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.
Discover the land of fire and ice on a compact, six-day voyage to the remote fjords and volcanic isles along Iceland’s western coast. Venture across an island formed by volcanic eruptions where the ground is still warmed by geothermal activity. Set out by Zodiac to navigate dramatic shorelines from the wild Westfjords region to the volcanic Westman Islands. Explore the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen during visits to historic villages.
Expedition Highlights
• Actively explore Iceland’s pristine fjords and mysterious lava fields on daily hikes, Zodiac cruises, and more while accompanied by a dedicated team of naturalists
• Delve into the rural history of Iceland at a turf farm or float down one of its glacial rivers in the northern region of Skagafjörður
• Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords, spotting nesting puffins along the coast and watching for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters
• Capture your picture of the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell, alongside a certified photo instructor or National Geographic Photography Expert
• Extend your expedition with a tour of Iceland’s Golden Circle
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 - Skagafjörður
Skagafjörður is the gateway to north Iceland, known for its glacial rivers, Icelandic horses, and saga history. Take a float trip on the Jökulsá river or visit a historic rural turf farm to understand rural life in Iceland. Finally, learn about Grettir the Strong and the saga named after him by exploring Drangey Island and spotting the multitudes of birds that call the island home like kittiwakes, shearwaters, and possibly even ravens and gyrfalcons.
Day 4 - Ísafjörður / Vigur
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit an eider farm and learn about the down cleaning process. Get to know the capital of the Westfjords, Ísafjörður, on a walking
tour—complete with local sights, sounds, and tastes—or venture through the trails at a local forest.
Day 5 - Grundarfjörður
Serving as the center of trade on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula since the 15th century, Grundarfjörður is now best known for its Kirkjufell Mountain and picturesque waterfall. Alongside the National Geographic Photography Expert, capture your own
images amongst this dynamic landscape and the weather swirling around the Peninsula. Alternatively, hike through a local lava field or explore the town’s Saga Center.
Day 6 - Reykjavík / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Reykjavík and 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.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
Inaugurated in 2008, National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. The embodiment of the National Geographic alliance, her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to our fleet. Drawing on our nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, we completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions we explore. She provides a peerless expedition experience. Explorer accommodates 148 guests in 81 cabins, including 13 cabins with private balconies, six spacious suites and 14 cabins specifically designed for solo travelers. At 367 feet with six decks, she is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer startling views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Explorer instantly fosters a welcoming environment where enthused and curious passengers share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Luxury star rating: | 5 |
Guests #: | 148 |
Crew #: | 70 |
Ice Class: | 1A |
Speed: | 18 |
Refurbished: |
Year built: | |
Length: | 112m |
Width: | 16 |
Draft: | |
Tonnage: | 6471 |
Registry: | Bahamas |
Elec Outlets: | 220V / 2 Round Pin |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.