Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland
Onboard National Geographic Explorer – 148 passengers
Sail around Iceland on an 8-day expedition that reveals its famed natural wonders. Hike, bike, or take 4X4 vehicles to explore remote waterfalls, secluded valleys, dramatic fjords, black-sand beaches, and forest-filled canyons. Spot an abundance of seabirds from Atlantic puffins to Arctic terns and cruise into an otherworldly glacier lagoon. Along the way, meet locals who will share Icelandic traditions as well as a glimpse into daily life, both past and present, on this subarctic island.
Highlights:
- Sail around the Island of Fire and Ice, discovering its wealth of wildlife, striking geological formations, and a culture steeped in saga and exploration history
- Explore a variety of landscapes across the island, from lava fields and geothermal springs to black-sand beaches and thundering waterfalls
- Hike the rim of a volcanic crater for spectacular views of the Westman Islands
- Walk along boardwalks for close views of puffins at Borgarfjarðarhöfn, often called the ‘puffin capital of Iceland’
- Visit Goðafoss, the largest waterfall in Iceland, and cruise among ethereal icebergs in a glacier lagoon
- Explore Iceland’s remote countryside on 4x4s, and venture into Ásbyrgi Canyon to walk among a secluded woodland
Tour Dates
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May 27 - Jun 3, 2025 (8 days)
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Jun 3 - Jun 10, 2025 (8 days)
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Jun 10 - Jun 17, 2025 (8 days)
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Jun 17 - Jun 24, 2025 (8 days)
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Jun 24 - Jul 1, 2025 (8 days)
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Jul 1 - Jul 8, 2025 (8 days)
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Jul 8 - Jul 15, 2025 (8 days)
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Jul 15 - Jul 22, 2025 (8 days)
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Jul 22 - Jul 29, 2025 (8 days)
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Jul 29 - Aug 5, 2025 (8 days)
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Aug 5 - Aug 12, 2025 (8 days)
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 and spend the day exploring the sights, sounds, and tastes of this bustling city before embarking the ship in the afternoon. Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Westfjords
Explore the beautiful and peaceful Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike or kayak along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall. Enter Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of animal life, 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 and black guillemots who call the island home.* Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
*Visit subject to nesting seabird season and not available on all dates.
Day 3: Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. We stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland’s northernmost mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association, one of over 50 associations in Iceland, for an afternoon of conservation in their local forest. Learn what it takes to maintain and develop a forest on this volcanic island. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Húsavík
Húsavík, the site of the oldest settlement in Iceland, is our gateway to the geological exploration of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as the Lake Mývatn area, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey hiking through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed by the hoof of Odin’s eight-legged horse, or stay along the coast and choose a slower pace for the day with forest bathing, bird watching, and a soak in the Geo Sea bath. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Borgarfjarðarhöfn
Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Bakkagerði is well known for its welcoming local puffin colony. Walk across boardwalks to witness these colorful symbols of Icelandic wildlife. Once you’ve captured your best photo of the famous auk species, take an invigorating hike up to the best panoramic view of the fjord or challenge yourself to a backcountry mountain bike journey to remote overlooks and stunning vistas. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6:Djúpivogur
Arrive in the town of Djúpivogur and set out by 4×4 vehicle to visit some of the secluded valleys and remote waterfalls in the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, drive down the coast to explore the foot of the vast Vatnajökull icecap and the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Or, join a hike to the black-sand beaches near the town center. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Heimaey and Surtsey, 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 we see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. We visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Disembark in Reykjavík
Today, disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Route Map
Trips and Rates
Please note, rates are Per Person in USD
Single Travelers
- Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
- Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
- If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price
Adventure Options
- Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Mandatory Charter Flights are an additional cost and not included in the cabin pricing. See neon green box in pricing grid for the cost of the charter flights.
- Charter flights for Antarctica Direct Itineraries are between Puerto Natales, Chile and King George Island, Antarctica
- Charter fights for Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands departures are between Buenos Aires & Ushuaia
Single Travelers
- Can book a dedicated solo cabin in Category A Solo or Category B Solo at the prices listed above
- Share cabins may be available in select cabin categories, please enquire for more details
- If booking Cat 1 – 7 at solo occupancy, the rate is 2x the per person share price
Adventure Options
- Paddling – included in the voyage cost. Guests may have the chance to paddle once, conditions permitting.
Availability & prices are subject to change at anytime. Please contact us for the real time availability & prices.
Cabin Descriptions
Category 7
#215, 219, 230 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each large suite has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 6
Veranda Deck, #101-102 — Newly renovated in May 2023, each spacious suite has two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — Newly renovated in May 2023, this spacious suite has a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Guests receive a welcome amenity, complimentary laundry, and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.
Category 5
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)
Category 4
Veranda Deck #103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. Upper Deck #201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 3
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — newly renovated in May 2023, each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.
Category 2
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 1
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category A Solo
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
Category B Solo
Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Deck Plan
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, snowshoes and cross-country skis
- 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 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
