ICELAND, GREENLAND and CROSSING the ARCTIC CIRCLE 

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11 DAYS

ITINERARY SUMMARY
DayPlaceHighlights
Day 1ReykjavikArrive into Reykjavik and enjoy a pre-cruise hotel night
Day 2PatreksfjörðurLargest town, southern part of the Wesrfjords region. Seabirds nesting on the dramatic Látrabjarg bird cliffs and spectacular beaches
Day 3IsafjördurWestfjords region on Iceland’s northernmost peninsula, natural wonders, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and jagged cliffs
Day 4IttoqqortoormiitOne of Greenland's most remote towns, glimpse into traditional Inuit life, the museum, church, weather station and public service buildings
Day 5ScoresbysundFjord 350 kilometres in length and plunges down 600 metres
Day 6Akureyri Sitting 60 kilometres below the Arctic Circle, colourful homes set on green hills at the base of a volcanic mountain chain
Day 7Grimsey IslandHome to only 100 people and one million seabirds
Day 8 VopnafjörðurSprawling pristine fjordlands that wind along the coast, outdoor experiences like hiking and birdwatching in the surrounding mountains
Day 9Seyðisfjörður19th-century timber houses perched on the side of the lagoon, plentiful wildlife, including reindeer and porpoises
Day 10HeimaeyThe volcano Eldfell created a virtual time capsule, walk through the town to experience signs of the 1973 eruption
Day 11ReykjavikReturn to Reykjavik this morning

SHIPS OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

Scenic Eclipse I

The Scenic Eclipse I was launched in 2018. She is a purpose built luxury ship designed with very high standards to explore the Polar regions.  She is Polar Class 6-rated, featuring a strengthened hull, forward bow thrusters, and a cutting-edge electronic Azipod propulsion system for comfortable and secure navigation. She also has customised stabilisers, ensuring greater stability on the open sea. Scenic Eclipse I also operates an Advanced Wastewater Treatment system and highly effective engines to reduce emissions, noise, and vibrations, safeguarding the pristine environments we visit.

Day 1 Reykjavik

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.

Day 2 Patreksfjörður

Northern Fulmar arctic bird

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

Weather permitting, this afternoon you will visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the cold 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.

Join the Discovery Team as they present engaging lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, reflecting on the amazing sights you’ve experienced so far and sharing insights into the exciting ports ahead. Check the daily program for the schedule.

Day 3 Isafjördur

Isafjordur, Iceland

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.

Day 4 Ittoqqortoormiit

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.

Day 5 Scoresbysund

Experience an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscape of Scoresbysund, a fjord that reaches a staggering 350 kilometres in length and plunges down 600 metres. Scenic Eclipse will navigate through a maze of towering icebergs that gently drift under Arctic waters, calving from parent glaciers from the Inland Ice.

Take in this awe-inspiring landscape from the Open Bridge alongside your expert Discovery Team, who can answer any questions you have. Or perhaps you’d like to soak it up from your own private verandah.

Alternatively, join the Discovery Team as they present engaging lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, reflecting on the amazing sights you’ve experienced so far and sharing insights into the exciting ports ahead. Check the daily program for the schedule.

Day 6 Akureyri

Akureyri, Iceland

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.

Day 7 Grimsey Island

Puffins on the Island of Vigur

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 grassy outcrop straddles the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on earth where you can cross the Arctic Circle on foot – truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Day 8 Vopnafjörður

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.

Day 9 Seyðisfjörður

Reindeer

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.

Day 10 Heimaey

Heimaey Island

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.

Day 11 Reykjavik

Today you will return to Reykjavik. This is a city that never disappoints – a busy, buzzy capital with a creative soul, wild nightlife and a population of cool, quirky Reykvíkingurs. Choose to stay longer to explore its stylish restaurants, chic boutiques, innovative galleries and fascinating museums.

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

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

To book this cruise contact us on 1300 784 794 or email: contact@arctictravelcentre.com.au

We will tailor the perfect holiday to suit your needs.