Iceland

Fire and Ice: A Circumnavigation of Mystical Iceland

Program No. 21877RJ
On an expedition cruise ship, discover Iceland’s natural fjords, geysers, glaciers and fascinating human history during a voyage around this dramatic country.

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At a Glance

Turquoise thermal pools. Otherworldly waterfalls. Towering blue icebergs. Iceland is an astonishing package of the planet’s natural wonders. Discover them on colorful display — fjords, geysers, glaciers, volcanoes — during an extraordinary learning voyage around this dramatic country. From Reykjavik on the southwest coast, sail clockwise around the island and navigate pristine fjords, setting foot on a glacier and soaking in soothing hot springs.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over rough, rocky and uneven terrain. This program includes an excursion by Zodiac; the final step to board this vessel is 14 to 18 inches.

What You'll Learn

  • Have opportunities to observe birds and whales up close.
  • See "Pompeii of the North" — a volcanic crater
  • Learn about the geology of the rejuvenating waters at the Blue Lagoon.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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12 days
11 nights
29 meals
11 B 9 L 9 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Iceland, Blue Lagoon, Check-in, Orientation
Reykjavik
B,L,D
Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel

Activity note: Walking with luggage from airport terminal to bus; Blue Lagoon, hotel; about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Those who wish to swim in the Blue Lagoon, pack bathing suit in carry-on luggage; towels provided, slippers, bathrobes, spa treatments are available at an additional cost. Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Breakfast: Coffee/Tea and pastries/cookies at the Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavík Airport hotel. For participants making their own way to the hotel or have booked extra nights on their own at the Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavík Airport hotel, please meet by 9:00 a.m.

Morning: Once all participants have joined the group at the Park Inn by Radisson Reykjavik Keflavík Airport hotel , we will board our motorcoach and drive south through the Reykjanes Peninsula to our lunch venue. The Reykjanes Peninsula runs along the Mid-Atlantic Rift, a geological wonder that is still volcanically active. After remaining dormant for more than 800 years, Mount Fagradalsfjall, a volcano on the Reykjanes Peninsula, erupted in March 2021. The eruption lasted for several months, altering the nearby landsape by adding 10.3 million cubic feet of new lava.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will reboard the bus and continue our Icelandic learning adventure at the Blue Lagoon, where we will have an opportunity to soak in the mineral-rich, geothermally-heated waters. (Entrance fee and towels included at Blue Lagoon; slippers and bathrobes available at additional cost.) There are other “blue lagoons” but this one is truly unique. The stark volcanic terrain that surrounds it creates an otherworldly feeling. The lava field is surely natural, but in fact the lagoon owes its existence to a geothermal power station built in 1975. Superheated water from a nearby lava flow feeds into the power plant system and finally flows into the lagoon, where the temperature stays between 98°-104°F (36°-40° C). Minerals from the underground geological layers account for the coloration. Not only is lounging in the waters delightfully comfortable, the minerals and white silica mud are reputed to provide benefits for skin conditions. Next, we’ll continue our ride to central Reykjavik to check in to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Orientation. Your Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
3
The Golden Circle of Landscape & History
Reykjavik
B,L
Berjaya Reykjavik Marina Hotel

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 185 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll set out from the hotel by bus for a full-day field trip around the Golden Circle. Our field trip will begin with an exploration of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. It was here that the Althing, an open-air representative assembly, was established in 930 CE. It is the world’s oldest existing parliament. Thingvellir is considered the most sacred place in Iceland due its historical significance and for the fact that this is also the meeting point of the American and European continental plates.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Moving on, we’ll reach Gullfoss — golden falls — the most famous waterfall in Iceland. Water from the Langjökull glacier flows into the Hvítá (White) River. When it reaches the great Gullfossgljúfur canyon, it falls in two stages more than 100 feet (32 meters). We’ll then continue our ride to Geysir, where the active Strokkur geyser bursts forth every few minutes in a cloud of steam. Returning to our hotel in the late afternoon, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
National Museum of Iceland, Embarkation
At Sea
B,D
Iceland Pro's MV Seaventure

