Iceland: Circumnavigating the Land of Fire and Ice

Having made your way to Reykjavik, you will be met by a representative of Aurora Expeditions and transferred to ourgroup hotel. Upon arrival at your included hotel, please visit the Aurora Expeditions hospitality area where you canleave your luggage and enjoy refreshments if arriving prior to 4pm. Whilst here you can collect your luggage cabintags speak with our ground operations team, who may have information to share with you about pre-embarkationor to provide you with information about where to dine, withdraw cash or purchase last minute items from a localpharmacy or supermarket.The remainder of your time is at leisure. All meals today are at your own expense.Accommodation: The Grand Hotel Reykjavik (or similar)

This morning, please ensure your cabin luggage is fitted with cabin tags clearly labelled with your name and cabinnumber. Your luggage will be collected from your hotel and transferred directly to the port for clearance anddelivered to your cabin ahead of your arrival on board. Please keep any valuables or personal items with youthroughout the day.Today we follow the path of one of Reykjavik’s most popular seismic attractions – the Golden Circle. Stops along ourroute include Thingvellir National Park, accredited as the site of Iceland’s first parliament. A shaky start to the newnation, it is also the point where the Eurasia and North American tectonic plates meet as an open fissure. Our nextstop is Gullfoss waterfall. This impressive water feature tumbles 34 meters into the Hvítá River, offering a popularphotographic opportunity. Next we explore the geothermal fields and geysir’s for which Iceland is famous. Thevariety of hot springs and bubbling pools are mesmerising as the sheer capacity of water and steam erupting fromthe ground makes you ponder just how much power is beneath your feet. Late afternoon we return to Reykjavik toboard the Greg Mortimer.After boarding, there’s time to settle into your cabin before our important safety briefings before we ‘throw thelines’ to begin our Greenland adventure. This evening, meet your expedition team and crew at the Welcome Dinner.

Arnarstapi is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, gateway to Snæfellsjökull NationalPark. Snaefellsnes Peninsula is an area of diverse landscapes that is characterised by lava fields and glistening fjordsand home to a vast array of birdlife. The area is crowned by the magnificent, ice-capped Snæfellsjökull volcano, a700,000-year-old dormant subglacial volcano, visible from Reykjavik on a clear day and immortalised in Jules Verne’sJourney to the Centre of the Earth. Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1 - Highlights of SnaefellsnessDuration: 8 hours including lunchLevel of difficulty: Easy-Moderate (dependent on fitness)Our first stop will be the dramatic black pebble beach of Djúpalónssandur, where you can marvel at the black sandsand colossal rock formations, volcanic landscapes, and remains of a 1948 shipwreck. Next, you'll visit Búðir, apicturesque hamlet surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Stop to admire Búðakirkja,the 19th-century church, and explore the area before enjoying lunch at Hotel Búðir. The restaurant is renowned forits fresh and local food, sourcing fresh ingredients directly from local farmers and fishermen. At the conclusion oflunch, re-join the coach to travel to Snæfellsjökull National Park, encompassing a large area of SnæfellsnesPeninsula's western tip. For the more active, explore some incredible hiking trails, or simply enjoy your drive throughthe park and take in the beauty that surrounds you. Concluding your day, we continue to the iconic Mount Kirkjufell,a favourite among photographers and known to many as a filming location for the TV show "Game of Thrones." Notfar from this majestic mountain is a waterfall that completes the picturesque scene.Option 2 - Natural Wonders of SnaefellsnesDuration: 8 hours including lunchLevel of difficulty: ModerateUpon disembarkation, we will hike the coastal trail that connects the two villages of Arnarstapi and Hellnar (2 hours).Now a National Reserve, this easy level hike encompasses geology, wildlife, amazing photo opportunities, folkloreand most of all adventure. This old trail takes us along the wild shoreline with a view of the ocean and extraordinarycolumnar basalt and lava cliff formations on one side and stunning mountains and Snæfellsjökull Glacier on theother. The cliffs are alive with a wide range of bird species such as the Arctic Tern, the kittiwakes, gulls and fulmars.Next, you'll step into the 8,000-year-old Vatnshellir Cave, replete with stunning geology, fascinating rock formations,and colourful volcanic rock. We will meet at our base near the cave, where your friendly guide will provide you withall the equipment that you need, including a helmet and headlamp (we strongly recommend that you wearcomfortable and sturdy footwear, as the volcanic rock can be quite difficult to traverse). Then your friendly guide willgive you a brief safety talk before we descend the spiral staircase into this subterranean wonderland. The tourmeanders through the path of the lava flow around 200 meters into a large cave that lies around 35 meters beneaththe surface of the earth, where we will be greeted by some rainbow-coloured volcanic rocks and incredible petrifiedlava formations. The cave is a fairly easy walk, although it will involve a degree of climbing (you must be able toparticipate in prolonged stair climbing). Following lunch, re-join the coach and travel to the iconic Mount Kirkjufell, afavourite among photographers and known to many as a filming location for the TV show "Game of Thrones." Notfar from this majestic mountain is a waterfall that completes the picturesque scene.Option 3 - Snaefellsnes AdventureDuration: 8 hours including lunchLevel of difficulty: Moderate-DifficultThe Land of Fire and Ice is well-known for its incredible landscapes and contrasting terrains that include severalnatural and geological wonders rarely found anywhere else on Earth. The unique geological history of Snæfellsneswill draw you in where you can explore sites revealing Iceland's unique geological history up close. Your first stop isat the Pufubjarg bird cliff, home of nesting puffins and fulmars. From here, hike along the rugged coastline to witness the exceptionally beautiful Londrangar basalt cliffs, a geologic wonder that looks like a huge rock castle. There aremany local birds here, and they are a noisy bunch. Puffins, but especially fulmars, nest in the many cavities in thetwo pillars. From here you hike across a pretty lava field covered in moss to Malarrif, where you can see thelighthouse and explore the beach. Following an early lunch, re-join the coach and head for Eldborg crater, locatedon a short volcanic rift, just 200 metres in diameter, and 50 metres deep. It is the largest crater on this rift and wascreated in an eruption which occurred somewhere between 5000 and 6000 years ago. Unlike many of Iceland’svolcanoes, it has a very classic shape, with smooth sloping sides and a very definite crater. A marked hiking pathleads through a shrub-covered lava field to the top of the crater offering incredible views of Snaefellsnes NationalPark. Concluding your day, we continue to the symmetrical, hexagonal-shaped basalt columns at Gerðuberg Cliffs.Stand in awe at these impressive cliffs, a natural marvel that spans 500 metres. To enjoy the best view, take a walkby the structures. Climbing up the cliff is possible but to really soak in the views of this geological structure, it's bestto enjoy a walk alongside the cliffs.

