9-night Circumnavigation of Iceland Cruise

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.

Flatey Island is located in the Breidafjordur on the west coast of Iceland. Here you will find an abundance of birds - Arctic terns, red-throated divers, and black guillemots. Watch the seas for the minke, humpback, and orca whales that frequent these waters.

Vigur Island is small but significant, as the second largest island within the ice-fjord it occupies, Isafjordur. In a leisurely hike, see Vigur's highlights: Iceland's only and oldest light-house, birdwatching (puffins and purple sandpipers among many others), and meeting the sole family that lives on the island.

The town of Isafjord is a bona fide hive of industry. This busy fishing port runs to sizable shipyards as well as shrimp and fish factories— all ready to handle the catch of the day from the icy waters of the Denmark Strait. Recreational activities around here include hiking, kayaking, and of course, fishing.

Siglufjordur is a quiet fishing village located within an isolated narrow fjord in northern Iceland. The small town at one point was home to 3,000 inhabitants, however since the 1950’s has drastically shrunk. Siglufjordur as of the year 2011 reported a population of only 1,206 locals. Visitors can enjoy skiing, private tours of the area as well as the Herring Era Museum which is enjoyed by many.  During the aurora spring & autumn seasons, the sky shines with vibrant neon shades that light up the charming small town. 

Akureyri is one of Iceland's oldest towns, and features picturesque historic houses set below snowcapped peaks, botanical gardens and several museums. Explore the interior to see Godafoss Waterfall and Lake Myvatn. It is the largest settlement outside the south-west of Iceland, and one of the country's largest cities. The name means "Meadow Sandspit" in Icelandic. Akureyri is an important shipyard and fishing port, as well as a commercial and distributing centre for agriculture and manufacturing.

The lake is a national conservation area because of its geological features and many species of ducks.  Heavy volcanic activity in the region has made this a hot spot for visitors looking for a thermal mud bath. The area is very diverse, ranging from hot thermal springs to mud pits, to barren lava fields.

This village at the head of the bay Berufiord developed around an important trading post in the past. In 1589 the German Hansa merchants were granted a trading license there by the Danish king. Later on the Danish introduced the trade monopoly and took over themselves. The oldest houses (1788-1818) date back to the Danish period. One of them, Langabud (1790), has been renovated and transformed into a nice restaurant and museums. Fishing, fish processing and commerce are the main trades. The scenic beauty of the surroundings is renowned and visitors are treated well in every respect.

Settled by the Norse in the 7th century, the Westman (Westmann) Islands are composed of dramatic coastlines, shaped by numerous volcanic events throughout their history. Surtsey is the newest island, emerging in 1963 after several eruptions shaped new land. Heimaey is the only inhabited island and is dotted with colorful homes along the base of wild seacliffs and green landscapes. You can tour the island's rugged coastline and see orcas, puffin colonies, and the seacave Kettshellur. Every August, the island comes alive with the Westman Islands Festival, with  bonfires and live music 24/7.

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.