Island Tour: Helicopters, Glaciers, and Volcanoes 13% Advantage

This expedition cruise around Iceland combines comfortable travel aboard the Ultramarine with daily Zodiac landings and guided excursions into the island’s interior. With the exception of the first night in Reykjavík, you will spend all nights on board, while exploring a variety of natural and cultural landscapes during the day by Zodiac or coach.
Over the 12-day itinerary, you will encounter rugged coastlines, massive glaciers, active volcanic areas, thundering waterfalls, and vast lava fields. Weather-dependent helicopter flights provide additional perspectives on remote regions. Visits to two national parks, as well as – conditions permitting – a stop on the island of Grímsey with the opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle, complete the programme. With a bit of luck, you may spot puffins, a variety of seabirds, and marine mammals, while also gaining insights into Icelandic culture and history.
 

Itinerary: Iceland Circumnavigation: Helicopters, Glaciers and Volcanoes

 
Day 1: Arrive in Iceland
Arrive at Keflavík International Airport and transfer independently to your included hotel in Reykjavík. Depending on your arrival time, there may be the opportunity to explore the Icelandic capital, with its museums, cafés, and attractions.
All pictures of this partner

Day 2: Embarkation on the Ultramarine
After breakfast, the morning is free at leisure. In the afternoon, you will transfer to the harbour for embarkation. Once you have settled into your cabin, your expedition cruise around Iceland begins. From this point on, all nights are spent on board.
 
Day 3: West Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland is often referred to as “Iceland in miniature,” as it encompasses many of the country’s characteristic landscapes: glaciers, volcanoes, lava fields, coastal cliffs, and fishing villages. After landing, you will take a guided coach excursion, including a visit to the striking Kirkjufell mountain and the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most photographed sites. Additional stops may include the small villages of Arnarstapi, Grundarfjörður, or Stykkishólmur. A walk along the coastal cliffs leads to the rock arch Gatklettur. You will also visit the Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum to learn about the traditional preparation of Hákarl, fermented Greenland shark.
 
Day 4 to 6: The Westfjords
The remote Westfjords are among Iceland’s most pristine regions, characterised by steep fjords, bird cliffs, waterfalls, and expansive highlands. The area is explored through Zodiac excursions and guided landings. Walks take you through untouched nature, past small fishing settlements and traditional farms, such as on the island of Vigur. At the Látrabjarg bird cliffs, one of the largest in Europe, numerous seabirds can be observed, including puffins, guillemots, fulmars, and razorbills. You will also visit the Hnjótur Heritage Museum. Weather permitting, a helicopter flight may be included.
 
Day 7 & 8: North Iceland (Norðurland)
In northern Iceland, you will follow parts of the renowned Diamond Circle route on guided land excursions. The region features deep valleys, lava fields, and rivers. Highlights include the waterfalls Dettifoss, Goðafoss, and Aldeyjarfoss, the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, the Mývatn area, and the lava formations of Dimmuborgir. In Hverir, experience bubbling mud pools and geothermal vents, while at Skútustaðir you will see so-called pseudo-craters. Conditions permitting, you will visit the island of Grímsey, the only part of Iceland located within the Arctic Circle, which hosts large puffin colonies.
 
Day 9 & 10: East Iceland (Austurland)
East Iceland impresses with long fjords, steep mountains, and small fishing villages. Visits include Hallormsstaðaskógur, the largest forest in the country, as well as the colourful rhyolite mountains around Borgarfjörður Eystri. An excursion takes you to Vatnajökull National Park with Europe’s largest glacier, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon with its floating icebergs, and the black sand beach at Diamond Beach. A guided walk in the Skaftafell area is also included. Weather permitting, helicopter flights may be offered.
 
Day 11: The Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)
The volcanically formed Vestmannaeyjar archipelago consists of numerous islands and steep cliffs. It is home to one of Iceland’s largest puffin colonies. You will land by ship and Zodiac to explore Heimaey, the only inhabited island. Seabirds can be observed at Stórhöfði Cape. The itinerary also includes a visit to the Beluga Whale Sanctuary and the associated aquarium, which provide insights into the region’s marine wildlife.
 
Day 12: Disembarkation in Reykjavík
After breakfast, you will disembark in Reykjavík for your onward journey or return home.
 
Accommodation: The first night is spent in a comfortable hotel in Reykjavík. During the expedition cruise, all subsequent nights are aboard the Ultramarine.
 
Further Information: The journey lasts 12 days and begins in Reykjavík, Iceland. Following the initial hotel stay, you will embark on the Ultramarine for the circumnavigation of Iceland. Departures are scheduled between July and August 2026 and may vary depending on the chosen date.
 
This itinerary combines comfortable sea travel with daily landings and excursions to selected natural and cultural landscapes. Participant numbers are limited, and early booking is recommended.
Show all dates