Arrive in Reykjavik, 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 on the ship in the afternoon.

Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery. Enter Ísafjardardjup and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and learn about the down-cleaning process.  

Skagafjordur is the gateway to north Iceland, known for its glacier rivers, Icelandic horses, and saga history. Take a float trip on the Jokulsa river or visit a historic rural turf farm to understand rural life in Iceland. Or choose to explore Drangey Island and learn about Grettir the Strong and the saga named after him. You'll also have a chance to spot the multitudes of birds that call the island home, such as kittiwakes, shearwaters, and possibly even ravens and gyrfalcons.

Siglufjordur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. You stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland's northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods.

Husavik, the site of the first house built in Iceland, is our 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 through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, filled with hiking and waterfall exploration, or stay along the coast and take a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching, and a soak in the GeoSea bath.

This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here we celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea as you sail around the northern corner of Iceland to start your journey south.

Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Bakkagerdi is well known for its local puffin colony. Walk across boardwalks to witness these colorful symbols of Icelandic wildlife. Once you have your best puffin photos, take an invigorating hike up to the best panoramic view of the fjord or bike along the fjord for an alternative view.

Arrive in Djupivogur and 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. Alternatively, go by 4x4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the countryside around Djupivogur or join a hike to the black sand beaches of southern Iceland.

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. 

Today, disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home. For those with later flights, take a morning excursion and then transfer to the airport for flights home.