Iceland Voyage: Land of Fire and Ice – Le Bellot
Embark on a spectacular voyage with Smithsonian experts along Iceland’s stunning west coast, where you'll explore an otherworldly natural landscape while immersing yourself in Iceland’s rich culture.
SPECIAL OFFER
9.0*
ECO SCORE
184
PASSENGERS
8
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Iceland: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Le Bellot
On the edge of the Arctic, between vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, volcanoes, and boiling geysers, Iceland offers a kaleidoscope of wild landscapes. You will board Le Bellot in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city, for a spectacular 8-day voyage with Smithsonian experts. Departing from Reykjavík, the journey begins with the volcanic island of Heimaey in the Westman archipelago, summer home to millions of seabirds. Explore Grundarfjördur, where you can visit the Snæfellsjökull glacier-capped volcano or go whale watching. Visit Grímsey, famed for its basalt columns and seabird colonies, then sail to Akureyri to explore Lake Myvatn's geothermal wonders or relax in Húsavík's thermal baths. At Isafjördur, delve into maritime history or visit the abandoned village of Hesteyri. Conclude near Reykjavík with the Golden Circle or another whale watching excursion.
- •Amble along the charming streets of Reykjavík and explore its surrounding areas, and even take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon!
•Discover the northernmost island of Iceland and admire the stunning vistas as you sail through the Arctic circle.
•Whale watch as you cruise in the shadow of the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier, with a good chance you’ll get to see toothed whales like orcas, sperm whales, and pilot whales.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Book now for 30% off June - September 2025 voyages!
Rates:
From $8,320 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
July boasts mild temperatures and long daylight hours, and features vibrant landscapes with lush greenery, stunning waterfalls, and accessible hiking trails. Wildlife is abundant, including puffins and whales. The warm weather also allows for a variety of outdoor activities, such as geothermal bathing and exploring volcanic formations.
Inquire for specific dates.
July;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Water
Ships equipped with freshwater purification systems that convert seawater into drinking water.
Carbon
Optimizes the daily speed in order to reduce fuel consumption by 30%
Waste
Has eliminated use of single-use plastic bottles and straws
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavík
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical center where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
Day 2: Sailing Around Surtsey Island
A small drop of basalt in the North Atlantic Ocean, Surtsey is a volcanic island formed by a submarine eruption that lasted from 1963 to 1967, off the Westman Islands to the south of Iceland. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To protect its virgin ecosystem against human presence, it is forbidden to land there. Only a few scientists have access to Surtsey to study the plant and animal colonization of the island. Mosses, fungi and lichens were followed by vascular plants. Around 300 invertebrate species and 90 bird species have gradually colonized it. While sailing around Surtsey, you will enjoy a unique panorama of this extraordinary island’s contours.
Day 3: Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.
Day 4: Grundarfjördur
This secret boreal hideaway is located at the foot of the Kirkjufell, on Snaefellsnes peninsula. Arriving by boat means you will get a closer view of the lava-stone rock standing like a sentinel at the entrance to the bay; Grundarfjörður lies sheltered behind this cone-shaped rock. A stone’s throw from the jetty, crystal clear waters, tundra and beaches give onto the cerulean waters of Breiðafjörður. Scattered with its emerald-colored lawns, this town, with its buildings that merge into the surrounding countryside, will most certainly win your favor.
Day 5: Grímsey
Grímsey is the northernmost island of Iceland surging from the Arctic ocean, with the Arctic circle running through the island. Its contrasted contours are surprising. From Grímseyjarhreppur, the island’s only town located on the west coast, then heading due south, you can take in the beauty of the hillsides, lushly carpeted with moss and grass. On the rest of the coastline, imposing basalt cliffs inhabited by sea birds stand proud.
Day 6: Akureyri
The elegant city of Akureyri is located very close to the Arctic circle, tucked away in the Eyjafjörður fjord. It displays a stunning palette of colours: blue waters in the harbor, bronze mountain ash on the squares and brightly-colored houses in the historical center. As you walk along the cobbled streets, you will come across rows of terraces with wooden furniture. A vast stairway cut into the hillside leads up to the emblematic feature of the town, namely the Akureyrarkirkja church. The very beautiful botanical garden made possible by a microclimate offers the opportunity to discover the Icelandic flora as well as plants from all over the world.
