Reykjavik is the world’s northernmost capital city and home to 171,514 people. In the relatively close surroundings of Reykjavik you may find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Reykjavik also has a vast selection of restaurants, museums and shops in the narrow small-town-like streets. We will depart from the pier in the evening hours, and strongly recommend that you acquaint yourself with this charming and vibrant town before departure.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: -
We set course north and plan for a clock-wise roundtrip of Iceland. During the next eight days you will explore the Saga Island to its full, and visit a variety of islands, towns and settlements. You will be provided spectacular views and interesting sites always accompanied by our knowledgeable Expedition Team. Whilst in Iceland the captain will attempt to make daily landings for you to explore nature and settlements on your own or on activities together with fellow travellers.
Listed is the anticipated itinerary:
Grundarfjörður is situated in the western area of Iceland in the region of Vesturland on the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Snaefellsnes is sometimes called “Iceland in a nutshell” because of its diversity of landscape with its different kind of lava and rock formations, glacier, volcanic activity, hot and cold springs as well as the richness of bird life and picturesque landscape. Snæfellsnes shelters tiny fishing harbours protected by dark cliffs of columnar basalt. All the colours of the northern summer seem to be caught between the ever undulating ocean and the pristine glacier slopes of Snæfellsjökull glacier. We offer a wide range of excursions in Grundarfjörður to enhance your Iceland experience.
Stykkishólmur has beautiful and well-preserved old houses in the town centre. Here you can find various interesting museums, as well as Iceland’s oldest meteorological station, dating back to 1845. The church in Stykkishólmur makes a beautiful landmark both from land and sea. The view from the church over Breidarfjordur is spectacular. When we land in Stykkisholmur we have several optional excursions, like boat tour with stunning views, or if you wish to be more active both kayaking, hiking and horseback riding is available.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: All Meals
Flateyri has been a trading post since 1792 and the base for shark-hunting and whaling operations in the 1900’s. Today Flateyri, like so many other fishing villages, is dependent on tourism. There is a nice sandy beach on the other side of the fjord, and although the sea might be colder for bathing than most people prefer, the sand is great for building sand castles.
Puffins, eiders, guillemoths and Arctic terns are all abundant here. In Vigur you will find the smallest post office in Iceland, as well as the only windmill and beautifully renewed houses. Since an end was put to milk production on Vigur island, the inhabitants spend much of the winter preparing the eider down, collected over the summer, for export. Due to the breeding season of the eider duck the number of visitors is strictly regulated. When conditions allow we will offer an included PolarCirkel boat cruising for all guests. For those who wish to land we offer and optional excursion with limited number of seats available.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: All Meals
The capital of the Westfjords (Vestfirðir) region of Iceland and with a population of about 4,100 Ísafjörður is the largest town in the Westfjords. The town has a long history and for centuries it was a major centre of commerce and trading, all based on fish. Take a stroll around this cosy town and enjoy its diverse architecture. You'll find the country's oldest dwelling here, along with other fine examples of timber houses built by wealthy foreign traders in the 18th century. Isafjordur offer a wide range of optional excursions of various levels of difficulty.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: All Meals
Akureyri is a lively and energetic town, and home to around 17,200 inhabitants. It is the most populated community outside the Reykjavík area and the centre of trade, culture and services for the north of Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural beauty spots and the town itself is a popular destination. Enjoy an optional walking tour, or join a bus excursion to the impressive Godafoss Waterfalls.
At Grímsey we may use the PolarCirkel boats to reach this green and grassy island, probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. You may step across that line, south to north. The distance from “Iceland” is 41 km, and about 100 people live here.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: All Meals
Húsavík is the oldest settlement in Iceland. The Museum House at Húsavík houses a maritime museum, natural history museum, folk museum, district archives, photograph archives, and an art gallery. And of course Húsavík is also home to the Whale Museum. Cultural life is flourishing, the active and enthusiastic drama society being among the best amateur theatre groups in Iceland. Husavik has many optional tours to offer for those interested in a deeper understanding of the area.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: All Meals
We hope to call at Seyðisfjörður, distinguished by excellent harbour facilities and Norwegian heritage. The colourful Norwegian-style wooden houses date from the early years of the 20th century and render this village unique in Iceland. Walking trails around town, out along the coast, or by the Fjarðará River, are pleasurable and relaxing. The town is home to 700 residents, who have traditionally lived off fishing.
Eskifjörður is a charming seaside village, which became an official trading post in 1789 and has been a commercial centre ever since. A walk around town is recommended, noting the historical buildings and piers. The attractive seafarers´ lodge Randulfssjóhús remains unchanged since 1890, showing the ways of yesteryear´s fisheries trade. You can even try tasting the shark and dried fish still produced there.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: All Meals
The Vestmannaeyjar - or Westman Islands - are a group of 15 spectacular islands and about 30 rock pillars, located off Iceland’s south coast. The islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions along a 30-km long fissure lying southwest to northeast. Most of the islands have steep sea cliffs, are well vegetated and provide a habitat for countless birds, including the charming puffin.
Surtsey is a volcanic island, and the southernmost of Iceland. It was formed by an eruption starting 130 metres below sea level and reached the surface in 1963. Heimaey is the largest of the Westman Islands, and was one of Iceland’s most important fishing ports. During the main season, people flocked here to work long hours and earn money. Today, hunting and fishing are still the traditional mainstays of the economy. Magnificent bird cliffs dominate this stunning volcanic island.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: All Meals
Return to Reykjavik and disembark the voyage. Transfer to the Blue Lagoon for a therapeutic afternoon and evening in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon. Stay overnight at the Northern Light Inn, which is just a stone's throw from the international airport.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: Breakfast
Check out from hotel and transfer to airport for your flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast