This AE Expeditions’ Iceland Circumnavigation expedition is one to put on your bucket-list immediately.
For 11 nights you will explore ‘the land of ice and fire’ where around every corner you will see snow-capped peaks, glaciers and active volcanoes still rumbling in the distance. On this expedition you will have the chance to explore Westfjords, one of the most remote and pristine regions in all of Iceland, with terrains ideal for nature hikes and calm waters perfect for sea kayaking. Onto Hjalteyri, a true hidden gem, once the centre of the Icelandic herring fishing industry, now used as a base for whale-watching adventures.
On this voyage you will cross the Arctic Circle to visit Grimsey Island, you’ll have a chance to stretch your legs on hikes across the island and discover cliffs teeming with seabirds. The team of experts onboard are filled with knowledge about the fascinating country that is Iceland, the type of information that you only know when you explore the destination enough. The AE destination experts will spend their time telling you stories and facts about the spectacular geology, wildlife, culture and human history. All the while making your voyage the most memorable experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
You will be met by an AE representative and transferred to your hotel for a 1-night pre-cruise stay.
Day 2: Embarkation Day
Explore the sights of Reykjavik on a half day tour before being transferred to the pier for embarkation. Settle into your cabin before attending mandatory safety briefings, then gather on deck to enjoy the thrill of departing from Reykjavik. Tonight you will join the expedition team, your fellow travellers and crew at the Welcome Dinner.
Day 3: Stykkisholmur/Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Take in the wonderful views as you arrive in Stykkisholmur, the gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park. One of the defining landmarks in Stykkishólmur are the old houses in the old city centre. The oldest house in Stykkishólmur is the Norwegian house, which dates back to 1832. The inhabitants take great pride in preserving the old houses and walking in the centre of town is like walking in another era. Throughout the day you will notice a diversity in the surrounding areas from lava fields to glistening fjords. Enjoy a guided tour of the shark museum and have the opportunity to taste cured shark.
Day 4–6: Westfjords
Over the next three days you will explore the Westfjords region, with outstanding landscapes and jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords, glaciers, table mountains and more. This itinerary is planned to be flexible to allow for spontaneity, as there are so many fjords to explore in the region. Your experienced expedition team will determine day by day the itinerary based on the unpredictable weather conditions of the region.
You will get the chance to witness the most remote and pristine region in Iceland with many deep and dramatic fjords, stunning natural beauty and opportunities for wildlife encounters. A shore excursion will take you to Latrabjarg cliffs, here you may be able to spot puffins, razorbills and guillemot. Along the way you may visit places such as Isafjordur and Djupavik where kayakers can paddle in the peaceful waters surrounded by towering mountains whilst other can enjoy walks and hikes, soaking in the stunning surrounds.
Day 7: Hjalteyri
Day 7 brings you to Iceland’s second largest town, located near Akureyri, Hjalteryi was once the main centre of the herring fishing industry. Sheltered from big waves, Hjalteyri is an ideal place to enjoy activities such as kayaking, cold water snorkeling and diving. Husavik might be internationally known for being Iceland’s whale-watching capital, however locals believe that Hjalteyri is one of North Iceland’s hidden gems.
Day 8: Grimsey Island
Located approximately 40km off the mainland, Grimsey is a grassy island probably best known for it’s proximity to the Arctic Circle. With a tiny population of approximately 100 inhabitants, it’s a fantastic place for Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and photographing seabirds such as guillemots, gulls and puffins. Leaving GrÃmsey to return closer to the mainland, we spend time scanning the waters of Skjálfandi Bay around Húsavik, a town known as the Iceland’s ‘whale watching capital’, home to up to 24 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of birds. The largest animal on earth, the blue whale, has also been spotted in Skjálfandi Bay, and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature as well as others, such as orcas, fin whales and pilot whales.
Day 9: Seydisfjordur
Today you will spend some time exploring Seydisfjordur, a picturesque fishing village that is renowned for its charming collection of colourful wooden buildings located around the lagoon. Take a stroll around town and discover the timber houses that are remnants from when the Norwegians settled here and established the herring fishing facilities from 1870-1900. From the valley above the town, the river Fjardara tumbles down in beautiful cascades to the lagoon. There are a number of delightful hiking trails to explore, or alternatively, you can discover a flourishing cultural scene with an arts centre, the famous blue church that stages music concerts and the only two cinemas in the east of Iceland.
Day 10: Westman Islands
Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Sail past Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth. Ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the archipelago, we see half-buried houses that remain from a violent 1973 eruption of Eldfell volcano, which you can hike up if you wish. A visit to the weather station offers bird-watching opportunities and splendid views of the surrounding islands.
Day 11: Disembark in Reykjavik
During the early morning you will arrive into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8am. A transfer is included to either Keflavik airport or a centrally located hotel.
Pricing & Inclusions
Prices for this Icelandic Circumnavigation expedition start at £7,999pp based on a twin cabin
This unique Paramount Package includes:
– Return flights from London Heathrow – call us for regional airports
– Overseas transfers
– 1 night pre-cruise stay in Reykjavik with breakfast
– 10-night full-board cruise on Syliva Earle
– Half-day tour of Reykjavik on Day 2, prior to embarkation
– Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
– Captains farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
– All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
– Educational lectures and guiding services provided by Expedition Team
– One 3-in-1 waterproof, polar expedition jacket
– Complimentary use of Muck Boots during the voyage
Call our cruise specialists today for more information, pricing or to book this incredible voyage.
