Circumnavigation of Iceland 25% Advantage

This expedition combines a full circumnavigation of Iceland with regular shore landings and Zodiac cruises, allowing you to experience the island from a range of perspectives. You travel through rugged coastlines, black sand beaches, fjords and volcanic landscapes, observing how strongly water, wind and geothermal activity shape the terrain. On some days the focus is on waterfalls and basalt formations, on others on small harbour towns where Iceland’s maritime history is still evident in everyday life. A key element of the voyage is wildlife observation along the coast. Sea birds can often be seen at bird cliffs and in sheltered bays, including puffins and Arctic terns, sometimes in large colonies. The landing on Grímsey also takes you into an environment close to the Arctic Circle, where the combination of steep cliffs, open meadows and an Arctic setting provides good conditions for birdwatching. Cultural and historical insights complement the nature programme, for example in fishing communities or on Heimaey, where traces of the 1973 Eldfell eruption and a visit to the Eldheimar Museum help to place the islands’ recent history in context. Between excursions, life on board offers a calm setting to reflect on what you have seen. Lectures and the included photography programme support a more attentive approach to landscapes and wildlife sightings and help you document them photographically. Overall, the result is a clearly structured expedition itinerary that brings together Iceland’s coastal regions, geology and wildlife without overshadowing the character of the places visited.

Itinerary: Iceland Circumnavigation

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavík and hotel night
Your trip begins in Reykjavík with an overnight stay in a hotel. After arrival, you have time to explore the city independently. Options include visiting Hallgrímskirkja, stopping by local museums and galleries, or spending time in a geothermal bath, which in Reykjavík is also regarded as a social meeting place. In the evening you return to the hotel and prepare for embarkation the following day.

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Day 2: Embarkation in Reykjavík
The morning is at your leisure. In the afternoon you embark the MS Sea Spirit in the harbour of Reykjavík. After check in, you settle into your cabin and receive important information about the expedition schedule, as landings and Zodiac operations depend on weather and local conditions. The voyage then begins along the Icelandic coast.

Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today you reach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, known for its varied landscapes. Cliffs, black sand beaches, lava fields, glaciers and volcanic craters come together here. En route you pass waterfalls and see the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain, which has also become known as a filming location. The day offers a compact introduction to Iceland’s geological and scenic diversity.

Day 4: Dynjandi Waterfall and Suðureyri in the Westfjords
You explore the remote Westfjords, one of Iceland’s oldest and at the same time least disturbed regions. By Zodiac you reach Dynjandi Waterfall, an approximately 100 metre high cascade that drops over basalt steps. Later you visit Suðureyri, a small fishing village where you can sample regional specialities before returning on board.

Day 5: Siglufjörður and Grímsey
In the morning you visit Siglufjörður, formerly known as the herring capital of the world. The programme includes the award winning Herring Museum and tastings, including fresh herring with Brennivín. A stop at Frida’s chocolate shop and the local brewery is also planned. In the afternoon you continue by Zodiac to the island of Grímsey just beyond the Arctic Circle. Steep cliffs with many sea birds, green meadows and a small driftwood church from the 19th century characterise the visit.

Day 6: Akureyri, Mývatn region, Goðafoss and Dettifoss
Akureyri lies on Eyjafjörður and is considered the centre of northern Iceland. From here the programme leads into the volcanic landscapes around Lake Mývatn, with fumaroles, lava fields and wide views. You also visit Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods, and then Dettifoss, regarded as Europe’s most powerful waterfall.

Day 7: Seyðisfjörður and Lake Urriðavatn
Along the east coast you reach Seyðisfjörður, set between mountains and waterfalls. The town is known for its colourful 19th century wooden houses, built by Norwegian merchants and defining the harbour area. Later you visit Lake Urriðavatn and relax in a geothermal pool with views across the lake and the surrounding peaks.

Day 8: Djúpivogur
You anchor near Djúpivogur, a quiet fishing village on the east coast. A guided walk follows black sand beaches and lagoons where sea birds can be observed, including puffins and Arctic terns. You also explore small islands connected by natural sandbanks and visit a traditional birdwatching hide.

Day 9: Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago and Heimaey
Today you visit the volcanic Westman Islands, a geologically young archipelago with steep cliffs and sea bird habitats. On Heimaey you see traces of the 1973 Eldfell eruption, during which parts of the town were buried under ash. A visit to the Eldheimar Museum is planned, documenting the event with interactive exhibitions.

Day 10: Disembarkation in Reykjavík
After returning to Reykjavík, you disembark, marking the end of the travel package. You then begin your individual journey home. If time allows, you can use the opportunity for a short walk around the city or a visit to a geothermal spa.

Accommodation: A hotel night in Reykjavík is included on Day 1. Otherwise you travel on board the MS Sea Spirit. Accommodation is in the booked cabin or suite category. Size and facilities vary depending on category.

Included:

• One night before embarkation in Reykjavík on Day 1
• Group transfer from the airport to the hotel on arrival on Day 1
• Group transfer to the ship for embarkation on Day 2
• Welcome and farewell cocktail
• 24 hour water, tea and coffee station on board
• All inclusive drinks package with soft drinks, house wine and beer, and house spirits in the on board restaurant and at the bar
• Accommodation in the booked cabin category
• All planned landings and Zodiac cruises, subject to weather and ice conditions
• Experienced expedition team and lecturers, English and German speaking
• Expedition parka as a keepsake
• Loan of insulated rubber boots for shore landings
• Digital travel diary with photos and a video by the expedition photographer
• AECO fees, government taxes and harbour dues
• Reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste on board
• Wi Fi on board
• Digital voyage log

Not included:

• Flights to and from the place of embarkation and disembarkation
• International travel health insurance including medical repatriation, mandatory
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, recommended
• Personal expenses such as laundry, communication costs or purchases in the on board shop
• Visa or passport fees if required

Optional upgrades:

• Additional nights in Reykjavík
• City tours
• Single travel and suitable arrangements on request

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