Name: Iceland Explorer
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: V2225073108

Itinerary

In the centre of Iceland’s sprawling capital city, the modern organ-pipe-shaped Hallgrimskirkja church dominates the top of town. Cosy bars, cafes and shops line the surrounding streets heated by Iceland's geothermal waters. The regenerated harbour is home to a striking modern concert hall. Popular trips include to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa near the village of Grindavik, and the Golden Circle tour taking in Gullfoss Waterfall and the mighty Strokkur geyser in Thingvellir National Park.

Considered one of Iceland’s most impressive falls, the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall in the Westfjords region gives the impression of a bridal veil as it spreads down ever-growing cascades. The walk takes 15 minutes passing five smaller waterfalls.

Walk to Dynjandi Waterfall With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 30 m

Let your onboard Expedition Team, experts in all things Icelandic, guide you along the path to uncover this hidden treasure
Awaken your spirit of adventure as you stand in awe of nature's raw power firsthand
Delve into the secrets of Dynjandi as your Expedition Team provides captivating insights into its geological significance and cultural importance

Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjörður is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland. The charming old town of Neskaupstadur features colorful 18th and 19th-century wooden houses. The Heritage Museum, also known as the Maritime Museum, houses some of the country's oldest buildings and explores the region's fishing heritage through compelling exhibits. Nearby, Osvor is a replica of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing station.

Arctic Foxes & Avalanches

Included

03 h 00 m

Get to know the history of Súðavík and the avalanche that struck the small village in 1995
Your journey begins with breathtaking views over one of Iceland’s largest fjords, Ísafjarðardjúp, punctuated with the majestic Snæfjallaströnd mountain chain
Enjoy an exciting live performance from a local musician during your visit to Súðavík’s church

A jewel of the Westfjords, Vigur is the fjord's second-largest island and a thriving seabird sanctuary. Flocks of arctic terns, puffins, guillemots and eider ducks nest atop rocky cliffs. As one of only two inhabited islands, Vigur supports a family farm continuing the centuries-old eiderdown harvest across 3,500 nests. This remote pillar also houses Iceland's sole windmill, its tiniest post office and a 200-year-old, still-seaworthy rowing boat.

Vigur Island visit by ship zodiacs

Included

01 h 30 m

Witness eider ducks nesting and observe them as they pluck down from their chests to create warm shelters for their eggs
Explore relics of old farming methods, including Iceland's oldest windmill from 1840 and a 200-year-old eight-oar rowing boat
Admire charming historic houses like Viktoria House, built in 1862 and restored by the National Museum of Iceland

Grímsey is a remote island located 40 km off Iceland’s north coast. Many people travel here for the purpose of setting foot in the Arctic Circle, the only place in Iceland where you can. The island is also home to fewer than 100 people, but over one million seabirds. Birdlife thrives here thanks to the lack of egg predation and the well-stocked surrounding seas. Grímsey has one of Iceland’s largest tern nesting sites and largest puffin colonies.

Life in Arctic Circle

Included

02 h 30 m

Marvel at the 19th-century driftwood church, showcasing the resilience of Grímsey's settlers
Embark on an invigorating 7.5km nature hike towards the Arctic Circle, tracing centuries of island history
Spot abundant birdlife soaring overhead, immersing yourself in the island's rich natural wonders

Hrisey Island is a small island in the Eyjafjordur fjord in northern Iceland. It is home to various wildlife, including puffins, seals, and whales. Hriseyjarfjall Mountain is the highest point and offers views of the surrounding landscape and the vast expanse of Eyjafjörður fjord. Despite its size, Hrisey Island possesses a rich cultural heritage. Traditional Icelandic crafts, such as hand-knitting and woodworking, preserve the island's identity.

Húsavík, overlooking Skjálfandi Bay, is famed for whale watching, especially the endangered blue whale. The town's Whale and Exploration Museums focusses on Viking history and Apollo astronaut training, taking place nearby. The town also marks Iceland's first house from 860 AD. Húsavík is on the Arctic Coast Way and the start of the Diamond Circle route. Nearby, Kaldbakur pond is a popular geothermal swimming spot oddly populated with goldfish.

Whale Watching & Whale Museum

Included

04 h 30 m

Witness whales up close in the "Whale Capital of Iceland" with its wide bay and rich marine life
Explore the Whale Centre and see life-size whale skeletons before boarding a whale watching boat
Sail into Skjálfandi Bay for a chance to spot magnificent whales in their natural habitat

Húsavík & GeoSea Baths

Optional

02 h 30 m

Enjoy a guided walk through Húsavík Town and the famous landmark, the wooden church Húsavíkurkirkja, built in 1907
Learn the history of Húsavík, its tales and fun facts from the local guide
Relax in the geothermal waters of GeoSea Baths in a scenic spot on top of the cliffs

Nature and Norse Gods

Optional

08 h 30 m

Marvel at the hoof-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, where Norse mythology offers captivating explanations for its unique origins
Experience the thunderous power of Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall - an unforgettable sensory experience
Explore the bubbling mud pots and steam vents of the Námaskarð geothermal area, whose incredible forces shape Iceland's volcanic landscape

Known for puffin encounters, hiking trails and scenic beauty. Bakkagerði is the largest settlement in the Borgarfjörður Eystri fjord and a base for exploring the rugged wilderness. A popular trail leads to the Giant Boulders at Stórurð. The local church features a 1914 altarpiece depicting Christ on Álfaborg rock, aka the City of Elves, with the Dyrfjöll Mountains behind. Nearby Hafnarhólmi rock is a sanctuary for kittiwakes and other seabirds.

