Circumnavigating Iceland
The Land of Elves, Sagas, and Volcanoes (Itinerary 1)
Explore mystical Iceland – the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’
Fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side
A paradise for bird- and whale watching
9-Day Circular Expedition Cruise around Iceland from Reykjavík
Iceland old and new
In Reykjavík, you’ll get a taste of modern Iceland. Check out its stylish restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and museums that delve into Icelandic history and culture through the ages. On tiny islands and in coastal fishing villages, hear tales of elves and epic Viking sagas.
Raw natural beauty
Discover Iceland’s stark scenery, with active volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls. Iceland offers the best whale watching in Europe at this time of year, from humpbacks to belugas. Among the Arctic birdlife, keep an eye out for colonies of Atlantic puffins.
Key Expedition Details
Itinerary
Your adventure at a glance. Daily highlights, included activities, and optional extras to make it unforgettable.
Discover Iceland's modern capital.
Your Iceland expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík, a vibrant city full of art, culture, and history. Enjoy a walk around this compact city. Take a stroll down Laugavegur, the main shopping street, to the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. Or visit one of its many art galleries and museums.
With so much to explore, consider arriving early to join one of our Pre-Programs and explore the Golden Circle or Icelandic Highlands.
Your Iceland adventure at sea starts when you board the ship. Find your cabin, meet your Expedition Team, explore the ship, and enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner as we set sail towards our first stop, Stykkishólmur.
Gateway to spectacular Snæfellsnes
Time has stood still at Stykkishólmur, the small fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay. Here, the colorful houses stand in contrast to the distant mountains.
Nearby, you’ll find Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. It’s nicknamed 'Little Iceland', for its wide variety of volcanic landscapes.
At the national park, visit Djúpalónssandur's black-sand beach and the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs. Ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier, or take a guided coastal hike with a glacial cave tour.
Birdwatching, waterfalls and stunning beaches
Patreksfjörður is unforgettably beautiful. Learn about the fishing traditions in Europe’s westernmost village. You can even enjoy a dip in the town’s outdoor pool, which features wonderful fjord views.
You’ll have the chance to explore the surrounding area on a hike through the fjords or visit Rauðasandur beach and see seals. You can also join a tour to Dynjandi waterfalls. These are six combined falls that, together, comprise the largest and most spectacular cascade in the Westfjords.
Birdwatchers shouldn’t miss a visit to Látrabjarg, where puffins, northern gannets, guillemots, and razorbills cling to Europe’s largest bird cliff.
Exploring Northwest Iceland, expedition-style
One of the best things about expedition cruising is the feeling of freedom. We plan to spend the day in Iceland’s Northwestern Region, but as conditions can vary, there's no pre-set plan. Rest assured, your Captain and expedition team will find the best opportunities for adventure.
We may take you ashore in our small boats (RIBs) for a hike or a beach clean-up. Or maybe we’ll launch our kayaks. If we spot a pod of whales as we’re sailing, we may stop to enjoy the sight. Be ready for anything!
Don’t forget, you can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, get tips from our professional photographer, or soak in a hot tub!
Dramatic moonscapes and waterfalls
Gaze at snowcapped peaks as we cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord. It's one of the best places in Europe to spot humpback whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbor porpoises. Look out for orcas, blue whales, and fin whales, too.
Iceland’s 'Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy the oasis of a botanical garden and visit top-notch eateries and museums.
A little further afield, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. Keep an eye out for eider ducks and Harlequin ducks at Lake Mývatn, one of Iceland’s most active volcanic areas.
Cross the Arctic Circle and see Atlantic puffins.
This remote and windswept island is home to just 60 people and is renowned for its Atlantic puffin colonies. Grímsey is steeped in folklore, including tales of the island’s first settler, Grímur.
Grímsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which actually cuts across the island—the only part of Iceland to do so. You’ll have the opportunity to step across that line, hopping over to the Arctic and back.
Hike to the Orbis et Globus sculpture, a huge concrete sphere that is repositioned each year to fit the northward movement of the Arctic Circle. By 2050, Grímsey will lie outside the Arctic.
Local folklore and staggering natural beauty
Your Iceland cruise continues to the tiny, remote settlement of Bakkagerði. 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.
This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. The coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eider ducks, and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi, a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Discover the town that defied a volcano.
Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off the Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the 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. You could also take a hike to find puffins at Stórhöfði, where nearly 8 million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you–ll have incredible views of the town below.
Enjoy Reykjavík at your leisure
Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in fascinating Reykjavík. This is a great chance to see the places you missed when you arrived.
Relaxing with friends in a heittur pottur, a geothermal pool, is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, visit Iceland’s most famous place to do so: the Blue Lagoon. This is one of the true natural wonders of the world—experience the blend of silica, algae, and minerals in its geothermal waters.
You can also join our Post-Program and explore Iceland's beautiful south coast, with waterfalls, black-sand beaches, geothermal springs and majestic mountains.
Included activities & excursions
These activities are included with your trip. Dates and times will be confirmed closer to departure, you’ll just need to reserve your spot after booking.
What else is included?
Optional extras
Enhance your journey with optional extras. Some activities are only bookable onboard and can’t be reserved online or by phone. Subject to availability.
Our Iceland ships
Get a taste of what life is like on board the ships that sail on this itinerary