Over the next three days, we explore the Westfjords region featuring outstanding landscapes with jaw-droppingviews of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristineNorth Atlantic vegetation.At Patreksfjörður, a shore excursion by coach takes us to Látrabjarg cliffs. As Europe’s largest bird cliff, Látrabjarg ishome to millions of seabirds, such as puffin, razorbill, fulmar and guillemot. Enjoy the impressive variety of naturalwonders and unspoiled nature. Látrabjarg also happens to be the westernmost point in Europe, east coast of theNorth American continent on the other side of the Atlantic.Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the afternoon as we cruise northward, taking in breathtaking landscapes andkeeping a watchful eye for whales. Later, we'll embark on a Zodiac landing to witness the awe-inspiring power ofDynjandi waterfall.

Thingeyri, a quaint village nestled on a slender strip of land, graces the shores of one of Iceland's most picturesquefjords, Dýrafjörður. Much like many other coastal settlements in Iceland, the village's culture and industry have beenintricately woven with the influence of the sea over centuries. The surrounding landscape is adorned with toweringmountains, lending a distinctive charm to the scenic expanse that envelops Thingeyri. This idyllic region is oftenhailed as the "Alps of the Westfjords," especially the highland area nestled between the majestic fjords ofDýrafjörður and Arnarfjörður. The beauty of Thingeyri lies not only in its coastal simplicity but also in the dramaticbackdrop of high mountains that paints a captivating portrait of this Icelandic village.Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1 - That Viking Thing ExperienceDuration: 2 hours + free timeLevel of difficulty: EasyToday you will step back in time and learn about the Viking ways and how the hardy Norse people lived off the land.Walk through a recreated Viking area, learning about what is fact and what is fiction in the many stories you'veheard about the famous Vikings. A short hike brings you to the old ruins of the Viking meeting place called a Thing -the closest translation in English is 'parliament.' Step inside the interactive Viking Museum for a chance to dress up in authentic hand-sewn Viking clothing, take photographs, drink Icelandic Viking beer, bake your own Viking bread,and explore the museum - all part of learning more about Viking ways.Option 2 - Sandafell Mountain HikeDuration: 3 hoursLevel of difficulty: Moderate-Difficult (dependent on fitness level)For avid explorers, Iceland is littered with hidden gems, and possibly the best-kept secret of all is the Westfjords.Lying in the most north-westerly area of the island, this sprawling area of natural beauty is truly a hiker’s paradise.Rocky peaks, deep crevices, and charming Icelandic towns all add to the appeal of the Westfjords, not to mentionthe various hiking trails snaking across the unusual countryside. Today we will hike Sandafell, offering gorgeousviews over the town, surrounding mountains and the water below.

