From cosmo Reykjavik, round the immense island country and back, this 10-day small ship expedition is a constant highlight reel of Oreo black sand beaches, volcanoes, glacier tongues, hardened lava fields, daunting mountains, otherworldly basalt columns, pounding waterfalls, dripping caves and immense craters.
You’ll be privy to a total bird’s eye view of the dramatic cliffs and fjords that are populated by millions of seabirds–though the puffin colonies steal the show. On this itinerary, you’ll visit the isle of Grímsey which sits (barely!) on the Arctic Circle at 66° 33’ North, earning Iceland its title as one of the world’s eight Arctic nations.
Off the coast of Húsavík, Iceland’s whale capital, there’s an opportunity to visit one of the most impressive whale museums in the world. The collection of 11 suspended whale skeletons is overwhelming to take in—especially the 25m (82ft) long blue whale. Iceland is known for its peculiar museums dedicated to herring, motorcycles, sorcery and witchcraft, ghosts, sharks, sea monsters and all things phallological.
Between museum bops, navigate Iceland’s extraordinary fjords, the Westfjords and the isles of Vestmannaeyjar (home to Eldfell, the youngest volcano in Iceland). Enjoy lingering pokes around tiny fishing villages and places like Akureyi, home to the northernmost botanical gardens in the world and the time capsule Laufas Turf Houses from 1865. There are also optional excursions to the Forest Lagoon geothermal spa and the grassroots bounty of Vallanes Organic Farm to consider too!
For birders, museum buffs, landscape lovers and photographers of all skill levels, this nature-soaked adventure is a brand-new addition to the Wild Women catalogue. It’s a big dose of Iceland’s marvels, museums, birds and unbelievable beauty.
