Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of AE Expeditions and transferred to our group hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the AE Expeditions hospitality area where you can leave your luggage and enjoy refreshments if arriving prior to 4pm. Whilst here you can collect your luggage cabin tags speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkation or to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a local pharmacy or supermarket.
The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.
Accommodation: The Grand Hotel Reykjavik
This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabin number. Your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to the port for clearance and delivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with you throughout the day.
Today we follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along our route include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the new nation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Our next stop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River, offering a popular photographic opportunity. Next we explore the geothermal fields and geysir’s for which Iceland is famous. The variety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerising as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting from the ground makes you ponder just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik to board the Greg Mortimer.
After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings before we ‘throw the lines’ to begin our Iceland adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.
Arnarstapi is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is an area of diverse landscapes that is characterised by lava fields and glistening fjords and home to a vast array of birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a 700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalised in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.
Access Arnarstapi by Zodiac, with a short cruise along the coast before a dry landing.
Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness.
Option 1 - Highlights of Snaefellsness
Duration: 7 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Uneven surfaces, walking across sand and through lava fields, some steps, some moderate accents and descents in places.
Our first stop will be the dramatic black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur, where you can marvel at the black sands and colossal rock formations, volcanic landscapes, and remains of a 1948 shipwreck. Next, you'll visit Búðir, a picturesque hamlet surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Stop to admire Búðakirkja, the 19th-century church, and explore the area. At the conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Snæfellsjökull National Park, encompassing a large area of Snæfellsnes Peninsula's western tip. For the more active, explore some incredible hiking trails, or simply enjoy your drive through the park and take in the beauty that surrounds you. Concluding your day, we continue to the iconic Mount Kirkjufell, a favourite among photographers and known to many as a filming location for the TV show "Game of Thrones." Not far from this majestic mountain is a waterfall that completes the picturesque scene.
Option 2 - Coastal Trails & Lava Caves
Duration: 7 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Moderate. Hike – 3.40km/2.1 miles one way. Tech difficulty: easy, approx. 1-2hr.
Terrain: Hiking over lava fields, rocky terrain, slippery when wet. Elevation 52 metres / 173 feet. Good mobility is required. Vatnshellir Cave involves walking unsupported on uneven surfaces in limited lighting and navigating two 30 metre spiral staircases in both directions. We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, as the volcanic rock can be quite difficult to traverse. It does get cold in the cave, so do remember to bring a jacket.
Upon disembarkation, we will hike the coastal trail that connects the two villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar (2 hours). Now a National Reserve, this easy level hike encompasses geology, wildlife, amazing photo opportunities, folklore and most of all adventure. This old trail takes us along the wild shoreline with a view of the ocean and extraordinary columnar basalt and lava cliff formations on one side and stunning mountains and Snæfellsjökull Glacier on the other. The cliffs are alive with a wide range of bird species such as the Arctic Tern, the kittiwakes, gulls and fulmars. Next, you'll step into the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave, replete with stunning geology, fascinating rock formations, and colourful volcanic rock. We will meet at our base near the cave, where your friendly guide will provide you with all the equipment that you need, including a helmet and headlamp (we strongly recommend that you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, as the volcanic rock can be quite difficult to traverse). Then your friendly guide will give you a brief safety talk before we descend the spiral staircase into this subterranean wonderland. The tour meanders through the path of the lava flow around 200 meters into a large cave that lies around 35 meters beneath the surface of the earth, where we will be greeted by some rainbow-coloured volcanic rocks and incredible petrified lava formations. The cave is a fairly easy walk, although it will involve a degree of climbing (you must be able to participate in prolonged stair climbing). Following lunch, re-join the coach and travel to the iconic Mount Kirkjufell, a favourite among photographers and known to many as a filming location for the TV show "Game of Thrones." Not far from this majestic mountain is a waterfall that completes the picturesque scene.
Option 3 - Land of Fire Hiking
Duration: 7 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult (dependent on fitness level). Hike 1 – 5.6km/3.5 miles. Tech difficulty: easy, approx. 2hr 30min. Eldborg - Length: 6.64km / 4.12 miles. Tech difficulty: moderate, approx. 1hr 30min. Elevation: 50-100 meters / 164-328 ft.
