Iceland Cruise: The Land of Fire & Ice - Le Champlain
Gasp in awe as you take in the vast, otherworldly landscapes, thundering waterfalls, and shining bays that inspired the likes of Jules Verne. Hear possibly true tales of elves!
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
148
PASSENGERS
11
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Iceland: Drink It In
Explore Iceland on a comprehensive itinerary that takes in every facet of one of the world’s most scenic destinations. Circumnavigate the island in its entirety aboard an exclusively chartered luxury expedition ship, cruising along breathtaking coastline, navigating beautiful fjords and going ashore for in-depth explorations of Iceland’s wildlife, history and culture, led by A&K’s unparalleled Expedition Team. Wander quaint fishing villages, spot whales and rare birdlife along towering sea cliffs, explore a placid glacial lagoon and visit the crater of an extinct volcano on this remarkable, adventure-packed expedition.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • Explore East Iceland and breathtaking Hofn at the foot of the Vatnajokull ice cap with its striking glacial lagoon and rugged lava beaches.
• Discover Husavik, where you'll experience a private behind-the-scenes tour of the renowned Husavik Whale center. Then cross the Arctic Circle!
• Travel in style and comfort with one of the best expedition teams in the business: ready to make every day more exciting than the last, and to take care of your every need and desire.
SPECIAL OFFER
Rates:
From $11,995 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
September Departure
Ask us about future dates.
September Departure
Ask us about 2023 dates.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
CARBON
Fantastic advances in minimizing carbon footprints at locations.
ENERGY
On the East African Energy Renewal Board
EDUCATION
Runs local educational facilities for children.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland’s northerly capital. Following a mandatory COVID-19 test upon border entry, transfer to ‘Le Champlain,’ your luxury mega yacht for the next ten nights, to await results. Later, join the welcome briefing and meet your Expedition Team. Enjoy dinner on board this evening.
Day 2 - The Westman Islands | The Volcano's Edge
Today, head toward the archipelago of the Westman Islands. Discover Heimaey Island’s unique geography and local farmhouse ruins. You may opt for a moderate or vigorous walk up to the island’s storied volcano before heading to the Eldheimar Museum, home to interactive exhibits that detail the crater’s powerful eruption in 1973. Later, conditions permitting, board your Zodiac for an up-close view of Surtsey Island. Considered Iceland’s southernmost point, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also considerably young — it was created from volcanic eruptions occurring between 1963 and 1967. When the eruption first occurred, columns of ash were sent almost 30,000 feet into the sky and could be seen on clear days as far away as Reykjavík. This evening, attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and get to know your fellow adventurers.
Day 3 - Hofn, Iceland | Majestic Mountains & Glaciers
At the foot of the massive Vatnajokull ice cap lies an otherworldly, strikingly picturesque glacial lagoon. Board a small craft and watch these masses of polished and sculpted blue ice float by in peaceful procession on their way to the Atlantic Ocean. Soaring mountains ring the lagoon, providing an inspiring backdrop for your cruise. Back on land, take in the rugged, spiky peaks of Vestrahorn Mountain before heading back to the ship.
Day 4 - Seydisfjordur | Thunderous Waterfalls
Today, visit the quaint and colorful fishing village of Seydisfjordur. Explore the Vestadlur Valley, an amazingly scenic area where over 30 waterfalls of various shapes and sizes cascade down the valley’s mountainous walls. Alternatively, conditions permitting, visit Skalanes, a private nature reserve and heritage center set in the East Fjords region. Dramatic snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, vast sea cliffs and secluded sandy beaches make this a nature lover’s paradise. The area is home to 47 different species of birds, including eider ducks, black-tailed godwits, red-necked phalaropes and gyrfalcons.
Day 5 - Husavik | Whale-Watching Heaven
Arrive in picturesque Husavik and visit the Husavik Whale Museum, supported by A&K Philanthropy. The museum is one of the world’s foremost centers for research of whales and their habitat. Afterward, choose to embark on a scenic whale-watching excursion followed by free time in Husavik, or else set off for Godafoss Falls and geothermal Lake Myvatn. This evening, ‘Le Champlain’ remains in port with free time to explore the quaint fishing village, or time to enjoy dinner on your own in town.
Day 6 - Grimsey Island | Above the Arctic Circle
Though Grimsey Island sits astride the Arctic Circle, it enjoys a mild climate and is covered with rich vegetation. Weather permitting, go ashore to visit the Viking hamlet of Sandvik, home to about 100 permanent residents who earn their living from fishing and fish processing. A Zodiac cruise along Grimsey’s basaltic cliffs provides an exhilarating view of the incredible birdlife including kittiwakes, razorbills, and fulmars.