Zodiac cruise and Landing with the Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Explore a secluded Icelandic port off the beaten track with your expert Expedition Team
Get up close to Atlantic puffins nesting in burrows—a heaven for birdwatchers
Enjoy a moderate hike with steps leading to a breathtaking viewpoint

In the remote Seyðisfjörður fjord, Skálanes, a private nature reserve on a once-abandoned farmstead, provides insights into traditional Icelandic culture. This heritage village showcases 19th-century fishing huts with turf roofs and employs artisanal fish processing methods. The towering cliffs harbour 47 bird species, including arctic tern, puffins and eider, as well as 150 plant species. Reindeer, seals and porpoises often populate the area.

With Viking-era origins, Djupivogur, a tranquil fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, is renowned for its unhurried pace of life and the art installation 'The Eggs at Merry Bay,' featuring 34 granite eggs representing local bird species. Nearby, Vatnajökull National Park, covering 14 percent of Iceland, offers a wild expanse with Europe's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull Glacier, thundering glacial rivers and active volcanoes.

Cultural Walk in Djúpivogur

Included

02 h 00 m

Glimpse geological marvels such as a massive agate, quartz and zeolite boulder at Audun’s Stone and Mineral Collection
Let your imagination soar as you discuss the symbolism behind the intriguing “Eggs” sculpture with your guide
Uncover the hidden story behind the repurposed tank and marvel at the ingenuity that has transformed it

Jökulsárlón Cruise & Scenic Drive

Optional

08 h 30 m

Navigate the icy wonderland of Jökulsárlón by boat, surrounded by massive icebergs carved out by the majestic Breiðamerkurjökull glacier
Marvel at Iceland’s stunning scenery as you pass mountains with glacial tongues and pastoral landscapes between shifting black sands
Discover the picturesque beauty of the fishing village of Höfn

Vatnajökull Adventure & Sightseeing

Optional

09 h 00 m

Drive through the beautiful Mýrar region to your destination, the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest outside the Arctic regions
Follow winding roads up to the Skálafellsjökull glacier and venture into the brilliantly white, majestic world of the Vatnajökull ice cap
Board a 4x4 jeep, snow scooter or snow truck (assigned by the local operator) and ride along thrilling trails across vast expanses of snow

4x4 The Valley of Waterfalls

Optional

04 h 30 m

Enjoy an off-the-beaten tracks tour to discover many of the hidden gems of East Iceland
Experience Icelandic culture and history firsthand as you visit an abandoned farm and learn about traditional farming practices
Traverse rugged terrain and marvel at Iceland’s rugged yet exceptionally beautiful landscape

Ten million Atlantic puffins make Heimaey, a 13-square-km island in the Westman Islands off southern Iceland, the largest puffin colony in the world from mid-April until the beginning of August. Despite a population of 4,000 people, puffins have even been spotted in the town of Vestmannaeyjar. The fascinating Eldheimar museum charts the story of the town’s devastation by lava from the Eldfell volcano in 1973. Nearby is Vestmannaeyjar Bird Cliff.

Pompeii of the North

Included

03 h 00 m

Explore the birdwatching house in Stórhöfði, offering a chance to witness the largest puffin colony
Drive past two remarkable volcanoes: Helgafell, dating back 5,000 years, and the younger Eldfell
Experience the raw power of nature at Stórhöfði, one of the windiest places on Earth, with average wind speeds of 11 m/s

Caves & Islands RIB Safari

Optional

02 h 00 m

Cruise at high speeds, exploring caves and possibly spotting wildlife like orcas, dolphins, seals, puffins, and fulmars
Visit the Ægir cave, known for its basalt columns, and the Klettahellir cave with excellent acoustics
Learn about unusual rock formations shaped by the sea and volcanic activity over the years

Volcano ATV Tour (2 persons/ATV)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Drive into the middle of a volcanic crater at Eldfell on this ATV tour
Explore historical points of interest, including Prestvik beach where the fishing ship Pelagus was stranded
Witness the site where Guðlaugur Friðþórsson landed after a harrowing swim from the sunken Hellisey VE 503, as depicted in the movie "The Deep"

Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

Sky Lagoon & City drive with Airport Transfer

Optional

04 h 30 m

Visit Sky Lagoon and immerse yourself in warmth at the oceanside geothermal lagoon, as the dramatic North Atlantic Ocean stretches out before you
Enjoy a city tour of Reykjavik before heading towards the airport

Bathing in the Blue Lagoon, Panoramic Reykjavik & Airport Transfer

Optional

04 h 10 m

Viewpoint from Perlan, offering splendid views over the city
Enjoy a pleasant drive through the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula
Relax and enjoy a unique bathing experience in the Blue Lagoon's aquamarine water

Choose

YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Number of Guests:

Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m² (108ft²) private balcony.

Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m² (129ft²) private balcony.