The Reykjanes Peninsula holds many geological wonders – one of the country’s deepest lakes, bubbling and steaming earth and the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.  Your journey will start with a pleasant drive through Reykjavík city center with a short photo stop by one of the city’s main attractions, Hallgrímskirkja church. We will continue our tour by driving through the lively port town of Hafnarfjörður, situated picturesquely on an ancient lava flow. Continue on along the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland where you will have a photo opportunity and enjoy the rugged scenic landscape.  Then on to Krýsuvík where in the geothermal field, powerful jets of steam escape from deep below the earth’s crust and the multicolored pools of boiling mud bubble and pop continuously. You will head on across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes, driving through the bustling fishing village of Grindavík before arriving at the Blue Lagoon, located in the middle of a beautiful lava field. The Lagoon’s aquamarine-colored water, the steam and the lava landscape surrounding it succeed in creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. You will have a unique bathing experience here.   Homeward bound you will drive through the Reykjanes lava fields and through Reykjavik city before arriving at the Windstar hotel. 

 

Please note:  This itinerary may operate in a different order if necessary. Wear comfortable walking shoes. . At the end of the tour guests will be transferred to the chosen Windstar Hotel. If guests are booked at different hotels they will need to pay for transportation from the Windstar Hotel to their chosen property.

 

 

 

This classic city tour takes in all the highlights of Reykjavík.  Your journey will begin with a drive through Laugardalur (“Warm Water Valley”) where you will pass one of the most popular outdoor geothermal swimming pools. From there the road will lead you to drive past the open-air museum at Árbær.  You will, then cross the Ellidaá River, one of the world’s cleanest salmon rivers. Eventually you will reach Álftanes Peninsula where the President’s residence, is located.  Returning to the city  you will drive to Perlan, The Pearl with its viewing deck that offers great panoramic views over Reykjavik. You will head towards Hallgrímskirkja, the church that dominates the city skyline with its imposing tower, then drive through the charming old quarter of Reykjavik with its colorful wooden houses and narrow streets , past the University of Iceland complex and along the city pond, Tjörnin. Then you’ll reach the old harbor where you’ll make a quick stop. Finally you will follow the coastline and make one short stop at Höfdi House where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986. Drive directly to the Viking World Museum to enjoy the delicious Icelandic meat soup before exploring the museum. Then you will be drive to the airport or your waiting hotel.

 

Please note:  The order of the itinerary might be reversed if necessary. At the end of the tour guests will be transferred to the chosen Windstar Hotel. If guests are booked at different hotels they will need to pay for transportation from the Windstar Hotel to their chosen property.

 

 

 

This tour aims at introducing you to the main attractions of the main Westman Island. You will board your coach and drive into the Herjolfsdalur Valley where old farmhouses can be found.  Continue along the scenic western part of the island with a beautiful view of the outer islands of the archipelago. Your next stop will be the site of the largest colony of Atlantic puffins, then on to two volcanoes, the 5,000-year-old Helgafell and the considerably younger Eldfell, which erupted in 1973.  You will make a stop here to walk to an amazing panoramic viewpoint.  Continue on  over the new lava field, past the Skansinn, a fort where a wooden church was donated by Norway, before returning back to the pier.

Please note: Order of sites visited may vary. 

You will board your coach and drive into the Herjolfsdalur Valley where old farmhouses can be found.  Continue along the scenic western part of the island with a beautiful view of the outer islands of the archipelago. Your next stop will be the site of the largest colony of Atlantic puffins, then on to the 5,000-year-old Helgafell.  You will make a stop here to walk to an amazing panoramic viewpoint.  Continue on  over the new lava field, past the Skansinn, a fort where a wooden church was donated by Norway. Then you will visit the new Eldheimar – “Pompeii of the North” Museum where the history and aftermath of the 1973 eruptions are explored. Head to the notorious Eldfell volcano before returning to your yacht.

 

Please note: Order of sites visited may vary. 

           

 

 

 

The Westman Islands are renowned for their birdlife and interesting geological history. You will walk to  the RIB boat location where you will have a brief introduction to RIBs before your safari begins.  You will travel  into some of the caves around the area, such as the Eider Duck Cave, whose name derives from the eider duck colony nearby. You will visit a huge and extremely deep cave with beautiful basalt columns decorating the walls. You will also see a small cave where the sunlight shines through, creating a mesmerizing  interplay of light and water. The final cave you will see is the roomy Cliff Cave with its excellent acoustics.

