HIGHLIGHTS
- Marvel
at the incredible geology in Snæfellsnes Peninsula National
Park
- Visit
Látrabjard Cliff, Europe’s largest bird cliff
- Explore
Iceland’s most geologically active region at Lake
Mývatn
- Cross
the Arctic Circle on Grímseu Island
- Learn
about Heimaey’s dark history and its recent volcanic past
DATES / RATES
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | Oceanview D4 | Oceanview M4 | Balcony D5 | Balcony M5 | Balcony D6 | Suite | Premium Suite |
|---|
Rates are listed per person in USD. Promotional offers are not reflected in the rates below.
|
| Start Date | End Date | (Starting from)
Oceanview D4 | (Mid-range)
Balcony M5 | (High-end)
Premium Suite |
|---|
ITINERARY
Reykjavik
Day 1
In
the centre of Iceland’s sprawling capital city, the modern
organ-pipe-shaped Hallgrimskirkja church dominates the top of town.
Cosy bars, cafes and shops line the surrounding streets heated by
geothermal waters. The regenerated harbour is home to a striking modern
concert hall. Popular trips include to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal
spa near the village of Grindavik, and the Golden Circle tour taking in
Gullfoss Waterfall and the mighty Strokkur geyser in Thingvellir
National Park.
Flatey
Island & Stykkishólmur Day 2
One
of over 3,000 small islets in the dramatic Breidafjordur Bay, Flatey is
the only one with a permanent settlement. The island’s unique
volcanic scenery provides favourable nesting sites for large numbers of
bird species. The area supports over 230 recorded species of vascular
plants and around 50 breeding bird species including the arctic tern
and eider duck. The largest town on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula,
Stykkishólmur is probably best known for its historic and
well-preserved colourful buildings. Located in the old town centre,
these bright 19th-century structures give a traditional backdrop to its
futuristic church. Further afield is the
Snæfellsjökull volcano and its ice cap, made famous
by the classic sci-fi novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth, by
Jules Verne.
Patreksfjörður
Day 3
The
largest town in the southern part of Iceland’s striking
Westfjords region, Patreksfjörður was a pioneering
force in Iceland’s fishing industry. Today commercial fishing
remains the town’s primary industry. One of
Patreksfjörður’s main draws is the nearby
Látrabjarg Cliff. This stunning slice of coastline is
Europe’s largest bird cliff, as well as being the
continent’s most western point. One of the world’s
best seabird watching spots, this place is a must-see for keen
ornithologists. Látrabjarg Cliff is also the perfect place
to capture that iconic puffin photo. The puffins here are protected and
have little reason to fear humans, allowing for some excellent photo
opportunities.
Akureyri
Day 4
In
northern Iceland on Eyjafjördur, Akureyri is known for its
colourful old town, heart-shaped traffic lights and woodlands. Nearby
tours of Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in
Iceland, include lava formations, hot springs, caves and rifts, boiling
mud pools, volcanic craters, the roaring Godafoss waterfall and Game of
Thrones locations. Puffins nest on the inhabited island of Grimsey that
crosses the Arctic Circle, while Hrísey island is said to
have powerful healing energies.
Grimsey
Island Day 5
Grímsey
is a remote island located 40km off Iceland’s north coast.
Many people travel here for the purpose of setting foot in the Arctic
Circle, the only place in Iceland where you can do so. The island is
also home to fewer than 100 people, but over one million seabirds.
Birdlife thrives here thanks to the lack of egg predation (there are no
rats or mice on the island) and the rich, well-stocked surrounding
seas. Grímsey has one of Iceland’s largest tern
nesting sites and largest puffin colonies.
Seydisfjordur
Day 6
Regarded
as east Island’s cultural hub, brightly painted wooden houses
line Seyðisfjörður’s port. With a
lively arts scene disproportionate to its small size,
Seyðisfjörður has attracted many writers and
artists over the years and also hosts an annual summer arts festival.
Surrounded by incredible nature, the Skálanes nature reserve
is a short distance from the town. The area covered by the reserve is
known for its diverse wildlife with over 47 species of bird and over
150 plant species. Reindeer are also seen here, with seals and
porpoises frequently spotted along the shores.
Hofn
Day 7
Southeast
Iceland’s staging post, Höfn is a small town perched
on a narrow neck of land, and an ideal base for exploring
Vatnajökull National Park. The town itself is well known for
its lobster catch, particularly high-value species like the Norway
lobster. The town hosts an annual Lobster Festival in celebration of
its reputation as Iceland’s lobster capital.
Vatnajökull National Park is Europe’s largest and
covers 14% of Iceland. This vast area encompasses massive ice caps,
thundering waterfalls, glaciers, canyons, craters and volcanoes. The
park’s Jökulsárlón Lagoon is
within easy reach of Höfn and is Iceland’s deepest
lake. Icebergs float on the surface of the water all year long,
offering resting spots for passing seals.
Heimaey
Day 8
A
small 13-kilometre square island off the south coast of Iceland,
Heimaey’s history has been surprisingly eventful. From the
escapee 16th century Irish slaves to the reaches of the Ottoman Empire
and subsequent pirate invasion, the island was a place of danger and
terror until the mid 18th century. Once these events subsided, for 300
years the people of Heimaey assumed that their days of action were a
thing of the past. That was until 1973 when residents awoke to a
devastating volcanic eruption. Fissures over a kilometre wide snaked
through the town, the lava engulfing over 400 homes. Remarkably, only
one person is thought to have died as a result of the eruption, with a
quick rescue response ensuring that the 5,300 residents were swiftly
evacuated to the safety of the mainland. Evidence of this recent
geological activity can be seen just about everywhere on Heimaey and is
the focus of the fascinating Eldheimar museum.
Reykjavik
Day 9
In
the centre of Iceland’s sprawling capital city, the modern
organ-pipe-shaped Hallgrimskirkja church dominates the top of town.
Cosy bars, cafes and shops line the surrounding streets heated by
geothermal waters. The regenerated harbour is home to a striking modern
concert hall. Popular trips include to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal
spa near the village of Grindavik, and the Golden Circle tour taking in
Gullfoss Waterfall and the mighty Strokkur geyser in Thingvellir
National Park.
(Click image to view Ship details)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Return
regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation
(where specified)
- Group
return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included
accommodation where applicable)
- One
night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel or
onboard
- All
meals onboard
- 24-hour
room service
- Coffee,
tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours
per day
- Lecture
programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
- Standard
WiFi
- Onboard
gratuities and port taxes
- One
selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call
- Branded
Swan Hellenic expedition parka and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions
- Itineraries
are correct at time of publishing and may be subject to change
