Iceland Explorer: Roundtrip from Reykjavík

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

   Discover Iceland's modern capital

   Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík, a laid-back city of art, culture and history. Delightful Reykjavík is well worth spending some time getting to know.

   Take a stroll along the city's main street, Laugavegur, with its boutiques and outdoor shops, gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and drop in on the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum.

   Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it's time to settle into your cabin before enjoying your first dinner aboard.

   If you have the time, we recommend booking a Pre-Programme with us and discovering some of Iceland's natural highlights before your cruise begins.

2. 2

   Charming Grundarfjörður

   Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes

   The majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbour of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay.

   Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula's western tip. It's nicknamed 'Little Iceland' for the array of landscapes.

   At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur's black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or, take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube.

3. 3

   Picturesque Isafjörður

   Explore Westfjords' beautiful harbourside town

   Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view some of the oldest houses in Iceland.

   One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft - the Troll's Throne. You'll be rewarded for your efforts at the top by the stunning panoramic view.

4. 4

   Akureyri and Goðafoss

   See dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls

   Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. Together with neighbouring Skjálfandi Bay, it's one of the best places in Europe to spot whales.

   Iceland's so-called 'Northern Capital', Akureyri, sits at the fjord head. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden and visit local eateries and museums.

   A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You'll witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, an active volcanic area and one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

5. 5

   Húsavík and the Arctic Circle

   Cross the Arctic Circle and go whale watching

   Húsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and be calling here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi Bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbour porpoises and occasionally blue whales. If you're lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea, and you can learn more about them at Húsavík's Whale Museum.

   You can also visit the Eurovision Song Contest Exhibition, showcasing the contest's history with costumes, props, and memorabilia from past performances, alongside sets and items from the 2020 film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, set and filmed in Húsavík.

   Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettifoss, and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which, according to the Icelandic myths, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later, sail along the coast of Grimsey Island without landing, passing across the Arctic Circle as you do so, before continuing to the next destination.

6. 6

   Puffins up close

   Explore a place beloved of puffins and elves

   Your Iceland cruise continues to Bakkagerði, a tiny, remote settlement. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning 'hidden people'. Walk around town to explore this magical place.

   A popular hiking area, here you can walk through lush, green valleys and gorgeous scenery among colourful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. May also visit the Atlantic Puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi, a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

7. 7

   Heimaey's explosive past

   Discover the town that defied a volcano

   Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, found off the south coast of Iceland. It has a fascinating history, and still bears the scars of a powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island.

   Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. Or why not take a hike to seek out puffins at Stórhöfði, where around eight million nest every summer. Don't miss climbing Mount Eldfell at the volcano's summit; you'll have incredible views of the town below.

8. 8

   Reykjavík and beyond

   Enjoy Reykjavík at your leisure

   Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great opportunity to see the places you missed when you first arrived. You can even relax with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool - literally a 'hot pot' an important part of Icelandic culture.

   * Please note that cruise itineraries are subject to change at any time and are not guaranteed

Accommodation

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Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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