 

Please note: While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, whales are sometimes sighted on this tour, including orca, dolphins and porpoises. Often seals make an appearance as well as sea birds such as cormorants, fulmars, gannets and puffins. This trip is not recommended for people with back problems and pregnant women.  

             

 

 

 

The beautiful Westman Islands are rich in natural beauty. Your walking tour with an informative guide will begin at the naturally formed harbor which was almost destroyed in the 1973 eruption.  You will walk to Skansinn, an old fort built by orders of the Danish King in the 17th century. You will see the wooden church near the fort and walk up the hill to the newly formed lava fields of Eldfell. You will walk along the edge of the lava field with a great view over the town. You will see signs of old houses that were buried during the eruption as you walk to the crater of Eldfell where you will appreciate more of the power of nature. 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. We do not recommend this tour for guests with back problems.

This tour will take you on a journey into the past, right by the edge of the largest wilderness area in Northern Europe. On a picturesque drive from Seyðisfjörður, head over the impressive mountain pass of Fjarðarheiði, which has numerous small and beautiful waterfalls. You will pass Egilsstaðir, a town of 2000 inhabitants and the commercial center of the area. Continue along Iceland’s third largest lake, Lagarfljót. The lake’s bed lies 328 feet below sea level, having been formed by glaciers over thousands of years. The lake is famous for the mythical “Ness” that is said to reside far below. There you will step off the coach and into the past in an adventurous fashion. At the Wilderness Center Exhibitions you will experience an adventure, be moved, surprised and enlightened without feeling as if you are in a museum. Every detail of the premises is designed to simulate the atmosphere of the life in the early days.  Before you make your way back to the pier you will enjoy traditional, homemade refreshments. On the way back to the pier you’ll pass the beautiful Hallormsstaðarskógur forest where over 40 species of trees from various parts of the world grow.

Please note: Dress warmly in layered clothing to face the unpredictabillity of Icelandic weather.

This hiking tour will take you on a walk to the third highest waterfall in Iceland. You will depart from the pier and drive over the impressive mountain pass of Fjardarheidi, passing several small waterfalls. You will stop at the village of Egilsstadir, then drive along Iceland’s third largest lake, Lagarfljot, with a lake bed that lies 328 feet below sea level. You will arrive at the starting point of your hike and it will take about 1.5 hours to reach the waterfall, with a drop of 387 feet.  Your descent from the waterfall will take about an hour and then you will drive around Lake Lagarfljot to reach one of the few forests in Iceland, Hallormsstadur, where over 40 species of trees from various parts of the world grow. 

Please note: Wear comfortable clothes and hiking shoes. 

Here is a unique opportunity to visit one of Iceland’s most remote places.  You will drive to Thorarinsstadir, an important archaeological farm site. Then you will continue your drive through a green valley surrounded by high mountains. The valley is dotted with lonely looking abandoned farms that remind the traveller that this peaceful landscape was once home to farmers and their families. Then on to Skalanes Nature Reserve, where you will have a guided tour of the site where the Icelandic environment and cultural history can be researched and interpreted while maintaining a model for sustainable tourism.  The area is home to about 47 different species of birds  during the summer and sometimes seals or reindeer can be spotted and on rare occasions a whale can be seen off the coast. Eider ducks nest in great numbers around the pond here.  

Please note: Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

 

 

 

You will board a coach and drive over the impressive mountain pass of Fjardarheidi to Egilsstadir, the commercial center of east Iceland.  From there you will continue along Lagarfljot, Iceland’s third largest lake that is 328 feet below sea level.  You will arrive at Skriduklaustur, the former home of one of Iceland’s greatest writers, Gunnar Gunnarsson. You will walk from there to Snaefellsstofa, the visitor’s center for the area.  Continue on to Valthjofsstadur, a 13th century church estate containing many valuable items. Back on your coach you will pass Hallormsstadur, one of the country’s most successful forestry stations with over 40 species of trees from various parts of the world. You will make one last stop in Egilsstadir to visit a souvenir shop with handcrafted items made by local artists.

Please note: Sites might be visited in a different order. Wear comfortable walking shoes. 

You will begin your walking tour from the pier, passing charming wooden chalet-style houses which the town is known for. Continue to the beautiful wooden church, often called the “Blue Church” where you will be treated to a short concert of Icelandic melodies performed by a local musician.  From the church you will walk to the Avalanche Memorial and then to the home of a local folk artist, the late Asgeir Emilsson.  Your next stop will be at Skaftfell, a center for visual arts where interesting exhibitions are held by various international artists.  Then your walk will continue to the Technical Museum, which consists of six houses, a shipyard, Iceland’s oldest telegraph station and the oldest machine shop.  On the way back to your ship you will make a stop at a souvenir shop.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. 

The nature surrounding the town of Seydisfjordur is a spellbinding display of waterfalls, mountains, and the ocean. This hiking tour  will provide you with the excellent opportunity to explore the beauty of the Icelandic landscape.  This guided walk will take you on a hike up to a part of the Vestdalur Valley near Seydisfjordur. The valley is a protected nature reserve due to its remarkable flora. Eventually you will reach the abandoned town of Vestdalseyri, where you will find ruins of the former town. The town was inhabited for roughly a century (1851-1963). Originally there was a whaling station and it was home to one of the largest cooperatives in the country. Despite its beautiful and sunny location the town declined with the last inhabitant leaving it in 1963.  You will walk past a series of beautiful waterfalls that will provide ideal photo opportunities, then return back to the coach and return to the pier.

 

Please note:  Dress warmly in layered clothing due to the unpredictability of Icelandic weather. Wear comfortable sturdy shoes. 

 

 

 

This easy half-day tour will take us on a leisurely journey around Akureyri and its nearby surroundings.
The journey commences from the town of Akureyri along the coastline of Eyjafjörður Fjord. After a drive through lush and fertile farmlands, you’ll reach Goðafoss, “Waterfall of the Gods.” The name refers to an important historical event that took place in the year 1000. After a time of friction and fights between the Christian and pagan people of the young nation the Althing decided that an official religion of the country had to be decided in order to maintain peace. The leader of the Althing, the pagan chieftain Thorgeir Thorkelsson, made a public declaration in favor of the Christian faith. When Thorgeir returned home he threw his pagan icons of the Nordic gods into the waterfall in a symbolic gesture.
From Goðafoss return to the charming town of Akureyri that is colorfully framed by the sea and the mountains. Continue with a short sightseeing tour through the old quarter of Akureyri. Akureyri has long been the economic and cultural center of Northern Iceland. Its importance as such can be seen in the architecture of many of the town’s older buildings that bear a strong Danish influence from the time that Iceland was part of the Danish kingdom. Your last stop on this tour is the Akureyri Botanical Garden. The Botanical Garden was founded in 1912 and it grows every species indigenous to Iceland as well as an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world. The Garden is popular with locals and tourists alike who come here to enjoy the peace and quiet that it offers. After your visit to the Botanical Garden return to the pier.

 

Please note: The order of sites seen may be reversed.

 

 

 

There is an old Icelandic law that forbids the import of horses and any horse that leaves Iceland is barred from returning.  Icelandic horses have been nicknamed, “the most useful servants” and they were bred to withstand the harsh elements.  You will depart from the pier and drive the short distance to the stables where you will be saddled up with a gentle horse and head out for a 1-hour easy riding tour through the lush countryside near Akureyri. 

Please note: The age limit for this tour is 12. No prior riding experience is required and all necessary equipment will be provided.  Wear comfortable clothing.

This popular tour encompasses the highlights of Northern Iceland. You will begin with a drive along the picturesque coastline of Eyjafjordur Fjord to beautiful Godafoss Waterfall. You will continue through fertile farmlands to reach Lake Myvatn, one of Iceland’s natural treasures. This lake is home to thousands of birds. Your next stop will be Namaskard, a striking geothermal field full of mud-pots, steam vents, sulfur deposits, boiling springs and fumaroles. Close by is Dimmuborgir, a dramatic lava landscape with strange formations, columns and arches that have been the source of many icelandic folktales. A short drive away you will find Skutustadir pseudo-craters, formed by gas explosions when boiling lava flowed over the wetlands near the lake. You will have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your waiting ship.

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary.

There is hardly a better way to enjoy Iceland’s plentiful geothermal power and beautiful  vistas of lava and moss than a visit to one of the best nature baths. You will depart from the pier for the 1.5-hour drive to Myvatn Nature Baths. The tastefully designed complex will offer you a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising from below the earth’s surface.  These warm and soothing waters benefit both your skin and your spirit. You will have 1.5  hours to enjoy the baths before your 1-hour drive to Godafoss Waterfall where you will have time to take photos and appreciate the beauty of the falls.  Re-board your motor coach for the 40-minute drive back to your waiting ship.

Please note: Bring your camera, swim suit, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Order of sites visited may be reversed.

Experience getting up close to the incredible humpback whales of the Eyjafjörður Fjord, a place of serene beauty and marine life, framed by glacier-carved and snow-capped mountains. The Eyjafjörður Fjord is narrow and deep and is perfect for the small RIB boats that depart from Akureyri pier. With only 12 guests per boat the RIB boats will allow you to get closer to the whales and wildlife than any other boat can offer. The boats are small and fast which means you can cover a larger area as you search for wildlife. This allows for an increased chance of spotting whales, dolphins and bird life. Like all wild nature experiences, sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, the potential for whale watching from Akureyri is excellent and has a 95% success rate for spotting whales. Many species have been sighted here, including blue-fin, humpback, minke and sei whales.

Please note: This tour is not for those with back or neck problems. Safety overalls will be offered onboard the boats. It is recommended you  bring your own warm and waterproof clothes, as it can be cold and wet and wear flat comfortable shoes. 

Mind-blowing scenery, bubbling hot springs, action and relaxation combine to deliver a splash of unforgettable memories on a river rafting adventure tour through the magnificent West Glacial River Canyon.  The journey will start  with a scenic drive to the base camp in Skagafjörður where you will gear up and have safety instructions before heading down to the river to enjoy a 1.5 hour rafting through the canyon. On the way you’ll have the opportunity to sample hot cocoa from nature’s own kettle and the brave ones might want to try a little cliff jumping. This tour is ideal for those who want to enjoy a gentle water experience and the opportunity to explore Icelandic wilderness from the depths of the canyon with its high walls and extraordinary geology.  After the rafting you can have a relaxing moment in the outdoor hot tubs before enjoying the famous and delicious Icelandic meat soup. 

Please note:  the age limit for this tour is 12 years old. Bring  your swimsuit, a warm long sleeve fleece and a towel

Fjord kayaking is not only a healthy and rewarding way to spend some time, it’s also a perfect way to get to know Icelandic nature up close. The West Fjords have earned a deserved reputation for being the nature- and adventure-lover’s paradise. You will take a short walk to the kayak center and receive some instruction on tandem kayaking before beginning your tour. You will see the fjord’s beauty right from the water under the magnificent mountains towering over the area  in this get-close-to-nature  experience.

 

Please note: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Pricing is per person, based on two guests in each kayak.

 

 

 

This boat tour goes to the beaches of Hornstrandir, one of the most beautiful and remote areas in Iceland. The abandoned village of Hesteyri can only be reached by boat and is therefore a wonderfully unspoiled land where time has stood still for several decades. Your boat ride will afford spectacular sceneries of the fjord and if the weather is clear you’ll catch a glimpse of Drangajökull Glacier and maybe some puffins and arctic terns. On rare occasions whales are seen in the fjords and seals sometime swim alongside the boat. The 70-minute journey will take you to  Hesteyri village. This s isolated spit of land is framed with steep cliffs and has two majestic mountains in its background. The area is now a nature reserve, where the arctic fox feels very much at home and you are likely to see some scurrying off.  Until the 1950s Hesteyri had a small and scattered community supported by the industry of whaling and later by a herring processing plant. This visit will  give you  insights into the isolation and hardships the villagers faced that eventually proved too hard to bear. The villagers made the joint decision to abandon their homes and seek a new life elsewhere. A dozen houses are still maintained as summer residences for the former villagers and their descendants.  Your guide will take you on an informative walk around this fascinating place. You’ll have some refreshments in the former doctor’s residence before heading  back to Ísafjörður and your ship

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm  layered clothing.

For those of you who want to know what current life is like, this walking tour will provide an insight into the modern life of the local people in Ísafjörður. Following a stroll around the heart of the town, you will drop in at the Culture House for an insight into the local arts. A taste of the modern local cuisine awaits you at a popular pub, where the locals gather to party away the long winter nights. Dropping in at the Everyday Museum, take a peek into the life of local people through a variety of media. The tour will round off perfectly, with the last stop at the town´s recently established brewery.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and warm layered clothing.

Enjoy the breathtaking view over the unique landscape from the sea side while looking out for whales and maybe even seals and birds in their beautiful natural environment.  You will sail around Ísafjarðardjúp, the stunning fjord region by Ísafjörður town with it‘s beautiful fjords and mountain ranges.  Your journey will bring you past the beautiful bird island Vigur or Snæfjallaströnd (Snow-Mountain Coast). Chances are high that you’ll spot different kinds of birds such as puffins flying around, seals might swim by and probably even whales swimming across the sailing route. With only 12 guests per boat the RIB boats will  allow you to get closer to the whales and wildlife than any other boat can offer. The boats are small and fast which means you can cover a larger area as you search for wildlife. 

