Iceland: Geology, Whales, & Northern Lights

Overnight flight from the U.S. Reykjavik, Iceland.

Transfer from Keflavik Airport to your hotel. Enjoy an afternoon city tour to the Settlement Exhibition and Saga Museum. Gather this evening for a welcome dinner. (3 Nights)

This morning visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, located in an immense, fissured rift valley caused by the meeting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Next, travel to the world-famous Geysir geothermal field and Gullfoss, the queen of Icelandic waterfalls. After lunch at a local farm, see a horse show providing an insight into the history of the Icelandic horses first brought to Iceland by the first Scandinavian settlers around 900 AD.

Enjoy a free morning to explore Reykjavik. After lunch, embark on the Ocean Diamond. (7 Nights aboard the Ocean Diamond)

Stykkisholmur is the starting point of your adventures on the Snaefellnes Peninsula. Often called “Iceland in Miniature” because of its diverse landscapes, the area is home to bird-rich Breidafjordur Bay and Snaefellsjokull glacier, which sits atop a 700,000-year-old dormant volcano. Drive through lava fields, explore black lava beaches, and see impressive glaciers. En route, visit the small fishing village of Arnarstapi and the shark museum in Bjarnarhofn.

Today’s destination is Isafjördur, an idyllic town in the Westfjords region. The landscape includes jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea, and pristine North Atlantic vegetation. Visit a typical Icelandic fishing village and then explore the Dynjandi waterfall. Comprised of six different waterfalls it is the highest and most impressive waterfall in the Westfjords region.

Port of call today will be Akureyri, Iceland’s second city nestled at the head of Eyjafjördur, Iceland’s longest fjord. From Akureyri, visit the fascinating Lake Myvatn region, where the schizophrenic landscape looks as if “heaven and hell” have clashed. One side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied birdlife. Stop at the impressive black lava formations of Dimmuborgir and visit the spectacular Godafloss waterfall. On your return, stop at the Myvatn Nature Thermal Baths where you can enjoy the soothing waters.

In the early morning hours, steam into Husavik often called the “Whale watching capital” of Iceland. The town’s offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 varieties of birds. Take an exciting trip with RIB boats (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to search for the gentle giants. Lunch in Husavik.

The fishing village of Djupivogur is today’s starting point to enjoy an amphibious boat ride on the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon navigating among huge icebergs.

Located off Iceland’s South Coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one of the youngest landmasses on earth. Go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption. Our visit ends at the volcanic center, a unique museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption that buried much of the town. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond as you sail back into Reykjavik. Connect with your flight back to the U.S.