Iceland’s incredible sights and experiences are best explored on circumnavigational cruises, such as those offered by National Geographic Explore/Lindblad. This exclusive round trip itinerary on a small ship gives you a unique and special insight into what makes Iceland tick. With access to small harbors and fjords not available to larger ships, every day brings a new adventure. The added comfort of returning to the same lodging each night ensures an exceptional experience. These seven stops will give travelers a special taste of Iceland.
Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon
Before or after the trip, the most impressive geothermal bath experience is the Blue Lagoon. The many options to soak in the light blue water are the main attraction. Your level of access and pampering includes prime access to the entire spa experience. A spiffy wristband system gives you access to lockers, drinks, dining and other amenities with a wave of your hand. With four dining options, this is easily a day-long experience. The Lava Restaurant, an all-day dining stop of four restaurants, combines upscale dishes like arctic charr with cucumber, horseradish, and Greek yogurt in a volcanic setting. Moss, a Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner, has its own wine cellar inside the lava rock. Can’t just one day be enough? Stay overnight in an exclusive Retreat hotel with a private lagoon.
Westfjords: Vigur Island & Eider Down
Here, the fjord is quiet and peaceful. The world famous Eider comes from Vigur island in this region. Birds leave their breasts to warm their eggs, and when they hatch, the eggs are discarded, then collected and processed. Felicity Aston, one of the island’s farm owners, is the only woman to ski solo in Antarctica. He is more than used to the hardy Icelandic life.
Siglufjodur: Herring and forestry
Iceland’s northernmost major settlement is the center of the fishing and herring processing industry. A set of museum buildings and hands-on demonstrations tell the story of the herring industry from 1903 to 1968 when it ceased operations. Iceland does not have many trees. Siglufjordur has a local forestry association that promotes the movement and conservation of forestry by adding trees.
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Husavik: geological exploration
The site of the first house built in Iceland, Husavik is the gateway to exploring the geology and landscape of northern Iceland. Trek to one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls, Gooafoss. More aqua wonder awaits at Lake Myvtan. The Whaling Museum documents the fascinating history of whaling.
Grimsey: The Arctic Circle
This small island is the northernmost part of Iceland and lies within the Arctic Circle. As the magnetic pole shifts a little bit every year, the exact location is marked with a giant stone ball, recording the magnetic shift to the current point. Birds, such as Puffins, make this island their home, as it is the only land within miles.
Djupivogur: Vatnajokul ice cap and iceberg
When one arrives in southern Iceland, black sand beaches await. Go to the foot of the vast Vatnajokull glacier and then continue to the Jokulsarlon ice lagoon. Further exploration is available by 4 x 4 vehicle to further valleys and waterfalls.
Westmann Islands: Surtsey Island
The islands were formed by an undersea volcano 10,000 years ago. Westmann’s latest lava crater is an easy hike, and the earth is still hot from underground activity. Surtsey emerged from the sea in 1963, with its birth documented on film, and is now a UNESCO Heritage Site.
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