Terrain: Hiking over lava fields, rocky terrain, slippery when wet. Good fitness and mobility are required. We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, as the volcanic rock can be quite difficult to traverse. Many steps, some steep accents and descents in places.
The Land of Fire and Ice is well-known for its incredible landscapes and contrasting terrains that include several natural and geological wonders rarely found anywhere else on Earth. The unique geological history of Snæfellsnes will draw you in where you can explore sites revealing Iceland's unique geological history up close. Your first stop is at the Pufubjarg bird cliff, home of nesting puffins and fulmars. From here, hike along the rugged coastline to witness the exceptionally beautiful Londrangar basalt cliffs, a geologic wonder that looks like a huge rock castle. There are many local birds here, and they are a noisy bunch. Puffins, but especially fulmars, nest in the many cavities in the two pillars. From here you hike across a pretty lava field covered in moss to Malarrif, where you can see the lighthouse and explore the beach. Following an early lunch, re-join the coach and head for Eldborg crater, located on a short volcanic rift, just 200 metres in diameter, and 50 metres deep. It is the largest crater on this rift and was created in an eruption which occurred somewhere between 5000 and 6000 years ago. Unlike many of Iceland’s volcanoes, it has a very classic shape, with smooth sloping sides and a very definite crater. A marked hiking path leads through a shrub-covered lava field to the top of the crater offering incredible views of Snaefellsnes National Park. Concluding your day, we continue to the symmetrical, hexagonal-shaped basalt columns at Gerðuberg Cliffs. Stand in awe at these impressive cliffs, a natural marvel that spans 500 metres. To enjoy the best view, take a walk by the structures. Climbing up the cliff is possible but to really soak in the views of this geological structure, it's best to enjoy a walk alongside the cliffs.
Over the next three days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
At Patreksfjörður, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Látrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Látrabjarg is home to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of natural wonders and unspoiled nature. Látrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of the North American continent on the other side of the Atlantic.
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the afternoon as we cruise northward, taking in breathtaking landscapes and keeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, we'll get to test out our muck boots and embark on a Zodiac wet landing to witness the awe-inspiring power of Dynjandi waterfall. Return to the ship via Zodiac after your shore excursion.
Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland's most picturesque fjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village's culture and industry have been intricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with towering mountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is often hailed as the "Alps of the Westfjords," especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords of Dýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramatic backdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.
Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness.
Option 1 - That Viking Thing Experience (Duration: 2 hours + free time / Level of difficulty: Easy)
Today you will step back in time and learn about the Viking ways and how the hardy Norse people lived off the land. Walk through a recreated Viking area, learning about what is fact and what is fiction in the many stories you've heard about the famous Vikings. A short hike brings you to the old ruins of the Viking meeting place called a Thing - the closest translation in English is 'parliament.' Step inside the interactive Viking Museum for a chance to dress up in authentic hand-sewn Viking clothing, take photographs, drink Icelandic Viking beer, bake your own Viking bread, and explore the museum - all part of learning more about Viking ways.
Option 2 - Sandafell Mountain Hike (Duration: 3 hours / Level of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult, dependent on fitness level)
For avid explorers, Iceland is littered with hidden gems, and possibly the best-kept secret of all is the Westfjords. Lying in the most north-westerly area of the island, this sprawling area of natural beauty is truly a hiker’s paradise. Rocky peaks, deep crevices, and charming Icelandic towns all add to the appeal of the Westfjords, not to mention the various hiking trails snaking across the unusual countryside. Today we will hike Sandafell, offering gorgeous views over the town, surrounding mountains and the water below.
Picturesque Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.
Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness.
Option 1 – Botanic Gardens, Góðafoss & Mývatn Baths
Duration: 6 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Akureyri Botanic Gardens is situated on a gentle slope, providing relatively level walking paths with an elevation of approximately 40-50 meters. The paths are designed for leisurely walks. Góðafoss: easy and well-maintained, with short, relatively flat paths.
