Iceland and Greenland Explorer

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Your journey begins here in Iceland’s quirky and creative heart.   

This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Join your fellow guests for a drink as you toast to the start of an epic journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Docked: 18:00

Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Iceland's stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine fjords, Grundarfjörður offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and Icelandic charm. Explore the quaint streets lined with colourful houses, or venture into the nearby wilderness to discover hidden waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Have your camera ready to catch a glimpse of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Tonight, you will sail across the Arctic circle to reach Ittoqqortoormiit.

Join the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre as they present engaging lectures that bring your journey to life. Reflect on the day’s remarkable sights and gain fascinating insights into the destinations still to come. Refer to your daily program for a full schedule.

Elevate your Icelandic experience and take flight on one of two on board helicopters^, marvelling at the jaw-dropping views of glaciers, volcanoes and cascading waterfalls from above. This exclusive adventure offers a breathtaking new perspective on one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Scenic Freechoice:
Snæfellsnes Peninsula Express: Journey to Djupalonssandur’s black sand beach, featuring lava formations and shipwreck remnants. Visit Malarrif’s historic lighthouse for photos, pass Londrangar’s volcanic towers and stroll Arnarstapi’s cliffs with seabird colonies and Bardur Snaefellsas’ statue, ending with a scenic drive back to Grundarfjörður.

Coves, Craters & Caves: Admire the Snæfellsjökull Glacier’s mystical 1,446m presence on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Ascend Saxhóll’s crater for mossy lava views, walk Djupalonssandur’s 1km coastal trail to Dritvík and descend Vatnshellir Cave’s 35m lava tunnels, inspired by Jules Verne’s classic tale: Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Offshore: 07:00 - 12:30

On the northern side of the entrance to the Scoresbysund fjord system stands Ittoqqortoormiit, the only permanent settlement in the region. The population here is approximately 430 people, largely dependent on a subsistence lifestyle. The inhabitants make their living hunting seals, narwhals, muskoxen and polar bears. Ittoqqortoormiit is the northernmost settlement on Greenland’s east coast, apart from a few meteorological and military stations. Brightly colored, quaint little houses and dogsled enclosures dot the rocky slopes of the settlement. It must be incredible to live here every day enjoying the magnificent views of Kap Brewster and the Volquart Boon Coast to the south.

Located above the Arctic Circle and nestled beside the world's largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system, Ittoqqortoormiit stands as one of Greenland's most remote towns. Home to approximately 350 residents, this small community offers a fascinating insight into the traditional Inuit way of life. Here, people have embraced a sea-dependent existence, where the ever-changing sea ice opens new opportunities for exploration.

Learn the stories of the community's resilience with a guided tour. Explore key landmarks such as the museum, church, weather station and public service buildings. Enjoy the chance to have your passport stamped in this unique destination, adding a permanent reminder of your visit.

Scenic Discovery:
Today, weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy immersive Discovery experiences including kayaking and Zodiac cruising.

Akureyri, called the Capital of the North is the second largest urban area in Iceland, and a lively one at that. Hemmed by the 60-km (37-mile) long Eyjafjörður, Akureyri is sheltered from the ocean winds and embraced by mountains on three sides. Late 19th-century wooden houses impart a sense of history, and the twin spires of a modern Lutheran church rising on a green hill near the waterfront, provide a focal point. To the south of Akureyri is the pyramid-shape rhyolite mountain Súlur. Beyond it is Kerling, the highest peak in Eyjafjörður District.

Akureyri is the country’s second largest settlement after Reykjavik, but with only around 20,000 residents it still feels like a friendly small town. Though it sits just 60 kilometres below the Arctic Circle, the climate is pleasantly mild and picturesque, with colourful homes set on green hills at the base of a volcanic mountain chain.

See the striking Akureyri Church and stroll through one of the world’s most northerly botanic gardens, home to endemic Icelandic flora and hardy foreign species. Keep an eye out for the elves and hidden people that are said to dwell in the town.

Elevate your Icelandic experience and take flight on one of two on board helicopters^, marvelling at the jaw-dropping views of glaciers, volcanoes and cascading waterfalls from above. This exclusive adventure offers a breathtaking new perspective on one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Scenic Freechoice:
Leisurely Akureyri & Godafoss Waterfall: Explore Akureyri, the “capital of the North,” enjoy its charming architecture and Botanical Gardens, and visit the stunning Godafoss Waterfall.

