Iceland Circumnavigation

Sept. 3: U.S./Reykjavík, Iceland

Depart on an overnight flight to Reykjavík.

Sept. 4: Reykjavík/Embark

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Check in to our group hotel in the morning and take time to rest and refresh before lunch. In the afternoon, take a panoramic drive through the city’s Old Town before embarking National Geographic Endurance. (L,D)

Sept. 5 & 6: Western & Northern Iceland

Explore Iceland’s western frontier by Zodiac cruise, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. Watching for whales and migratory birdlife as we navigate toward Húsavík. Explore Þeistareykir—a colorful geothermal area with active fumaroles and clay pools—and take advantage of the midnight sun by visiting an unforgettable sight: Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Discover this incredible, thundering waterfall and perhaps practice your photography in the early stages of sunset. (B,L,D)

Sept. 7: At Sea/Skálanes

Spend the morning at sea as we round the northeast rugged northeast corner of Iceland. This afternoon, visit Skálanes Nature Reserve in Seyðisfjörður, to see and learn about the fascinating ongoing archaeological excavations, in addition to the peninsula’s dramatic bird cliffs. (B,L,D)

Sept. 8: Djúpivogur

Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, choose to join us on hikes along the region’s stunning black sand beaches. (B,L,D)

Sept. 9: Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—that we see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. We visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava. (B,L,D)

Sept. 10: Akranes

Arrive in Akranes this morning and depart the city for Iceland’s remote interior. Choose to visit Hraunfossar to see a series of waterfalls, formed by rivulets streaming out of the nearby Hallmundarhraun lava field. Relax in the natural geothermal baths at Krauma, where the hot water originates in Iceland’s most powerful nearby hot spring. Alternatively, join us on a glacier excursion and discover the beautiful blue ice found inside Langjökull’s ice tunnels. (B,L,D)

Sept. 11: Arnarfjörður/Dynjandi Waterfall

Early this morning, glide into beautiful Arnarfjörður, an inlet that reaches deep into the northern Westfjords. If you wish, disembark early, and hike several miles along the shore to the fjord’s end, where the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall tumbles some 300 feet over many tiers of rock. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the deck of the ship to watch our approach to the falls and go ashore by Zodiac to see them close. (B,L,D)

Sept. 12 & 13: Ísafjarðardjúp/Siglufjörður

Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and explore deep into the fjord for Zodiac cruises and perhaps tundra hikes. At Siglufjörður, once the center of Iceland’s herring industry, visit the award-winning Herring Museum for a living history reenactment and a tasting. (B,L,D)

Sept. 14: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Set out on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula today as we visit Kirkjufell, or ‘Church Mountain.’ Hike along the coast and admire the mountain from all angles and discover nearby Kirkjufellsfoss—a photographer’s delight. (B,L,D)

Sept. 15: Reykjanes Peninsula/Keflavik/Disembark/U.S.

Today we complete our voyage, disembarking in Keflavik. Join us on your choice of three tours this morning: an excursion to see Iceland’s hot springs, beautiful Icelandic Horses, and a fascinating power plant; a visit to the Reykjanes GeoPark to view the Mid-Atlantic ridge above sea level and the nearby hot spring area; or, conditions permitting, opt to discover Iceland’s newly erupting volcano, Fagradalsfjall in the region of Geldingadalur, on a hike to a stunning view point. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B,L)