Departures:
07/30/2013 08/06/2013
Ship(s):
Le Boreal
Trip Highlights:
Set sail on Le Boreal for a five-star cruise through the wild landscapes of Iceland, on the fringes of the Arctic Circle.
Summary: Embark on an 8-day luxury Arctic expedition. Discover Reykjavik with its vast glaciers, National Park, geysers, and waterfalls. Take a relaxing dip in the warm waters of blue lagoon. Be enchanted by Heimaey, an island of colorful houses, lava fields, marine caves and sheer cliffs that are home to many varieties of birdlife, including the famous Atlantic Puffin. You may also be lucky enough to see seals and killer whales. Grundarfjordur and Isafjordur fjords will reveal abyssal walls, craggy mountains and black sandy beaches. Learn about the culture and traditions of Iceland in the company of its inhabitants. Excellent guides and remarkable scenery ensures this will be a trip of a lifetime.
Embark the luxury expedition vessel for introductions to experienced crew and fellow travelers. Settle in to life onboard as your Iceland cruise begins its voyage.
Day 2: Reykjavik / Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
Reykjavik, "The Bay of Smoke", is nestled in a bay that protects its dreamlike beauty from the wind. Iceland's capital is merely a stone’s throw away from the magnificent Icelandic outback, as evidenced by the large numbers of Arctic terns, wild geese and ducks found in the town center. Established around 874 C.E. by a Viking chief, the world’s northernmost capital is simultaneously fierce and fascinating. Nearby, amongst the rugged lava fields, natural springs throw their turbulent water towards the sky, performing an incredible geyser dance dressed in amber tones.
Day 3: Heimaey / Vestman Islands, Iceland
Heimaey is the largest and most populated Icelandic island outside of the main island. It is the only populated island in the Vestmannaeyjar islands. In the spirit of expedition travel, shore excursions and landings are determined by expert guides selecting from the natural surroundings to provide the best possible wildlife sightings.
Day 4: Grundarfjordur, Iceland
Grundarfjordur is a small town, situated in the north of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Located in Iceland's west, Snæfellsnes Peninsula boasts dramatic and grandiose scenery. Set sail from the natural port of Grundarfjordur at the mouth of a beautiful fjord. Discover ancient volcanoes whose somber colors are starkly contrasted against the cobalt blue of the ocean. After the volcanic activity subsided and glaciers receded, rivers left their powerful mark as they wound their way through this remarkable landscape.
Guided by experienced naturalists, discover majestic Snæfellsjökul volcano, which appears to guard over the peninsula from its 1,440 meter summit. Its legendary, almost-perfect conical shape is thought to be a gathering point of mysterious magnetic powers. Jules Verne chose here as the doorway to inner space in his fantastical book "Journey to the Center of the Earth".
Day 5: Grimsey Island, Iceland
Grímsey sits off the north coast of the main island of Iceland and is situated on the Arctic Circle. The small island has a community of approximately 100 inhabitants, who base their livelihood almost solely on the fisheries. Polar bears have been known to be spotted here and expert guides will help in explorations for wildlife sightings.
Day 6: Akureyri, Iceland
Located at the entrance to a fjord, the charming capital of north Iceland sits along the banks of the Eyjajordur. Delight in their colorful houses glowing in the light of the midnight sun. It is from this enchanting city that you will set out for Lake Myvatn, whose savage beauty has been sculpted by a succession of volcanic eruptions. The lake has a unique ecosystem as it lies at the crossroads of the great migratory routes and is a natural sanctuary for many bird species (Greylag Geese, Swans, Ducks and Arctic Terns). It’s a veritable paradise for ornithologists, and for those with a contemplative soul in search of secret spaces and mysterious charm. In this wild place, one’s imagination runs away with the landscape’s strange shapes. Legend has it that the trolls, elves and faeries of Iceland call this home.
Day 7: Isafjordur, Iceland
Discover the scenic town of Isafjordur, located in northwest Iceland. View the rugged beauty of this area steeped in history. The community here supports a lively arts and music scene with a yearly festival attracting international performers.
Day 8: Reykjavik / Hafnarfjordur, Iceland
Conclude your luxury expedition cruise of enchanting Iceland in Reykjavik and disembark.
This itinerary is subject to change. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.
Included:
All meals from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation; port and safety taxes; gratuities; welcome aboard and captain’s cocktail parties, gala dinner; open bar; mineral water, tea, filter coffee, white, red and rosé wines served with meals; 24 hour room service (selected menu); evening entertainments and events, and/or organized shows; porterage from the quayside to the ship and vice versa; English-speaking guest-speaker (when applicable).
Not Included:
Flights; airport taxes; airport porterage; day rooms and other services at arrival and departure, before embarkation and after disembarkation; optional shore excursions (sold on board); other drinks not included in open bar; laundry services; visa expenses; disembarkation and access fees to restricted and protected areas; expedition photo disc and video (approx $85); insurances; personal expenses; fuel surcharge may apply.
Why does AntarcticConnection partner with ExpeditionTrips?
True experts with first-hand polar experience, the ExpeditionTrips staff has sailed on the ships they represent; with a combined amount of 100 Antarctic trips between them;and can help you thoroughly compare and contrast the expeditions.
Their approach to travel is highly personal and professional, offering unbiased travel assistance to ensure you choose the very best Antarctica trip to meet your needs!
ExpeditionTrips works only with the highest quality small ships-all under 200 passengers-ranging from a 48-passenger Russian research vessel to a 200-passenger luxury expedition ship.