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Historic town of Husavik on the North Coast

Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland

Reykjavik Roundtrip - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer
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Set sail on an 8-day Iceland cruise aboard National Geographic Explorer. Start from Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital. In the Westfjords, hike or kayak along the fjords and visit Vigur Island, home to puffins. Learn about the herring industry in Siglufjorour and help with local forest conservation. In Husavík, see the Godafoss waterfall or hike Asbyrgi Canyon. Walk among puffins in Borgarfjorour and take in panoramic views of the fjord. In Djupivogur, explore the Vatnajokull icecap or black-sand beaches. Cruise around the volcanic Westman Islands, including Surtsey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit Heimaey’s volcanic craters. End your adventure back in Reykjavík, filled with incredible memories of Iceland’s natural wonders and wildlife.
Hallgrimskirkja Church in ReykjavikExplore volcanic Heimaey IslandReykjavikRed house on a fjord in IcelandThe amazing Godafoss WaterfallGodafoss Waterfall IcelandHistoric town of Husavik on the North Coast
Highlights
  • Explore Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital
  • Kayak or hike through Iceland’s majestic Westfjords and waterfalls
  • Witness the local puffin colony in Borgarfjaroarhofn
  • Explore secluded valleys and waterfalls in Djupivogur
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland | Embark

Land in Reykjavík, the northernmost capital located just below the Arctic Circle. After transferring from the airport, explore the city's attractions, flavors, and experiences before boarding the ship in the afternoon.

Day 2: Westfjords

Discover the tranquil Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike or kayak along the fjord to find a stunning waterfall. Explore Isafjardardjup, home to diverse wildlife, including whales, seals, and numerous nesting seabirds. Visit Vigur Island, a wildlife sanctuary where locals practice traditional eiderdown collection and care for puffin and black guillemot colonies.

*Availability may vary based on the nesting seabird season.

Day 3: Siglufjorour

Siglufjorour was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland’s northernmost mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association, one of over 50 associations in Iceland, for an afternoon of conservation in their local forest. Learn what it takes to maintain and develop a forest on this volcanic island.

Day 4: Husavik

Husavík, the site of the oldest settlement in Iceland, is the gateway to the geological exploration of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Godafoss, as well as the Lake Myvatn area, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey hiking through Asbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed by the hoof of Odin’s eight-legged horse, or stay along the coast and choose a slower pace for the day with forest bathing, bird watching, and a soak in the Geo Sea bath.

Day 5: Borgarfjardarhofn

Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Bakkagerdi is well known for its welcoming local puffin colony. Walk across boardwalks to witness these colorful symbols of Icelandic wildlife. Once you’ve captured your best photo of the famous auk species, take an invigorating hike up to the best panoramic view of the fjord or challenge yourself to a backcountry mountain bike journey to remote overlooks and stunning vistas.

Day 6: Djupivogur

Arrive in the town of Djupivogur and set out by 4x4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, drive down the coast to explore the foot of the vast Vatnajokull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jokulsarlon. Or, join a hike to the black-sand beaches near the town center.

Day 7: Heimaey and Surtsey, 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 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas that have been engulfed by lava.

Day 8: Reykjavik | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Today, disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Explorer

National Geographic Explorer's dining room.
Relax in the luxurious sauna aboard the National Geographic Explorer.
Relax in the National Geographic Explorer's lounge.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,946 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 1 Cabin.
Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
National Geographic Explorer's Category 2 Cabin.
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336
National Geographic Explorer's Category 3 Cabin.
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 Main Deck L-shaped Suite #341 & 343
National Geographic Explorer's Category 4 Cabin.
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 5 Upper Deck Cabin.
Cat 5
Upper Deck with Balcony. #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224.
National Geographic Explorer's Category 6 Cabin.
Cat 6
Upper Deck Suite 213 has a balcony, 290 sq ft. Veranda Deck Suites 101 and 102 are 355 sq ft without balcony
Luxurious Catagory 8 Suite
Cat 7
Upper Deck Suite with Balcony. #215, 219, 230
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Cat SA
C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window
National Geographic Explorer's Category SA and SB.
Cat SB
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. #105-106, 203, 208

Notes

Travelers under the age of 18 save $500 per person.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet) 
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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