Northeast Iceland - Fjords, Hiking & Northern Lights

We board the ship in Akureyri at 4.00pm and meet our expedition team. Depending on conditions, we may sail approximately three hours to Dalvík or remain overnight in Akureyri harbour. Our first evening offers the possibility of seeing the northern lights, weather permitting. An optional coach transfer from Reykjavík to Akureyri (approximately six hours) is available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance.

Meals:  D

Weather permitting, we sail towards Grímsey Island, where a Zodiac landing and guided walk take us across the Arctic Circle. We may spend the night here or continue towards Húsavík via Skjálfandi Bay, where whales are often sighted. If conditions prevent us from reaching Grímsey, we remain in Akureyri and travel by coach to the Lake Mývatn region for guided hikes among volcanic landscapes, waterfalls and geothermal areas, returning to the ship in the afternoon.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we have time to explore the coastal town of Húsavík, known for its whale-watching heritage. There is an opportunity to visit the local whale museum (entrance fee not included) before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, we hope to sail across Skjálfandi Bay, keeping watch for humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. If weather conditions prevent us from sailing, an alternative coach excursion takes us to the Tjörnes Peninsula, known for its birdlife and geological formations. We then continue to Ásbyrgi, a remarkable horseshoe-shaped canyon, for a guided hike through its dramatic landscapes. Returning to Húsavík, there may be time to relax in the town's geothermal pools (admission fee not included).

Meals:  B,L,D

Weather permitting, we continue sailing along Iceland's northeast coast towards the small town of Raufarhöfn. Here, we hope to go ashore and walk to the Arctic Henge, a striking stone monument inspired by Norse mythology and designed to function as a giant sundial. Still under construction, it draws on the ancient poem Völuspá and Iceland's Viking heritage. Alternatively, a coach excursion takes us inland to Dettifoss, one of Europe's most powerful waterfalls. Measuring 100 metres wide and 45 metres high, the falls are an impressive sight as the Jökulsá á Fjöllum River plunges into the canyon below. Guided hiking will be a focus of the excursion before we return to the ship in the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our journey takes us further along Iceland's remote northeast coast, sailing from Raufarhöfn towards Vopnafjörður in the Austurland region. This rugged and less-visited coastline is characterised by steep mountains, deep fjords and small fishing communities. Conditions permitting, we head ashore for guided hikes, exploring the landscapes and natural features of this remote corner of Iceland. If weather or sea conditions prevent us from reaching Vopnafjörður by ship, we will explore inland by coach, with our expedition leader selecting the best route and hiking opportunities for the day. We rejoin the vessel in the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we continue our expedition along Iceland's remote eastern coastline, sailing from Vopnafjörður towards Seyðisfjörður. Conditions permitting, we hope to stop at Borgarfjörður Eystri, a scenic fjord surrounded by rugged mountains and steep coastal landscapes. The area is steeped in Icelandic folklore, with nearby Álfaborg believed to be the home of the Icelandic elf queen. We may also explore the tiny fishing village of Bakkagerði, where traditional coastal fishing remains an important part of local life. An alternative coach excursion will allow us to explore further inland, with our expedition leader selecting the most suitable route and activities. We rejoin the vessel in the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our expedition concludes this morning as we disembark in Seyðisfjörður. For those returning to Reykjavík, an optional coach transfer to Egilsstaðir Airport (approximately 45 minutes) is available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance. From Egilsstaðir, travellers can take a domestic flight to Reykjavík (approximately one hour), which must be booked independently. PLEASE NOTE: All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises. The average cruising speed of our vessel is 6.5 knots.

Meals:  B