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Circumnavigate Iceland aboard Heritage Discoverer, exploring the country's diverse coastline, remote islands and communities. From Reykjavík, travel through the Westfjords and around Iceland's northern, eastern and southern coasts, combining well-known natural landmarks with places that are difficult to reach by road or larger vessels. Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, visit the seabird cliffs of Látrabjarg and wildlife-rich Vigur Island, and cross the Arctic Circle at Grímsey. From Húsavík, head inland to the geothermal landscapes of Lake Mývatn before continuing along the east coast to Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach. The journey continues to the volcanic Westman Islands, with a planned cruise past UNESCO-listed Surtsey, before returning to Reykjavík. Throughout the voyage, guided walks, Zodiac excursions and wildlife viewing provide opportunities to experience Iceland beyond its ports. Look for puffins and other seabirds, whales and dolphins, learn about Iceland's history, folklore and maritime traditions, and explore with an experienced expedition team. Optional sea kayaking is also available.
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Day 1
Arrive Reykjavik
Arrive in Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital and the starting point for your circumnavigation. Make your own way to the group hotel and settle in for the evening. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and members of the expedition team over dinner at the hotel.
Meals: D
Day 2
Reykjavík & Golden Circle
After breakfast, set out to explore Iceland’s renowned Golden Circle. Visit Gullfoss, where the Hvítá River plunges through a dramatic canyon, before continuing to the geothermal Haukadalur region to see Strokkur geyser erupt. At UNESCO World Heritage-listed Þingvellir National Park, walk through a landscape shaped by the meeting of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates and visit the site of Iceland’s historic parliament, established in 930 AD. This afternoon, board Heritage Discoverer and meet the captain and expedition team. Settle into your cabin as the ship departs Reykjavík for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Grundarfjörður & Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Arrive at Grundarfjörður on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, surrounded by mountains and overlooked by distinctive Mount Kirkjufell. Explore this small fishing community and learn about its long trading history, which stretches back to Viking times. The surrounding peninsula offers views towards glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull, an active volcano famously featured in Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Depending on the day's programme, opportunities may include exploring the area around Kirkjufell or visiting a traditional farm for an introduction to local culture, Icelandic horses and regional food traditions.
Day 4
Patreksfjörður, Látrabjarg & Dynjandi
From the small coastal village of Patreksfjörður, travel to Látrabjarg, Europe's largest bird cliff. Extending for 14 kilometres and rising as high as 441 metres, the cliffs support millions of breeding seabirds during summer, including Atlantic Puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and Northern Fulmars. Later, continue into the Westfjords to visit Dynjandi Waterfall, where water descends around 100 metres over a series of stepped falls before reaching the fjord below.
Day 5
Vigur Island & Ísafjörður
Explore privately owned Vigur Island, a small wildlife sanctuary in the Westfjords and an important nesting site for Atlantic Puffins, Black Guillemots, Arctic Terns and Common Eiders. Meet the island's farming family and learn about their long tradition of sustainable eiderdown harvesting. The island is also home to Iceland's only windmill and one of Europe's smallest post offices. Continue to Ísafjörður, a historic trading and fishing community surrounded by the mountains and fjords of one of Iceland's least populated regions. Depending on conditions and the day's programme, explore the surrounding nature with the expedition team or spend time visiting the town's museums, galleries and artisan workshops.
Day 6
Siglufjörður & Grímsey
Sail into narrow Siglufjörður, where the colourful town of Siglufjörður sits beneath the mountains of the Tröllaskagi Peninsula. Once at the centre of Iceland's herring industry, its former industrial buildings now house cafés, galleries, workshops and the Herring Era Museum. This afternoon, continue to remote Grímsey, Iceland's northernmost inhabited island. The Arctic Circle crosses the island, which is also known for its large seabird populations and basalt cliffs. Go ashore by Zodiac and explore on foot with the expedition team, with opportunities for nature and photography walks and a visit to the island's lighthouse.
Day 7
Húsavík & Lake Mývatn
Explore Húsavík, overlooking the wildlife-rich waters of Skjálfandi Bay. Once associated with Iceland's whaling industry, the town is now well known for whale watching, with Humpback and Minke Whales, White-beaked Dolphins and Harbour Porpoises among the species found in these waters. There are opportunities to discover Húsavík's maritime history or travel inland to Goðafoss waterfall and Lake Mývatn. Formed by volcanic activity, the lake is surrounded by lava fields, hot springs, bubbling mud pools, sulphur vents and unusual geological formations. It is also an important habitat for a wide variety of birdlife.
