Name: Iceland in Depth
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: V2224081008

Itinerary

Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters.

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

ATV Tour (2 persons/ATV)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Experience the thrill of exploring the mountainous terrain of the Westfjords on an ATV
Gear up for adventure with all the essentials provided for this unique Icelandic experience
Take in panoramic vistas of deep blue waters and snowy mountains as you ascend to their peaks, witnessing the stunning beauty of the Westfjords

Calm Fjord Kayaking

Optional

02 h 00 m

Take a peaceful kayaking trip through the Westfjords, famous for calm waters and stunning peaks
Get up close with nature, see delicate ecosystems, and feel the harmony of the environment
Watch for curious seabirds above and lively marine creatures below as you glide through the gorgeous fjords

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

Get ready for an Arctic adventure on a 7.5km island hike with our guide, soaking up Grimsey's ancient tales and stunning scenery
Keep your eyes peeled for puffins, guillemots and other seabirds as we stroll past the Orbis and Globus artwork marking the Arctic Circle's path
See a 19th-century driftwood church, a testament to Grimsey's resilience, as we explore this remote northern outpost

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.

Home to some 18,000 residents, Akureyri stands proud as the Land of Fire and Ice’s ‘Capital of the North’. It’s the gateway to some natural wonders including the Myvatn region, Dettifoss waterfall, Godafoss waterfall and Asbyrgi canyon. But before you rush off, take some time to explore: Iceland’s winsome second city is colourful, cosy and utterly enchanting – even the red traffic lights are cute. Instagrammers will adore heart-shaped stop signs. Enjoy the quaint harbourfront; climb the steps to the towering Akureyri Church; stroll around Lystigardurinn, the city’s Arctic botanical garden; visit the Laufás Turf Houses; get in the festive spirit early at the Christmas House (Jolahusid); admire the exhibits at the Akureyri Art Museum or the Hof cultural centre; or take a dip in the outdoor, geothermal swimming pool.

Leisurely Akureyri & Goðafoss Waterfall

Included

03 h 30 m

Let the town's storied past and architectural treasures fill your imagination as you pass through its picturesque streets
Learn about pagan chieftain Thorgeir Thorkelsson’s dramatic declaration in the year 1000 that changed the course of history
Explore the Botanical Garden and acquaint yourself with every indigenous species that thrives in Iceland

Jewels of The North

Optional

08 h 00 m

Listen to the captivating story of Goðafoss Waterfall, nicknamed the "Waterfall of the Gods", and unravel the fascinating legends surrounding its history
Explore the pseudo-craters of Skútustaðir, home to a natural wetlands conservation area
Indulge in regional flavours with lunch at a local restaurant, immersing yourself in Icelandic cuisine and culture

Off The Beaten Track (Off-roading in Northern Iceland)

Optional

07 h 30 m

Experience a panoramic view from the rim of the old crater Lúdent, revealing the surrounding areas beauty
Pause in the birch and flower-covered Vaglaskógur forest to listen to the melodious birdsong
Stand in awe at the edge of the Highlands, marvelling at the majestic Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall, a typical and breathtaking Icelandic landscape

Whale Watching

Optional

04 h 00 m

Experience one of the best locations in the world to enjoy whale watching with abundant marine life and ideal feeding grounds
Get the chance to possibly witness a variety of magnificent whale species, including the blue whale, the humpback, minke and the elusive sei whale
Learn from our expert guides who will share their extensive knowledge about the whales and their fascinating behaviours

Brightly painted wooden houses line Seyðisfjörður’s port, regarded as east Island’s cultural hub with a lively arts scene disproportionate to its size. Seyðisfjörður has attracted writers and artists and hosts a summer arts festival. Surrounded by incredible nature, the nearby Skálanes nature reserve is known for its diverse wildlife with over 47 bird species, as well as 150 plant species. Reindeer, seals and porpoises often populate the area.

Vök Nature Baths

Optional

03 h 00 m

Take a soak in the floating geothermal pools at the Vök Baths to unwind and revitalise surrounded by the rest of Lake Urriðavatn
Admire the architecture of the baths, designed to evoke a deeper connection and appreciation for the beauty of Iceland’s one-of-a-kind nature
Learn the legend behind the thermal pool, rumoured to be home to a monster living at the bottom of the lake who prevents the water from freezing

Archaeology, History and Heritage Walk

Included

02 h 00 m

Fjörður archaeological excavation site under mt. Bjólfur
Explpore the town of Seyðisfjörður and enjoy refreshments at Skaftfell Bistro
Visit the fascinating Technological Museum of East Iceland

Chasing Waterfalls – Hike

Optional

02 h 30 m

Hike through Vestdalur Valley near Seyðisfjörður, a protected nature reserve due to its remarkable sea
See the abandoned town of Vestdalseyri, once a bustling whaling station inhabited from 1851 to 1963
Enjoy the stunning scenery with waterfalls, wild birds nesting, and grazing Icelandic horses and sheep

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.

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.