Iceland Explorer

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik

After landing in Iceland’s small capital, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Check in, then enjoy a walk around the city. You’ll embark on your ship tomorrow for the official launch of your Icelandic adventure. 

Day 2: Embarkation day 

Today, you'll enjoy one of Iceland’s most popular attractions: the Golden Circle. Stops along this route include Thingvellir National Park, the point where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Next is Gullfoss waterfall, tumbling 111 ft (34 m) into the Hvítá River, followed by visits to some of Iceland's iconic geothermal fields and geysers. Be mesmerised by steaming hot springs and bubbling pools that make you wonder just how much natural power is surging under your feet. 

Later in the afternoon, return to Reykjavik to board the ship, where you'll settle into your cabin and set off on your Icelandic circumnavigation. 

Day 3: The Snaefellsnes Peninsula 

Today, you’ll explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for lava fields, fjords and abundant birdlife – all crowned by the ice-topped Snæfellsjökull volcano. You’ll personalise your expedition with one of three included full-day experiences:

Option 1: Highlights of Snæfellsnes (easy to moderate)

Visit the black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur and explore the scenic hamlet of Búðir and the historic Búðakirkja church. Drive through Snæfellsjökull National Park before finishing at the photogenic Mount Kirkjufell and its nearby waterfall.

Option 2: Natural Wonders (moderate)

Hike the scenic coastal trail from Arnarstapi to Hellnar, with views of dramatic basalt cliffs and rich birdlife. Explore the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir lava cave with a guide, then continue to Mount Kirkjufell and its neighbouring waterfall.

Option 3: Snæfellsnes Adventure (moderate to difficult)

Trek along cliffs teeming with puffins, explore lava fields and beaches at Malarrif, and walk to the top of Eldborg crater. End the day at the striking basalt columns of Gerðuberg Cliffs.

All options include lunch and expert guidance.

Day 4: The Westfjords

Over the next three days, you’ll explore Iceland’s wild Westfjords, where sheer mountains drop into deep fjords and ancient glaciers have carved dramatic valleys.

From Patreksfjörður, head out by coach to the towering Látrabjarg cliffs, Europe’s largest bird cliff and home to puffins, razorbills, fulmars and guillemots. Standing at the westernmost point in Europe, you’ll gaze out across the Atlantic toward North America!

As you cruise north, soak up the scenery and keep watch for whales. Later, take to the zodiacs for a close-up look at the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall – one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Day 5: Thingeyri in the Westfjords

Thingeyri is a charming village perched on a narrow strip of land beside the scenic fjord of Dýrafjörður. Surrounded by towering peaks – nicknamed the "Alps of the Westfjords" – it blends coastal simplicity with dramatic mountain beauty. Like many Icelandic settlements, its history and culture are deeply tied to the sea.

Today, choose from two included excursions to suit your interests and fitness level:

Option 1: That Viking Thing Experience

Duration: 2 hours plus free time

Difficulty: Easy

Step into Viking history with a walk through a recreated settlement and a short hike to the site of a historic Viking parliament (Thing). At the interactive museum, you can try on traditional Viking clothing, bake bread, sip Icelandic ale, and explore the stories – fact and fiction – of Norse life.

Option 2: Sandafell Mountain Hike

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Hike up Sandafell Mountain for sweeping views of Thingeyri, the fjord and the Westfjords’ striking landscapes. This lesser-known region is a paradise for outdoor lovers, and the trail offers a taste of its rugged beauty and peaceful isolation.

Day 6: Akureyri 

Set between mountains and the sea, Akureyri is Iceland’s second-largest city outside the capital region. Its charming streets and striking backdrop make it a favourite stop in the north.

Today, you’ll choose your included excursion to match your interests and energy level:

Option 1: Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn & Nature Baths

Difficulty: Easy

Begin at the spectacular Goðafoss waterfall –  the 1,312 ft (400 m) trail is easy and mostly flat, taking around 10 minutes to arrive at the main viewpoint – before heading to the volcanic landscapes of Lake Mývatn. After lunch, unwind at the Mývatn Nature Baths, where you can soak in warm, mineral-rich waters while surrounded by steam rising from deep within the Earth.

Option 2: Goðafoss, Lake Mývatn & Dimmuborgir

Difficulty: Moderate

Visit Goðafoss, then explore Lake Mývatn’s Skútustaðagígar pseudo-craters on foot. Continue to Dimmuborgir, a surreal lava field of towering formations, home to legends and eerie beauty. Keep an eye out for the impressive cave known as “The Church”.