Day 8
Borgarfjörður Eystri
Enjoy a relaxed morning at sea before reaching Borgarfjörður Eystri on Iceland's east coast. Surrounded by mountains and walking trails, this small community is also known for its puffin colony and the Icelandic folklore associated with the area's 'hidden people'. Explore the countryside with the expedition team, join a local guide in the village or take on a more challenging hike for views across the surrounding landscape. There should also be time to observe and photograph Atlantic Puffins at their breeding colony.
Day 9
Djúpivogur & Vatnajökull National Park
Arrive in Djúpivogur, a small community on the Búlandsnes Peninsula surrounded by fjords and overlooked by the basalt mountain Búlandstindur. Continue south to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vatnajökull National Park, a landscape shaped by glaciers, rivers, volcanic and geothermal activity. Visit Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs calved from Breiðamerkurjökull Glacier drift across the lagoon towards the Atlantic. Follow their journey to nearby Diamond Beach, where pieces of ice wash onto the black volcanic sand.
Day 10
Westman Islands
Spend your final full day exploring the volcanic Westman Islands, an archipelago of 15 islands and numerous rock stacks off Iceland's south coast. Conditions permitting, cruise past UNESCO World Heritage-listed Surtsey, formed during an underwater volcanic eruption that began in 1963, before continuing to Heimaey. Here, the landscape still bears evidence of the 1973 Eldfell eruption. Explore the island's geology, local community and prolific birdlife, with the possibility of walking to the summit of Eldfell. The Westman Islands are also an important breeding area for Atlantic Puffins.
Day 11
Trip conclude in Reykjavik
Arrive back in Reykjavík early this morning. After breakfast, disembark Heritage Discoverer and transfer by coach to a central Reykjavík location or Keflavík International Airport, where your expedition concludes. Due to the possibility of weather or operational delays, onward travel should not be booked before 12 noon. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle Zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding Zodiacs and navigating the ship may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. You might find yourself kayaking past icebergs, snowshoeing across pristine landscapes, or even camping on the ice for a night under the stars. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
Heritage Discoverer is a purpose-built expedition vessel designed for immersive exploration in remote and polar regions. Ice-strengthened for high-latitude operations, she combines a proven expedition pedigree with modern upgrades and refined onboard spaces. Carrying up to 130 guests, the vessel offers an intimate and flexible expedition experience, supported by a highly experienced crew and expedition team. Multiple viewing areas, including an observation lounge and open bridge access, ensure a constant connection to the surrounding environment, while a fleet of Zodiacs enables regular shore landings and close-up wildlife encounters. Onboard, spacious ocean-view staterooms and suites are complemented by relaxed dining areas, lecture facilities and wellness amenities, creating a comfortable base for exploration. Designed to balance capability and comfort, Heritage Discoverer is well suited to exploring some of the world’s most remote and compelling regions.
Heritage Suites - 2 cabins
Located on Deck 7, Heritage Suites are 67m2 including a 15m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.
Worsley Suite - 2 cabins
Located on Deck 7, Worsley Suites are 57m2 including a 8m2 furnished private balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), espresso machine, vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.
Discovery Suite - 6 cabins
Located on Deck 5, Discovery Suites are 39m2 including a 1.5m2 French balcony, living room with desk and sofa (converts to single bed), vanity table, walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.
Navigator Suite - 2 cabins
Located on Deck 7, Navigator Suites are 37m2 including an 8m2 furnished balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub.
Superior Balcony Stateroom - 8 cabins
Deck 5 Superior Balcony Staterooms are 19m2 -20m2 including a 1.5m2 French balcony, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower
Deck 4 Superior Single Staterooms - 6 cabins
Deck 4 Superior Single Staterooms are 16m2 - 18m2 and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.
Deck 4 Superior Staterooms - 20 cabins
Deck 4 Superior Staterooms are 18m2 and feature a large picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.
Deck 3 Superior Single Staterooms - 4 cabins
Deck 3 Single Staterooms are 14m2 - 15m2 and feature two porthole windows, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.
Deck 3 Superior Staterooms - 20 cabins
Deck 3 Superior Staterooms are 18m2 and feature a picture window, queen-size bed with twin option, and marble bathroom with shower.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
14 Days