Wild Iceland Escape

• Day 1 - Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship

  Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport and spend the day exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes of this Arctic capital before embarking the ship in the afternoon.

• Day 2 - Djúpavík

  Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea learning about Iceland and its incredible diversity. We spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords to experience rural Iceland. This corner of Iceland is difficult to access and is seldom visited but boasts spectacular beauty and rich history. We take advantage of the dramatic landscape of the fjord to offer hiking, leisurely explorations of the tundra, and perhaps photography of wildflowers. The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930s its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland. We visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century.

• Day 3 - Arnafjörður

  In the early morning, our ship glides into beautiful Arnarfjörður along the northwest coast of Iceland. For a more active experience, disembark early and hike 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

• Day 4 - Islands of Surtsey and Heimaey, 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 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Drive between the two volcanoes of the island then visit the ruins of old Viking houses dating back to the year 900 A.D. Opt to hike up Eldfell volcano, formed during the 1973 eruption, and have amazing views of areas that were engulfed by lava. In some places the ground is still warm with thermal vents. Watch for nesting Atlantic puffins and gannets along the shores of the island. In 1963 the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a newly designated UNESCO
  World Heritage site—which we see as we cruise past the coast.

• Day 5 - Reykjavík / Disembark Ship / Home

  Disembark in Reykjavík and take a morning excursion. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home.

Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your captain and expedition leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.