Iceland

Circumnavigating Iceland: A Small Ship Expedition

Program No. 24370RJ
Circumnavigate Iceland’s unique natural wonders on an expedition voyage that will bring you up close with glaciers, fjords, whales, puffins and so much more.

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At a Glance

The most sparsely populated country in Europe, Iceland is filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime circumnavigation of Iceland on board the expedition ship, Ocean Endeavor. Explore dramatic fjords, medieval fishing villages and wildlife on land and sea. Via Zodiac, get up-close to dramatic fjords, hot springs and ice-filled lagoons as you search for seals, whales and puffins. Learn about volcanic activity and the unique and varied landscape from local experts. Along the way, enjoy a reenactment at the Herring Era Museum, take a field trip to the Akureyri Botanical Gardens and walk up to Tvisöngur Sound Sculpture.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Visit the Blue Lagoon, located in a lava field, to discover its rejuvenating, healing waters and geological history.
  • Experience remote Arctic hamlets with their colorful houses, cheerful people and Icelandic folk music, bakeries and breweries.
  • Get up close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Ice Fjord at the mouth of one of the world’s most active glaciers.
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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14 days
13 nights
34 meals
13 B 10 L 11 D
DAY
1
In transit to program.
In flight
DAY
2
Arrive in Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Viking Museum
Reykjavik
B,L,D
Hotel Reykjavik Marina

Activity note: Walking with luggage from airport terminal to bus; driving to Viking World, 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: At Viking World for participants arriving early.

Morning: Once all participants have joined the group at Viking World we will board our motorcoach and drive south through the Reykjanes Peninsula to our lunch venue, Salthusid in Grindavik. 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 Salthusid in Grindavik.

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. The 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
Golden Circle
Reykjavik
B,L
Hotel Reykjavik Marina

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 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
Embarkation
Reykjavik
B,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will check out of the hotel and enjoy 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 meet this afternoon for a briefing with Adventure Canada, during which we will meet our Resource Staff and fellow travelers before embarking the Ocean Endeavour. While on board, rotating members of the ship's resource staff will offer educational presentations on a variety of topics. Many are active researchers with expertise in areas such as history, paleontology, geology, and biology. At each expedition port of call, you will have a choice of field trips that will vary by location such as nature activities (minimal walking), short walks (about .5 - 1.5 miles), longer walks (2-3 miles) and photography sessions led by resource staff. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Updates will be provided aboard ship. Thank you for your understanding. 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. Due to the remote location of the ports, each embarkation and disembarkation will be done via zodiac rafts. Staff will be available for assistance. Should you require medication during the day, please ensure you keep this with you.

Dinner: Aboard ship meals consist of meat, seafood, and vegetarian options, plus water, coffee, and tea. Additional beverages are available for purchase. The chefs try to incorporate local delicacies when possible.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
5
Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Snaefellsnes Peninsula
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we will explore one of Icelands amazing coastlines known for its interesting geological history and unique landscape. Located in western Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is home to the Snæfellsjökull volcano, the Londranger cliffs, and a Black Lava Pearl beach called Djupalonssandur. We’ll have a chance to explore the coastline via zodiac. Weather, wildlife, and sea conditions will influence our choice of landing today. Onshore, an expert-led field trip will further enhance and enrich our day’s experience.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We’ll gather in the onboard meeting space for an illuminating lecture by an onboard expert that will expand on the program theme.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
6
The Westfjords
Westfjords
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we will visit the remote Westfjords. Only about 10% of the rest of Iceland’s visitors make it here. Birdwatchers will delight as we view the tall, jagged bird cliffs. Embrace the Icelandic lifestyle as we view the coastal fjords, giant mountains, and small villages.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: After lunch we will continue exploring the Westfjords by ship and if the weather permits, by zodiac.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
7
Siglufjörður and Grímsey
Grimsey
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we’ll have a chance to travel to the island of Grimsey via Zodiac. This island just barely sits on the Arctic Circle making it one of the world’s eight Arctic nations. We’ll have a chance to see the wildlife living on the island including gulls, puffins, and guillemots.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon we’ll visit Siglufjörður that was once the center of the herring industry. At the Herring Era Museum, we’ll enjoy a re-enactment. After the re-enactment we’ll enjoy some free time to explore what Siglufjörður has to offer including a bakery, chocolate factory, brewery, and Icelandic folk music center.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
8
Akureyri
Akureyri
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we will visit Iceland's second largest urban area, Akyureyri. We'll take a Zodiac to shore where we will visit Akyureyri's Lutheran church where we can climb it's steps and get an amazing view of the city. Next we'll visit the Akureyri Botanical Gardens which is home to over 7,000 species of plants.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon we'll have a chance to explore the city of Akyureyri on our own.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
9
Húsavík
Husavik
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we will explore Húsavík’s Skjálfandi Bay via Zodiac. We'll keep our eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, and birds.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon we'll continue exploring Húsavík. We'll have a chance to explore the Whale Museum, Húsavík Museum, and the Exploration Museum.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
10
Seyðisfjörður
Seyoisfjorour
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: This morning we'll start our exploration of Seyðisfjörður by visiting Skálanes Nature Reserve. Here we'll learn about the research the center is doing as well as it's interpretation of Iceland's environment and cultural history.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon we'll have several activities to choose from as we continue our exploration of Seyðisfjörður. Choose to go on a hike, take in the art scene, walk up to Tvísöngur sound sculpture, or stroll along the cobbled rainbow road.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
11
Southeast Iceland
Southeast Iceland
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we'll take in the beautiful views of waterfalls, volcanoes, lagoons, and glaciers in Southeast Iceland. We'll have a chance to explore via Zodiac cruise or on land.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy a lecture by one of the ships knowledgeable staff.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
12
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)
Heimaey
B,L,D
Ocean Endeavour

Activity note: Zodiac landing; possibility of rough seas; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: Today we'll visit the largest of the Westman Islands, Heimay. We'll learn about this volcanically active area that has recently experienced two eruptions. We'll take a Zodiac cruise around the island keeping our eyes peeled for wildlife including puffins, which nest along the ocean cliffs.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We'll continue our exploration of Heimay, weather and sea conditions permitting.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure. Enjoy evening activities aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

DAY
13
Disembarkation, Free time
Reykjavik
B,D
Hotel Reykjavik Marina

Activity note: Disembark the ship and take a bus to the hotel.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: On the final day of our expedition, we will return to Reykjavik where we will disembark the ship and transfer to the hotel.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: This afternoon take time to do what interests you most in Reykjavik.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure, get ready for check out and departure tomorrow.

DAY
14
Program Concludes
Reykjavik
B

Activity note: Hotel Check Out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

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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