Circumnavigation of Iceland

• Exclusive journey to enchanting Iceland, the “Land of Fire and Ice,” where glaciers cap active and dormant volcanoes and Viking ruins coexist with geothermal baths, mud pots and geysers.
• Created in our tradition of innovative programming and educational travel.
• Access to ports unavailable to larger vessels and included excursions throughout your program.
• Specially arranged walk on Grímsey Island, located directly on the Arctic Circle.
• Distinguished guest speaker Felicity Aston, British polar explorer and the first woman to ski alone across Antarctica.
• Two UNESCO World Heritage sites — Surtsey and Vatnajökull National Park - Dynamic Nature of Fire and Ice.
• Reykjavík Pre-Tour Extension Option.

Arrive in Reykjavík, Iceland, and join the group for a Reykjavík city tour.

Known as the “smallest big city in the world,” Iceland’s capital dates to 870. An Augustinian monastery was founded here during the medieval era, followed by centuries of settlers who fished, farmed and established a center for wool production. Today, this modern, cosmopolitan city is rich with culture, natural beauty and a thriving tourist economy.

Your panoramic excursion begins by showcasing Laugardalur Park, home to colorful botanical gardens, recreational facilities and Iceland’s only zoo. Pass by the park’s large pool, heated with geothermal water. Continue to the National Museum, where over 2,000 artifacts provide a window to Iceland’s rich history, culture and heritage. Collections span from the year 1600 to today.

Next, step into the remarkable Hallgrímskirkja, perched at the top of Skolavordustigur Street. Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson found inspiration amid Iceland’s magnificent landscapes and features of nature — such as mountains and lava formations — can be spotted in the church’s impressive design. Your tour also includes a visit to the Perlan Museum where you can take in spectacular city views before returning to the port to embark the deluxe World Traveller.

You will also meet Guest Speaker Felicity Aston, who will be joining us on our journey.

Today you will tour Vigur Island and Ísafjörður.

Join your fellow passengers for a Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner on board this evening.

This morning we arrive in Siglufjörður. During the first half of the 20th century, Siglufjördur was the center of the herring fishing industry in not just Iceland, but the North Atlantic. With unspoiled cliffs and a dazzling harbor, it has since transformed into one of the largest towns in Iceland.

Stroll through delightful Siglufjördur and step into its past at the Herring Era Museum — featuring five restored buildings, including a salt house, factory and former freezing plants. On this enlightening tour, listen to live accordion music, taste traditional rye bread and other specialties and explore period living quarters.

From there, we cruise to Grímsey Island, which straddles the top of the world at 66 degrees north. It is the only part of Iceland that lies within the Arctic Circle. Disembark for a short excursion on foot and watch for sea birds, including large colonies of puffins and arctic terns.

Begin your day of discovery at Námaskarð — a geothermal wonder with hot springs, fumaroles and boiling mud pools. You might immediately notice the barren landscape. Due to the soil’s heat and acidity, the earth here is not suitable for vegetation. Walk among the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir, which translates to “Dark Castles” or “Dark Cities.” This volcanic field is covered in unique craggy black lava stacks and caves. Continue driving along the shores of Lake Mývatn to see the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir, formed when hot lava flowed across the wetlands over 2,000 years ago. From there, travel to the legendary Goðafoss waterfall.

Falling 40 feet, the waterfall fed by the Skjálfandafljót River earned its name from the time when Christianity was introduced to Iceland and ultimately prevailed as the country’s main religion. Under pressure from Norway to convert from its polytheistic traditions, the country was under threat of a potential Norwegian invasion. Legend has it that Thorgeir Thorkelsson, a lawspeaker in the Althing, Iceland's parliament, threw wooden idols of Norse mythology into the falls, which angered Thor, Loki and other Norse deities. The gods split the waterfall into two and the majestic falls have been known as “Waterfall of the Gods” ever since.

Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the town at your own pace or even take a hike up to the waterfall.

Drive through the small coastal town of Djúpivogur, nestled in a deep cove between the Hamarsfjörður and Berufjörður fjords. During your outing, take in views of towering mountain, unique land formations, wetlands, beaches and charming villages.

Pass by the outstanding Álftafjörður, or swan fjord, and the fishing town of Höfn before arriving at Jökulsárlón — a beautiful glacier lagoon in the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated Vatnajoküll National Park. Here, board specially designed small boats for a private cruise on this deep lake. Revel in luminous, drifting icebergs, spy seals resting nearby and touch ice that has calved off the outlet tidewater glacier. Along the way, listen for the majestic sounds of calving ice as it crumbles and crashes into the water.

Disembark for a scenic tour of Heimaey Island, the largest of the 15 islands on the Westman Islands archipelago. Savor its picture-perfect vistas, sweeping scenery, moss-covered cliffs and wildlife as we travel to see the ruins of ancient Viking farmhouses in Herjólfsdalur Valley. From there, continue to observe Heimaey’s largest puffin colony from the headland of Stórhöfði (one of Europe’s windiest places) and view a Norwegian stave church in Stafkirkjan — a gift from Norway to commemorate the 1,000-year anniversary of Christianity in Iceland.

Marvel at the imposing 720-foot-high Mount Eldfell and then tour the Eldheimar Museum, which chronicles the fateful and heroic events of January 1973, when people were forced to evacuate the town of Vestmannaeyjabaer in the middle of the night. Today, the ground is still hot enough to bake bread.

This afternoon, we cruise along the coast of Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the youngest and most fragile islands on Earth. This new island rose from the sea in 1963 and was named after Surtr, a fire giant from Norse mythology.

Join fellow travelers for a Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner, and share your favorite stories from the expedition with fellow passengers.