Sep 9 - Sep 19, 2025
Iceland
Discover the Wilds of Iceland On Board the Ocean Albatros
Program No. 24633RJ
Circumnavigate Iceland and immerse yourself in its natural wonders and rich history as you join us for our Floating Campus onboard the Ocean Albatros.
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
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800-454-5768
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DATES & PRICES
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11 days
10 nights
27 meals
10B 8L 9D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Keflavik, Perlan, Embark Ship
Reykjavik
4
Siglufjordur & Grimsey
At Sea
8
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
At Sea
11
Program Concludes
Reykjavik
At a Glance
A land of geologic marvels teeming with fjords, volcanoes and lagoons, Iceland’s incredible landscape is a must for any great explorer to experience — and we can’t think of a better way than on this exclusive Road Scholar Floating Campus voyage! Board the Ocean Albatros for a voyage that begins in Reykjavik and leads you on a journey to the Westman Islands, Akureyri, Grimsey island and beyond. Immerse yourself in the wildlife and geology of the region as your onboard instructors offer their insight during lectures, Q&A sessions and casual discussions. In true campus style, take part in onboard activities like a book club or photography instruction, enjoy a live performance and get to know other Road Scholars who share your love for learning and exploration.
Activity Level
Choose Your Pace
This program offers two activity levels to choose from on every departure date: one Keep the Pace that has more walking and standing and one On Your Feet covering slightly shorter distances at a slower pace. Must be comfortable getting in & out of tender boats and zodiacs, feel comfortable navigating around the ship and handle stairs while on board.
PLEASE NOTE: The ship is not suitable for wheelchair/electric scooter use.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy exclusive access to experts who will be with you throughout your journey and learn from them as you take in onboard lectures and educational activities.
- Spend two nights in Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik after your voyage to explore landmarks like the National Museum, Höfði House and Perlan-Wonders of Iceland Exhibition Center.
- Explore Westman Islands, known for volcanic activity.
General Notes
This learning adventure is part of Road Scholar’s Floating Campus. You’ll experience a true campus feel as we enjoy field trips onshore and expert instruction during exclusive lectures, Q&A sessions and discussions. Enjoy a book club, onboard activities, a live performance and the camaraderie that can only be found with fellow Road Scholars! Please note that we need a minimum number of participants to enroll in this program to have exclusive use of the ship. In the unlikely event we do not meet the minimum number, then the cruise line may have its own passengers on the ship, though they will not be part of any Road Scholar activities.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Sandy Primrose
Sandy Primrose is a biologist by training, undertaking research in Australia before returning to the UK to lecture at the Universities of Edinburgh and Warwick. In 1981, he made a career change to a pharmaceutical company and later in diagnostic, food, and environmental companies. Twenty years later, he started working as a biotechnology consultant and advisor to various UK governmental organizations. Sandy has written a number of very popular science textbooks and has a passion for gardening — particularly his half-acre garden.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Sandy Primrose
View biography
Sandy Primrose is a biologist by training, undertaking research in Australia before returning to the UK to lecture at the Universities of Edinburgh and Warwick. In 1981, he made a career change to a pharmaceutical company and later in diagnostic, food, and environmental companies. Twenty years later, he started working as a biotechnology consultant and advisor to various UK governmental organizations. Sandy has written a number of very popular science textbooks and has a passion for gardening — particularly his half-acre garden.
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
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.
Discover the Wilds of Iceland On Board the Ocean Albatros
Program Number: 24633
Letters from Iceland
Written with fellow poet Louis MacNiece, this quirky, under-appreciated masterpiece captures the spirit of Iceland, its people and landscapes.
Beyond the Northlands: Viking Voyages and the Old Norse Sagas
Beyond the Northands explores this world through the stories that the Vikings told about themselves in their sagas.
A Viking Voyage
An unforgettable adventure story that will take you to the heart of some of the most magnificent, unspoiled territory on earth, and even deeper, to the heart of a journey like no other.
North: The New Nordic Cuisine of Iceland
Catering to a rising interest in Nordic cuisine, this cookbook celebrates Iceland’s food alongside its haunting landscapes, portrayed in starkly beautiful, full-color photos.
Song of the Vikings, Snorri and the Making of Norse Myths
Brown brings to life not just the great Norse tales of medieval Iceland but also the life and times of the worldly Icelandic chieftain, known as the "Homer of the North."
Ring of Seasons, Iceland, Its Culture and History
A longtime resident of Reykjavik, Lacy weaves tales of family life, anecdote, lore and history into this illuminating personal portrait of Iceland.
Nordic Runes: Understanding, Casting, and Interpreting the Ancient Viking Oracle
A comprehensive and practical guide to the ancient oracle based on the runic alphabet of the Norse. Nordic runes are a potent and profoundly transformative magic system that gives contemporary readers access to the ancient wisdom tradition of Northern European cultures.
The Sagas of Icelanders
Nine sagas and six tales composed between the years 1000 and 1500, including an account of Leif Eriksson's voyage to North America, all newly translated.
Hrafnkel's Saga and Other Icelandic Stories
This collection of the most famous of Icelandic sagas includes stories with titles like Thorstein the Staff-Struck and Ale Hood. Dating from the 12th century, these tales vividly recreate the society of medieval Iceland.
The History of Iceland
Gunnar Karlsson, Icelands premier historian, chronicles the age of the Sagas, consulting them to describe an era without a monarch or central authority.
Insight Guide Iceland
This guide emphasizes culture and history, with wonderful photographs, maps and essays from experts.
The Blue Fox: A Novel
Winner of the Nordic Council Literature Prize, Sjón is a celebrated Icelandic poet and novelist. Set in 1883 in Iceland, follow the priest, Skugga-Baldur, on his hunt for the enigmatic blue fox.
Names for the Sea, Strangers in Iceland
A stranger in a strange land, British novelist Sarah Moss captures the spirit of Iceland in this tale of a year in Reykjavik with her husband and two children.
The Oxford Illustrated History of the Vikings
Twelve leading scholars draw on the latest research and archaeological evidence to provide the clearest picture yet of this fabled people. Painting a fascinating portrait of the influences that the "Northmen" had on foreign lands, the
contributors trace Viking excursions to the British Islands, Russia, Iceland, Greenland, and the northern tip of Newfoundland, which the Vikings called "Vinlund."
The Prose Edda: Tales from Norse Mythology
Written in Iceland a century after the close of the Viking Age, The Prose Edda is the source of most of what we know of Norse mythology.
The World of the Vikings
This book explores Viking life and culture in detail: their appearances, warfare, targets, crafts, and weapons, as well as their stunning pattern-welded swords and helmets.
A History of Scandinavia: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland
Scandinavia from prehistory to the present with chapters on the Viking and Lutheran kingdoms, medieval times, monarchies, the World Wars and modern period, emphasizing the common cultural, political and social backgrounds.
Independent People, An Epic
Rich in local color, this great mock-epic by the Icelandic Nobel Prize-winner features the indelible Bjartur of Summerhouses, a hard-headed, independent-minded sheep farmer.
Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings
The history of the Vikings told through a series of innovative maps and excellent photographs. This book traces the routes of the ninth-century Viking merchants and explorers throughout Europe and onto the New World.
Iceland: Land of the Sagas
Circumnavigating Iceland in summer and winter, Krakauer and Roberts encounter tales of monks and Vikings, outlaws and adventurers, trolls and witches. While touring and photographing, they discover the myths and legends of Iceland's stirring history.
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.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
27 meals (
10B, 8L, 9D
)
6 expert-led lectures
7 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Keflavik, Perlan, Embark Ship
Location:
Reykjavik
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Albatros
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Breakfast:
Coffee/Tea and pastries/cookies near the Keflavik airport.
Morning:
Once all participants have joined us at the hotel near the Keflavik airport, we will board our coaches and drive to Perlan-Wonders of Iceland Exhibition Center, where we will have Free Time to explore the various exhibits on our own. This iconic building is a one of a kind nature exploratorium. Discover this learning laboratory and learn about Icelandic nature through science and human perception. Enjoy the views from the Observation Deck or just relax in the cafe.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will reboard the motorcoach and ride to the port and board the Ocean Albatros. After completing boarding procedures and getting your cabin, take some time to unpack, freshen up, and relax and start becoming familiar with the ship. There will be a mandatory passenger briefing and safety drill. 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. Later in the afternoon we will have an 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.
Dinner:
Aboard ship. Dinners always include a meat option, fish option and vegetarian option. Water, tea, & coffee is available 24 hours a day. Any other beverages will be charged to your cabin. The ship has a fully equipped onboard bar & offers a wide variety of cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water.
Evening:
At leisure. Get to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Isafjördur, Dynjadi Waterfall
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Albatros
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach.Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in port this afternoon, upon arrival we will board our coaches and head out to explore the remote rural Westfjords, with a visit to the thunderous Dynjadi waterfalls, the highest and most impressive waterfall of the area. On the way back to the ship we will have the chance to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the Westfjords.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
4
Siglufjordur & Grimsey
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Albatros
Activity Note
Zodiac landing: possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; getting in/out of Zodiac with assistance from staff. Walking distances up to 2 miles on uneven and hilly terrain. Be sure to bring your binoculars for any wildlife viewing.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
This morning we’ll visit Siglufjördur, sometimes referred to as the "Klondike of Iceland", and enjoy a walking discovery of the town. We will also visit the award-winning Herring Museum and learn the rich and important history of this small unassuming fishing village of Iceland‘s economic progress in the 19th century. Later in the morning we will enjoy a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
This afternoon we’ll travel to the island of Grimsey via Zodiac (weather permitting). This island just barely sits on the Arctic Circle making it one of the world’s eight Arctic nations. Search for wildlife living on the island. Later in the afternoon enjoy another lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. You might like to check out the library or the jacuzzis or swimming pool.
Day
5
Akureyri, Lake Mývatn, Lava Fields
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Albatros
Activity Note
Getting on/off a coach; 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 our coaches and ride to one of the most beautiful spots in northern Iceland, the Lake Mývátn area. Today’s field trip will take us through an area of extreme contrasts, teeming with fauna, We'll ride 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 return by motorcoach to our ship in Akureyri.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
6
Husavik, Free Time in Whale Museum
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Albatros
Activity Note
Zodiac landing: possibility of rough seas; bumpy sailing; splashing water; may get wet; 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, considered the capital of whale watching in Iceland due to it‘s wide open bay, rich marine life and excellent spotting rates. We will have free time to visit the world renowned Whale Museum on our own.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
As we sail away from Husavik, keep your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and birds and enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
7
Djupivogur, Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlon
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Albatros
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 on/off a motorcoach; 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. Later in the afternoon enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship including a lecture on topics relevant to the program.
Dinner:
Aboard ship.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars.
Day
8
Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
Location:
At Sea
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Ocean Albatros
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 13 miles approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, little hilly terrain.NOTE: The On Your Feet Group will have a panoramic coach ride to the museum.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, including a lecture on topics relevant to our program.
Lunch:
Aboard ship.
Afternoon:
The ship is scheduled to arrive in port this afternoon, upon arrival the Keep the Pace groups will have a walking 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. NOTE: The On Your Feet group will have a panoramic coach ride to the museum. 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.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for disembarkation tomorrow.
Day
9
Reykjavik, Disembark Ship, Golden Circle
Location:
Reykjavik
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Reykjavik Natura Hotel
Activity Note
Ship scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik at 6:00 a.m.Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
Aboard ship.
Morning:
We will disembark the ship board our motorcoaches, and set out 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. We'll then check into our hotel in the late afternoon, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
National Museum of Iceland, Reykjavik Highlights
Location:
Reykjavik
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Reykjavik Natura Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board our motorcoaches 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:
Free time to discover what you like in Reykjavik.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out tomorrow.
Day
11
Program Concludes
Location:
Reykjavik
Meals:
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!
MEALS
27 Meals
10 Breakfasts
8 Lunches
9 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
- Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 9 Reviews
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An excellent tour of a fascinating country on a beautiful ship. A once in a lifetime experience!
— Review left October 8, 2024
Iceland is a starkly beautiful country, well worth a visit. Would recommend reading up a little on the history (and Sagas) of the country before visiting; it enriches the experience. By September, the birds had mostly migrated, and we saw very few whales at quite a distance away, so wildlife spotting was not really part of our experience.
The Ocean Albatross is a great ship, very comfortable and lots of amenities. Road Scholar staff and lecturers and the Ocean Albatross staff are all terrific, very friendly, amazingly organized. The lectures helped me to better understand not only the history and Sagas of Iceland, but also global volcanism and plate tectonics. I also really enjoyed getting to know my fellow travelers.
However, with buses full of Road Scholar passengers to move around, and timelines incredibly restricted, it felt very much like we were constantly being herded with no time to look around; certainly no time to talk with locals other than our local guides. We spent loads of time in lines, given that most of the stops were popular tourist attractions anyway, with other buses and boats unloading. Lastly, our 2024 itinerary put us in ports either early mornings (before anything but the bakery was open) or on a Sunday, when few things open, which was very disappointing. I see the itinerary has changed for 2025 to allow for a weekday afternoon in Reykjavík - I would have liked to experience that.
— Review left October 4, 2024
The Land of Ice and Fire didn’t disappoint.
As well as crossing into the Arctic Circle this programme offers the perfect introduction to a country that has a rich cultural and geological history. With so many opportunities to explore, from city to village to island and with input from excellent speakers, I came away inspired to learn more,
The vast Icelandic scenery is breathtaking, both stark yet beautiful, and where else can you stand with one foot on the American tectonic plate and one foot on the Eurasian plate and start to appreciate the enormity of it all.
I’d definitely recommend this trip.
— Review left October 3, 2024
Viewing puffins and seabirds was part of the advertisement for this trip. However, the puffins and most other seabirds had already migrated. This was a great disappointment to us. If we'd known this, we probably would have gone to Iceland when they were in residence. Also, we felt that there were too many museums and not enough nature. We did enjoy the things that we did, especially the glacier lagoon.
— Review left September 26, 2024
This is an excellent way to experience the wonders of Iceland in the company of fellow travelers who love life and travel.
— Review left September 24, 2024
FIVE STARS This is an exceptional program. The Ocean Albatross is a beautiful and comfortable small ship and the staff and crew are friendly and professional. The scenery can't be beat. Every day offers something new and fascinating to enjoy. Volcanoes, glaciers, geysers. Oh my! Lovely group leaders, experienced local experts, great food all help to round out the experience. Everyone enjoyed the mineral bath spa. Highly recommend!!
— Review left September 24, 2024
The trip was awesome. Five star from start to finish. Crew, passengers, and Road Scholar staff were top notch. Iceland was amazing and the education they provided made the journey more meaningful. It is a truly beautiful country.
— Review left September 24, 2024
Excellent program. Iceland is an amazing place with a geology probably found in few areas. Highly recommend. The ship is is superb.
— Review left September 23, 2024
Iceland is a visual and learning fun trip. Highly recommend the albatross ship as the vehicle.
— Review left September 23, 2024
