Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice

Gullfoss waterfall

Highlights

• Explore the mystical Snaefellsnes Peninsula, from its black-pebble beaches to the iconic peak of Kirkjufell. • Cross the Arctic Circle on a visit to the birdwatcher’s paradise of Grimsey; and in the Westman Islands, see still-warm lava fields, puffin colonies, and beluga whales. • Encounter spectacular waterfalls and see geological forces in action. • Discover the rugged Westfjords, learning about the local way of life in remote villages and the town of Isafjördur.

Grimsey North Sea

Isafjördur

Grundarfjördur Akureyri

ICELAND

REYKJAVIK

Heimaey

Aboard the 184-guest Le Bellot 8 days from $7,680* / Aug. 13–20, 2023 & June 15–22, 2024†

Encounter Iceland’s thrilling geological extremes—from glaciers to still-warm lava fields—on a voyage to remote fjords, waterfalls, volcanic islands, and dramatic landscapes imbued with mythology.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Reykjavík, Iceland: Board the ship in Reykjavík and cruise north this evening. Day 2 — Snaefellsnes Peninsula: Discover natural wonders, from a black-pebble beach to a mystical glacier. Or board local boats for a whale-watching excursion. Day 3 — Grimsey: Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island, Grimsey is bisected by the Arctic Circle. Set out to explore its lush, emerald hills and encounter thriving populations of seabirds, including puffins, that come to nest on the island’s basalt cliffs.

Day 4 — Akureyri and Lake Myvatn: See a bubbling, steaming geothermal field and stroll among the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgire. Stop at Godafoss, the “Waterfall of the Gods,” or enjoy the Icelandic tradition of soaking in natural thermals baths. Day 5 — Isafjördur: In the stunning and rugged Westfjords region, hear a performance of traditional Icelandic folk songs and visit the Isafjördur Maritime Museum. Alternatively, visit the abandoned village of Hesteyri to learn its history. Day 6 — Heimaey: Sail to the Westman Islands and tour Heimaey, encountering Viking farmhouses, a puffin nesting ground, and the world’s youngest island. Alternatively, spend the afternoon at the world’s first beluga whale sanctuary.

Day 7 — Golden Circle: Set out for the sites of the Golden Circle: the World Heritage site of Thingvellir National Park; the twotiered Gullfoss waterfall; and Geysir, a steaming geothermal area. Alternatively, enjoy a whale-watching cruise. Day 8 — Reykjavík: Disembark and transfer to the airport. *Pricing reflects a savings bonus, ranging from 5% to 30% based on availability at the time this catalog was printed. See our website for current pricing. Book early for the highest savings. †The June 2024 itinerary will follow a modified itinerary, featuring the same stops but in a different order. Visit our website for details.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Our experts on the August 2023 departure are Katryn Wiese, a professor of geology and oceanography, and Elisabeth Ward, an expert in Scandinavian literature. Visit our website for additional experts.