Whale Watching: Enjoy a whale watching experience in Akureyri’s Eyjafjörður, where nutrient-rich waters host Humpback, Minke, Fin and Blue whales, plus white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. Observe abundant seabirds, including seasonal puffins amidst stunning scenery.

Panoramic City & Forest Lagoon: Relax with a scenic visit to Hlíðarfjörður viewpoint, enjoying fjord and mountain views, then unwind at Akureyri’s new geothermal spa in Vaðlaskógur forest. Soak in heated pools with Eyjafjörður vistas, embraced by birch and pine.

Scenic Discovery:
Enjoy immersive Discovery experiences such as kayaking and zodiac cruising, subject to weather conditions and harbour master approval.

Offshore: 13:00 - 18:00

Two colossal terraces of sheer rock stand either side of this extraordinarily located town - which rides a jutting spit onto an immensity of black fjord water. Surprisingly, considering the remoteness of its location and its compact size, Isafjordur is a modern and lively place to visit, offering a great choice of cafes and delicious restaurants – which are well stocked to impress visitors. The town is a perfectly located base for adventures amongst Iceland's fantastic wilderness - with skiing, hiking and water-sports popular pursuits among visitors.

Isafjördur is the gateway to the Westfjords region on Iceland’s northernmost peninsula. Set on the Skutulsfjörður Fjord, surrounded by mountains and the sea, it has been an important fishing and trading centre for over 500 years. The well-preserved Old Town is filled with colourful historic buildings, making for a picturesque stroll.

The surrounding Westfjords area abounds in natural wonders, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and jagged cliffs. Isafjördur offers vast, uncharted spaces for relaxation and Nordic stillness, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking a peaceful escape.

Elevate your Icelandic experience and take flight on one of two on board helicopters^, marvelling at the jaw-dropping views of glaciers, volcanoes, and cascading waterfalls from above. This exclusive adventure offers a breathtaking new perspective on one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Scenic Freechoice:
Taste of Isafjordur Walking Tour: Set out on a guided walk through Ísafjörður, uncovering its transformation from a 1980s fishing hub to a creative community. Visit Kertahúsið candle house, enjoy harbour views with avalanche barriers, and taste craft beers at the town’s first microbrewery ‘Dokkan Brewery’, with the option to explore even further using a custom map.

Vigur Island: Enjoy a guided walk on Vígur, a 2km by 400m island in Ísafjörður Bay, home to one family. Learn of their eiderdown and egg trade, spot 8,000 puffins and visit Iceland’s only windmill and Europe’s smallest post office (where you can send home a postcard or two), ending with refreshments served by the family in their 19th-century house.

Valagil Hike: Discover the Westfjords’ dramatic landscapes on a 4km round-trip active hike from Ísafjörður to Valagil Canyon via Álftafjörður. Enjoy a marked trail with a thundering waterfall and dramatic lava-layered cliffs.

History at Hesteyri: Experience the remote charm of Hesteyri in Jökulfirðir fjords, surrounded by snow-flecked peaks and tranquil coves. Explore its abandoned 1952 settlement on a guided walk, learning of its isolated past, and enjoy traditional refreshments at the former doctor’s house, spotting Arctic foxes, seals or whales along the way.

Life & Culture: Uncover Iceland’s rugged northwest with a visit to a restored fisherman’s hut south of the Arctic Circle, revealing traditional fishing life. Enjoy a live music performance at an historic church, explore Snæfjallaströnd’s scenic valley, visit Ísafjörður’s heritage museum and conclude with a tasting of Icelandic ‘Brennivín’ and local delicacies.

Scenic Discovery:
Enjoy immersive Discovery experiences such as kayaking and zodiac cruising, subject to weather conditions and harbour master approval.

Offshore: 09:00 - 20:00

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Scenic Eclipse will return to Reykjavik this morning. This busy, capital has a captivating creative soul, vibrant nightlife and a population of cool, quirky Reykvíkingurs. Stay longer to explore its stylish restaurants, chic boutiques, innovative galleries and fascinating museums.

After one final breakfast on board, you'll disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you a wealth of memories from an unforgettable voyage.

Please book your flight to depart out of Reykjavik after 01:00 PM.

Docked: 08:00

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.

Helicopter not in operation in Greenland.

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.