Activity note: Getting on a bus, driving about 4.6 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time depending on traffic. Walking up to 1 mile indoors and out throughout the day; urban terrain, cobblestones.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel and walk to a nearby venue for an expert led lecture on Iceland’s past and present. We’ll then board a bus and ride to the National Museum of Iceland. The charming museum traces the history of this remote island nation from the Settlement era to the modern day. Our field trip will continue with riding and walking in Reykjavik. We will see sites such as the historic Höfði House, site of the 1986 summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev that precipitated the end of the Cold War. We will also drive by Lake Tjornin, a small lake in downtown Reykjavik known for its birdlife, as well as walking through the Parliament House and City Hall with its large topographic map of Iceland.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: We will have some time for independent exploration in downtown Reykjavik before meeting up at an announced time and place to transfer to the ship for embarkation. We’ll then transfer to the port and embark the Seaventure. Cabins will be available after completing embarkation procedures. We will participate with everyone on board in the mandatory safety drill when announced. Then, continue becoming familiar with the ship. Expedition ships — more rugged than traditional sailing vessels — are designed to venture into remote landscapes, enabling us to seek opportunities for getting up close to nature and wildlife. These educational adventures have flexible schedules. The itinerary may change daily based on weather, sailing conditions, and potential wildlife sightings. There may also be serendipitous occasions to experience something unexpected.

Dinner: Aboard ship. Dinner is a la carte. Coffee, tea and water are free during the entire voyage. Other drinks can be purchased in the restaurant or bar.

Evening: Evenings aboard the Seaventure will typically include gathering for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity. This evening, we will hear from team leaders on safety measures and have a port talk on Arnarstapi.

DAY
5
Arnarstapi, Snæfellsjökull Glacier, Free Time
At Sea
B,L,D
Iceland Pro's MV Seaventure

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus, on/off a Snowcat open air-vehicle; driving about 10 miles throughout the day, approximately 1 hour total riding time. Walking on glacier, distance according to personal interest, approximately 3.5 hours; rugged terrain, cold temperatures; dress warmly, bring sunglasses, sunscreen.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll step ashore this morning at Arnarstapi. Jules Verne’s adventurers in “Journey to the Center of the Earth” began their journey in the crater of Snæfellsjökull. We’ll walk to the base camp where we will board the mountain bus, then change to a Snowcat that will take us 4,600 feet up onto Snæfellsjökull Glacier that lies atop a volcano. We will learn more about Iceland’s volcanic geology through the spectacular variety of lava formations visible in the landscape. On a clear day, the glacier offers a fantastic view over Hellissandur and Breidafjörður Bay. We’ll transfer back to the ship after our field trip.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Free time. You might like to explore the charming, eco-conscious, small town of Stykkisholmur that dates back to the 1500s.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.

DAY
6
Isafjördur, Thingeyri, Dynjandi Waterfall
At Sea
B,L,D
Iceland Pro's MV Seaventure

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 95 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile in Thingeyri; elective 1/2 hour moderate walking to Dynjandi waterfall; uneven, hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will step off the ship for a Road Scholar exclusive field trip, board a bus, and ride to a recreated Viking village in the town of Thingeyri, for an interactive view of Viking history in the Westfjords. We’ll take a short walk to the ruins of the Viking meeting place, Thing, or “parliament.” Then, at the Skalinn Viking Center, we’ll learn more about everyday Norse life through hands-on experiences with authentic hand-sewn clothing, bread-baking, and a taste of Icelandic Viking beer. We’ll hear tales of Icelandic Viking tradition from local experts in traditional dress and sample some classic Viking snacks.

Lunch: At a local community house.

Afternoon: Next, we will ride to see the thunderous Dynjandi, the highest and most impressive waterfall in the Westfjords. Returning to the ship, we will gather for a lecture on topics related to the program theme.

Dinner: Aboard ship. Captain’s Dinner.

Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.

DAY
7
Flatey, Husavik, Whale Watching
At Sea
B,L,D
Iceland Pro's MV Seaventure

Activity note: Zodiac landing: possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Getting in/out of OAK boat with assistance from staff. Wear warm waterproof clothing; the boat is not enclosed.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Dive into the Golden age of the herring boom at the award-winning Herring Museum. The era played an important role in the history of the Icelandic equal rights movement. Women got more opportunities to work outside the home, side by side with men on an equal basis. The museum‘s five exhibits illustrate the history of the industry, the processing of the herring into meal and oil, a fish freezing plant and a waterfront dock area where visitors can stroll past 11 different fishing vessels on display.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: As we round the Northwest corner of Iceland, we’ll anchor in front of Flatey: “flat island.” Less than 1.5 miles long and a little over one-half mile wide, Flatey is home to many bird species, especially Arctic tern and puffin. There are no cars and sheep roam freely. Depending on the weather, it may be possible to take Zodiacs ashore before returning to the ship.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: Husavik is considered by many to be the whale-watching capital of Iceland. We’ll enjoy a Road Scholar exclusive field trip on a traditional wooden harbor boat to watch for the gentle giants. The wonders of nature are on display in the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay, sheltered by the stunning mountains of Husavik.

DAY
8
Husavik Full Day Field Trip, Lake Mývátn
At Sea
B,L,D
Iceland Pro's MV Seaventure

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 150 miles throughout the day, approximately 3.5 hours riding time. Walking distances up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain. Bring bathing suit and towel (from ship) for Mývátn Nature Baths; lockers are available for rent.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We will board a bus and ride to one of the most beautiful spots in northern Iceland, the Lake Mývátn area. Today’s field trip through an area of extreme contrasts, teeming with fauna, starts at the spectacular Godafoss Waterfall. From there we’ll continue to the pseudocraters of Skútustaðagígar, and the impressive lava formations of Dimmuborgir, said to resemble a collapsed citadel. In Icelandic folklore, Dimmuborgir is said to connect the earth to the infernal. The mineral-rich water of the lake is an ideal habitat for fish and birds.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: To complete our field trip, we’ll visit the Mývátn Nature Baths in the Lake Mývátn geothermal area with an opportunity for a relaxing geothermal bath in the quiet of the countryside. We’ll then ride back to the ship for a lecture on topics related to the program theme.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.

DAY
9
Seydisfjördur, Eastfjords, Road Scholar Exclusive Lecture
At Sea
B,L,D
Iceland Pro's MV Seaventure

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 125 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Walking during field trips.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: At sea as we sail towards Seydisfjördur, we’ll gather for a lecture on topics related to the program theme.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Narrow fjords, jagged mountain peaks, remote farms and small fishing villages are some of East Iceland’s characteristics. Today’s Road Scholar exclusive field trip by bus will begin with a journey inland from Seydisfjorður, via the mountain road Breiddalsheidi, to Stöðvarfjorður. We’ll learn about the diversity of Iceland’s geology at a charming museum, located at the former home of a beloved local resident aptly named Petra, who had a lifelong fascination with the minerals she encountered while exploring East Iceland. When her collection outgrew her house, she created the beautiful educational garden we will explore today. We’ll also hear a lecture on Icelandic crafts by a local expert, riding back to the ship at the end of our field trip.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: We will gather for a presentation exclusively for our Road Scholar group.

DAY
10
Djupivogur, Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlon
At Sea
B,L,D
Iceland Pro's MV Seaventure

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 220 miles, approximately 5 hours riding time. Getting in/out of amphibian boats. Wear warm waterproof clothing; boats are not enclosed. Walking up to 1 mile; uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today’s field trip from Djupivogur will take us to the magnificent Glacier Lagoon of Jökulsárlon. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the Breidamerkurjokull glacier, and these large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon itself is not very wide, but it is up to 750 feet deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland. Breidamerkurjokull is an outlet of the Vatnajokull glacier. We’ll board a specially-equipped boat and ride amid the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlon.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Our field trip will continue. We’ll then ride back to the ship and gather in the Observation Lounge for a Road Scholar exclusive activity. When announced, we will have the mandatory disembarkation briefing.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity.

DAY
11
Vestmannaeyjar, Heimaey Island Zodiac Study Cruise
At Sea
B,L,D
Iceland Pro's MV Seaventure

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 13 miles approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 1 mile; uneven, little hilly terrain. Zodiac cruise: possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Wear warm waterproof clothing; boats are not enclosed.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: In Vestmannaeyjar — the Westman Islands — we’ll board Zodiacs and set out on a field trip at the coast of the volcanic island of Heimaey. We’ll be on the look-out for caves, birdlife, and perhaps even whales.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll step ashore at Heimaey and board a bus at the pier for a panoramic exploration of this unique and fascinating landscape. The effects of the 1973 volcanic eruption are still visible, with half-buried houses and a dramatic crater. Heimaey is also known for its diversity of birdlife. We’ll finish our field trip at Eldheimar Volcano Museum. This unique museum tells the story of the 1973 Heimaey eruption, the emergence of Surtsey island in 1963, and the geology of the Vestmannaeyjar Islands.

Dinner: Aboard ship. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: We will gather for a presentation, field trip briefing, music, or other activity. Prepare for disembarkation and departure tomorrow.

DAY
12
Reykjavik, Disembark Ship, Transfer to Keflavik Airport
In Flight
B

Activity note: Ship scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik at 8:00 a.m. For those who purchased airfare through Road Scholar, there will be transfers to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) based on final flight times.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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