Arctic, Iceland

Wild Iceland Escape (NG Explorer)

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Discover why Iceland is known as the “land of fire and ice” on a voyage to the remote fjords and volcanic isles along the country's western coast. Venture across the stark landscape of an island formed by volcanic eruptions, where the ground is still warmed by geothermal activity. Set out by Zodiac to view towering cliffs teeming with nesting seabirds and snow-capped plateaus rising into the clouds. Explore the legacy of Viking explorers and intrepid fishermen as you visit historic villages and navigate dramatic shorelines from the wild Westfjords region to the volcanic Westman Islands.

Highlights

• Explore Iceland's pristine fjords, fascinating tundra and dramatic waterfalls, accompanied by a dedicated team of naturalists.

• Encounter evidence of volcanic activity as we soak in geothermal hot springs, hike over cooled lava fields, and view Iceland's newest isle, Surtsey.

• Discover the rich biodiversity of the remote Westfjords, spotting nesting puffins and gannets on the Látrabjarg cliffs and watching for humpback and minke whales in the surrounding waters.

• Choose your own adventure on one of five optional trip extensions, from a hiking excursion across Iceland's untamed highlands to an exploration of the Snaefellsness peninsula's epic natural wonders.

DAY 1: Reykjavík, Iceland/Embark

Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Have a guided overview of the Old Town, including Hallgrímskirkja Cathedral with its 210-foot tower, and perhaps shed some light on Nordic culture at the National Museum, with its Viking treasures and artifacts, and unusual whalebone carvings on display. Embark National Geographic Explorer. (L,D)

DAY 2: Djúpavík

Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea, learning about Iceland and its incredible diversity. We will spend the afternoon on the remote eastern side of the Westfjords to experience rural Iceland. This corner of Iceland is difficult to access and is seldom visited by many people but boasts spectacular beauty and rich history. We will take advantage of the dramatic landscape of the fjord to offer hiking, leisurely explorations of the tundra, and perhaps photography of wildflowers. The tiny town of Djúpavík held its place on the map because of the golden age of herring. During its heyday in the 1930’s, its herring plant was the largest concrete structure in Iceland. The plant closed in 1954 but remains as a small museum and a memory of the rich productivity of the herring industry in Iceland. We’ll visit the museum and learn about the significance of this resource to all of Iceland in the 20th century. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: Arnafjörður and Látrabjarg Cliffs

In the early morning, our ship will glide into beautiful Arnafjörður, along the northwest coast of Iceland. For a more active experience, disembark early and hike several miles along the base of the fjord to visit spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the bow of the ship as we venture ever deeper into the fjord and then go ashore by Zodiac to walk up to the base of the waterfall, passing nesting arctic terns along the way. This afternoon, sail past the immense Látrabjarg Cliffs, the westernmost point of Iceland and home to a huge population of razorbills. The cliffs are an area once famous for egg collecting; the men were tied to ropes and lowered like spiders down onto the ledges. Conditions permitting, we may also launch our Zodiacs to see the incredible cliffs from the waterline. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: Islands of Surtsey & Heimaey, Westman Islands

The Westman Islands were formed by undersea volcanoes between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago and are among the youngest of the world’s archipelagos. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Drive between the two volcanoes of the island then visit the ruins of old Viking houses dating back to the year 900 AD. Opt to hike up Eldfell volcano, formed during the 1973 eruption, and have amazing views of areas that were engulfed by lava. In some places the ground is still warm with thermal vents. Watch for nesting Atlantic puffins and gannets along the shores of the island. In 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site—which we see as we cruise past the coast. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: Reykjavík, Iceland/Disembark/Home

Today we complete our circumnavigation of Iceland, disembarking in Reykjavík. Choose to visit the famous Blue Lagoon thermal baths or enjoy a visit to a hot spring, a geothermal power plant and an Icelandic horse farm, prior to flights home. Alternatively, join us for one of the optional post-voyage land extensions and continue your explorations of this amazing country! (B, L)

Please Note:

All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

08 July, 2021 to 11 July, 2021 Book now

Category 1

$6,480 AUD pp

Main Deck with one or two Portholes #301-308

Category 2

$7,240 AUD pp

Main Deck with Window #317-320, 335-336

Category 3

$7,490 AUD pp

Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 Triples: Main Deck with WIndow #341, 343

Category 4

$8,620 AUD pp

Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228

Category SA (solo)

$9,000 AUD pp

Solo A Main Deck with Window #309-312, 329-334

Category 5

$9,350 AUD pp

Upper Deck with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224

Category SB (solo)

$9,370 AUD pp

Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208

Category 6

$11,120 AUD pp

Veranda Deck–Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102

Category 7

$12,920 AUD pp

Upper Deck–Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 All cabins are available as triples.

21 July, 2021 to 24 July, 2021 Book now

Category 1

$6,480 AUD pp

Main Deck with one or two Portholes #301-308

Category 2

$7,240 AUD pp

Main Deck with Window #317-320, 335-336

Category 3

$7,490 AUD pp

Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 Triples: Main Deck with WIndow #341, 343

Category 4

$8,620 AUD pp

Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228

Category SA (solo)

$9,000 AUD pp

Solo A Main Deck with Window #309-312, 329-334

Category 5

$9,350 AUD pp

Upper Deck with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224

Category SB (solo)

$9,370 AUD pp

Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208

Category 6

$11,120 AUD pp

Veranda Deck–Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102

Category 7

$12,920 AUD pp

Upper Deck–Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 All cabins are available as triples.

National Geographic Explorer

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 108 meters

Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)

Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008

National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.

Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.

Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.

Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.

Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Explorer

Reykjavik’s Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon PRE-VOYAGE

Extend your stay in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital. Enjoy the surreal Blue Lagoon, and have a guided in-depth experience along the famed Golden Circle.

Iceland’s Highlands and Lowlands: An Active Adventure POST-VOYAGE

Discover Iceland’s southern coast highlands and lowlands via super jeep and on foot. Hike through Landmannalaugar’s dramatic lava fields. Glide past blue icebergs in the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Explore Svínafellsjökull Glacier on foot, and encounter incredible views and stunning regional geology.

Snaefellsness: Fire & Ice POST-VOYAGE

Enter Langjökull Glacier’s aquamarine Ice Cave and venture inside Víðgelmir lava tube cave. Drive and walk parts of the coastline of the stunning Snaefellsness National Park to see black pebble beaches, basalt sea stack columns, and perhaps a glimpse of the imposing Snaefellsjökull Mountain.

Iceland’s Volcanic Northeast POST-VOYAGE

Explore the volcanic Lake Mývatn region. Walk through Dimmuborgir lava field of stacks and caves, hike the black sand of Hverfjall Crater, hear the thundering roar of Dettifoss Waterfall, Iceland’s largest. Venture into Asbyrgi canyon. Relax in two different geothermal spas.

Iceland Heli-Hiking POST-VOYAGE

Take a scenic helicopter tour to two different glaciers where you’ll have the rare opportunity to go on a glacier hike. Plus, explore the world’s only man-made ice cave and go deep underground to see the brilliant-blue ice that’s been forming over centuries.

Inclusions

• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
Trip specific inclusions;
Alcoholic beverages (Premium brands may be excluded)
Gratuities incuded on NG Explorer

Exclusions

• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry