Taste of Discovery: Circumnavigating Iceland & Crossing the Arctic Circle

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.

Join us as we embark on a culinary journey aboard your 6-star Discovery Yacht. The Captain and crew of Scenic Eclipse will welcome you on board with a glass of Champagne as you familiarise yourself with your new home.

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

Welcome to Flatey, a private island nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland’s northwest coast The wooden houses on this remote outcrop were built over 100 years ago, but are so well-preserved you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the past. Just a couple of farmers live here now, surrounded by pristine beaches and this charming villages frozen in time.

Later this afternoon we will sail past the towering Látrabjarg bird cliffs. This dramatic promontory is the westernmost point of Iceland and is one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe. It’s home to millions of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, fulmar, guillemot, kittiwakes and more, who nest in the cliff with their chicks.

Taste of Discovery: The evening begins with the Captain’s Welcome Reception, where you’ll meet the esteemed Scenic Eclipse crew and mingle with fellow travelers in an elegant setting. Meet Acclaimed Celebrity Top Chef, Bryan Voltaggio, who will be responsible for the culinary delights you'll savor throughout this cruise, sharing his passion for gourmet cuisine and setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. Enjoy this special moment while sipping a cocktail specially created by the chef for this occasion.

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

Known as the fjord of adventures, Patreksfjörður is the largest town along the southern part of the Wesrfjords region. See millions of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, nesting on the dramatic Látrabjarg bird cliffs. Walk along its spectacular beaches, where the sand ranges from powder white to rich gold.

Weather permitting, this afternoon we visit the jewel of the?Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall.?Feel the freezing mist on your face as you admire the cascading bridal?veil falls and?discover?why it?was?nicknamed?‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

Taste of Discovery: An exclusive cooking demonstration with our celebrity chef, Bryan Voltaggio. Watch as Chef Bryan showcases his culinary skills, followed by a Q&A session where you’ll have the chance to learn more about his cooking techniques and culinary journey.

Freechoice:
Fishing Tasting & Walking Tour: Explore Patreksfjörður, a fishing village known for eco-friendly practices. Walk through the harbor, tasting various fresh fish, visiting a fish factory, and learning about traditional fish drying methods with tastings of dried fish and Icelandic butter.

Látrabjarg Cliff & Hnjótur Museum: Visit Europe's largest bird cliff, Látrabjarg, and witness incredible bird life, including puffins. Enjoy breathtaking views and photography opportunities. Stop at Hnjótur Museum to learn about the local history and rescue efforts for stranded fishermen.

Raudasandur Beach Hike (led by Discovery Team): Discover Rauðasandur Beach, renowned for its red sands, after a 2.7-kilometer hike from Patreksfjörður. This tranquil spot in Iceland's Westfjords offers stunning contrasts of red sands, blue sea, and dark cliffs.

Vigur Island is a little more than a mile (1.6 km) in length and about 450 yards (412 m) wide. This green oasis punctuates the waters of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord east of the town of Isafjordur. The island is home to a single farming family and has some meticulously preserved historical landmarks including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark; and a 200-year-old rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland. Summer is the best time to see large numbers of Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots. One of the export articles from this small island was eider down and one can see where the eider ducks nest and how the down is collected and cleaned.

Welcome to Vigur Island, a tranquil oasis where time seems to stand still. This private island is a wildlife sanctuary and protects an enormous colony of birds, including puffins, Arctic terns, eider ducks, black guillemots and razorbills.

Explore this remote sanctuary, dotted with charming houses and lush landscapes, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding fjords. The island is home to the smallest post office in Europe and you can sample a traditional hjónabandssæla cake at the small cafe.

Taste of Discovery: Pop-Up Restaurant* Night 1 Experience an unforgettable evening, where Chef Bryan has crafted a special themed menu exclusively for this night. Each dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully curated to tantalize your taste buds and delight your senses. Immerse yourself in a dining experience like no other, where every course tells a story and every flavour is a journey.

*Every guest will have the opportunity to dine once in our exclusive pop-up restaurant during the voyage.

Each guest will receive an invitation with their assigned evening for this unique dining experience.

The friendly town of Sauðárkrókur is located in a fertile valley along the south-western shore of Skagafjörður Fjord. Although Sauðárkrókur was officially settled in 1871, it is linked to history dating back to the ancient Grettir’s Saga of the 13th century. It’s the largest town in northwest Iceland, though is home to just over 2,500 people. The charming downtown will welcome you as you stroll through the small collection of distinctive, traditional buildings where the past seems to be brought back to life.

Freechoice:
Drangey Island & bird watching: Explore Drangey Island, a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to puffins and other seabirds. Enjoy a hike, stunning views, and ancient legends of Iceland.

Town Walk & Battle Exhibition: Discover Skagafjörður’s history through a town walk and interactive exhibition on Iceland's bloody Sturlungur Era.

Hiking in Sauðárkrókur: Explore the mystical beauty of Tindastoll, a mountain rich in legends and stunning landscapes. Let your guided hike unveil tales of trolls and mythical creatures as you journey through this enchanting terrain.

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

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 60km 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.

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

Whale Watching Akureyri: Witness humpback whales performing acrobatics in Eyjafjörður Bay, along with other marine wildlife.

Panoramic City and & Forest Lagoon: Enjoy a city tour of Akureyri and relax in the geothermal spa at Vaðlaskógur forest.

Jewels of the North: Discover hot springs and lava fields around Lake Mývatn, including Dimmuborgir’s lunar-like lava formations.

Grímsey is a small island north of the Icelandic mainland, home to only 100 people and one million seabirds. Nesting on the high cliffs that surround the whole island, the chatter of seabirds here is constant, especially during the 24 hours of sunshine in summer. This green, grassy outcrop straddles the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on earth where you can cross over the Arctic Circle on foot – truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Scenic Eclipse will set sail just after lunchtime, when you will get to sail across the Arctic Circle on your way to Vopnafjörður.

Taste of Discovery: Pop-Up Restaurant Night 2 Experience an unforgettable evening, where Chef Bryan has crafted a special themed menu exclusively for this night. Each dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully curated to tantalize your taste buds and delight your senses. Immerse yourself in a dining experience like no other, where every course tells a story and every flavour is a journey.

Freechoice:
Guided Walk: Explore this remote and beautiful island, hear tales of folklore and legend, and receive a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle.

Passenger Train: Ride around the tiny island on a petite passenger train that loop around the lighthouse, through the village and past the Arctic Circle Monument.

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

Vopnafjörður is a hidden gem along Iceland's stunning eastern coast. It’s long been a busy trading port and is still a flourishing village, home to around 600 people. Many people with Icelandic heritage can trace their history here as it was the largest emigration point for North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The highlight here is the sprawling, pristine fjordlands that wind along the coast. Embark on outdoor experiences like hiking and birdwatching in the surrounding mountains, offering a true taste of Icelandic wilderness.

Taste of Discovery: Pop-Up Restaurant Night 3 Experience an unforgettable evening, where Chef Bryan has crafted a special themed menu exclusively for this night. Each dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully curated to tantalize your taste buds and delight your senses. Immerse yourself in a dining experience like no other, where every course tells a story and every flavour is a journey.

Freechoice:
Canyons & Cliffs Hike: Hike along the scenic Gljúfursá river on the Drangsnes peninsula, taking in breathtaking views of the Gljúfursárfoss waterfall and the dramatic coastline.

Burstarfell Turf House Visit & Walk: Explore Bustarfell Museum, a beautifully preserved turf house showcasing Icelandic life from the 18th to mid-20th century.

Leisure Walk around Vopnafjordur: Experience the charming village of Vopnafjörður with a local guide, exploring abandoned houses, learning about local folklore, visiting the first settlement and church, and enjoying traditional Icelandic refreshments.