Please note:  Wear warm layered clothes and good sturdy walking shoes. Like all wild nature experiences, sightings cannot be guaranteed. We do not recommend this tour for guests with back problems or pregnant women.

Make your own journey to the center of the earth during this exciting tour that is perfect for the adventurous visitor. The tour will begin with a scenic drive from the port in Grundarfjörður.As we get closer to Snæfellsjökull Glacier you will reach your destination where your guide will greet you.After all the guests have been provided with helmets and flashlights you will head to the entrance of the cave.   Inside the lava cave there are two main sections. The upper section has great features and unique formations of lava.The lower part of the lava cave can only be reached by a long and narrow staircase that will take you deep underground, to a place which was hidden from the outside world for thousands of years. As you make your way through the cave the guide will inform you about the geology, history and folklore associated with the cave. When you’re deep inside the lower cave all the lights will be turned off and you will experience total darkness. 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. 

This tour will offer a chance to see many of the wonderful highlights of Snaefellsnes Peninsula. You will drive through several small fishing villages that hug the dramatic coast on your way to the famous Snaefellsjokull Glacier. You will stop at Djupalonssandur Beach for a short refreshing walk on the pebbled beach where strange rock formations are found and you can take the strength test on four great rocks weighing from 50 to 340 pounds. After a short drive past the cliffs of Londrangar, you will arrive in the tiny fishing village of Arnarstapi with  its many interesting lava formations and an abundance of birdlife. After a walk you will board your coach and head for Budir, famed for its beautiful surroundings of black lava and yellow-sand beach.  You will visit the church  then continue over Frodarheidi Heath back to Grundarfjordur.

Please note: Sightings of sea birds cannot be guaranteed. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The itinerary order may vary.

The Reykjanes Peninsula holds many geological wonders – one of the country’s deepest lakes, bubbling and steaming earth and the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.  Your journey will start with a pleasant drive through Reykjavík city center with a short photo stop by one of the city’s main attractions, Hallgrímskirkja church. We will continue our tour by driving through the lively port town of Hafnarfjörður, situated picturesquely on an ancient lava flow. Continue on along the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland where you will have a photo opportunity and enjoy the rugged scenic landscape.  Then on to Krýsuvík where in the geothermal field, powerful jets of steam escape from deep below the earth’s crust and the multicolored pools of boiling mud bubble and pop continuously. You will head on across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes, driving through the bustling fishing village of Grindavík before arriving at the Blue Lagoon, located in the middle of a beautiful lava field. The Lagoon’s aquamarine-colored water, the steam and the lava landscape surrounding it succeed in creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. You will have a unique bathing experience here.   Homeward bound you will drive through the Reykjanes lava fields and through Reykjavik city before arriving at the Windstar hotel. 

 

Please note:  This itinerary may operate in a different order if necessary. Wear comfortable walking shoes. . At the end of the tour guests will be transferred to the chosen Windstar Hotel. If guests are booked at different hotels they will need to pay for transportation from the Windstar Hotel to their chosen property.

 

 

 

This classic city tour takes in all the highlights of Reykjavík.  Your journey will begin with a drive through Laugardalur (“Warm Water Valley”) where you will pass one of the most popular outdoor geothermal swimming pools. From there the road will lead you to drive past the open-air museum at Árbær.  You will, then cross the Ellidaá River, one of the world’s cleanest salmon rivers. Eventually you will reach Álftanes Peninsula where the President’s residence, is located.  Returning to the city  you will drive to Perlan, The Pearl with its viewing deck that offers great panoramic views over Reykjavik. You will head towards Hallgrímskirkja, the church that dominates the city skyline with its imposing tower, then drive through the charming old quarter of Reykjavik with its colorful wooden houses and narrow streets , past the University of Iceland complex and along the city pond, Tjörnin. Then you’ll reach the old harbor where you’ll make a quick stop. Finally you will follow the coastline and make one short stop at Höfdi House where the summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev was held in 1986. Drive directly to the Viking World Museum to enjoy the delicious Icelandic meat soup before exploring the museum. Then you will be drive to the airport or your waiting hotel.

 

Please note:  The order of the itinerary might be reversed if necessary. At the end of the tour guests will be transferred to the chosen Windstar Hotel. If guests are booked at different hotels they will need to pay for transportation from the Windstar Hotel to their chosen property.