Sail around Iceland on an 8-day expedition that reveals its famed natural wonders. Hike or bike to explore remote waterfalls, secluded valleys, dramatic fjords, black-sand beaches, and forest-filled canyons. Spot an abundance of seabirds from Atlantic puffins to Arctic terns and cruise into an otherworldly glacier lagoon. Along the way, meet locals who will share Icelandic traditions as well as a glimpse into daily life, both past and present, on this subarctic island.
Highlights
Sail around the Island of Fire and Ice, discovering its wealth of wildlife, striking geological formations, and a culture steeped in saga and exploration history
Explore a variety of landscapes across the island, from lava fields and geothermal springs to black-sand beaches and thundering waterfalls
Hike the rim of a volcanic crater for spectacular views of the Westman Islands
Walk along boardwalks for close views of puffins at Borgarfjarðarhöfn, often called the ‘puffin capital of Iceland’
Visit Goðafoss, the largest waterfall in Iceland, and cruise among ethereal icebergs in a glacier lagoon
Explore Iceland's remote countryside by venturing into the uniquely shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon and surveying the glacial canyons of the northern coast
With the National Geographic Explorers-in-Training program, our exclusive family program, kids and teens will learn about this fascinating part of the world—from puffling patrol to the split of Iceland's tectonic plates
View our brochures for more details
Europe
View our brochures for more details
Europe
View our brochures for more details
Europe
Itinerary
Expedition
Starts atReykjavík, IcelandEnds atReykjavík, Iceland
Day 1
Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark ShipArrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Westfjords
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of animal life including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds. Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process and serve as active stewards of the colonies of puffins and black guillemots who call the island home.*
*Visit subject to nesting seabird season and not available on all dates.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
WestfjordsExplore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of animal life including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds. Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process and serve as active stewards of the colonies of puffins and black guillemots who call the island home.*
*Visit subject to nesting seabird season and not available on all dates.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland’s northernmost mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association, one of over 50 associations in Iceland, for an afternoon of conservation in their local forest. Learn what it takes to maintain and develop a forest on this volcanic island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
SiglufjörðurSiglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland’s northernmost mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association, one of over 50 associations in Iceland, for an afternoon of conservation in their local forest. Learn what it takes to maintain and develop a forest on this volcanic island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Húsavík
Húsavík, the site of the oldest settlement in Iceland, is your gateway to the geological exploration of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as the Lake Mývatn area, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey hiking through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed by the hoof of Odin’s eight-legged horse, or stay along the coast and choose a slower pace for the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the Geo Sea bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
HúsavíkHúsavík, the site of the oldest settlement in Iceland, is your gateway to the geological exploration of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as the Lake Mývatn area, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey hiking through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed by the hoof of Odin’s eight-legged horse, or stay along the coast and choose a slower pace for the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the Geo Sea bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Borgarfjarðarhöfn
Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Bakkagerði is well known for its welcoming puffin colony and stunning fjords. Walk across boardwalks to witness these colorful symbols of Icelandic wildlife. Once you’ve captured your best photo of the famous auk species, take an invigorating hike up to the best panoramic view of the fjord or challenge yourself to a backcountry mountain bike journey to remote overlooks and stunning vistas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
BorgarfjarðarhöfnLocated on the eastern shore of Iceland, Bakkagerði is well known for its welcoming puffin colony and stunning fjords. Walk across boardwalks to witness these colorful symbols of Icelandic wildlife. Once you’ve captured your best photo of the famous auk species, take an invigorating hike up to the best panoramic view of the fjord or challenge yourself to a backcountry mountain bike journey to remote overlooks and stunning vistas.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Djúpivogur
Arrive in the town of Djúpivogur and visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, drive down the coast to explore the foot of the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Or, join a hike to the black-sand beaches near the town center.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
DjúpivogurArrive in the town of Djúpivogur and visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, drive down the coast to explore the foot of the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Or, join a hike to the black-sand beaches near the town center.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Heimaey and 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'll 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, for amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Heimaey and Surtsey, Westman IslandsThe 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'll 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, for amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Reykjavík / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 8
Reykjavík / Disembark ShipDisembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
Special Offers
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
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Europe
Iceland
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