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

Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a 'pearl enclosed in a shell'. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so.

Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a 'pearl enclosed in a shell'. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so.

In a country with an abundance of natural drama, Seyðisfjörður may steal the show. Set at the mouth of a beautiful fjord, this is East Iceland’s heart of culture, heritage and hospitality – and then there’s the architecture. The centre of town is known for 19th-century timber houses perched on the side of the lagoon, built by fisherfolk when the region was booming.

There’s plenty of culture to go with the small-town country charm, complemented by plentiful wildlife, including reindeer and porpoises drawn by the verdant setting of cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.

Taste of Discovery: Pop-Up Restaurant Night 4 Experience an unforgettable evening, where Chef Bryan has crafted a special themed menu exclusively for this night. Each dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully curated to tantalize your taste buds and delight your senses. Immerse yourself in a dining experience like no other, where every course tells a story and every flavour is a journey.

Freechoice:
Chasing Waterfalls – Hike: Experience a breathtaking hiking adventure through the scenic Vestdalur Valley, showcasing stunning landscapes like waterfalls, meadows, wetlands, and ancient human settlements over a thousand years ago.

Vök Baths: Plunge into Iceland´s purest hot spring water that comes from naturally heated springs deep below a frozen lake.

History and Heritage Walk: Visit Fjörður's archaeological site and stroll through the town's historic district. Enjoy refreshments at Skaftfell Bistro and explore the Technical Museum.

Nature walk Skalanes: Explore an archaeological site and Skálanes nature center, spotting diverse wildlife. Enjoy scenic views and local refreshments.

RIB Boat Tour - Discover Seyðisfjörður by RIB boat, with wildlife sightings and local stories.

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

It’s hard to imagine, as you stroll Heimaey’s idyllic streets of white wooden houses, that this island was literally torn apart by a spectacular volcanic eruption, just over 40 years ago. The fact that you can visit incredible Heimaey at all is something of a miracle – because the oozing lava of the Eldfell volcano threatened to seal the harbour off completely. Fortunately, its advance was halted by gallons of seawater, pumped onto it by the plucky islanders, who saved their fishing industry in the process. Iceland's famous for its scenery, and the huge castles of volcanic rock that rise out of the sea's waves here are some of the country's most dramatic.

The earth is always rumbling beneath Iceland. Today, you’ll see a perfect example of nature’s ability to both create and destroy. When the volcano Eldfell, meaning ‘Hill of Fire’, erupted here in 1973, parts of the island were covered in lava and ash, sealing them in a virtual time capsule. Walking through the town, you’ll be able to see signs of the eruption and fallout.

Keep your eyes open for our black and white friends, with more Atlantic puffins nesting here than anywhere else in the world.

Taste of Discovery: Join us for our second cooking demonstration and an engaging food lecture with our celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio. In this special event, Chef Bryan will share the fascinating story behind one of his signature dishes, offering insights into his inspiration and culinary approach.

Taste of Discovery: Pop-Up Restaurant Night 5 Last opportunity to experience an unforgettable evening, where Chef Bryan has crafted a special themed menu exclusively for this night. Each dish is a masterpiece, thoughtfully curated to tantalize your taste buds and delight your senses. Immerse yourself in a dining experience like no other, where every course tells a story and every flavour is a journey.

Freechoice:
Boat Tour of Heimaey: Explore the Westman Islands, spot puffins and caves, and enjoy a unique musical experience in Klettshellir.

Volcanic Hike & Eldheimar Museum: Hike Eldfell volcano, learn its impact on the town and visit the Eldheimar Museum.

Bus Tour & Eldheimar Museum: Join a guided bus tour to see island sights, including the Eldheimar Museum.

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 is a city that never disappoints – a busy, buzzy capital with a creative soul, wild 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 of an unforgettable voyage.

Please book your flight to depart out of Reykjavik after 12:00 PM.

+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. #Spa treatments at additional cost.
Specialty  restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
*All Event dates and times are to be determined and are subject to change.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.