Your day begins with a visit to the Akureyri Botanic Gardens, a tranquil oasis showcasing Iceland’s unique flora. From there, continue to Goðafoss, the spectacular “Waterfall of the Gods,” where you can enjoy an easy, mostly flat 400-metre walk to admire its powerful cascades. After lunch, re-board the coach and travel to the Mývatn Nature Baths. Inspired by centuries of geothermal tradition, this beautifully designed complex offers a natural bathing experience. Slip into the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by clouds of steam rising from deep fissures in the Earth, and unwind with a soothing swim in pools fed from depths of up to 2,500 metres (8,200 feet).
Option 2 - Góðafoss, Lake Mývatn & Dimmuborgir
Duration: 7 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Góðafoss: easy and well-maintained, with short, relatively flat paths. Uneven surfaces, some moderate accents and descents in places.
Begin your journey at Goðafoss, the spectacular “Waterfall of the Gods.” A gentle 400-metre trail (about 10 minutes on mostly flat ground) leads to the main viewpoint, where the dramatic cascades unfold before you. Continue to Lake Mývatn’s Skútustaðagígar pseudo craters, formed by ancient volcanic activity. Stroll along the marked walking paths, circle the crater-like formations, stop for some bird watching, or climb to the top for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, travel on to Dimmuborgir, a surreal lava field scattered with towering rock formations and cliffs. Created some 2,300 years ago when molten lava flowed over a pond, these remarkable shapes include the famous “Church,” a cave with a vaulted, dome-like ceiling open at both ends.
Option 3 - Hverfjall Volcanic Crater Hike, Dimmuborgir & Góðafoss
Duration: 7 hours including lunch
Level of difficulty: Strenuous
Terrain: Steep, but manageable ascent to the crater rim, featuring a well-marked trail with a 100m /330ft elevation gain. Good fitness and mobility are required. We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, as the terrain primarily consists of black volcanic ash and cinders and can be quite difficult to traverse. Many steps, some steep accents and descents in places. This is a loop trail and takes approximately 3 hours.
Our first stop will be Dimmuborgir, an area strewn with enormous lava rocks and cliffs. The formation of these extraordinary lava cliffs and pillars are the result of molten lava flowing over a pond in the eruption of Lúdentsborgir and Þrengslaborgir some 2,300 years ago. The most famous of these formations is "The Church", aptly named, as this is a cave, open at both ends and with a dome-like ceiling. From here walk up the slope of Hverfjall Crater and around the crater’s rim for otherworldly and awesome views of the surrounding landscape. At the conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland.
In the afternoon, we reboard our vessel in Akureyri.
Located approximately 40 km (25 miles) off the mainland, Grímsey is a verdant grassy island, probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Many people travel to Grímsey just to say they have stepped across the imaginary line. With a tiny population of approximately 100 inhabitants, it’s a fantastic place for Zodiac cruising, kayaking, various hikes and photographing seabirds such as guillemots, gulls and puffins.
Leaving Grímsey to return closer to the mainland, we spend time scanning the waters of Skjálfandi Bay around Húsavik, a town known as the Iceland’s ‘whale watching capital’, home to up to 24 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of birds. The largest animal on earth, the blue whale, has also been spotted in Skjálfandi Bay, and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature as well as others, such as orcas, fin whales and pilot whales.
In the afternoon, we spend some time exploring Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque fishing village that is renowned for its charming collection of colourful wooden buildings located around the lagoon. Take a stroll around town and discover the timber houses that are remnants from when the Norwegians settled here and established the herring fishing facilities from 1870-1900. From the valley above the town, the river Fjardara tumbles down in beautiful cascades to the lagoon. There are a number of delightful hiking trails to explore, or alternatively, you can discover a flourishing cultural scene with an arts centre, the famous blue church that stages music concerts and the only two cinemas in the east of Iceland. Back in town, browse the stores where you will discover handicrafts by local artists and artisans – perfect as a souvenir or gift.
In Iceland’s east, we disembark in Djúpivogur, our gateway to Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. This morning’s landing is by Zodiac.
Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness.
Option 1 - Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach
Duration: 8 hours including a long drive from Djúpivogur and return
Level of difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Uneven surfaces, walking across sand, some steps, some moderate accents and descents in places.
