Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice Discovery Cruise

Your Icelandic adventure begins in Reykjavik, where you’ll be greeted by a representative from Aurora Expeditions and transferred to The Grand Hotel Reykjavik. Upon arrival, visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality area to drop off your luggage, enjoy light refreshments if you arrive before 04:00 PM, and collect your cabin tags. The ground operations team will be on hand to assist with pre-embarkation details or offer tips on nearby dining, shopping, or essential last-minute purchases. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.

After breakfast, ensure your cabin luggage is clearly tagged with your name and cabin number. Your luggage will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to the port for delivery to your cabin, while you keep valuables with you throughout the day. Today, enjoy an exciting journey along the Golden Circle, one of Reykjavik’s most famous routes. Visit Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s first parliament was founded and where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet. Continue to the magnificent Gullfoss waterfall, cascading 34 meters into the Hvita River, before exploring the steaming geothermal fields and erupting geysers that showcase Iceland’s incredible natural energy. In the late afternoon, return to Reykjavik to board the Greg Mortimer. Settle into your cabin and attend safety briefings before setting sail on your Iceland adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.

Begin your day in Arnarstapi, the starting point of your adventure on the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snaefellsjokull National Park. This region is known for its dramatic lava fields, sparkling fjords, and rich birdlife, crowned by the magnificent ice-capped Snaefellsjokull volcano, famously featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Personalise your day with an included optional experience that best suits your interests and fitness level. You may choose to explore the Highlights of Snaefellsnes, visiting the black pebble beach of Djupalonssandur, the picturesque hamlet of Budir with its 19th-century church, and the scenic Snæfellsjokull National Park before ending at the iconic Mount Kirkjufell, a favorite among photographers and Game of Thrones fans. Alternatively, join the Natural Wonders of Snaefellsnes hike along the coastal trail between Arnarstapi and Hellnar, offering views of basalt cliffs, lava formations, and the glacier, followed by a guided exploration of the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave. Conclude the day admiring Mount Kirkjufell and its nearby waterfall, one of Iceland’s most photographed scenes.

Today, we begin exploring the spectacular Westfjords region, known for its dramatic fjords, towering table mountains, and pristine North Atlantic landscapes. At Patreksfjordur, a shore excursion by coach takes you to the breathtaking Latrabjarg cliffs, Europe’s largest bird cliff and home to millions of seabirds such as puffins, razorbills, fulmars, and guillemots. This remarkable site also marks the westernmost point of Europe, facing the east coast of North America across the Atlantic. In the afternoon, enjoy the serenity of cruising northward through striking coastal scenery while keeping watch for whales. Later, embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the majestic Dynjandi waterfall, one of Iceland’s most stunning natural wonders.

Today, we arrive in Thingeyri, a charming village located along the shores of the stunning Dyrfjordur in Iceland’s Westfjords region. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and scenic fjords, Thingeyri is often called the “Alps of the Westfjords.” The village’s history is deeply connected to the sea, and its peaceful landscapes create a perfect setting for exploration. You can personalize your experience today with optional activities that suit your interests and fitness level. Option 1, The Viking Thing Experience, invites you to step back in time and learn about Viking traditions by exploring a recreated Viking area, visiting the old meeting place known as a Thing, and immersing yourself in interactive activities like baking bread, tasting Icelandic beer, and dressing in Viking attire. Option 2, the Sandafell Mountain Hike, is ideal for active travelers, offering a moderate to challenging hike with breathtaking views of the town, surrounding peaks, and fjords.

Today we arrive in Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area, surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and breathtaking scenery. You can personalize your expedition with optional activities tailored to your interests and fitness level. Option 1, Godafoss, Lake Myvatn, and Baths, includes visiting the spectacular Godafoss waterfall, exploring Lake Myvatn, and relaxing in the soothing geothermal waters of the Myvatn Nature Baths. Option 2, Godafoss, Lake Myvatn and Dimmuborgir, takes you to the same magnificent waterfall before visiting the pseudo craters of Lake Myvatn and the dramatic lava formations of Dimmuborgir, where you can wander through towering rock pillars and the famous cave known as “The Church.” Option 3, Hverfjall Volcanic Crater Hike, Dimmuborgir and Dettifoss, offers a more strenuous adventure with a hike up the steep slopes of Hverfjall Crater for panoramic views, followed by a visit to the immense Dettifoss waterfall, one of the most powerful in Europe. In the late afternoon, we reboard our vessel in Husavik, the whale-watching capital of Iceland.

Located about 40 km from the Icelandic mainland, Grimsey Island marks the only part of Iceland that crosses the Arctic Circle. This small, grassy island is home to around 100 residents and offers a peaceful escape surrounded by dramatic seascapes. The day is perfect for Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and spotting seabirds such as puffins, guillemots, and gulls, which thrive in this remote environment. After exploring Grimsey, the ship sails south toward the mainland, passing through Skjalfandi Bay near Husavik, Iceland’s whale watching capital. Keep your eyes open for an incredible array of marine life, including dolphins, orcas, pilot whales, fin whales, and even the majestic blue whale, the largest creature on Earth.

In the afternoon, explore the picturesque village of Seydisfjordur, known for its colorful wooden houses set around a tranquil lagoon. Stroll through the town to admire the well-preserved timber buildings, originally built by Norwegian settlers during the late 19th-century herring boom. Enjoy scenic views of the Fjardara River cascading down from the surrounding valley or follow one of the many hiking trails that reveal the area’s natural beauty. You can also immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant cultural scene by visiting the arts center, the iconic blue church known for its live music performances, or one of the two local cinemas. Before returning to the ship, take time to browse shops featuring handcrafted works by local artists - ideal for unique souvenirs or gifts.

Disembark in Djupivogur, a charming port town in East Iceland and your gateway to Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largest glacier. Today’s adventure lets you personalize your experience with a choice of included excursions suited to your interests and fitness level. Option 1: explore waterfalls, glacial lagoons, and geothermal hot tubs, including a boat ride on Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and a visit to the striking Diamond Beach. Option 2 offers a moderate hike through the scenic Mulagljufur Canyon, followed by visits to Fjallsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. Option 3, designed for more active travelers, features a challenging hike on the Falljokull Glacier, where you’ll traverse ice formations and glistening blue crevasses under expert guidance. After an adventurous day, return to Djupivogur in the evening to reboard your ship.

Spend the morning and lunch onboard, enjoying scenic views while searching for whales and seabirds. During the sail, the expert team hosts engaging talks about the region’s wildlife and geology. In the afternoon, arrive at the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago off Iceland’s south coast formed around 10,000 years ago. Surrounded by smaller uninhabited islands and rocky islets, this area is home to one of the world’s largest Atlantic puffin colonies, as well as whales and seals often seen while cruising. You can personalise your day with included optional experiences that match your interests and fitness level. Option 1 features a visit to the Eldheimar Volcano Museum and puffin viewing at Storhofdi cape, offering insight into the 1973 Heimaey volcanic eruption and great photo opportunities. Option 2 includes a challenging hike up a volcano followed by a visit to the same museum. Later, sail past Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that emerged in 1963 and is one of the world’s youngest land masses.

In the early morning, cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 08:00 AM. Bid farewell to your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as you continue your onward journey. Transfer options include a direct transfer to Keflavik Airport, a direct transfer to The Grand Reykjavik (only available if your hotel was booked through Aurora Expeditions), or a transfer to Bus Stop 1 City Hall, where you can make your own way to city hotels. For late afternoon or evening flights, your luggage can be held on the coach until the airport departure at 01:00 PM. It is recommended to book flights departing after 12:00 PM to allow for any possible delays.