Iceland & Eastern Greenland: From and to Reykjavik 13 Day Expedition Cruise

Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do in this diminutive but dramatic city. 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.

Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjördur is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland with colourful wooden 18th- and 19th-century houses in the old town of Neskaupstadur. Ísafjördur was one of the largest fisheries in Iceland, but tourism has now taken over. Nearby is Sudavik, home to the Arctic Fox Centre. Iceland’s only mammal, the arctic fox lives on the lush tundra of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve - the northernmost peninsula in the Westfjords with two of Europe’s largest bird cliffs.

Westfjords Life and Culture

Included

03 h 00 m

Discover the time-honoured local methods of salting fishing
Go back in time as you enter the turf-and-stone fishing shacks, greeted by a local dressed in a traditional sheepskin fisherman's outfit
Visit the Maritime Museum, housed in some of Iceland's oldest buildings, to delve into the history of the fishing industry that has sustained the area for centuries

Whale Watching from Isafjordur

Optional

02 h 30 m

Sail along the beautiful Snæfjallaströnd (Snow-Mountain-Coast) while looking out for whales in the water
Besides whales we might encounter seals as well as dolphins

Secluded Valley & Flavours of Isafjordur

Optional

03 h 30 m

Get to know the history of the Stadardalur Valley , which at one point was inhabited by multiple farms and one of the first places in Iceland to be settled by the Vikings
Visit the farm and interact with the animals and enjoying Icelandic delicacies

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

In the southeastern part of Greenland, the city of Ittoqqortoormiut appears, on the territory of which only 500 people live. A thick layer of sea ice prevents ships from approaching the city's port for nine months of the year, so he arrived in this remote city. Ittoqqortoormiut was founded in 1925 by the Danish explorer Einar Mikkelsen and a group of about 80 Inuit, covering a vast hunting ground. There is still hunting and sea fishing. The territory of Ittoqqortoormiit is home to white foxes, bears and seal colonies.

Discover Ittoqqortoormiit and the local community

Included

03 h 00 m

Explore this astounding settlement dotted with brightly coloured buildings and home to hunters who still depend on the local wildlife for their survival
Learn about the storied past dating back to 1925 when it was founded by approx. 80 Inuit people and a Danish explorer
The local guides spread among the village will point out places of interest you might want to explore, like the museum which is typical hunter settlement home from the 1960s with a collection of historic photographs, paintings and costumes

Over the next few days, we’ll explore the vast Scorebysund fjord network. The imposing basalt mountains create a striking backdrop against the brilliant white ice floating in the mirror-like waters. The mountains offer protection from the Arctic winds, providing excellent shelter for an abundance of Greenland’s iconic wildlife. We’ll be hoping to spot muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares along the frozen shores. Birds also thrive in this delicate ecosystem. With the help of our expedition team, we’ll be looking out for little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, the Greenlandic gyrfalcon and great black-backed gulls. Seals and whales are also common sightings in the fjord waters.

Zodiac Cruising and/or Nature Walks With Your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Scorebysund as you navigate the fjords surrounded by towering basalt mountains
Learn about the unique ecosystem that the mountains protect from the Arctic winds, providing shelter for the abundance of Greenland’s flourishing wildlife
Be on the lookout for the active bird population in the area including little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, the Greenlandic gyrfalcon and great black-backed gulls

King Oscar Fjord forms the northern border of the Scoresby Sound. This seemingly endless maze of valleys eventually gives way to the open sea. The imposing mountains, deep waters and sparkling ice create the kind of dramatic and emotive landscape that photos just can’t emulate. This other-worldly place is beautiful and imposingly hostile all at once. Whilst cruising through King Oscar Fjord, we’ll observe the fascinating Berzelius Bjerg, a mountain with clear bands of coloured strata – formed millions of years ago when the mountains here were once part of the seabed.

Zodiac Cruising With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Join your expedition team on this exhilarating boat ride through King Oscar Fjord, which forms the northern border of the Scoresby Sound.
Cruise past the remarkable Berzelius Bjerg, a mountain with clear bands of coloured strata formed millions of years ago when the mountains were once part of the seabed
This Zodiac ride will bring you up close and personal to the majestic nature of Greenland, so be sure to keep an eye out for the vibrant wildlife like Ringed Seals

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Regarded as east Island’s cultural hub, brightly painted wooden houses line Seyðisfjörður’s port. With a lively arts scene disproportionate to its small size, Seyðisfjörður has attracted many writers and artists over the years and also hosts an annual summer arts festival. Surrounded by incredible nature, the Skálanes nature reserve is a short distance from the town. The area covered by the reserve is known for its diverse wildlife with over 47 species of bird and over 150 plant species. Reindeer are also seen here, with seals and porpoises frequently spotted along the shores.

