Iceland in Depth

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Your journey begins here in Iceland’s quirky and creative heart. This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne as you explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink in the Sky Bar as you toast to the start of an unforgettable voyage. Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Weather permitting, today we visit the jewel of the Westfjords. Stand back and admire the cascading bridal veil falls and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. This afternoon, we will visit the charming village of Patreksfjörður. One of the pioneering forces behind Icelands fishing industry in the early 20th century, this peaceful town is now known for its natural beauty and adventurous spirit. Admire rugged beaches and follow stunning hiking trails along this section of the Icelandic coastline that was once the playground of pirates. Freechoice: Fish Tasting & Walking Tour: Enjoy a guided walk through Patreksfjörður village and harbour, learning about its fishing heritage and tasting fresh and dried fish along the way. Látrabjarg Cliff & Hnjótur Museum: Walk on Látrabjarg, Europe’s largest seabird cliff and the world’s best place to photograph puffins. Learn local stories at Hnjótur’s Heritage Museum. Hike Between Two Fjörds: Hike along an old route between Patreksfjörður and Tálknafjörður while a local guide tells you about the history of the area.

Isafjördur is the gateway to the Westfjords region on Iceland’s northernmost peninsula. Set on the Skutulsfjörður Fjord, surrounded by mountains and the sea, it has been an important fishing and trading centre for more than 500 years. The well-preserved Old Town is filled with colourful historic buildings set on the edge of the harbour, perfect for a picturesque stroll. The surrounding Westfjords area abounds in natural wonders with waterfalls, jagged cliffs and pink sand beaches.   Freechoice: Tastes of Isafjordur – Walking Tour: After a short introduction to the town, visit local food producers to taste their dairy products, dried fish, chocolate and beer. Vigur Island: Enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour of Vígur. Learn how farmers live off the land, look for puffins and visit Europes smallest post office. Valagil Hike: Drive to the neighboring fjord Álftafjörður for a moderate hike towards Valagil, a spectacular ravine with waterfalls. History at Hesteyri: Enjoy the beautiful scenery and rich history of the abandoned village of Hesteyri. Feel the eerie atmosphere and look for Arctic foxes, seals and whales. Life & Culture Tour: Explore the town and learn about the historic struggle to survive in the beautiful but harsh landscapes of the Westfjords.

The friendly town of Sauðárkrókur is located in a fertile valley along the south-western shore of Skagafjörður Fjord. Although Sauðárkrókur was officially settled in 1871, it is linked to history dating back to the ancient Grettir’s Saga of the 13th century. It’s the largest town in northwest Iceland, though is only home to just over 2,500 people. The charming downtown will welcome you as you stroll through the small collection of distinctive, traditional buildings where the past seems to be brought back to life. Freechoice: Rural Culture, Nature & Horse Show: Step back in time at the Skagafjordur Heritage Museum Glaumbaer, meet Icelandic horses at Hrímnishöll Horsefarm and taste traditional meat soup. The Icelandic Horse: Get an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse while enjoying the beautiful landscape of Skagafjordur. Drangey Island & Bird Watching: Visit the island of Drangey, a 700,000-year-old extinct volcano, home to abundant bird life. Town Walk & Battle Exhibit: Take a stroll around Sauðárkrókur with a local guide and visit the only Virtual Reality Battle Exhibition in Iceland.

Siglufjörður, or Sigló, as the locals call it, is the northernmost town in Iceland and has long been linked to the ebb and flow of the nation’s fishing industry. It rose from a tiny shark fishing village in 1900 to the undisputed herring capital of the Atlantic. Today, the colourful village has a vibrant cultural life that belies its small size with a number of good restaurants, art galleries and workshops. It is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, with dramatic mountains and fjords offering incredible opportunities for outdoor adventure. Freechoice: Herring Museum & Salting Show: Visit the award-winning Herring Era Museum and enjoy a fun herring salting show, complete with music, dancing and tastings. Cultural Stroll in Siglufjörður: Discover local highlights and learn about the fascinating history of this picturesque town with an easy stroll around Siglufjörður, finishing at a craft brewery. Hike in Siglufjörður: Experience the enchanting Hvanneyrarskál Valley Hike, a scenic 5km round trip with a 200m elevation gain. Enjoy panoramic town and fjord views while our expert guide delves into local history and nature. Enrich A once in a lifetime opportunity awaits guests upon arrival in the picturesque harbor town of Siglufjörður. The evening begins with a welcome drink at the Boat House building of the Herring Era Museum to enjoy a private and exclusive concert performed by local Icelandic Folk Musicians.