Option 3: Hverfjall Crater, Dimmuborgir & Dettifoss

Difficulty: Strenuous

Hike up and around the rim of Hverfjall, a massive volcanic crater with views straight out of a sci-fi film. This is a 5.6-mile (9 km) loop trail taking around 3-3.5 hours. After exploring Dimmuborgir’s lava towers, end your day at Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall thundering into a deep canyon.

In the late afternoon, you'll rejoin the ship and set sail for remote Grímsey Island.

Day 7: Grímsey Island 

Roughly 25 miles (40 km) off the coast, Grímsey is a grassy island split by the Arctic Circle – step across it and you’ve officially entered the Arctic! Home to just 100 people, it’s a remote spot for zodiac cruising, kayaking and photographing puffins, guillemots, and gulls.

As you sail back toward the mainland, keep watch in Skjálfandi Bay near Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital. Up to 24 species are found here, including orcas, fin, pilot and even the mighty blue whale. Dolphins and seabirds are often seen too.

Day 8: Seydisfjördur

This afternoon, explore Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque fishing village framed by mountains and waterfalls. Wander streets lined with colourful wooden houses – remnants of the Norwegian herring era – and browse shops filled with local crafts. Hike scenic trails above town or soak up the creative vibe at the arts centre, blue church concert venue, or one of East Iceland’s only cinemas.

Day 9: Djúpivogur

Disembark in Djúpivogur, your gateway to Vatnajökull National Park and some of Iceland’s most spectacular glacier and waterfall landscapes.

Personalise your day with one of three included excursions:

Option 1: Waterfalls, Glacial Lagoons & Hot Tubs

Duration: 10 hours

Level: Easy

Group size: Max 60 (2 groups of 30)

Start at Fossárfoss, a striking waterfall framed by basalt cliffs and mountains. At Vatnajökull National Park, cruise the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by amphibious boat, floating past giant icebergs. Visit nearby Diamond Beach, where ice fragments wash up on the black sand, and stop at Fjallsárlón Lagoon for more shimmering glacial views. End your day with a soak in geothermal hot tubs at Hoffell.

Option 2: Canyon Hike & Glacier Lagoon Walk

Duration: 9 hours

Level: Moderate

Group size: Max 40

Visit Fossárfoss waterfall before hiking through Múlagljúfur Canyon, a hidden gem with lush trails, river crossings, and dramatic views of Fjallsárlón Lagoon. After lunch, walk along the shore of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and visit Diamond Beach.

Note: Hike is 2.4 miles (3.8 km) one way with a 1000 ft (315 m) elevation gain. Trail is narrow and uneven with easy river crossings.

Option 3: Falljökull Glacier Hike

Duration: 9 hours (incl. 4 hours on the glacier)

Level: Moderate to difficult

Group size: Max 45

Head straight to Falljökull, one of Vatnajökull’s most dramatic outlet glaciers. After gearing up with crampons and a harness, your guide will lead you through towering ice formations and deep crevasses on an unforgettable glacier hike. After a well-earned late lunch, return to the ship.

Note: Glacier gear provided. Minimum shoe size EU 35. Transfer time to the glacier is approx. 3 hours each way.

Day 10: Westman Islands

Enjoy a relaxed morning and lunch onboard as you cruise south, scanning for whales and seabirds with insights from your expedition team.

This afternoon, arrive at the Westman Islands, formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. The archipelago is a haven for seabirds, including the world’s largest colony of Atlantic puffins, and sightings of whales and seals are common while sailing among the landmasses.

Personalise your time ashore on Heimaey with one of two included excursions:

Option 1: Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing

Duration: 3 hours

Level: Easy

Visit the Eldheimar Museum to learn about the dramatic 1973 eruption that reshaped Heimaey and forced a full evacuation, as well as the birth of nearby Surtsey Island in 1963. Then head to Stórhöfði Cape, one of the best spots to view puffins up close. If time allows, enjoy some free time to wander Heimaey town.

Option 2: Volcano Hike & Museum

Duration: 3 hours

Level: Difficult

Join a challenging two-hour hike to the summit of Eldfell volcano, where you can still feel geothermal warmth beneath your feet. After descending, explore the Eldheimar Museum to delve deeper into the island’s volcanic history. Free time in town may be available before returning to the ship.

As you sail away, pass by Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the youngest landmasses on Earth.

Day 11: Disembarkation in Reykjavik

Bid farewell to your expedition team, the crew and any newfound friends after breakfast, as you disembark in Iceland’s capital. Transfers to Keflavik International Airport are included.