DAY 1: U.S. / Fly to Reykjavik, Iceland
Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavík.
DAY 2: Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Check in to our group hotel in the morning and take time to rest and refresh before lunch. In the afternoon, take a panoramic drive through the city’s Old Town before embarking National Geographic Endurance. (B,L,D)
DAYS 3-5: Western and Northern Iceland
Explore Iceland’s western frontier by Zodiac cruise, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. Watching for whales and migratory birdlife as we navigate toward Húsavík. Explore Þeistareikir – a colorful geothermal area with active fumaroles and clay pools, and take advantage of the midnight sun by visiting an unforgettable sight: Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Discover this incredible, thundering waterfall and perhaps practice your photography in the early stages of sunset.
At Siglufjörður, once the center of Iceland’s herring industry, visit the award-winning Herring Museum for a living history reenactment and a tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 6-7: Exploring the Westfjords
We let nature be our guide as we explore Iceland’s beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and explore deep into the fjord for Zodiac cruises and perhaps tundra hikes. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Arnafjörður and Dynjandi Waterfall
In the early morning our ship will glide into beautiful Arnafjörður along the northwest coast of Iceland. For a more active experience, disembark early and hike several miles along the base of the fjord to visit spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the bow of the ship as we venture ever deeper into the fjord and then go ashore by Zodiac to walk up to the base of the waterfall, passing nesting arctic terns along the way (B,L,D)
Day 9: Kirkjufell, Snæfellsnes
Set out on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula today as we visit Kirkjufell, or ‘Church Mountain.’ Hike along the coast and admire the mountain from all angles and discover nearby Kirkjufellsfoss—a photographer’s delight. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Akranes
Arrive in Akranes this morning and depart the city for Iceland’s remote interior. Choose to visit Hraunfossar to see a series of waterfalls, formed by rivulets streaming out of the nearby Hallmundarhraun lava field. Relax in the natural geothermal baths at Krauma, where the hot water originates in Iceland’s most powerful nearby hot spring. Alternatively, join us on a glacier excursion and discover the beautiful blue ice found inside Langjökull’s ice tunnels. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Exploring the 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, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Grindavik
In mid-March of 2021, the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted after lying dormant for 800 years. Today, we begin with an early hike to stunning viewpoints over the volcano’s lava fields and still-steaming central crater. (B,L,D)
DAY 13: Reykjavík / Disembark / U.S.
Today we complete our voyage, disembarking in Reykjavík. Join us on your choice of two tours on the Reykjanes peninsula this morning: An excursion to see Iceland’s hot springs, beautiful Icelandic Horses and a fascinating power plant or a visit to the Reykjanes GeoPark to view the Mid-Atlantic ridge above sea level and the nearby hot spring area. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B,L)