Compare A Real-Life Fantasy World: Iceland With Your Grandchild, By Sea and On Foot by Road Scholar vs Under the Northern Lights: Iceland & East Greenland by Exodus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4.5 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 13 days | 14 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 8,396 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 600 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches and 10 Dinners |
All meals while on the ship included. Typical Meals The ships galley offers good quality service and cuisine throughout, with excellent chefs preparing international menus including vegetarian dishes, accompanied by a wide variety of drinks from around the world on sale. Breakfast: Buffet style – unlimited tea and coffee, a selection of fruit juices, hot options including bacon and eggs or omelettes, a selection of bread and toast and jam/honey/marmalade, fruit and cereal. Lunch: Three course set meal or buffet, or the occasional BBQ. Dinner: Three or four courses with a starter of soup and/or salad, a choice of mains with at least one vegetarian option and a dessert, with tea and coffee. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday - please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that our local team can be well prepared. |
| Description |
This trip has been discontinued. Instead see
Pack your hiking boots and your sense of adventure for this two-generation voyage around a real-life world of ice and fire. Circumnavigate Iceland and go ashore for expert-led walking excursions to glaciers, around massive volcanic craters and through magnificent mountain valleys. Learn the stories of the Sagas of Icelanders and see the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. After your invigorating walks, relax and learn onboard the ship as you navigate beautiful coastlines and bays. |
Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet on this itinerary. Discover diverse and dramatically rugged landscapes rich in iconic Arctic wildlife while cruising along Iceland’s mountainous Vestfjords and Greenland’s remote northeast coast, home to the largest fjord system in the world. Immersed in the untamed beauty of the Arctic, experience Inuit culture first-hand at Ittoqqortoormiit, visit ancient Thule sites steeped in history, and marvel at the majesty of massive icebergs and towering bird cliffs. If you’re lucky, you may also catch sight of the spectacular Northern Lights dancing across the sky.Explore two of the last unspoiled wilderness areas on the planet |
Day 1: Flights depart the U.S.
Depart From: Flights depart North America.
Day 2: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland / Program Orientatio...
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura
Arrive To: Flights arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check-in for 2 nights.
Afternoon: Meet with your group at 5 PM for introductions, a review of the program itinerary, and site orientation.
Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Reykjavik / The Golden Circle
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura
Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
Morning: This morning you will depart on a full day journey from Reykjavik on this popular route which covers over 185 miles from Reykjavik to central Iceland and back. Stop at Thingvellir National Park, home of Iceland's first parliament, Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall), and the spouting spring area of Geysir, after whom all geysers are named.
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Field trip through the Golden Circle continues, concluding at the program hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner: On your own. Ask your Group Leader for suggestions!
Day 4: Reykjavik / The Blue Lagoon / Embark Ocean Diamon...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Note: If you wish to swim in the Blue Lagoon, please remember to bring your bathing suit. Towels will be provided. Slippers, bathrobes and spa treatments are available at an additional cost.
Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
Morning: The Blue Lagoon, located just 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik, was accidentally formed in 1976 during operation at a nearby geothermal power plant. In the years that followed, people began to bathe in the unique water and apply the silica mud to their skin. Those with psoriasis noticed an incredible improvement in their condition. Today the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations, and also operates a research and development facility searching for cures for other skin ailments using the mineral-rich water. At the Blue Lagoon, you will learn the history of the
volcanic eruption that formed the surrounding landscape 800 years ago, and how the Blue Lagoon itself came to be. Enjoy some free time to bathe in the lagoon.
Lunch: Enjoy a 2-course light lunch at Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon.
Afternoon: After lunch, you will travel back to Reykjavik to embark the MV Ocean Diamond for 9 nights.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 5: Stykkisholmur / Hiking in Berserkjahraun / Zodiac...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Close to Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula are the rugged 4,000 year old lava fields of Berserkjahraun. It is named after two Berserkers – Norse warriors – who forged a road across the enormous lava field according to the Saga of Eyrbyggja. Enjoy a hike through this remarkable landscape during this Road Scholar exclusive field trip. Along the way you will spot ruins from early settlements, craters from which the lava flowed, and birdlife – all of which will bring to life the Sagas.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Experience the beauty and wonder of Breidafjördur Bay up close from the ship's own Zodiacs. The bay is known for its colorful birdlife, unique basalt rock formations and stunning scenery. During this excursion you will have the opportunity to observe and photograph puffins, eider ducks, shags, kittiwakes, fulmars and the majestic white-tailed eagle from close proximity.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 6: Isafjördur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Depart by coach for the small village of Hnifsdalur to hike the nearby valley up to the Pjofatindar Peaks on this Road Scholar exclusive field trip. It is an easy climb up to a mountain pass that offers a spectacular view of Isafjördur. After some refreshments, descend down to the Seljalandsalur Valley, passing small mountain lakes and patches of almost fluorescent green moss. Walk along the main road back to Isafjördur.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Join your Group Leader for an onboard presentation.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 7: Siglufjördur / Hedinsfjordur / Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: The next fjord east of Siglufjördur is Hedinsfjördur. Inhabited until 1951, this deserted fjord is named after its first settler, Hedinn Karlsson. His brother Olaf settled in the next fjord of Olafsfjördur. Step back in time and learn the stories of the early inhabitants as you hike from one ruin to another along a small lake which lies in the middle of the valley.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: The ship is scheduled to arrive in Akureyri this evening at 6:00 PM and will remain in port overnight.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 8: Akureyri / Hike in the Lake Myvatn Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Note: Cave exploration equipment, including a helmet, headlights and rubber boots, will be included. This field trip is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophia or have limited mobility. There is ice and water on the floor of the cave and it will be cold -- please wear warm and waterproof clothing.