Picturesque Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest city outside the capital area and is blessed with a superb snow-capped mountain backdrop.Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1 - Góðafoss, Lake Mývatn & BathsDuration: 8 hours including lunchLevel of difficulty: EasyOur first stop will be the Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. There is a 400-metretrail, easy and mostly flat, approximately 10 minutes to get to the main viewpoint. Next, you'll visit Lake Mývatn andexplore the area. At the conclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Mývatn Nature Baths. Drawing on acenturies-old tradition, the tastefully designed complex offers bathers a completely natural experience that beginswith a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam rising up from a fissure deep in the Earth´s surface and ends with aluxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2,500 metres / 8,200 feet.Option 2 - Góðafoss, Lake Mývatn & DimmuborgirDuration: 8 hours including lunchLevel of difficulty: ModerateOur first stop will be the Goðafoss waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. There is a 400-metretrail, easy and mostly flat, approximately 10 minutes to get to the main viewpoint. Next, you'll visit Lake Mývatn’sSkútustaðagígar pseudo craters. Wander the marked walking paths through the area. You can easily walk around thebowl-like landmasses or take a hike to reach the top for a magnificent view of the scenic surroundings. At theconclusion of lunch, re-join the coach to travel to Dimmuborgir, an area strewn with enormous lava rocks and cliffs.The formation of these extraordinary lava cliffs and pillars are the result of molten lava flowing over a pond in theeruption of Lúdentsborgir and Þrengslaborgir some 2,300 years ago. The most famous of these formations is "TheChurch", aptly named, as this is a cave, open at both ends and with a dome-like ceiling.Option 3 - Hverfjall Volcanic Crater Hike, Dimmuborgir & DettifossDuration: 8 hours including lunch Our first stop will be Dimmuborgir, an area strewn with enormous lava rocks and cliffs. The formation of theseextraordinary lava cliffs and pillars are the result of molten lava flowing over a pond in the eruption of Lúdentsborgirand Þrengslaborgir some 2,300 years ago. The most famous of these formations is "The Church", aptly named, as thisis a cave, open at both ends and with a dome-like ceiling. From here walk up the steep slopes of Hverfjall Crater andaround the crater’s rim for otherworldly and awesome views of the surrounding landscape. This is a 9km loop trailand takes approximately 3 hours or 3.5 hours to include walking around the rim. At the conclusion of lunch, re-jointhe coach to travel to Dettifoss waterfall in northeast Iceland and is reputed to be the most powerful waterfall inEurope. The falls are 100 metres / 328 feet wide and have a drop of 44 metres / 144 feet down to the Jökulsárgljúfurcanyon.In the late afternoon, we reboard our vessel in Húsavík, the whale watching capital of Iceland.Level of difficulty: Strenuous

Located approximately 40 km (25 miles) off the mainland, Grímsey is a verdant grassy island, probably best knownfor its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. Many people travel to Grímsey just to say theyhave stepped across the imaginary line. With a tiny population of approximately 100 inhabitants, it’s a fantasticplace for Zodiac cruising, kayaking, and photographing seabirds such as guillemots, gulls and puffins.Leaving Grímsey to return closer to the mainland, we spend time scanning the waters of Skjálfandi Bay aroundHúsavik, a town known as the Iceland’s ‘whale watching capital’, home to up to 24 different whale species, as well asdolphins and 30 variety of birds. The largest animal on earth, the blue whale, has also been spotted in Skjálfandi Bay,and if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of this magnificent creature as well as others, such as orcas, finwhales and pilot whales.

In the afternoon, we spend some time exploring Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque fishing village that is renowned for itscharming collection of colourful wooden buildings located around the lagoon. Take a stroll around town and discoverthe timber houses that are remnants from when the Norwegians settled here and established the herring fishingfacilities from 1870-1900. From the valley above the town, the river Fjardara tumbles down in beautiful cascades tothe lagoon. There are a number of delightful hiking trails to explore, or alternatively, you can discover a flourishingcultural scene with an arts centre, the famous blue church that stages music concerts and the only two cinemas inthe east of Iceland. Back in town, browse the stores where you will discover handicrafts by local artists and artisans –perfect as a souvenir or gift.

