Compare Iceland Discovery by Intrepid Travel vs Exploring the Old Norse heritage by Hurtigruten

Day 1 Reykjavik

Hallo! Welcome to Reykjavik, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean and boasting a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, Reykjavik's contrasts are utterly beguiling. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your accommodation. If you arrive early, why not head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the ninth century – when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled – to the present day. Or perhaps join locals who gossip and chatter in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Day 2 Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Valley

Make an early start to beat the crowds on the Golden Circle route. Head to Thingvellir National Park, home to the Parliament Plains and location of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. The resulting gap is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. From here head to the Geysir geothermal area, checking out Strokkur and watching as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 20-30 metres in the air. Be spellbound by the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) double waterfall on the Hvita River, before proceeding to a remote farm in the Hvolsvollur region, our overnight stop for the night.

Day 3 South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Begin the day with a visit to breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, followed by Skogafoss waterfall. At 25-metres wide with a 60-metre drop, this waterfall roars. You can feel its power up close with a strenuous walk up a windy set of stairs up to a stunning viewpoint. The black sands and bizarre, rectangular rock formations of Reynisfjara are up next. The last stop of the day is the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Make sure you head down to Diamond Beach, where some of the icebergs are washed onto the black sand. Your leader can help you book an optional walk on the mottled blue, grey and black face of one of the tongues of Europe's largest glaciers, the epic ice cap of Vatnajokull. From Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon it is not far to our overnight stay, located on another lagoon that is sheltered by a black sandbar.

Day 4 East Fjords / Modrudalur Valley

Start the day by returning to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Cruise between jagged icebergs in an included boat tour. Then take a scenic drive along the rugged coast of the East Fjords. Enjoy spectacular views of high mountains, deep fjords, spectacular waterfalls, glaciers and quaint fishing villages. Make stops along the way at small but notable towns like Djupivogur, which became a member of the cittaslow movement in 2013 and is aiming to be the Happiest Town in Iceland, and drop by Egilsstadir, home to the mythic Lagarfljot Wyrm. Continue along mountain roads into the highland to the farm village of Modrudalur. At 469 metres (1539 feet) above sea level, Modrudalur is the highest inhabited place in Iceland, and snow can be seen almost year-round. Stretch your legs with a walk to the farm's church, built in 1949 by farmer Jon Adalsteinn Stefansson in memory of his wife. Spend the evening on this unique farm, which is small but rich in history.

Day 5 Lake Myvatn / Akureyri

Set off for magnificent Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall at 100-metres wide and with a 45-metre drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur canyon below. It’s so powerful that it’s vibrations can be felt underfoot. Continue to volcanic Lake Myvatn. Next is Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and it’s hard to believe you’re on Earth and not Mars. Take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir and then observe the massive pseudo craters of Skutustadir. Continue to the crescent shaped Godafoss waterfall, where legend says a lawmaker priest threw the idols of the Norse gods when Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in AD1000. Travel on to Akureyri and settle into your accommodation for the evening.

Day 6 Akureyri / Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Situated at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is the nation's second-largest city. Embark on a short walking tour of the town, taking in the striking church and other local sights. Later, continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the magnificent Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which played a starring role in Jules Verne's 1864 novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Next up is Lysuholslaug, where you can bathe in thermal pools (depending on the season) or check out the Icelandic horses grazing in the fields. Look forward to an included home-cooked dinner this evening.

Day 7 Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Reykjavik

Continue exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the white beach at Budir, then go on to Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs exposes you to rich bird life and other wonders of nature. Continue on to the basaltic pebble beach Djupalonssandur. In the afternoon head back to Reykjavik to complete your circuit of Iceland. You may wish to book an optional whale watching tour for late afternoon if you are here between May and December. The rest of the evening is yours for the taking. Perhaps head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast with a glass of Brennivin, a savoury schnapps.