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Depart from port by coach to Dimmuborgir, a large area of unusually shaped lava fields. The area is composed of various volcanic caves and rock formations, reminiscent of an ancient collapsed citadel. Hike to the large crater of Hverfell which measures about 450 feet deep and is over 3,000 feet in diameter. Formed over 2,000 years ago, it is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Hike through the lava fields to the Lofthellir Lava Cave to spend an hour exploring this remarkable natural phenomena. Enjoy a short visit in Reykjahlid where you will meet back up with the coach and bus back to Akureyri.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: At leisure
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 9: Flatey Island / Whale Watching by Zodiac
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Today, the ship’s Zodiacs will take you into Skjalfandi Bay – the whale watching capital of Iceland – to enjoy the stunning views on the snowcapped Vik Mountains while looking for wildlife. In this sheltered bay you can find up to 15 different species of whales as well as dolphins and many different kind of birds.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Join your Group Leader for an onboard presentation.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 10: Seydisfjördur / Borgarfjördur Hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Today's hike takes you through majestic landscapes while keeping a lookout for wildlife. The field trip is focused on reindeer watching, geology and flora in the wonderful Borgarfjördur region.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: At leisure
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 11: Höfn / Glacier Lagoon and Glacier Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: En route to Skaftafell National Park, stop at the magnificent Glacier Lagoon of Jökulsarlon and float past ethereal icebergs. Arriving at Skaftafell enjoy a glacier hike and a short walk to Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by dark lava columns which give rise to its name “Black Falls.“
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: At leisure
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 12: Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) / Heimaey Island...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: From the harbor, walk up through brand new lava fields all the way to the volcano Eldfjall, which erupted in 1973. On this walking exploration, walk past the part of the town that was covered with lava - almost 400 homes were buried in lava and ash. From the crater of Eldfjall, continue up to Storhofdi to see the largest puffin colony in the world. Storhofdi is one of the windiest places in Iceland, but the view is worth it. Hike back to the ship through the town of Vestmannaeyjar.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Travel by Zodiac around Heimaey Island for a different perspective of this stunning locale. Your expert guide will point out caves, birdlife and hopefully whales.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 13: Reykjavik / Departures
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Ocean Diamond is scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik at 8:00 AM. Wrap up your immersion into Iceland with a stop at the National Museum of Iceland.
Lunch: Free time for lunch on your own.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for late afternoon flights returning to North America. Group flights are currently scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM. If you are arranging your own flights, we recommend coordinating your flights so they coincide with the group departure.
Day 1 Start Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in the Icelandic capital and make your own way to the hotel. You will have the day to explore the city on your own.
Day 2 Embarkation Day in Reykjavik
This afternoon, you’ll board your vessel and begin your expedition. Get ready for a great adventure ahead!
Day 3 At Sea
As we cruise north across the Denmark Strait, the Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await. Learn about the storied history and politics of the Arctic, its fascinating wildlife, geology, ecology and climate, and the incredible sights you will soon explore. The team will also search for the seabirds soaring around the ship, as well as the whales that frequent the waters here.
Day 4 - 10 Exploring Northeast Greenland
During our tour of Greenland’s remote northeast coast, enjoy Zodiac cruises and shore visits to several locations. We’ll also keep an eye out for grazing Musk ox, as 40 percent of the world’s Musk ox population lives in Northeast Greenland National Park. Sailing through spectacular Scoresbysund, the birthplace of many icebergs, you’ll immediately see why some say it’s the most beautiful fjord system on the planet. Sites such as Frederiksdal and Sydkap offer opportunities to explore the colorful tundra and the remains of ancient Thule settlements. At the entrance of the sound is East Greenland’s most northerly community, Ittoqqortoormiit, where you may spend time interacting with the Inuit people and learning about their way of life. You may also have a chance to see the Northern Lights here if the skies are clear. Deeper in the sound, Røde Øya offers a picturesque locale for admiring the beauty of sky-blue bergs set against striking red sandstone cliffs. Magnificent vistas also await at Kong Oscar Fjord, with possible landings at Ella Øya, renowned for its rugged cliffs and ice-choked waters, and flower-rich Botanikerbugt, on Ymer Øya.
Day 11 At Sea
As your Arctic adventure winds down, take in a presentation by our onboard experts, share photos, sip an icy cocktail in the bar or watch a movie—there are many activities during your time at sea. The Expedition Team will also be on hand to answer any questions and point out wildlife.
Day 12 Depart Reykjavik, Iceland
Disembark in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, at the end of your journey. If you have booked post-expedition accommodation, we provide a transfer to a central downtown location.