Depart for Vatnajökull National Park, one of Iceland’s most celebrated natural wonders. Your day begins with a visit to the breathtaking Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where you’ll board a specially designed amphibian boat to glide between immense icebergs. These sculpted giants, broken off from Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, drift silently across the lagoon before making their way to the sea. The contrast of blue ice against the still waters creates a truly unforgettable scene.
After lunch, continue to Diamond Beach, where dazzling chunks of crystal-clear ice lie scattered across the black volcanic sands, glittering in the sunlight like gemstones. Your journey concludes with a visit to Fjallsárlón, another spectacular glacier lagoon. Here, shimmering icebergs float serenely in the shadow of towering ice walls, offering yet another perspective of Iceland’s remarkable glacial landscapes.
Option 2 - Wonders of Vatnajokull National Park & Canyon Hike
Duration: 9 hours including a long drive from Djúpivogur and return
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike is 3.8km (2.35 miles) one way and approximately 3 hours duration. Terrain – 315 metre elevation with a narrow unpaved trail with two small river crossings, very easy to cross. Good fitness and mobility required.
Begin your adventure with a hike through the dramatic Múlagljúfur Canyon, a hidden treasure carved by ancient glacial rivers. The trail takes you along lush vegetation, bubbling streams, and narrow unpaved paths, gradually ascending to reveal breathtaking views. From the canyon rim, marvel at sweeping panoramas of Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, jagged mountain peaks, and striking volcanic rock formations.
After lunch, travel into Vatnajökull National Park to explore Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon on foot. Here, giant icebergs drift slowly from glacier to sea, creating a scene of quiet majesty. Complete the day at the striking Diamond Beach, where luminous ice fragments are carried ashore by the waves and sparkle against the dramatic black sands.
Return to the ship via Zodiac after your shore excursion.
Enjoy a morning and lunch onboard, searching for whales and seabirds. Our team of experts entertains us with informative talks.
Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Westman Islands are surrounded by 15 other uninhabited islands and around 30 rocks and skerries offering refuge for rich array of seabirds. Westman Islands are considered to have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, and when sailing around the islands it is not uncommon to see puffins but also whales and seals.
Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level of fitness.
Option 1 - Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin Viewing
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Uneven surfaces, walking across uneven ground, some steps, some moderate accents and descents in places.
Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Heimaey is the main island in the archipelago, with a population of around 4,200. Various catastrophes have befallen the island of Heimaey and its inhabitants throughout history. Probably the most tragic incident was the volcanic eruption in 1973. Visit a unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963, and the geology of the Westman Islands.
We'll continue our drive to Stórhöfði cape for some puffin watching, offering ample photo opportunities to capture shots of the charming little birds. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island if time permits.
Option 2 - Eldheimar Volcano Climb & Museum
Duration: 3 hours
Level of difficulty: Strenuous
Terrain: Steep, but manageable ascent to the crater rim. Good fitness and mobility are required. We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable and sturdy footwear, as the terrain primarily consists of a rocky, sometimes muddy path, and has loose volcanic gravel, especially on the steeper sections and can be quite difficult to traverse. Many steps, some steep accents and descents in places. The elevation gain is 221 meters /725 ft.
Learn more about the geology and volcanology of Iceland during a two-hour hike up a volcano. Reaching the summit, you can still feel the warmth emanating from its subterranean activity. At the end of the hike, you visit a unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963, and the geology of the Westman Islands. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island if time permits.
Sail past Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth.
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your expedition team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer options are as follows:
- Direct to Keflavik Airport.
- Direct to The Grand Reykjavik (this option is only available if your hotel was booked by AE Expeditions).
- Bus Stop #1 – Ráðhús – City Hall where you can make your own way to city hotels.
- For late afternoon and evening airport departures, Bus Stop #1 – Ráðhús – City Hall where we will hold your Luggage on the coach until your departure to the airport at 1pm. Enjoy free time in the city until your departure.
Note: Do not book flights departing prior to 12.00 pm on the day of disembarkation, as we may experience delays at the conclusion of the voyage.
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