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A Circumnavigation of Iceland

A Circumnavigation of Iceland

From AUD $15,350

Description

Experience an enchanting land of geological extremes on a satisfying circumnavigation of this land of fire and ice. Encounter vast volcanic landscapes on one of the world’s youngest islands, walk on lava fields and ice sheets, and feel the power of gushing hot springs and cascading waterfalls. Cruise into the beautiful, remote Westfjords and spend time on the Arctic Circle spotting nesting seabirds. Zodiac cruise into fjords and serene bays and go hiking on magnificent and remote stretches of the coast. Cap off the adventure with a soak in the famous Blue Lagoon. Along the voyage, Icelandic experts and musicians will add local insight and energy to the expedition.

Trip Name
A Circumnavigation of Iceland
Days
10
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Reykjavik / Embark
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmostcapital, which lies only a fraction below the ArcticCircle and receives just four hours of sunlight inwinter and 22 in summer. Have a panoramicoverview of the Old Town, includingHallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower,and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture atthe National Museum, with its Viking treasures,artifacts, and unusual whalebone carvings ondisplay. Embark National Geographic Explorer.(L,D)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Flatey Island
Explore Iceland’s western frontier, visiting FlateyIsland, a trading post for many centuries, for walksaround the charming little hamlet that grew here,and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Exploring Northwestern Iceland
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjordsregion of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remotewaterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunningscenery. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at VigurIsland to visit the Eider Farm and view the downcleaning process. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - DAY 4: Ísafjördur
Located in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surroundedby water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers.Explore by Zodiac and hike ashore to view thelocal landscape and photograph flowering plants.(B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 5: Siglufjördur and Akureyri
Siglufjördur was the center of Iceland’s oncethriving herring industry. We stop by the HerringMuseum for a re-enactment and a tasting.Continue to picturesque Akureyri, backed bysnow-capped mountains. Explore the old town,with its beautifully maintained period houses, orvisit the botanical garden. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 6: Lake Mývatn and Húsavík
Begin the day by visiting an unforgettable sight:Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Next, drive toMývatn, the most geologically active area inIceland. This is world-class field geology! See thebizarre mud pools at Hverarönd — so hot theyactually bubble. At the Krafla geothermal area seethe explosion crater at Viti. After lunch ashore,meet the ship in Húsavík, and watch for whales aswe sail north to the land of the midnight sun. TakeZodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey,which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here wecelebrate being officially in the Arctic, in thecompany of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, andpuffins in burrows, all bathing, courting and fishing— another wonderful photo op. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 7: At Sea/Skálanes
Spend the morning at sea as we round thenortheast rugged northeast corner of Iceland. Thisafternoon, visit Skálanes Nature Reserve outsideof Seydisfjörður, to see and learn about thefascinating ongoing archaeological excavations, in addition to observing the peninsula’s bird cliffs andabundant wildflowers. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - DAY 8: Djúpivogur
Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast toexplore the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deepblue icebergs of the large ice lagoon ofJökulsárlón. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visitsome of the secluded valleys and remotewaterfalls in the countryside around Djúpivogur orvisit a local farm to meet the families living in ruralIceland. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - DAY 9: Islands of Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by underseavolcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years agoand are among the youngest of the world’sarchipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on filmthe birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCOWorld Heritage site—which we see as we cruisepast the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatenedby lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Wevisit the crater, where the earth is still hot, andhave amazing views of areas that had beenengulfed by lava. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - DAY 10: Reykjavík / Disembark / Home
Today we complete our voyage, disembarking inReykjavík. Join us on your choice of two tours thismorning: an excursion to see Iceland’s hotsprings, beautiful Icelandic Horses, and afascinating power plant; or a visit to the ReykjanesGeoPark to view the Mid-Atlantic ridge above sealevel and the nearby hot spring area. After lunch,transfer to the airport for flights home. (B,L)
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $15,650Category 1
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $17,540Category 2
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $18,290Category 3
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $20,880Category 4
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $21,830Category SA (solo)
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $22,640Category 5
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $22,790Category SB (solo)
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $27,120Category 6
12-07-202321-07-2023AUD $31,390Category 7
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $17,200Category 2
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $17,940Category 3
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $20,480Category 4
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $21,420Category SA (solo)
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $22,220Category 5
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $22,350Category SB (solo)
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $26,600Category 6
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $30,790Category 7
21-07-202330-07-2023AUD $15,350Category 1

Inclusions

    • 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 Iceland’s people and learn about their unique cultural heritage and contemporary character
    • 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 an expedition extension

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