Highlights of Iceland

Highlights of Iceland 8 Days

Prices From £5,466pp
September Only | 7 nights

Single Cabins Available

Highlights of Iceland 8 Days

Aboard: Ocean Albatros

Experience the best of Iceland on an 8-day circumnavigation of this land of ice and fire! For over a thousand years, Iceland has captivated visitors with its dramatic landscapes of burning volcanoes and vast glaciers. But there's much more to discover in this enchanting country, from colourful coastal towns and calm fjords to fresh seafood, glorious hikes, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and whale-watching.

The journey begins in vibrant Reykjavik before heading to the stunning fjords and mountains of Ísafjörður, the herring town of Siglufjörður, and the Arctic Circle at Grimsey. Along the way, visit Akureyri, Húsavík - known for exceptional whale-watching - and Djúpivogur, a town surrounded by staggering natural beauty. The expedition continues to Heimaey, where you can explore the site of the 1973 volcanic eruption, and ends with a pass by the new island of Surtsey before returning to Reykjavik. Exploring Iceland in early autumn offers a chance to avoid summer crowds, visit remote communities, and possibly witness the northern lights.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the stunning fjords and sweeping mountains of Ísafjörður, the heart of the Westfjords region
  • Visit the island of Grimsey, where you can stand on the Arctic Circle and experience the remote beauty of Iceland's north
  • Witness the majestic whales in Húsavík, Iceland's premier destination for whale-watching
  • Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historic charm of the picturesque town of Djúpivogur
  • Explore Heimaey, home to Iceland's largest puffin colony, hike the lava fields formed by the 1973 volcanic eruption, and sail past Surtsey, one of the world's youngest islands
  • Discover Akureyri, Iceland's second-largest city, surrounded by lush green hills and expansive wilderness

What's Included

  • Full board accommodation on board ship with all meals, tea, coffee and snacks
  • Dinner drink package, and welcome and farewell cocktails
  • Zodiac cruises, shore excursions, nature walks and hikes as per itinerary, with english-speaking guide
  • Special photo workshop
  • Informative lecture and presentation programme

Single Cabins Available

This vessel offers single occupancy cabins, which is a perfect option for solo travellers. Travelling alone is often the best way to see the world. No responsibilities, no difficult choices and no trying to please anyone else…just you, your itinerary and your adventurous spirit!

Our popularitinerary Suggestions

All our itinerary holidays are fully customisable

Reykjavik - Embark
1Day

Reykjavik - Embark

Your Iceland expedition cruise begins in the Icelandic capital city of Reykjavik where, having arrived independently, you will make your way to the bustling harbour where your excellent expedition ship awaits. After settling in to your very comfortable cabin, and attending some mandatory safety briefings, you may wish to make your way to deck as we set sail to follow the thousand-year-old Norse sea route towards the Westfjords. .

You may wish to arrive in Reykjavik a few days before your voyage to sample some of the city’s many wonders. Please enquire for tips and advice on how to get here, where to stay and what to do.

Ísafjörður
2Day

Ísafjörður

Our first adventure will take us to the staggeringly beautiful Westfjords region where we will stop at Ísafjörður, the region’s largest town. Our visit here will offer the perfect introduction to Iceland as we explore around this picturesque spot that showcases a unique blend of modern downtown buildings and colourfully painted traditional houses all surrounded by sweeping mountains and miles of untouched nature.

Siglufjörður & Grímsey
3Day

Siglufjörður & Grímsey

This morning we will arrive in the scenic harbour of Siglufjörður. The northernmost town on the Icelandic mainland, Siglufjörður has a proud history of being a major hub for the herring trade, and this history is documented throughout the town including the Herring Era Museum which you can visit if you wish on our stop here. Set within one of Iceland’s most stunning fjords, up to 18 species of birds can be found in the area making it a hugely popular spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

During lunch onboard, we will sail to the small island of Grimsey where you will have the memorable chance to stand on the spot of the Arctic Circle on a visit to the "Orbus et Globus" sculpture. This will be included as part of your guided walk accompanied by local guides. This is also another fantastic place for birding, with puffins and Arctic terns spotted here in great numbers.

Akureyri
4Day

Akureyri

Moving east along the top of Iceland, we now arrive in Akureyri, the “Jewel of Northern Iceland” and the country’s second largest city. Situated at the head of the long, calm fjord of Eyjafjörður, Akureyri features beautiful, verdant scenery and an idyllic setting. We will go ashore to sample some of this vibrant city’s atmosphere and mingle with the locals who are justifiably proud of this thriving city. Highlights of your visit here may include the cathedral, botanical garden, bustling high street lined with traditional buildings, cosy cafes, restaurants and shops, fascinating museums, and a huge geothermally-heated swimming pool.

Húsavík
5Day

Húsavík

Today we arrive at Iceland's premier whale-watching destination as we enter the wide open bay of Húsavík. The first site ever settled by the Norse in Iceland, Húsavík is an historic and popular spot for visitors to Iceland. During your visit here you may choose to join one of the multiple whale-watching tours available from the bustling harbour. Alternatively, you could visit one of the several excellent museums including the newly opened Eurovision Museum and the ever-popular Húsavík Whale Museum. This area also offers the perfect chance to tick off an Iceland bucket list experience - a soak in a hot spring - with the fantastic Geosea Spa lying just a short stroll from the town.

