Exploring Iceland and Beyond (Northbound)

Day 1-2

Canals and Gardens

Hamburg, Germany – Embarkation – Overnight

Hamburg is one of the greenest urban areas in Europe – featuring large parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves. Enjoy an overnight stay onboard which gives you plenty of time to explore the city and some of its many canals.

Day 3

Heading North

At sea

Enjoy an idyllic day at sea as we head towards Norway.  Take in the panoramic views from one of many viewpoints around the ship, relax with a book or join one of the lectures onboard and find out more about the exciting days ahead.

Day 4

Charming Kristiansand

Kristiansand, Norway – Half Day

Kristiansand’s beautiful beaches and archipelago, charming old town, interesting local history and nearby nature make it a popular destination. Visit the fish markets, join our optional excursion or enjoy the great outdoors.

Day 5

Towering Preikestolen

Lysefjorden, Norway – Half Day

Lysefjord is 25 miles long and 1,400 feet deep. The Preikestolen plateau towers an impressive 2,000 ft over the surface of the water. We will sail into the fjord, enjoy the great landscape from deck and hope to have a fine view of Preikestolen from below.

Day 6

UNESCO Beauty

Geiranger, Norway

Geirangerfjord features spectacular nature and idyllic villages along its 65 mile stretch. The fjord is world famous for its dramatic landscape and is UNESCO-listed as a World Heritage site. Enjoy taking in the scenery as we sail into this amazing area of stunning beauty.

Day 7

Norwegian Sea

At sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with onboard lectures while we set our course towards Iceland. Our expedition team will present talks and workshops and share their knowledge and experience. You will also have the chance to visit our Science Center for interesting topics and discussions.

Day 8

Nordic Heritage

Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Half Day

The Norwegian heritage of the village of Seyðisfjörður is reflected in colorful Nordic-style wooden houses dating from the early 20th century. The handcrafted architecture creates a truly unique identity in the settlement. Explore this quirky town, join an organized hike or take an optional excursion to Skálanes.

Day 9

Step Across the Arctic Circle

Grímsey, Iceland – Full Day

We will use our tender boats to reach this green and grassy island. It is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Pending favorable conditions, you will have the chance to step across that iconic line, north to south.

Day 10

Center in the North

Akureyri, Iceland – Full Day

Lively Akureyri is famous for its botanical gardens and pretty traffic lights. This is the most populous Icelandic community outside Reykjavík, and is the center of trade, culture and services for the region. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural treasures, like Lake Mývatn and Goðafoss waterfall.

Day 11

Wonderful Westfjords

Ísafjörður, Iceland – Full Day

Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for a variety of local handicrafts and view the oldest houses in Iceland, including the structure that houses the Maritime Museum.

Day 12

Patreksfjörður

Patreksfjördur, Iceland – Full Day

Patreksfjördur is a charming settlement on the west coast with around 660 inhabitants. The picturesque fjord offers scenic hiking trails if conditions allow. Patreksfjördur is also close to the spectacular waterfall, Dynjandi, and to Látrabjarg, a renowned site for birdwatching.

Day 13

Sagaland

Stykkishólmur, Iceland – Full Day

Stykkishólmur has old, beautiful and well-preserved houses in the town center and is surrounded by wonderful scenery. Enjoy exploring the town’s interesting museums or join optional excursions to iconic sites on Snæfellsnes Penninsula, like the Lóndrangar basalt cliffs or the black sand beaches of Djúpalónssandur.

Day 14

Welcome Home

Heimaey, Iceland – Full Day

Heimaey, or “Home Island,” welcomes us on our visit. The area features dramatic and steep sea cliffs, which are well-vegetated and provide a habitat for countless seabirds, including the charming puffin.

Day 15

The World’s Northernmost Capital

Reykjavik, Iceland – Disembarkation

Iceland’s capital offers visitors a rich urban life. Relatively close to the city, you find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Reykjavík itself hosts fine restaurants, museums and shops. We arrive in the morning and this is where our expedition cruise ends.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ADVENTURE

• A rich program of included activities on all voyages designed to immerse you in the destinations you visit, including onshore exploration with the expedition team
• Professional English-speaking expedition team – an international, handpicked team of highly educated experts in various academic fields with profound knowledge of the region we sail in
• Complimentary wind- and water-resistant jacket
• Loan of boots, trekking poles, and equipment needed for optional and included activities

ENGAGING ONBOARD ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION

• In-depth lectures on science, history, biology, geography, geology or culture that provide context to your voyage and help you understand the destinations you will experience
• Explorer Science program, with educational and Citizen Science activities that let you learn about the sights you’ll see while contributing to research
• Introductory photo lecture, including camera adjustments and tips and tricks
• Photos and film/video footage from the voyage shared in the Expedition Logbook
• Casual opportunities to engage with the expedition team and other guests, including a welcome event, daily gatherings to recap the day and prepare for the day to come
• Opportunities to dine and interact with the expedition team and officers
• Destination-focused onboard library
• Port presentations providing destination insight
• A farewell event

PREMIUM ONBOARD COMFORT

• All meals including beverages (beer and wine, sodas and mineral water in all ship restaurants)
• Coffee and tea included throughout the day
• Early riser and afternoon treat offered in addition to breakfast, lunch and dinner
• A la carte restaurant (only for suite guests)
• Gym, outdoor hot tubs and sauna with windows
• Free Wi-fi onboard for all guests. Be aware that we sail in remote areas with limited connection. Streaming is not supported.
• No gratuities expected

NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR EXPEDITION:

• International flights
• Optional shore excursions with our local partners
• Optional small-group adventures with our expedition team such as kayaking, long hikes (availability pending weather conditions and safety)
• Travel protection plan
• Luggage handling

NOTES:
All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions