Iceland, Arctic
66° 4′ N 27° 21′ W
A Circumnavigation of Iceland
Highlights
Experience all of Iceland’s geological manifestations: glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty
Meet local Icelandic experts ranging from economists to filmmakers and enjoy exclusive music performances.
Explore Iceland’s wild western coast; Siglufjörður in the north; the rarely visited rugged east coast; and the Westman islands in the south, among the planet’s youngest archipelagos
Actively explore by taking Zodiacs into fjords and serene bays
Customize your experience by taking a pre- or post-expedition extension
Day by Day
Explore extraordinary landscapes by foot and Zodiac. Meet welcoming Icelanders and learn about their Viking and Nordic history and contemporary culture. Enter havens for birdlife. Options abound to make the expedition as active as you choose, and each day join a different naturalist for more viewpoints. Plus, get top shots of spectacular landscapes with the help of a National Geographic photographer.
Multiple routes available
Some departures follow a modified itinerary. Please refer to departure dates for exact routing of your departure.
2023 Expedition
Reykjavík, Iceland
Reykjavík, Iceland
Days 1-2
U.S. / Reykjavik, Iceland / Embark Ship
Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, just below the Arctic Circle. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the Old Town, including the impressive Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower. Embark National Geographic Resolution. Lunch and dinner are included today.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Days 1-2
U.S. / Reykjavik, Iceland / Embark ShipDepart on an overnight flight to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, just below the Arctic Circle. Enjoy a panoramic overview of the Old Town, including the impressive Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower. Embark National Geographic Resolution. Lunch and dinner are included today.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Flatey Island
Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. Walk around the charming little hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Flatey IslandExplore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. Walk around the charming little hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Northwestern Iceland
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and learn about the down cleaning process.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Northwestern IcelandExplore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and learn about the down cleaning process.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Ísafjördur
Located in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers. Explore by Zodiac and on shore, hike for up-close viewsof stunning landscapes and to photograph flowering plants.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
ÍsafjördurLocated in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers. Explore by Zodiac and on shore, hike for up-close viewsof stunning landscapes and to photograph flowering plants.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Siglufjördur and Akureyri
Siglufjördur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. We stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Continue to picturesque Akureyri, backed by snow-capped mountains. Explore the old town, with its beautifully maintained period houses, or visit the botanical garden.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Siglufjördur and AkureyriSiglufjördur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. We stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Continue to picturesque Akureyri, backed by snow-capped mountains. Explore the old town, with its beautifully maintained period houses, or visit the botanical garden.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Lake Mývatn and Húsavík
Begin the day by visiting an unforgettable sight: Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Next, drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland to experience world-class field geology. See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarönd, so hot they actually bubble, and the explosion crater at Viti in the Krafla geothermal area. After lunch ashore, meet the ship in Húsavík, and watch for whales as we sail north to the land of the midnight sun. Take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here we celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting, and fishing—another wonderful photo op.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Lake Mývatn and HúsavíkBegin the day by visiting an unforgettable sight: Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Next, drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland to experience world-class field geology. See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarönd, so hot they actually bubble, and the explosion crater at Viti in the Krafla geothermal area. After lunch ashore, meet the ship in Húsavík, and watch for whales as we sail north to the land of the midnight sun. Take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here we celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting, and fishing—another wonderful photo op.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
At Sea / Skálanes
Spend the morning at sea as we round the rugged northeast corner of Iceland. This afternoon, visit Skálanes Nature Reserve outside of Seydisfjörður to observe the fascinating ongoing archaeological excavations, the peninsula’s bird cliffs, and abundant wildflowers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
At Sea / SkálanesSpend the morning at sea as we round the rugged northeast corner of Iceland. This afternoon, visit Skálanes Nature Reserve outside of Seydisfjörður to observe the fascinating ongoing archaeological excavations, the peninsula’s bird cliffs, and abundant wildflowers.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Djúpivogur
Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur. A third option is visiting a farm to meet a family living in rural Iceland.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
DjúpivogurDock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur. A third option is visiting a farm to meet a family living in rural Iceland.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Islands of Heimaey & 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 we see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. We 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 10
Islands of Heimaey & 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 we see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. We 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 11
Reykjavík / Disembark
Today, disembark in Reykjavík and take a morning excursion. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11
Reykjavík / DisembarkToday, disembark in Reykjavík and take a morning excursion. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOTE: For expeditions departing April 2024 onward, Day 1 of our itineraries will no longer reflect “departure from the U.S.” and will reflect “arrival to the city” where your expedition begins. Durations of expeditions will remain unchanged. More details.
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The sister ship to National Geographic Endurance, she explores polar & temperate regions
One of two new ships expressly built for polar waters, National Geographic Resolution is named to honor the second voyage of the legendary Captain James Cook. A fully-stabilized vessel with ice class PC5, Category A, she will enable adventurous guests to go where few have or can. National Geographic Resolution’s most striking exterior feature is her distinctive profile, the patented X-Bow®, a game-changing design that guarantees the smoothest, most comfortable ride in all kinds of conditions—and, since it eliminates bow impact, a quieter ride as well.
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Experience the geological extremes on one of the world’s youngest islands. Walk on lava fields and ice sheets. Feel the wondrous power of hot springs and waterfalls. Cruise into the Westfjords and spot nesting sea birds. Hike along magnificent stretches of coast. Icelandic experts and musicians add insight and energy to the expedition.
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$12,280
/ per person
View our brochures for more details
Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free
From
$12,280
/ per person
CHILDREN TRAVEL FREE
View our brochures for more details
Breathtaking photos and details on expeditions—view online or by mail for free