A Circumnavigation of Iceland
A Circumnavigation of Iceland, a small ship cruise aboard the 138-guest National Geographic Endurance or 148-guest National Geographic Explorer, introduces Iceland’s geology in all its world-class manifestations: glaciers, thundering waterfalls, immense cliffs, geothermal springs, boiling mud pots and rock and lava-scapes of unique beauty. These features alone makes a circumnavigation a compelling idea. Add in the other itinerary components—Iceland’s people, their unique cultural heritage and contemporary character, the island’s geography and birdlife—and experiencing all of Iceland in one expedition is irresistible.
Geologically young, Iceland is located on both the Iceland hotspot and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, which means it is highly geologically active with many volcanoes—hundreds of them, in fact. Most famously, the volcano in Eyjafjallajökull erupted in 2010. On this comprehensive itinerary, actively explore Iceland’s wild western coast; Siglufjordur in the north; the rarely-visited rugged east coast; and the Westman Islands, one of the planet’s youngest archipelagos. See Europe’s largest icecap while traveling with an expert team, including a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspective guest speaker, an undersea specialist, a wellness specialist and a video chronicler.
These Iceland circumnavigation cruises allow for off-ship adventures every day—Zodiac cruises, hikes and walks, or kayaks allow for personal encounters with beauty and wildness. You’ll have a choice of activities, plus your choice of naturalists to join—for a moveable feast of personalities, insights and interests, and the option to relax, too. Enjoy the view from the ship’s panoramic glass windows. Or visit the fitness center with its generous views of the ice vistas, or ease into the sauna or a massage in the wellness center.
For travelers with less time, the Fire & Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland itinerary follows the same route and only misses a few visits scheduled on the main 10-day itinerary.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Arctic cruises and Iceland cruises.