Day 1: Cosmopolitan Reykjavík

Your expedition cruise starts in Reykjavík – a laid-back city of art, culture and history. It is well worth spending some time exploring this delightful city. Take a stroll along Laugavegur with its boutiques and outdoor shops, or gaze in awe at the striking Hallgrímskirkja Church, and drop by the fascinating Reykjavík Art Museum. Your expedition ship awaits you in Reykjavík Harbour. After being welcomed aboard and collecting your complimentary expedition jacket, it’s time to settle into your cabin before enjoying your first dinner on board.

Day 2: Charming Grundarfjörður

The majestic Kirkjufell mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of Iceland, rises just two miles west of the small harbor of Grundarfjörður, a quaint fishing town in Breiðafjörður bay. Nearby lies Snæfellsnes Peninsula National Park, with the striking, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano at the peninsula’s western tip. Its wide array of landscapes has earned it the nickname ‘Little Iceland’. At the national park, you can visit Djúpalónssandur’s black sand beach and the Saxhóll crater. Or why not ride a snowcat to the top of the Snæfellsjökull glacier or take a guided underground tour along a gigantic lava tube?

Day 3: Picturesque Isafjörður

Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Isafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbor and an excellent gateway to the Westfjords region. Stroll around to see the architecture, shop for local handicrafts, and see some of the oldest houses in Iceland. One of these historic 18th-century buildings is home to Westfjords Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the maritime past of this fascinating port. Or if you prefer something more energetic, you could take the steep hike up to Naustahvilft – the Troll’s Throne. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a stunning panoramic view at the top.

Day 4: Akureyri and Goðafoss

Gaze at snowcapped peaks as you cruise into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Together with neighboring Skjálfandi bay, it’s one of the best places in Europe to spot whales. Iceland’s so-called ‘Northern Capital’, Akureyri, sits at the base of the fjord. Here, you can enjoy a botanical garden oasis and visit local eateries and museums. A little further on, witness the picturesque Goðafoss waterfall, where turquoise waters pound against black rocks. You’ll witness geology come to life around Lake Mývatn, an active volcanic area and one of the few places to see the Mid-Atlantic Ridge up close.

Day 5: Húsavík and the Arctic Circle

Húsavík is a pleasant small town famous for its whale-watching opportunities, and we’ll be stopping here in the morning. The town looks out over Skjálfandi bay, which enjoys visits from humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, harbor porpoises and occasionally blue whales. If you’re lucky, you might see one or more of these giants at sea, and you can learn more about them at the Húsavík Whale Museum. Húsavík is also regarded as the gateway to many of the highlights of the north, including Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, the waterfall of Dettifoss and the horseshoe-shaped valley of Ásbyrgi, which according to the Icelandic myths, was made by the eight-legged horse of Odin. Later, you will sail along the coast of Grímsey island without landing, cross the Arctic Circle, and continue on to your next destination.

Day 6: Puffins Up Close

Your Iceland cruise continues to the tiny, remote settlement of Bakkagerði. According to folklore, Bakkagerði is inhabited by a large population of local land spirits or elves, known as huldufólk, meaning ‘hidden people’. Walk around town to explore this magical place. This popular hiking area features lush valleys and gorgeous scenery among colorful rhyolite rocks. In season, the coastal cliffs are home to fulmars, kittiwakes, eiders and puffins. We may also visit the Atlantic puffin colony on Hafnarhólmi, a true gem for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.

Day 7: Heimaey's Explosive Past

Heimaey is the only inhabited island in the Westman Islands, off Iceland’s southern coast. It has a fascinating history and still bears the scars of the powerful volcanic eruption that nearly destroyed the island. Visit Eldheimar, a museum that features an excavated home frozen in time, and learn more about the eruption and its aftermath. You could also take a hike to find puffins at Stórhöfði, where nearly eight million of them nest every summer. Don’t pass up the chance to climb Mount Eldfell to the volcano’s summit, where you’ll have incredible views of the town below.

Day 8: Reykjavík and Beyond

Your Iceland expedition cruise concludes back in Reykjavík. This is a great chance to see the places you missed when you arrived. Relaxing with friends in a heittur pottur, or geothermal pool – literally a ‘hot pot’ – is part of Icelandic culture. Before you leave, visit Iceland’s most famous place to do so: the Blue Lagoon. This is one of the true natural wonders of the world. Experience the blend of silica, algae, and minerals in its geothermal waters.