Day 7 - Strandir Peninsula | Remote Villages & Fjords
Today, explore the remote Strandir coastline. Among your excursion opportunities may include a visit to the small town of Djupavik, once home to one of the biggest herring processing factories in Europe in the early 20th century. Today the abandoned factory is a haunting reminder of a once-vibrant industry. Explore the plant’s abandoned silos, which provide a unique acoustic environment that has attracted and inspired some of Iceland’s most notable musicians. Explore the “ghost town” and surrounding area and hike to the waterfall overlooking the town for an extra touch of magic in this out-of-the-way place.
Day 8 - Westfjords | Historic Isafjordur
The Westfjords of Iceland are more remote and much less visited than other parts of the country. Settlements such as Isafjordur, today’s planned call, are small and interspersed among spectacular lava-formed mountains and coves. The largest town and the trading and cultural center of the Westfjords peninsula, it is framed by verdant fjords, which you explore on a leisurely tour of the countryside. Explore farms and fishing villages, or choose to kayak through its glacial bays. For the “young at heart,” uncover the history of trolls, elves and ghosts in Iceland with a fun guided walk around town.
Day 9 - Westfjords | Lava & Ice Carved Lands
This morning, continue to explore the Westfjords, and conditions permitting, cruise past the stunning bird cliffs at Latrabjarg, Europe’s westernmost point. You might make a visit to Dynjandi Falls, the grandest waterfall in the Westfjords. Dynjandi is a spectacular sight, with water cascading down tiered ridges flanked by a green and brown façade. Enjoy leisurely walks up to a viewing platform or opt for something more vigorous, like a hike all the way to the top of the falls. Another possible place you may visit is Red Sand Beach, one of the most beguiling shorelines in Iceland. Wander the reddish-hued sands as they subtly change color with the sunlight, shifting through a palette of reds, golds and greys.
Day 10 - Grundarfjordur | Journey to the Center of the Earth
Take in the glacier-carved terrain of Iceland’s Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and Grundarfjordur, one of the first villages in Iceland. Today, choose from various excursion options. You may visit the Snaefellsnes Peninsula with its fishing villages, stunning Snaefellsnes Glacier and views of the majestic, extinct Snaefellsjokull volcano — the site that inspired Jules Verne’s fictional Journey to the Center of the Earth. Alternately, you may hike well-known sites from the Icelandic Sagas, including the beautiful Berserkjahraun lava field; the 240-foot Mount Helgafell (“Holy Mountain”), with spectacular views over the Breidafjordur islands (weather permitting); and the old town of Stykkisholmur and Bjarnarhofn (“Bear Harbor”), where you explore a shark museum and wooden Dutch church.
Day 11 - Depart Reykjavik
This morning, disembark ‘Le Champlain’ in the port of Hafnarfjordur and transfer to the Reykjavik airport for your return flight home.
Please Note: Itinerary is for guidance purposes only and may be adjusted due to unforeseen circumstances including weather, medical emergencies and other conditions beyond A&K’s control at the sole discretion of the Captain.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required for participation in this program. All guests will also be given a COVID-19 test on arrival. Details are provided in your Pre-Travel Documentation and are subject to change.
Flight Schedule: Flights on September 11 should be scheduled for arrival to Reykjavik by 12:00 p.m. A private transfer will be provided directly from the airport to the ship, to await COVID-19 test results.
Activity Level: Moderate. This journey contains some active elements, including Zodiac boat excursions, walks over uneven terrain and optional, challenging hikes.
Minimum age is 16 years old.
First group event: welcome briefing on Sep 11.
Last group event: disembarkation by 9:00 a.m. on Sep 21.
Rates
Questions?
Iceland is burned into my memory. The volcanic landscapes transported me to another world and I know they will do the same for you!
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel/ship in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure (on Expedition Cruises, transfers may be shared and included on start and end dates only); services of Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners and with all lunches and dinners on Connections European River Cruise Journeys; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide/East Africa safari driver-guides.
Luxury Expedition Cruises Additional Inclusions:
Complimentary select bar drinks, beer, house wine, soft drinks, coffee drinks, juices and bottled water (excluding premium wines, spirits and Champagnes) while on board; complimentary local beer and wine for included meals on shore; complimentary room service on board; all shore excursions and lecture program while on board; Traveler’s Valet laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during cruise only (dry cleaning excluded); services of an Expedition Staff and local guides; gratuities for the ship’s crew and Expedition Staff and Pre- and Post-Tour guides; a complimentary expedition parka and backpack and use of waterproof boots, pants and trekking poles provided on board for all polar cruises.
