Arctic Wonders: Iceland & the Arctic Circle

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, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink at the Sky Bar as you toast to the start of an epic adventure. Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Weather permitting, today we visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the freezing mist on your face as you 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. Today, perhaps explore some of the indulgent spaces on board before dinner, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the indulgent Senses Spa# with its sauna and heated therapy lounge.

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.  Scenic Eclipse will set sail just after lunchtime, bound for Akureyri, the charming capital of the north.

Akureyri is the country’s second largest settlement after Reykjavik, but with only around 20,000 residents it still feels like a friendly small town. Though it sits just 60km below the Arctic Circle, the climate is pleasantly mild and picturesque, with colourful homes set on green hills at the base of a volcanic mountain chain. See the striking Akureyri Church and stroll through one of the world’s most northerly botanic gardens, home to endemic Icelandic flora and hardy foreign species. Keep an eye out for the elves and hidden people that are said to dwell in the town.

Known as the fjord of adventures, Patreksfjörður is the largest town along the southern part of the Wesrfjords region, though its population is less than 800. Still a busy working fishing port, it also draws tourists for its stunning natural wonders. See millions of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills and guillemots, nesting on the dramatic Látrabjarg bird cliffs. Walk along its spectacular beaches, where the sand ranges from powder white to rich gold and the ocean is a vibrant blue (though rarely gets above 10 degrees Celsius). Explore the quaint streets and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of everyday life in this picturesque village.

Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Icelands stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine fjords, Grundarfjörður offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and Icelandic charm. Explore the quaint streets lined with colourful houses, or venture into the nearby wilderness to discover hidden waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Have your camera ready to catch a glimpse of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

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.   Keep your eyes open for our black and white friends, with more Atlantic puffins nesting here than anywhere else in the world. Later in the evening, well sail by the volcanic island of Surtsey, acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and distinguished as the worlds youngest island.

Scenic Eclipse will return to Reykjavik this morning. This busy, buzzy capital has a captivating creative soul, vibrant nightlife and a population of cool, quirky Reykvíkingurs.   After one final luxurious breakfast on board, you’ll disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and begin your handcrafted land journey. Enjoy a two-night stay in Reykjavík, the world’s most northerly capital.

Reykjavik is the gateway to Iceland’s Golden Circle, a volcanic landscape of geysers, waterfalls and glaciers. The city is the country’s quirky and creative heart, filled with colourful buildings, a buzzing night scene and is brimming with museums.   Explore the city’s hidden gems on an informative walking tour with an expert guide. Admire the stunning architecture of Harpa Concert Hall, see the enchanting Sólarið Sculpture, and visit Hallgrimskirkja Church, which dominates the city skyline.   Enrich Indulge in a journey through Reykjaviks culinary and cultural treasures with a gourmet food experience. Uncover the citys best-kept secrets, one delectable bite at a time.

After leaving the vibrant capital behind, embark on an exploration of Icelands enchanting south coastal region. First up, you’ll enjoy a horse show where Icelandic horses demonstrate their unique gaits. Continue on with a visit to ancient man-made caves, believed to be Icelands oldest archaeological remains. Here you will learn about the caves history and sample Icelandic whiskey, local beer and delicacies. You’ll also stop to admire the beauty of some of the country’s best-known waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. 

Board an amphibian vessel at Jökulsárlón for a thrilling adventure on Jökulsárlón, Iceland’s largest glacial lagoon. This excursion offers an up-close encounter with majestic icebergs, the chance to taste 1000-year-old ice, and the opportunity to spot wildlife such as playful seals. You’ll also witness massive ice blocks laying on the black sand of Diamond Beach, named so for the way the ice chunks glisten in the sun light like diamonds.

Continue this sensory feast along Icelands south coast, marvelling at dramatic landscapes, steep canyons, meandering rivers, and ancient volcanic lava fields. Take a leisurely stroll on Reynisfjara, a renowned black sand beach where incredible basalt columns rise from the sea. You may also spot charming Icelandic puffins here. Afterwards, explore the country’s southernmost town of Vík and indulge in the flavours of Iceland at a local brewery with a tasting of exquisite craft beers.  

Enjoy an unforgettable journey along Icelands legendary Golden Circle, starting with Thingvellir, a site of historical and geological significance, where Icelands nationhood was established. Continue to Gullfoss, the iconic Golden Waterfall. Experience the awe of 100,000 litres of glacial water plummeting 31 metres into the Gullfossgljúfur canyon every second.   Conclude your exploration at Haukadalur, a geothermal wonderland, home to active geysers such as the Great Geysir and Strokkur. Witness Strokkurs reliable eruptions from the windward side every 8-10 minutes, reaching heights of up to 30 metres.  

Return to Reykjavik for a one-night stay in the very heart of Iceland’s lively capital.    Enrich Experience Reykjanes Geopark, a World Heritage-listed Global Geopark, the only place on Earth where the Mid-Atlantic ridge rises above the oceans surface, showcasing volcanic and geothermal activity. Encounter dormant volcanoes, fissures and faults, experiencing the wonders of geological formations.   In the afternoon, enjoy a panoramic view of Hafnarfjordur then partake in an Icelandic bathing tradition, the Seven-Step ritual at Sky Lagoon. Soak in the lagoons hot waters and feel the fresh ocean air on your face as you take in captivating views from the 70-metre infinity edge pool.  

Farewell Iceland and your new friends as you transfer to Reyjavík airport for your onward journey, taking many wonderful memories with you.   #Scenic Eclipse spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board Scenic Eclipse, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.    The itinerary on this page is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the land journey or the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.