A Circumnavigation of Iceland
10 Days - National Geographic Explorer
Explore the wonders of Iceland in comfort on the National Geographic Explorer, a state-of-the-art ship that is designed to safely explore both polar and tropical regions of the planet. Iceland’s geology in all its manifestations––glaciers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots, and rock and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty–is world-class. It alone makes a circumnavigation a very compelling idea.
from NZD $19645pp
Home » 10 Day National Geographic Explorer: A Circumnavigation of Iceland
Itinerary Highlights
- Experience all of Iceland’s geological manifestations: glaciers, geysers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots and rock- and lava-scapes of unearthly beauty
- Meet Iceland’s people, learn about their unique cultural heritage and contemporary character
- Actively explore Iceland’s wild western coast; Siglutjörout in the north; the rarely-visited rugged east coast; and the Westman islands, one of the planet’s youngest archipelagos
- Enjoy superlative photos ops and on-board photo assistance
- Travel with an expert team on a holistic, narrative voyage
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Reykjavik - Embark
- Day 2: Flatey Island/Látrabjarg
- Day 3:Exploring Northwestern Iceland
- Day 4: Ísafjördur
- Day 5: Siglufjördur and Akureyri
- Day 6: Lake Mývatn and Húsavík
- Day 7: Exploring Northeast Iceland
- Day 8: Djúpivogur
- Day 9: Islands of Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands
- Day 10: Disembark in Reykjavik
Day 1: Reykjavik - Embark
Arrive in Reykjavik, 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. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts, and unusual whalebone carvings on display.
Day 2: Flatey Island/Látrabjarg
The ship navigates Iceland’s wild western frontier, sailing past the immense Latrabjarg cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Continue to Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries, for walks around the charming little hamlet that grew here, and take a Zodiac cruise along the coast.
Day 3: Exploring Northwestern Iceland
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside bird-covered cliffs. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island to visit the Eider Farm and view the down cleaning process.
Day 4: Ísafjördur
Located in the Westfjords, Ísafjördur is surrounded by water on three sides, sculpted by glaciers. Explore by Zodiac and hike ashore to view the local landscape and photograph flowering plants.
Day 5: Siglufjördur and Akureyri
Siglufjördur was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. We stop by the Herring Museum for a re-enactment and a tasting. Continue to picturesque Akureyri, backed by snow-capped mountains. Explore the old town, with its beautifully maintained period houses, or visit the botanical garden.
Day 6: Lake Mývatn and Húsavík
Begin the day by visiting an unforgettable sight: Godafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Next, drive to Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. This is world-class field geology! See the bizarre mud pools at Hverarönd — so hot they actually bubble. At the Krafla geothermal area see the explosion crater at Viti. After lunch ashore, meet the ship in Húsavík, and watch for whales as we sail north to the land of the midnight sun. Take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here we celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting and fishing — another wonderful photo op.
Day 7: Exploring Northeast Iceland
With plenty of rarely-visited coastline, this day is left open to explore Iceland's rugged east coast. Perhaps join our naturalists for a hike along a stretch of the Langanes Peninsula or we may have a Zodiac cruise to view the beautiful stacks near Raudanes. We will keep it flexible to be able to choose the best option for the day.
Day 8: Djúpivogur
Dock in Djúpivogur to explore the vast Vatnajökull icecap. Via small boat, get up-close and personal with the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón.
Day 9: Islands of 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 — which 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.
Day 10: Disembark in Reykjavik
Today we complete our circumnavigation of Iceland, disembarking in Reykjavík. Choose to visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or enjoy the hotsprings, geothermal power plant and horse farm prior to flights home.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
01 Jun 2025 - 10 Jun 2025 | NZD $19645pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | NZD $19645pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | NZD $23152pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | NZD $24145pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | NZD $27559pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | NZD $28831pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | NZD $29902pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | NZD $30103pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | NZD $35829pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | NZD $41478pp | Contact us | |
15 Jun 2025 - 24 Jun 2025 | NZD $19847pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | NZD $19847pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | NZD $23400pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | NZD $24393pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | NZD $27838pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | NZD $29126pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | NZD $30212pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | NZD $30414pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | NZD $36186pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | NZD $41912pp | Contact us | |
29 Jun 2025 - 08 Jul 2025 | NZD $19847pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | NZD $19847pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | NZD $23400pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | NZD $24393pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | NZD $27838pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | NZD $29126pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | NZD $30212pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | NZD $30414pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | NZD $36186pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | NZD $41912pp | Contact us | |
13 Jul 2025 - 22 Jul 2025 | NZD $19847pp | ||
Category 1 Cabin | NZD $19847pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 Cabin | NZD $23400pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 Cabin | NZD $24393pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 Cabin | NZD $27838pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo A | NZD $29126pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 Cabin | NZD $30212pp | Contact us | |
Category Solo B | NZD $30414pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 Suite | NZD $36186pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 Suite | NZD $41912pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1 Cabin
17.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, 1-2 portholes, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 2 Cabin
16m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 3 Cabin
19.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 4 Cabin
15.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category Solo A
12m², single bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category Solo B
12m², single bed, non-smoking, window, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 5 Cabin
16.5m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, writing desk, reading lamp, private bathroom, shower, TV, A/C, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, luggage storage.
Category 6 Suite
33m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, writing desk, reading lamp, large private bathroom, shower, 2 wash basins, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, TV, A/C, luggage storage.
Category 7 Suite
36m², 2 single beds or 1 queen bed, sofa bed, balcony with sliding glass doors, non-smoking, seating area, writing desk, reading lamp, large private bathroom, shower, 2 wash basins, bathroom amenities, hairdryers, bathrobe, 110-volt and 220-volt outlet, TV, A/C, luggage storage.
National Geographic Explorer Deckplan
Specifications
- Crew: 86
- Officers: International
- Guests: 148
- Tonnage: 6471
- Length: 367 Feet / 112 Metres
- Width: 54 Feet
- Speed: 15 Knots
- Passenger Decks: 6
- Built: 1982
- Registry: Bahamas
Whats included?
- Transfers upon arrival/departure for guests booked on recommended group flights
- Accommodation aboard the world-class expedition ships of the National Geographic-Lindblad fleet or a luxury chartered ship
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Daily activities and excursions as indicated in the itinerary
What’s not included?
- Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable
- Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
- Visas
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities