Cruise Expedition - Curated Holidays

CRUISE EXPEDITION

Icelandic Mosaic

8 Days from INR 3,58,000* onwards

Expedition Overview

Discover arguably one of the most beautiful regions on earth as we sail into the heart of majestic Iceland. During an 8-day Expedition Cruise, journey to the edge of the Arctic, between vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, volcanoes and boiling geysers. Iceland offers a kaleidoscope of wild and romantic landscapes were a host of magnificent wildlife such as whales, seabirds and seals can be spotted. Begin your journey in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city where picturesque colourful houses and crystal-clear lakes contrast with the luscious greenery and crisp blue skies above. Explore the numerous cultural treasures such as the Reykjavik Art Museum and the awe-inspiring Hallgrimskirkja cathedral. Travel on to Grundarfjördur, where we will be able to enjoy the striking beauty of Kirkjufell, a spectacular done-shaped mountain on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. We will continue our journey to Grímsey, a small, hard to reach island that has the Arctic circle running through it and where volcanic rock has formed the most mesmerising natural wonders; basalt columns. Continuing on to Akureyri and Isafjördur where more spectacular landscapes await as well as hopefully being able to experience the magnificence of breaching whales in the waters. As we reach Vestmannaeyjar, an archipelago of 15 islands, explore numerous volcanos on Heimaey, the largest island, including Eldfel which famously last erupted in 1973. This Expedition Cruise is onboard Ponant’s Le Jacques Cartier ship, part of the Explorers fleet. There is an opportunity to add various excursions onto this expedition, please enquire for more details. *Please note this itinerary may be subject to change.

What To Expect

Discover the city of Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital. Explore its rich culture and history that dates back to the late 9th century as well as visiting the iconic thermal lagoons.
Enjoy some of Iceland’s wildlife including Atlantic puffins, Northern gannets, Arctic terns, Minke whales, humpback whales and Icelandic horses.
Be joined by a National Geographic Expert and photographer who will lead enriching lectures and workshops onboard, offering greater insight into the destination and their history working on assignment for National Geographic.

DAY 1: REYKJAVÍK

The world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavík has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to its unimaginable natural wonders and exuberant city life. Reykjavík is by far the largest community in Iceland with plenty of landmarks to explore. During your time in the capital, visit Hallgrimskirkja an awe-inspiring Lutheran parish church that stands at an impressive 74.5 metres tall and is one of the tallest structures in the country. Furthermore, explore Perlan, a world-class museum that offers incredible panoramic views of Reykjavík.

During your time in Reykjavík, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.

DAY 2: GRUNDARFJÖRDUR

The quaint town of Grundarfjördur in Snæfellsnes peninsula is situated in the west of Iceland. Located at the foot of the famed Kirkjufell mountain, it is arguably one of Iceland’s most famous mountains.

Arriving by boat, enjoy an utterly spectacular view of this iconic landmark, where the lava-stone rock stands tall like a sentinel at the entrance to the bay.

With an abundance of nature, vibrant birdlife and spectacular waterfalls; you’ll quickly realise there is so much more to this small town than Kirkjufell. A stone’s throw from the jetty, crystal clear waters, tundra and beaches give onto the cerulean waters of Breiðafjörður bay.

Day 3: GRÍMSEY

Described as a gem of the Arctic Circle, Grimsey is the northernmost island of Iceland. Surging from the Arctic ocean and with the Arctic circle running through the island; it’s a truly wondrous place to visit during our Expedition Cruise.

Home to 100 people and 100 million seabirds; expect to see a wealth of wildlife in the skies above. From Grímseyjarhreppur, the island’s only town located on the west coast, head south, where you can take in the beauty of the hillsides, lushly carpeted with moss and grass. On the rest of the coastline, imposing basalt cliffs inhabited by sea birds stand proud and looking out to sea, you may be able to spot whales in the waters below.

Day 4: AKUREYRI

Situated just 100km away from the Arctic Circle, Akureyri is tucked away in the Eyjafjörður fjord.

The picturesque ‘Capital of the North’, is adorned with brightly coloured houses on a landscape of blue harbour waters and snow-peaked mountains. Akureyri church is a prominent landmark here and one of Iceland’s most photogenic photography spots. Dominating the town from high on a hill, the church is open to all visitors and offers spectacular views from both inside and out.

To the west, you’ll discover the very beautiful Akureyri Botanical Garden made possible by a microclimate that offers the opportunity to discover the Icelandic flora as well as plants from all over the world.

Day 5: ISAFJÖRDUR

Journeying into the heart of the fjords of North-West Iceland, explore a land filled with mystical lost valleys, steep cliffs and an abundance of nature. Set on an arcing spit that extends out into Skutulsfjörður and surrounded by towering peaks with the dark waters of the fjord making for a dramatic scene.

Isafjörður fjord is thought to be undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly because of its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows; making for an excellent area to photograph.

Day 6: HEIMAEY, VESTMANNAEYJAR

Vestmannaeyjar is an archipelago made up of 15 islands and 30 rock stacks off the coast of Iceland.

Heimaey is the largest of the Vestmannaeyjar islands and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer a rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. The Vestmannaeyjar Islands are thought to be home to the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world and it isn’t uncommon to spot whales and seals in the waters surrounding the islands.

Day 7-8: REYKJAVÍK

The world’s most northerly capital, Reykjavík has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to its unimaginable natural wonders and exuberant city life. Reykjavík is by far the largest community in Iceland with plenty of landmarks to explore. During your time in the capital, visit Hallgrimskirkja an awe-inspiring Lutheran parish church that stands at an impressive 74.5 metres tall and is one of the tallest structures in the country. Explore Perlan, a world-class museum that offers incredible panoramic views of Reykjavík.

During your time in Reykjavík, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.