Djúpivogur
6Day

Djúpivogur

Sailing south along the eastern coast now, we reach the small port town of Djúpivogur which occupies a spectacular position on the Búlandsnes Peninsula, surrounded by fjords on two sides, and backed by rugged mountains including the pyramidal Búlandstindur. During your time here you may wish to see some of the famous public artworks such as the Eggs of Merry Bay (Eggin í Gleðivík), 32 stone eggs representing the 32 species of birds which can be seen locally. Or you could venture out into the surrounding untouched wilderness to spot some of these species for yourself across a wide variety of habitats. You may wish to enjoy some of the fantastic hiking opportunities available here, or relax with a visit to Langabúð, one of the oldest buildings in Iceland, which houses an excellent café with a small museum.

Heimaey and Surtsey
7Day

Heimaey and Surtsey

Our final day of Icelandic adventures will see us reach the stunning archipelago of Vestmannaeryjar (Westman Islands) at the southernmost point of the country. Our stop will take us to Heimaey, the archipelago’s largest island, to visit the islands’ only town, Vestmannaeyjabær. Here we can learn all about how the island became known around the world when in 1973 a fissure opened up on this volcanic island, spewing lava and ash just outside the town, which was home to most of the island's 5,300 inhabitants at the time. The eruption lasted for nearly six months, forcing the evacuation of residents and threatening to engulf the town and its vital harbour. Remarkably, efforts to cool the advancing lava with seawater helped save the harbour, ensuring the community's economic survival. The eruption reshaped the island, adding new landmass and altering its landscape significantly.

Today, the island is home to around 4500 people, though it is now famed for its fantastic birdwatching, and around eight million puffins can be found on the island during the summer months. You may wish to enjoy some birdwatching here, or take a pleasant hike form the harbour to the lava flows and the summit of Eldfell. The views over the island, of partially-buried buildings from the eruption, and the volcanic vents themselves are all breathtaking.

Another symbol of the area’s fascinating volcanic activity is Surtsey, one of the youngest islands in the world, which was formed from a submarine volcanic eruption in 1963. Owing to its important scientific properties, we will not be able to land here, but will enjoy a memorable sail-past for a closer look as we enjoy our last night onboard with a special farewell cocktail evening.

Reykjavik - Disembark
8Day

Reykjavik - Disembark

Arrival back into the vibrant and culture-rich capital of Reykjavik will sadly signal the end of our voyage. After breakfast it will be time to disembark and bid a fond farewell to your crew and new-found friends. There are multiple options available in Reykjavik for extra adventures and we recommend booking a few extra days here to experience some of Iceland’s most famous sights. We will be happy to help you to arrange any post-voyage excursions or stays so please let us know if we can be of any assistance.

A view from Above

All Aboard

Ocean Albatros
Luxury  first class vessel

Ocean Albatros

The brand-new (November 2022) Ocean Albatros has been built to the highest Polar code 6 and Ice class 1A and is the ideal vessel for small-ship cruising due to its sturdy construction and X-Bow®-Infinity class, which provides high stability in rough weather and allows for the smoothest movements on high waves. Designed to surpass environmentally friendly standards, the Ocean Albatros is part of the Green Initiative Program and is a low-energy vessel with 4 diesel engines and 2 electro engines, all controlled electronically to optimize speed and fuel consumption. The ship will have more than a 50% lower carbon footprint than traditional expedition vessels. The vessel also features a Solas 2012 classification which facilitates a safe return to port.

There are 95 very comfortable and stylishly furnished staterooms and suites, which are split into 9 different categories with varying features, with many offering unobstructed sea views and many which also offer a private balcony. 12 dedicated solo travel cabins are also available without a single supplement. The communal areas on board this high-end vessel include 2 restaurants, an Albatros Nordic Bar, a fantastic panorama sauna, open-air swimming pool with lounging deck and jacuzzis, an open deck dining area, wellness area with gym and Polar spa, an observation lounge, boutique giftshop and a modern lecture theatre.

Too much to choose from? This is where we come in

Take advantage of our vast experience, passion and expertise to help you hand craft the perfect Iceland adventure for you.

Sheena Ogley Senior Travel Expert

Sheena’s abiding love of adventure travel has taken her to some of the most incredible wildlife-rich places on Earth. Her vast experience and genuine desire to share her knowledge makes her an outstanding and invaluable person to help you organise your wildlife adventure trip.

Michael Gardiner Senior Travel Expert

Mike lives and breathes adventure travel and has a wealth of experience in some of the most exciting and inspirational destinations in the world. His expertise and first-hand experience afford him the skills to help build holidays to remember.

Simon Rowland Senior Travel Expert

As Senior Travel Expert, Simon has an absolute wealth of experience in adventure travel in some of the most fascinating places in the world. With in-depth knowledge and fantastic organizational skills, Simon’s first-hand experience and genuine passion drive him to work to create your perfect itinerary.

Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us
0800 195 3385
Outside the uk
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43
Call us
+ 44 1625 5811 43

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Ready to start planning youronce in a lifetime trip?

Call us - 0800 195 3385
Outside the uk? + 44 1625 5811 43
+ 44 1625 5811 43 Call us - 0800 195 3385

Chat Now

Request a
callback

Fill in our
Enquiry form

Book Consultation

Book a
Consultation

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