ICELAND’S WEST FJORDS AND NORTH COAST
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9 DAYS
Geologically, Iceland is one of the youngest countries on Earth. It’s a land of spectacular geology that is rich in wildlife, culture and human history. On this voyage, you’ll explore Westfjords, one of the remotest and most pristine regions in Iceland—ideal for nature hikes and bird and whale viewing. Discover diverse landscapes including thundering waterfalls, lava fields that breath steam and verdant valleys that stretch beyond the horizon. Atlantic puffins can be found in large numbers in Iceland, and you’ll have many opportunities to encounter these charismatic birds nesting in their burrows.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reykjavik,Iceland | Arrive Reykjavik, transfer hotel and enjoy your leisure time. |
| Day 2 | Embarkation | Sightseeing - the Golden Circle areas and embarkation. |
| Day 3 | Arnarstapi, Grundafjordur | Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snæfellsjökull. |
| Day 4 | Patreksfjordur and Dynjandi - Westfjords | Explore the Westfjords region. Excursion by coach takes us to Látrabjarg cliffs. |
| Day 5 | Thingeyri - Westfjords | Explore Thingeyri and Westfjords. |
| Day 6 | Akureyri | Akureyri Iceland’s second largest city, choose your walking experience Goðafoss waterfall or Dimmuborgir. |
| Day 7 | Siglufjordur | Explore this historic fishing town. |
| Day 8 | Vigur Island | Birdwatchers paradise, while others can enjoy walks and hikes with rolling hills, picturesque landscapes. |
| Day 9 | Reykjavik | Disembark Reykjavik. |
SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY
Sylvia Earle
The Sylvia Earle is a new purpose built, polar expedition vessel taking 120 guests. This vessel has been designed in close consultation with Antarctic expedition specialists and is the first expedition cruise ship designed with the ULSTEIN X-BOW hull. This cutting edge nautical technology allows for gentle travel and motion at sea, improved comfort and safety on-board, reduced vibrations, lower fuel consumption and emissions and ‘virtual anchoring’ which means the ship can float anchor-less while launching the Zodiacs without disturbing delicate sea floor areas. There are four sea-level launching platforms for fast and efficient access to and from Zodiacs.
Day 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day to explore at your leisure.
Day 2 Reykjavik, Embarkation
Follow the path of the Golden Circle. Stops along our route include Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, next we explore the geothermal fields and geysir’s for which Iceland is famous. Late afternoon return to Reykjavik to board your ship.
Day 3 Arnarstapi/Grundafjordur
Arnarstapi is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snæfellsjökull National Park. An area of diverse landscapes characterised by lava fields and glistening fjords with a vast array of birdlife and crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano.
Personalise your expedition with included experiences choose from, Highlights of Snaefellsness, Natural Wonders of Snaefellsness or Snaefellsnes Adventure.
Day 4 Patreksfjörður and Dynjandi – Westfjords
Over the next three days explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
At Patreksfjörður, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Látrabjarg cliffs.
Day 5 Thingeyri – Westfjords
Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland’s most picturesque fjords, Dýrafjörður. Personalise your expedition with options for hiking. Step inside the interactive Viking Museum or hike Sandafell, offering gorgeous views over the town, surrounding mountains and the water below.
Day 6 Akureyri and Husavik
Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop. Options to visit Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland, Lake Mývatn & Dimmuborgir or Hverfjall Volcanic Crater hike including Dettifoss.
Day 7 Siglufjordur
The northernmost town in Iceland, a historic fishing town. An area of spectacular natural beauty surrounded by mountains and the fjord. In the morning, our expedition team will lead you on a guided hike suited to your level of fitness. After lunch explore this quaint town at your leisure, visiting the numerous galleries, museums, artisanal workshops and local church.
Day 8 Vigur Island
The island’s unique ecosystem makes it a birdwatchers paradise, while others can enjoy walks and hikes of varying levels of difficulty, soaking in the stunning surrounds. Stroll along the coastline, keeping an eye out for puffins and other seabirds, or venture deeper into the island to discover hidden gems. With its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, Vigur offers an unforgettable experience.
Day 9 Reykjavik, Disembark
During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell your Expedition Team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys.