Iconic Iceland – The Maritime Ring Route

Begin your Icelandic adventure in the vibrant city of Reykjavík. Explore the city's unique blend of art, culture, and history. Wander through the bustling Laugavegur shopping district, marvel at the architectural wonder of Hallgrímskirkja Church, and immerse yourself in the local art scene at the Reykjavík Art Museum. Your expedition ship awaits you at Reykjavík Harbour, where you'll receive a warm welcome and your complimentary expedition jacket. Settle into your cabin and enjoy your first dinner on board. If time permits, consider joining a Pre-Program to discover more of Iceland's natural highlights before your cruise begins.

Today, you'll visit Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands. Learn about the island's remarkable history at the Eldheimar Museum, where you can see a home preserved in time after a volcanic eruption. Take a hike to Stórhöfði, a nesting site for millions of puffins every summer. Don't miss the opportunity to climb Mount Eldfell and enjoy panoramic views of the town below.

Weather permitting, start your day with a cruise along the coast to marvel at Öræfajökull, Iceland's largest active volcano and highest peak, covered by the Vatnajökull ice cap. In the afternoon, visit the charming village of Djúpivogur, an important trading center in Iceland for over four centuries. Learn about the town's commercial history at the Heritage Museum, housed in an 18th-century warehouse.

Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes of East Iceland. This region is known for its quaint villages, dramatic coastlines, roaring waterfalls, towering mountains, and narrow fjords. Depending on the day's conditions, you might go hiking, small boat cruising, or kayaking. The Captain and Expedition Team will decide on the best landing sites and activities for the day, ensuring a thrilling experience.

Today, you'll visit Húsavík, a charming town famous for its whale-watching opportunities. The town overlooks Skjálfandi bay, home to humpback and minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Nearby, you'll find Ásbyrgi canyon, a natural wonder steeped in Norse mythology, and Dettifoss waterfall, one of the largest in Europe.

Cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland's longest fjord, and enjoy the sight of snowcapped peaks. Visit Akureyri, the 'Northern Capital' of Iceland, where you can explore local eateries, museums, and a botanical garden. Don't miss the Goðafoss waterfall and the active volcanic area around Lake Mývatn, one of the few places where you can see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

Enjoy the freedom of expedition cruising as you spend the day exploring Iceland's Northwestern Region. The day's activities will depend on the conditions, but you might go ashore for a hike, a beach clean-up, or a kayak launch. If a pod of whales is spotted, the ship may stop for you to enjoy the sight. You can also join onboard lectures, visit the Science Center, or relax in a hot tub.

Explore the wild Westfjords, a region of deep fjords and barren plateaus. Stop at Patreksfjörður, a small fishing port in a beautiful setting, and learn about the local fishing traditions. You can also hike in the mountains and visit the Látrabjarg cliffs, a popular nesting site for birds.

Explore Breiðafjörður, a large bay in western Iceland known for its thousands of islands and abundant birdlife. Depending on the day's conditions, you might head to Hvammsfjörður, a picturesque inner fjord, or one of the many remote islands in the bay. You may also visit the stunning Snæfellsnes peninsula, home to the snowcapped Snæfellsjökull volcano and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain.

Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great chance to see the places you missed when you arrived. Relax in a geothermal pool, a key part of Icelandic culture, at the famous Blue Lagoon, one of the natural wonders of the world. If you want to discover more of Iceland, consider joining our Post-Program before you head home.