Voyage Overview
Combine two popular Arctic destinations in one voyage.
Experience geological extremes across two distinct Arctic islands, from the thundering waterfalls and bubbling hot springs of Iceland to the rugged fjords that carve out the coast of East Greenland. Hike and bike over volcanic landscapes, witness iconic wildlife in remote fjords, learn history steeped in sagas and see local traditions in tiny seaside villages as you circumnavigate Iceland. Across the Denmark Strait, navigate and actively explore a network of a network of wild fjords, and take in Greenland’s spectacular tidewater glaciers. Along the way, Icelandic experts and musicians add insight and energy to this immersive Arctic adventure.
Trip Details
Duration: 10 Days
Ship: National Geographic Endurance, Premium Ship, 138 Guests
Start: Reykjavik, Iceland
End: Reykjavik, Iceland
Highlights:
- Circumnavigate Iceland to explore across a variety of landscapes, including the rim of a volcanic crater, a backcountry summit, burgeoning birch forests and the shores of a fjord
- Navigate the glacier-carved fjords of East Greenland while keeping a watchful eye for whales, arctic fox or the more elusive beluga whales and narwhal
- Experience Icelandic culture alongside local guest speakers who share insights into traditional and contemporary daily life
- With a National Geographic photographer by your side, capture incredible highlights like Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or the stunning puffin island in east Iceland
- Kids and teens will delve deeper into the region’s natural wonders with National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, our exclusive hands-on family program
Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland & Embark Ship
Day 2: Westfjords
Day 3: Siglufjörður
Day 4-5: East Coast of Greenland
Day 6: Húsavík
Day 7: Grímsey
Day 8: Borgarfjörður Eystri
Day 9: Westman Islands
Day 10: Reykjavík / Disembark Ship
Tour Dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland & Embark Ship
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship. Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2: Westfjords
Explore the dramatic and remote Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall before entering Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of wildlife, including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds. Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process and are active stewards of the colonies of puffins, eider ducks and black guillemots who call the island home. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland’s northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4-5: East Coast of Greenland
Strike out across the Denmark Strait to the wild shores of Eastern Greenland. Known for its volume of calving tidewater glaciers stretching back to the ice sheet, this region offers incredible opportunities to explore multiple fjords aboard ship as well as on landings, where hiking, kayaking or Zodiac cruising might all be possible. While you navigate these waters as a modern-day explorer, spend time on the Bridge or at the ship’s railing, scouring the landscape and waterline for the unique wildlife that call this region home. Look out for humpbacks, beluga whales and seals as well as the elusive narwhal and polar bear. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Húsavík
Húsavík is the gateway to the Highlands of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, with a stop at Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or stay along the coast and enjoy a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the GeoSea bath. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Grímsey
This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Celebrate officially arriving in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in their burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea sailing around the northern corner of Iceland as you continue circumnavigating the island. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Borgarfjörður Eystri
Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is well known for its local puffin colony and stunning fjord framed by the Svartvell Summit. Challenge yourself with a hike up to the summit, standing over 1000 feet above sea level, or bike into the backcountry to take in a different perspective on the surrounding mountain range. Join a local guide on a walk through the small village, including a stop at the local eider down shop or get a taste of the local libations. Throughout the day, enjoy some free time observing the puffins in their bustling island colony as they make their way in and out of their burrows. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Westman Islands
The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you’ll see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas once engulfed by lava. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Reykjavík / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast
Please note the itinerary and route map are only tentative outlines of what you may experience. No specific itinerary, routing or landing sites can be guaranteed in advance. Where the ship actually sails will depend on a lot of factors including, but not limited to, the weather & ice conditions and the captain & expedition leader. Every trip is different, which adds to the excitement of expedition cruising in the polar regions.
Trips & Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime
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Cabins & Deck Plan
Category 7
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
The largest suites on National Geographic Endurance featuring a balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk and chair, espresso maker, hammock and a large walk-in closet with full length mirror. The expanded bathroom has a double vanity, bathtub, towel warmer, and rain shower. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa treatment per departure.
430 sq. ft. (39.9 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 6
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
The singular Category 6 cabin is a junior suite with balcony, pull-out sofa, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, espresso maker, closet and private bathroom. Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one igloo reservation and one spa appointment per departure.
344 sq. ft. (32 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 5
BRIDGE DECK (Deck 7)
Category 5 cabins are located close to the Bridge and Observation Deck. Cabins feature a balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 4
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
With a central location on the Lounge Deck, Category 4 cabin are equipped with balcony, pull-out sofa, coffee table, writing desk with chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 3
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
The lowest priced double occupancy cabin with a balcony. Cabins feature a sitting area with pull-out sofa, writing desk with a chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 2
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
Category 2 cabins have a low ship location and feature two large windows, window sofa, two seat sofa, coffee table, writing desk with an office chair, two bedside tables, closet and private bathroom.
205 sq. ft. (19 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category 1
FORE DECK (Deck 4)
The six Category 1 cabins have a low, forward location and are the lowest priced double occupancy cabin. Cabins are equipped with two large windows, window sofa, writing desk and chair, two bedside tables, coffee table, closet and private bathroom.
183 sq. ft. (17 m2)
1-2
1 queen or 2 single
Category A Solo
MAIN DECK (Deck 5)
Solo occupancy cabin with a balcony, writing desk with office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 single
Category B Solo
LOUNGE DECK (Deck 6)
Solo occupancy cabin with a balcony, writing desk with office chair, closet and private bathroom.
140 sq. ft. (13 m2)
1
1 single
Inclusions/Exclusions
Inclusions:
- All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore
- Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship (except certain super premium brands which are available for purchase)
- Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
- Excursions and airport transfers to and from recommended flights, as indicated in the itinerary
- Crew gratuities
- Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs & kayaks
- Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff
- Assistance by the National Geographic Photography Expert and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
- Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker
- Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
- Complimentary parka or jacket
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- Services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic
- Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment
- 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces
- Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes. Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable
Exclusions:
- Airfare (except flights when indicated as included)
- Pre- and post-expedition extensions
- Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included)
- Private transfers
- Laundry, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and phone services (except when indicated as included)
- Travel protection plans
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
Solo Travelers
An expedition cruise to the Polar regions is a fantastic trip for solo travelers. On most ships, there is the option to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender to keep the pricing down. Solo occupancy cabins are also an option for guests who prefer to have their own space. Please reach out for more information and pricing for solo travelers.