Day 7: Isafjördur
Your ship will take you to the heart of the fjords of North-West Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and steep cliffs, where man struggles to survive. In this very isolated region we find the Isafjörður fjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly for its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows. The town of Isafjörður, which nestles at the back of its fjord, between imposing mountains, is a delightful little town that lives exclusively from fishing. The capital of the Western fjords, its old wooden houses bear witness to its past as a major fishing port.
Day 8: Reykjavík
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical center where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in this operator’s series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
All the 92 staterooms and suites onboard Le Bellot are equipped with private balconies or terraces. Like the rest of the ship's spaces, they have been designed to be exceptionally open to the exterior. Brightness and radiance, discreet luxury, ethnic touches, contemporary design and unparalleled levels of comfort add the finishing touches to the all-round voyage experience.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Capacity: 184 guests
Cabins: 92 cabins
Specialists: Seasoned Excursion Leader, Highly Experienced Naturalists, Expert Crew
ACHIEVEMENTS
Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2022
Cruise Critics Editors’ Picks 2023
Condé Nast #1 Best Expedition Ship Line 2022
"This smaller ship offers a cozy and intimate way to explore the world. Along with its beautifully appointed accommodations, Le Bellot will delight the culinary enthusiasts among you, with two restaurants boasting high-end menus. Demonstrating a commendable commitment to sustainability, the food is sourced directly from the places you visit. The ship's common spaces feature a modern but warm design, creating the perfect ambiance for onboard discussions about the local culture and environment, led by world-class experts. If you’re an inquisitive traveler who appreciates a touch of luxury, get ready for an unforgettable experience!"
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
Click to enlarge
Questions?
Rates
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 5
409 SF; Champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, an armchair, and second TV; Bose Bluetooth speaker, two bathrooms with showers, private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs, and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$17,580pp
PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 6
344 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, and champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge area with a chaise longue and armchair; Bose Bluetooth speaker, bathroom with shower, dressing room & closet, private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs, and a panoramic sliding bay window.
From in USD:
$19,270pp
PRESTIGE SUITE DECK 6
409 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, & champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, an armchair, and second TV; two bathrooms with showers, private 8 m² balcony with four armchairs, and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$18,430pp
GRAND DELUXE SUITE DECK 6
484 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, and champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, armchair, and second TV; bathrooms with shower and tub, dressing room & closet, private 32 m² balcony with two deck chairs and four-seater dining table, and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$21,050pp
PRIVILEGE SUITE DECK 5
344 SF; Priority boarding & butler service; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge area with a chaise longue and armchair; a bathroom with shower, dressing room & closet, Bose Bluetooth speaker, private 8 m² balcony with two armchairs, and a panoramic sliding bay window.
From in USD:
$19,270pp
OWNER'S SUITE DECK 5
484 SF; Priority boarding, butler service, and champagne & fruit basket on arrival; One king-size bed or two single beds and TV; a lounge with a sofa bed, armchair, and second TV; bathrooms with shower and tub, dressing room & closet, private 40 m² balcony with two deck chairs, jacuzzi, & lounge area; and two panoramic sliding bay windows.
From in USD:
$27,150pp
Delve into the fascinating culture and spectacular landscapes of Iceland with Smithsonian scholars and adventurers who bring extra depth to the guiding of this wonderful trip. Unraveling the mysteries of this one-of-a-kind place is the goal of this specialized exploration specifically designed for extra curious travelers.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Includes accommodation in stateroom; the full meal plan; the Open Bar: beginning with boarding, and during the duration of the cruise, a wide selection of drinks (mineral water, soft drinks, wine, beer, Charles Heidsieck champagne, spirits, coffee, tea) is served on request and at any time of the day; free Wi-Fi internet access 24 hours a day; one included shore excursion or activity in each port of call; all port taxes; access to all the common areas: fitness room, steam room, hair salon, swimming pool (sea water, heated), solarium, lounges, theater, boutique & leisure area.
A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, astrophysicist Michelle Thaller and Scandinavian languages and literature expert Elisabeth Ward.
Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Reykjavík to the ship on the day of embarkation.
Transfer from the ship to the airport in Reykjavík at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation.
NOT INCLUDED:
•telephone service
•certain premium alcoholic beverages on the menu are not included in the Open Bar
•spa fees
•visa applications and fees
•private fitness classes
•laundry service
•tips for staff, drivers, and local guides
•personal expenses
•on shore meals
•any other service not mentioned in the program