Nestled on the edge of Shaky Bay, Húsavík has a long history as the first place in Iceland to be settled. In the year 860, a Swedish Viking and his crew built Iceland’s first house here as they wintered on the island. Today, it’s known for its colourful houses, unique museums and stunning peaks across the bay. It’s considered Icelands Whale Capital and you can spot up to 23 species breaching from the deep blue waters regularly between May and September, while pods of dolphins frolic year-round. Freechoice: Diamond Circle: Embark on an unforgettable journey starting at Dettifoss, Europes awe-inspiring waterfall. Witness natures artistry at Hljóðaklettar before exploring Ásbyrgi, a mythical haven. Return via the picturesque Tjörnes peninsula to Húsavik. Whale Watching: Join a three hour whale watching cruise to spot humpbacks, minke whales, pilot whales, orcas and blue whales, as well as dolphins and puffins. Viking Horse Riding: Get an introduction to the Icelandic horse on a ride from the shores to the hills and experience their unique ‘tolt’, the special gate the horse is famous for. Húsavík Sea Baths: Join the locals in an ancient tradition, soaking in the geothermal waters at the GeoSea baths perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Lake Myvatn: Explore this a geothermal area formed by volcanic eruptions with sparkling waters, bubbling mud flats and moon-like landscapes once used for NASA training.

Grímsey is a small island north of the Icelandic mainland, home to only 100 people and one million seabirds. Nesting on the high cliffs that surround the whole island, the chatter of seabirds here is constant, especially during the 24 hours of sunshine in summer. This green, grassy outcrop straddles the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on earth where you can cross over the Arctic Circle on foot – truly a once in a lifetime experience. Freechoice: Guided Walk: Explore this remote and beautiful island, hear tales of folklore and legend, and receive a certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle. Passenger Train: Ride around the tiny island on a petite passenger train that loops around the lighthouse, through the village and past the Arctic Circle Monument. Discovery: Choose to walk across this small island and cross the Arctic Circle or go birdwatching along the cliffs.

Seyðisfjörður is at the mouth of a beautiful fjord and is the heart of culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. The centre of the town is known for 19th century timber houses perched on the side of the lagoon, often called a ‘pearl enclosed in a shell’. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, with wandering reindeer and porpoises frequenting the shores, and home to a flourishing art scene and small-town charm, you’ll soon be captivated by this unique destination. Freechoice: Vallanes Farm: Visit an organic farm known for its pioneering role in Iceland in re-introducing barley for human consumption. VÖK Baths: Plunge into Iceland´s purest hot spring water at these floating infinity pools on the edge of Lake Urridavatn, with water coming from beneath a frozen lake. Archaeology, History & Heritage Walk: A guided walking tour exploring the history and archaeology of the area dating back to pagan and Viking times. Hiking in Skálanes: Visit the Skálanes Nature and Heritage Centre for hiking in a pristine and beautiful environment home to birds, reindeer and seals.

The earth is always rumbling beneath Iceland. Today, you’ll see a perfect example of nature’s ability to both create and destroy. When the volcano Eldfell, meaning ‘Hill of Fire’, erupted here in 1973, parts of the island were covered in lava and ash, sealing them in a virtual time capsule. Walking through the town, you’ll be able to see signs of the eruption and fallout. With more Atlantic puffins nesting here than anywhere else in the world, keep your eyes open for bird spotting. It’s also the best place in Iceland to see orcas, especially in spring. Freechoice: Boat Tour of Heimaey: Discover the island by water, learning about its proud fishing history and how locals have long made their living from the sea. Volcanic Hike & Eldheimar Museum: Hike to the summit of the Eldfell volcano, learn how the harbour was saved from the lava and finish at the excellent Eldheimar Museum. Bus Tour & Eldheimar Museum: Enjoy a scenic guided tour of the island’s highlights including time at the Eldheimar Museum.

Scenic Eclipse will return to Reykjavik this morning. This is a city that offers so much – a busy, buzzy capital with a creative soul, wild nightlife and a population of cool, quirky Reykvíkingurs. Stay longer to explore its stylish restaurants, chic boutiques, innovative galleries and fascinating museums. After one final breakfast on board, you’ll disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you a wealth of memories from an unforgettable voyage. Please book your flight to depart out of Reykjavik after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.