in Húsavík, and watch for whales as the Explorer sails 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 celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting and fishing.
Day 8: Exploring Northeast Iceland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: National Geographic Explorer
With plenty of rarely visited coastline, this day is left open to explore Iceland’s rugged east coast. Join the ship's naturalists for a hike or a Zodiac cruise to get a better view of the beautiful stacks at the end of the peninsula. Or, conditions permitting, you may have your first chance to kayak today under the steep cliffs.
Day 9: Djúpivogur, Iceland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: National Geographic Explorer
Dock in Djupivogur to explore the vast Vatnajokull ice cap. Explore by small boat to get up-close and personal with the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Photo lovers may set off with the National Geographic photographer.
Day 10: Islands of Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
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 see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.
Day 11: Disembark Reykjavik
Today, complete your circumnavigation of Iceland, disembarking in Reykjavík. Stop by the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths, prior to your flight home. Whether you choose to enjoy the surreal bath and spa facilities or just stroll around the fascinating environs, the Blue Lagoon is unforgettable!