Skálanes Nature Reserve

Included

03 h 15 m

Enjoy this guided tour of Skálanes nature reserve where your guide will point nesting seabirds, like the large colony of Eiders and Arctic Terns, as well as stunning cliffs reaching up to 640 m
Explore the landscape that still holds remnants of farms and turf structures that demonstrate the relationship of humans and nature since the settlement of Iceland
This tour also includes a stop to an archaeological dig site, called Thorarinsstaðir, to see the stave church and graveyard discovered by a team in 1998

Vök Nature Baths

Optional

03 h 00 m

Take a soak in the floating geothermal pools at the Vök Baths to unwind and revitalize while complete 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

Horseback Riding in the Eastern Fjords

Optional

04 h 30 m

Journey on horseback through the stunning East Fjords to discover the bountiful and vibrant unspoiled nature of the region
Listen as your local guide recounts stories and folklore from area as they lead you to to some of the most picturesque points for pictures
Get to know the five gaits of the small sturdy Icelandic horses are famed for: the walk, trot, gallop, tölt (a smooth run) and skeið (flying pace)

Home to fewer than 500 residents, the quiet fishing village of Djupivogur dates back to the Viking era. Despite its formidable origins, the village is better known these days for its unhurried pace of life. Djupivogur’s most famous artistic offering may be the first thing you notice as you disembark. The 34 large granite eggs that line the road along the bay are not easy to miss. The art installation, named ‘The Eggs at Merry Bay’ (Eggin í Gleðivík in Icelandic) represents the 34 species of birds that nest locally. Immerse yourself further into the wild on a trip to nearby Vatnajökull National Park. Covering 14% of Iceland’s land mass, this vast area is home to giant ice caps, thundering glacial rivers, grumbling active volcanoes and a host of other geological wonders. Take a guided tour out onto Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap, and experience the glory of true Icelandic wilderness for yourself.

A Cultural Walk in Djúpivogur

Included

02 h 00 m

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
Your exploration wouldn't be complete without a visit to a local craft museum and store to admire the craftsmanship and artistry that have been passed down for generations

4x4 Waterfalls & Bragðavellir

Optional

03 h 30 m

Visit the nature lovers haven of Bragdavellir cottage and farm where you’ll find an abundance of bird life set against picturesque views
Get to know the local farmers who keep the site in impeccable shape and also run the Bragdavellir café
Relax to the roaring sounds of rushing waterfalls and even get the rare opportunity to dismount your vehicle and walk up close to Einstigsfoss waterfall

Hoffelsjökull Glacier & Lagoon

Optional

05 h 00 m

Your first stop is Hoffellsjökull, an outlet glacier formed during the "little ice age” which played a crucial role for the local communit
The glacier tongue was also a hub for groundbreaking glaciological studies, offering invaluable insights into the mysteries of these frozen giant
Understand the effects of climate change from your guide and the indelible mark it has left on Hoffellsjökull

Jökulsárlón Cruise & Scenic Drive

Optional

08 h 30 m

Feel the exhilaration of navigating through the icy wonderland of Jökulsárlón by boat, immersing yourself in otherworldly landscapes that will leave you in awe
See some of Iceland’s finest scenery as you pass mountains with glacial tongues penetrating downward and pastoral landscapes squeezed between shifting black sands
On your way back, stop for a traditional Icelandic meal at a local restaurant and glimpse at the beautiful village of Höfn

Vatnajökull Adventure & Sightseeing

Optional

09 h 00 m

Drive through the beautiful Mýrar district and arrive at your destination of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest outside the Arctic regions
Follow the tortuous roads on your ascent up the Skálafellsjökull Glacier as the anticipation builds with each meter you rise above sea level
Ride aboard a 4x4 jeep, a snow scooter or a Snow Truck (assigned by the local operator) and embark on this action packed adventure of a lifetime

A small 13-kilometre square island off the south coast of Iceland, Heimaey’s history has been surprisingly eventful. From the escapee 16th century Irish slaves to the reaches of the Ottoman Empire and subsequent pirate invasion, the island was a place of danger and terror until the mid 18th century. Once these events subsided, for 300 years the people of Heimaey assumed that their days of action were a thing of the past. That was until 1973 when residents awoke to a devastating volcanic eruption. Fissures over a kilometre wide snaked through the town, the lava engulfing over 400 homes. Remarkably, only one person is thought to have died as a result of the eruption, with a quick rescue response ensuring that the 5,300 residents were swiftly evacuated to the safety of the mainland. Evidence of this recent geological activity can be seen just about everywhere on Heimaey and is the focus of the fascinating Eldheimar museum.

Pompeii of the North

Included

03 h 00 m

Visit a birdwatching house in Stórhöfði, providing a wonderful opportunity to see the largest puffin colony
Drive between two incredible volcanoes, the 5,000-year-old volcano Helgafell (Holy Mountain) and the considerably younger volcano Eldfell (Fire Mountain)
Brace yourself for the untamed power of nature with a stop at the windiest place on Earth, where the average wind speed reaches 11 m/s

Caves & Islands RIB Safari

Optional

02 h 00 m

Cruise through the waters at high speeds, jetting from cave to cave and maybe even spotting some wildlife like orcas, dolphins, seals, puffins and fulmars
Visit the Ægir cave, an extremely deep and beautiful cave with basalt columns, and the Klettahellir cave, known as the roomy cliff cave with excellent acoustics
Your guide will point out unusual rock formations that have been shaped over years of interplay by the sea and volcanic activity

Volcano ATV Tour (2 persons/ATV)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Experience the thrill of driving amidst the remnants of volcanic activity as you explore this unique geological wonder
Gear up with all the essentials for your exciting ride, including a helmet with a built in communication gadget so you can listen to your guide’s stories as your tour about the island
You ride will take you to historical points of interest including the scene where Guðlaugur Friðþórsson reached land after swimming 5 km in the dark, cold sea after his trawler Hellisey VE 503 sank

Your cruise ends in Reykjavík. Make sure there is sufficient time before you begin your journey home to 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.

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Island Hearts of the Arctic

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