Wild Arctic Shores: Circumnavigating Iceland and Exploring Greenland
Experience geological extremes across two distinct Arctic islands, from the thundering waterfalls and bubbling hot springs of Iceland to the rugged fjords that carve out the coast of East Greenland. Hike and bike over volcanic landscapes, witness iconic wildlife in remote fjords, learn history steeped in sagas and see local traditions in tiny seaside villages as you circumnavigate Iceland. Across the Denmark Strait, navigate and actively explore a network of wild fjords, and take in Greenland’s spectacular tidewater glaciers. Along the way, Icelandic experts and musicians add insight and energy to this immersive Arctic adventure.
Highlights
Circumnavigate Iceland to explore across a variety of landscapes, including the rim of a volcanic crater, a backcountry summit, burgeoning birch forests and the shores of a fjord
Navigate the glacier-carved fjords of East Greenland while keeping a watchful eye for whales, arctic fox or the more elusive beluga whales and narwhal
Experience Icelandic culture alongside local guest speakers who share insights into traditional and contemporary daily life
With a National Geographic photographer by your side, capture incredible highlights like Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or the stunning puffin island in east Iceland
Kids and teens will delve deeper into the region’s natural wonders with National Geographic Explorers-in-Training, our exclusive hands-on family program
From
$11,800
/ per person
Does not include any flights
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochures for more details
Europe
From
$11,800
/ per person
View our brochures for more details
Europe
From
$11,800
/ per person
SPECIAL SAVINGS
View our brochures for more details
Europe
Itinerary
Expedition
Download ItineraryStarts atReykjavík, Iceland Ends atReykjavík, Iceland
Day 1
Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark Ship
Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1
Reykjavík, Iceland / Embark ShipArrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. Transfer from the airport to the city and spend the day exploring at your own pace. Check in with the hospitality desk this afternoon before embarking the ship.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Westfjords
Explore the dramatic and remote Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall before entering Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of wildlife, including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds. Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process and are active stewards of the colonies of puffins, eider ducks and black guillemots who call the island home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
WestfjordsExplore the dramatic and remote Westfjords region of Iceland. Hike along the base of a fjord to discover a towering waterfall before entering Ísafjarðardjúp, known for its wealth of wildlife, including whales, seals and countless nesting seabirds. Land at Vigur Island, a fragile wildlife sanctuary, where the landowners continue the traditional eiderdown collection and cleaning process and are active stewards of the colonies of puffins, eider ducks and black guillemots who call the island home.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Siglufjörður
Siglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland's northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
SiglufjörðurSiglufjörður was the center of Iceland’s once-thriving herring industry. Stop by the Herring Museum for a salting demonstration and a tasting. Enjoy the surroundings of Iceland's northern most mainland settlement by joining the local forestry association for an afternoon of conservation in their local woods.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
East Coast of Greenland
Strike out across the Denmark Strait to the wild shores of Eastern Greenland. Known for its volume of calving tidewater glaciers stretching back to the ice sheet, this region offers incredible opportunities to explore multiple fjords aboard ship as well as on landings, where hiking, kayaking or Zodiac cruising might all be possible. While you navigate these waters as a modern-day explorer, spend time on the Bridge or at the ship’s railing, scouring the landscape and waterline for the unique wildlife that call this region home. Look out for humpbacks, beluga whales and seals as well as the elusive narwhal and polar bear.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 4-5
East Coast of GreenlandStrike out across the Denmark Strait to the wild shores of Eastern Greenland. Known for its volume of calving tidewater glaciers stretching back to the ice sheet, this region offers incredible opportunities to explore multiple fjords aboard ship as well as on landings, where hiking, kayaking or Zodiac cruising might all be possible. While you navigate these waters as a modern-day explorer, spend time on the Bridge or at the ship’s railing, scouring the landscape and waterline for the unique wildlife that call this region home. Look out for humpbacks, beluga whales and seals as well as the elusive narwhal and polar bear.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Húsavík
Húsavík is the gateway to the Highlands of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, with a stop at Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or stay along the coast and enjoy a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the GeoSea bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
HúsavíkHúsavík is the gateway to the Highlands of northern Iceland. Depart for a full day overland visiting one of the largest waterfalls in Iceland, Goðafoss, as well as Lake Mývatn, the most geologically active area in Iceland. Alternatively, enjoy an adventurous journey through Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed from the hoof of Odin, with a stop at Dettifoss, the second most powerful waterfall in Europe, or stay along the coast and enjoy a slower pace to the day with forest bathing, bird watching and a soak in the GeoSea bath.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
Grímsey
This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Celebrate officially arriving in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in their burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea sailing around the northern corner of Iceland as you continue circumnavigating the island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7
GrímseyThis morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grímsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Celebrate officially arriving in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars and puffins in their burrows. Enjoy an afternoon at sea sailing around the northern corner of Iceland as you continue circumnavigating the island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Borgarfjörður Eystri
Located on the eastern shore of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is well known for its local puffin colony and stunning fjord framed by the Svartvell Summit. Challenge yourself with a hike up to the summit, standing over 1000 feet above sea level, or bike into the backcountry to take in a different perspective on the surrounding mountain range. Join a local guide on a walk through the small village, including a stop at the local eider down shop or get a taste of the local libations. Throughout the day, enjoy some free time observing the puffins in their bustling island colony as they make their way in and out of their burrows.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Borgarfjörður EystriLocated on the eastern shore of Iceland, Borgarfjörður Eystri is well known for its local puffin colony and stunning fjord framed by the Svartvell Summit. Challenge yourself with a hike up to the summit, standing over 1000 feet above sea level, or bike into the backcountry to take in a different perspective on the surrounding mountain range. Join a local guide on a walk through the small village, including a stop at the local eider down shop or get a taste of the local libations. Throughout the day, enjoy some free time observing the puffins in their bustling island colony as they make their way in and out of their burrows.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
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 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you'll see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas once engulfed by lava.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Westman IslandsThe 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 1963, the world witnessed on film the birth of its newest island, Surtsey—a UNESCO World Heritage site—which you'll see as you cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. Visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, for amazing views of areas once engulfed by lava.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Reykjavík / Disembark Ship
Disembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10
Reykjavík / Disembark ShipDisembark in Reykjavík and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ships
National Geographic Endurance
GUESTS 138
CABINS 76
DECKS 6
The most advanced ice-class expedition ship afloat, offering unprecedented access to polar regions.
National Geographic Explorer
GUESTS 148
CABINS 81
DECKS 6
An authentic expedition ship, purpose-engineered for blue water and polar exploration
Expedition Extensions
Expedition Team
Our captains, crew, staff and guides make up the most experienced team in the industry—committed to making every voyage unforgettable. Veteran captains, with decades at sea, are experts at navigating in all conditions, while seasoned naturalists bring advanced knowledge in fields such as geology, wildlife biology and climate science. Many of these professionals have been with us for decades, and their insights bring each destination to life in ways that profoundly enrich your journey. Their expertise is the foundation for the meaningful and transformative experiences we offer in the world’s most extraordinary places.
Special Offers
SPECIAL SAVINGS
Take advantage of our additional offers
CELEBRATE LIFE'S MILESTONES
10% OFF BACK-TO-BACK VOYAGES
SAVE 5% TRAVELING AS A GROUP
BRINGING THE KIDS
PAY BY DEBIT: EARN A $100 ONBOARD CREDIT
COMBINING OFFERS
View our brochures for more details
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