In Iceland’s east, we disembark in Djúpivogur, our gateway to Vatnajokull National Park, home to Europe’s largestglacier.Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1 - Waterfalls, Glacial Lagoons & Hot TubsDuration: 10 hours including driving to/from DjúpivogurLevel of difficulty: EasyMaximum numbers: 60 (2 x 30) Your first stop is at Fossárfoss, a waterfall surrounded by majestic mountains with spectacular views. The layeredbasalt flow formations that surround the area offer a striking contrasting vista making this a favourite locationamong photographers. From here we depart for Vatnajokull National Park, one of the most famous naturalattractions in the world. Explore the astonishing and exotic natural beauty of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by four-wheeled Amphibian boat. Here we observe giant icebergs float slowly towards the ocean from the glacier.Following lunch, re-join the coach and head for Diamond beach, a black sand beach where the icebergs are washedashore, and Fjallsárlón lagoon, renowned for the shimmering icebergs that float in its waters. Concluding our day, wecontinue to the geothermal hot tubs in Hoffell, perfect for a nice, relaxing soak with an otherworldly view.Option 2 - Wonders of Vatnajokull National Park & Canyon HikeDuration: 9 hours including driving to/from DjúpivogurLevel of difficulty: ModerateMaximum numbers: 40Your first stop is at Fossárfoss, a waterfall surrounded by majestic mountains with spectacular views. The layeredbasalt flow formations that surround the area offer a striking contrasting vista making this a favourite locationamong photographers. From here we depart for the dramatic Múlagljúfur Canyon, a true hidden gem ideal forhiking. Here we navigate through overgrown bushes, small river streams, and different trails along the rim of thecanyon. Find yourself marvelling at the panoramic views of Fjallsárlón glacier lagoon, picturesque mountains, vibranttextures, and intriguing rock formations. Following lunch, re-join the coach and head for Vatnajokull National Park,one of the most famous natural attractions in the world. Explore the astonishing and exotic natural beauty ofJökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon by foot. Here we observe giant icebergs float slowly towards the ocean from the glacier.Re-join the coach for Diamond beach, a black sand beach where the icebergs are washed ashore.Note: Múlagljúfur Canyon Hike is 3.8km (2.35 miles) one way and approximately 3 hours duration. Terrain – 315metre elevation with a narrow unpaved trail with two small river crossings, very easy to cross.Option 3 - Falljökull Glacier HikeDuration: 9 hours (4 hours on the glacier)Level of difficulty: Moderate-DifficultMaximum numbers: 45Your first and only stop today is at Falljökull, one of the most impressive outlet glaciers of the Vatnajökull ice cap anda once in a lifetime experience. We will take an inspiring walk along a winding path through the glacier's dramaticallychanging landscape. Arriving at the tongue of the glacier, we will have your crampons ready and waiting for you.With your knowledgeable guide leading the way, you will soon be exploring impressive terrain, walking through awonderland of ice formations and brilliant blue colours. Following a hard-earned late lunch, re-join the coach anddepart for the ship in Djúpivogur.Note: Falljökull Glacier Hike equipment provided - ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet. The minimum shoe size toattach crampons is EU 35 (boots can be hired at additional cost if necessary). Requires a higher level of fitness andagility as you will be on your feet for a long period of time (4 hours) and the terrain is challenging. Please note thetransfer to and from the ship and Falljökull Glacier is 3 hours each way, so come prepared with a book or enjoy themagnificent scenery and a nice nap enroute.

Enjoy a morning and lunch onboard, searching for whales and seabirds. Our team of experts entertains us withinformative talks. Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago.Westman Islands are surrounded by 15 other uninhabited islands and around 30 rocks and skerries offering refugefor rich array of seabirds. Westman Islands are considered to have the largest Atlantic puffin colony in the world, andwhen sailing around the islands it is not uncommon to see puffins but also whales and seals.Personalise your expedition with our included ‘Your Choice’ experiences that best suits your interests and level offitness.Option 1 - Eldheimar Volcano Museum & Puffin ViewingDuration: 3 hoursLevel of difficulty: EasyLocated off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago.Heimaey is the main island in the archipelago, with a population of around 4,200. Various catastrophes have befallenthe island of Heimaey and its inhabitants throughout history. Probably the most tragic incident was the volcaniceruption in 1973. Visit a unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption, theemergence of Surtsey Island in 1963, and the geology of the Westman Islands.We'll continue our drive to Stórhöfði cape for some puffin watching, offering ample photo opportunities to captureshots of the charming little birds. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island if time permits.Option 2 - Eldheimar Volcano Climb & MuseumDuration: 3 hoursLevel of difficulty: DifficultLearn more about the geology and volcanology of Iceland during a two-hour hike up a volcano. Reaching the summit,you can still feel the warmth emanating from its subterranean activity. At the end of the hike, you visit a uniquevolcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963, andthe geology of the Westman Islands. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the island if time permits.Sail past Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngestland masses on earth.

During the early morning, we cruise into Reykjavik and disembark at approximately 8.00 am. Farewell yourExpedition Team and fellow passengers as we all continue our onward journeys. Transfer to Keflavik airport.Note: At the conclusion of the voyage, we recommend booking flights departing after 12.00 pm on the day ofdisembarkation in case there are delays.