Day 8 Reykjavik

Today is departure day and time to say sjaumst (see you soon)! Check out time is at midday. If you are departing later, you can arrange with reception to store your luggage at the hotel. If you wish to spend more time in Reykjavik, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. Perhaps browse some of the city's great art galleries. If you feel like something more active, book yourself on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, where you’ll discover this underwater ridge with water visibility of up to 120 metres. Alternatively, while away the hours with a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.

Day 1: Reykjavik

Take time to acquaint yourself with this charming city or its surrounding glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes before departure.

Day 2: Grundarfjörður

Grundarfjörður is situated in the western part of Iceland on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Several national sights are found in this area, including the Snæfellsjökull volcano, regarded as one of the symbols of Iceland.

Day 3: Denmark Strait

While crossing the Denmark Strait we sail in the wake of the great Norse settlers who left the shores of Iceland more than 900 years ago. We start our lectures to prepare you for your time in Greenland. You will get introduction briefings on how to explore Greenland with utmost respect for the vulnerable and exotic nature. In addition we offer a variety of lectures on topics like history, biology and geology.

Day 4: Nunap Isua

Greenland’s southern shores contain some of the most culturally and scenically diverse regions of this giant island. We will try to sail through the narrow, often ice-choked 70-mile-long channel Prins Christian Sund that cross the southernmost point of Greenland and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. If the channel is blocked we will sail around Nunap Isua (Kap Farvel).

Day 5: South Greenland

Many consider Qaqortoq one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland due to the colourful houses. The excursions we offer here include an interesting visit to the only tannery in Greenland, a city walk with guide and a kaffemik - the typical Greenland-style social gathering - to meet the locals. In Hvalsey you find some of the best-preserved ruins from the Norse period; the former ‘Austurbygd’. 500 years after it was established all the inhabitants suddenly left in 1408. Here you find the remains of the church where the last known Viking wedding took place.

Day 6: South Greenland

Igaliku is home to the well-known ruins of Garðar, once the religious heart of Norse Greenland. Enjoy a guided settlement walk that is included in our programme or an optional hike along to Itilleq, a small settlement with less than 20 inhabitants. Qassiarsuk is the site where Eric the Red built his Brattahlíð estate in 982 A.D. He was banished from Iceland and escaped to the land he called Greenland. Eric the Red settled in Qassiarsuk because the area was according to him the richest and best site in Greenland. Join the optional boat trip or the settlement walk to explore more.

Day 7: South Greenland

Narsaq is located at the beautiful shores of the Tunulliarfik Fjord. This part of South Greenland has been inhabited for thousands of years. It is a great area for optional activities like kayaking, hiking or exploring the town by foot.

Day 8: Nuuk

Nuuk is the oldest town in Greenland and is situated at the mouth of one of the largest and most spectacular fjord systems in the world. Today this is where old and new traditions meet, from picturesque old buildings in ”Kolonihaven” to the building of the Greenland Home Rule. Being the capital, Nuuk also houses a university, a teachers training college, churches and the Greenland National Museum - home to the mummies from Qilakilsoq. City tours, hikes and possibly a flight are amongst the optional excursions.

Day 9: Northwest Greenland

In Sisimiut you can watch the artists make jewellery and crafts from bone, leather and metal or join a sightseeing tour and a taste of Greenlandic specialties in a local restaurant.

Day 10: Northwest Greenland

The Disko Bay area offers fantastic sailings with wildlife and spectacular nature. Colourful villages cling to rough, rocky hills at the feet of the mountains surrounding the inland ice. Join excursions like kayaking, hikes or other activities. In Ilulissat we offer a guided hike to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut and other optional shore excursions.

Day 11: Northwest Greenland

In the early afternoon we reach the small settlement Itilleq. Around 130 people live here, and they are mainly engaged in hunting and fishing. Visit one of the families that live here, buy some arts and crafts of the area or have fun playing soccer with the locals.

Day 12: Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is situated at the bottom of the Kangerlussuaq fjord.  An excursion that includes a farewell barbecue marks the end of our adventure. Late in the evening you fly to Copenhagen.

Day 13: Copenhagen

You arrive in Copenhagen early in the morning.