Circumnavigation of Iceland
Discover Iceland’s Natural Wonders aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration
- 29 May 2021
Join us for this circumnavigation of Iceland which we are offering in conjunction with our associates at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and their five-star vessel, the Hanseatic Inspiration. There is nowhere better to see nature in the raw than Iceland, the ‘Land of Ice and Fire’ and during this expedition we will witness huge icecaps and glaciers, active volcanoes, gurgling mud pools, steaming hot springs and lava fields. If this were not enough, the immense scale of the landscape is dominated by towering snow-capped mountains, thundering waterfalls and spontaneous erupting geysers.
Europe’s least populated country offers the visitor an unparalleled experience of elemental forces at work and we will take advantage of weather conditions and possible sightings to achieve the maximum with our time. Early summer is the optimum time for this expedition, the skies and rocks will be filled with the sights and sounds of puffins, guillemots and gannets, the wildflowers will be prevalent and the seas will hopefully be rich with whales and marine life. In addition to the wildlife, the island also provides a unique historical, cultural and geological experience. Under the surface, Iceland simmers with the sparks that are the tell-tale signs of its youthfulness as Europe’s most recent geological addition, only 16-20 million years old. Iceland is continuously being created; some of its newest land is a mere 40 years old.
A journey by small ship is the ideal way to get up close to nature and explore areas inaccessible to larger vessels and an expedition such as this can only be undertaken by a special vessel with the self-sufficient qualities of the Hanseatic Inspiration. With her expert expedition team and fleet of Zodiacs we will be able to land on remote beaches and cruise close to shorelines and cliffs crowded with birdlife. Our circumnavigation of Iceland will take us to some of its most dramatic areas and, whilst we sail its waters, we will look out for humpback whales, orcas, white-beaked dolphins and observe the colonies of seabirds.
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Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a new five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
Itinerary
Flexibility is key to a successful expedition in Iceland. Although we have outlined an itinerary below, this is only a preliminary plan and the exact route will depend on the weather conditions and wildlife encountered. Please note that with the exception of Zodiac excursions, shore excursions are not included in the price and details of what excursions will be available along with prices will be sent to you three months before departure.
Day 1 London to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the Hanseatic Inspiration and embark. Set sail this evening.
Day 2 Heimaey & Westman Islands.
Our exciting circumnavigation begins with the Westman Islands where in 1973, the Eldfell volcano erupted on Heimaey, the largest island, covering it in lava streams. At this northern edge of Europe, nature makes its mark with contrasts of heat and ice and geological extremes - very few places give such a direct glimpse into primeval forces. Take a scenic flight above the volcanoes and waterfalls and see the black fields stretch out below you, combining with the icy blue and the white of the glaciers to form a sea of colour, or simply be enchanted by beautiful, mystical landscapes, deep fjords and fascinating wildlife. Travelling in the Nordic summer, we have a good chance of seeing humpback and fin whales that have returned after the winter.
Day 3 At Sea.
Enjoy a day at sea as we cruise towards Iceland’s east coast. Join one of the lectures in the HanseAtrium or relax and enjoy the facilities on board.
Days 4 & 5 Iceland’s East Coast: Seydisfjordur & Bakkagerdi.
Marvel at the fishing town of Seydisfjordur, located at the end of a fjord surrounded by snow-capped peaks where the historic wooden buildings provide great photo opportunities. The Vestdalur Valley is also an enchanting sight and provides interesting walks with its flourishing plant variety. Next, we visit Iceland’s magical side as the “island of mythical creatures and trolls” is revealed in Bakkagerdi where legend has it that the queen of the elves reigns over Borgarfjordhur and the bird-inhabited cliffs where countless puffins learn to fly.
Days 6 to 8 Iceland’s North Coast: Husavik, Grimsey, Akureyri, Hrisey & Siglufjordur.
The feeling of a true expedition will develop on Iceland’s north coast. Together, the fjords and the sea create a natural canvas that is at once remote and soul-stirring. Visit Husavik, the European capital of whale watching where we hope to spot these gentle giants of the seas in the ice-blue bays before heading ashore. The waterfalls of the north are a wonder to behold such as Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall cascading around 45 metres. A hike in Asbyrgi Canyon will take you down into a plunge pool and while the myth says that an enormous horse made this impression in the earth, the canyon was probably hollowed out by icefall. The expedition route also takes us to a magical destination: the northern Arctic Circle on Grimsey. Here we discover the striking basalt columns as the onboard experts provide insights into the geology and wildlife of this volcanic island. Continue on to Akureyri, a true pearl of the north sitting on a long fjord where we will have plenty of time to explore the old town, the lively cultural scene and the famous botanical gardens at leisure. The rugged north of Iceland provides a fascinating contrast, with volcanic forces bubbling on the earth’s surface. Visit Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods” where following their Christianisation, the Icelanders are said to have consigned their pagan idols to the thundering waters. Alternatively, explore the remote, inhospitable and lunar-like settings of the Askja volcano, Viti crater lake and Iceland’s highlands in a jeep, or you can experience nature up-close with a ride on Icelandic horses, known for their gentle demeanour and special tolt gait. Perhaps see out the day’s adventures in one of Akureyri’s restaurants or cafes and enjoy the ambience of an evening by the fjord. Weather permitting, we also hope to land on the small island of Hrisey which is known for its rich and diverse bird life. Finally, set off on a trip back through time in Siglufjordur, the world’s former capital of herring fishing; until the 1960s, huge shoals brought the region an unprecedented economic upturn.
Days 9 & 10 Iceland’s West Coast: Cruising in the western fjords and off Latrabjarg & Grundarfjordhur.
Experience Iceland’s astounding biodiversity as we continue our voyage through the western fjords – fjords which stretch out into the Atlantic like fingers on a hand and create an extraordinary landscape. Witness the sheer cliffs of Latrabjarg, Europe’s most westerly point and a nesting ground for millions of puffins, guillemots and auks as well as the famous mountain of Grundarfjordhur. Here in the western peninsula of Snaefellsnes, all of Iceland’s characteristic natural elements are brought together: cooled lava flows, steep fjords and snow-covered volcanoes serve as reminders of the elemental power of creation. Perhaps board a snowcat for a glacier experience on Snaefellsjokull and travel through fields of snow until you reach 1,400 metres. At the top, you will see the crater of the coneshaped stratovolcano that Jules Verne described as the starting point of Journey to the Center of the Earth, a fitting end to such an unforgettable expedition.
Day 11 Reykjavik to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy29 May to 8 June 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
1 Outside cabin Deck 4, 5 & 6 | £6695 | |
2 Panoramic cabin Deck 4 & 5 | £6895 | |
3 French balcony cabin Deck 6 | £7195 | |
4 Balcony cabin Deck 5 | £7595 | |
5 French balcony cabin Deck 7 | £7595 | |
6 Balcony cabin Deck 6 & 7 | £7895 | |
7 Balcony cabin Deck 6 | £8295 | |
8 Balcony cabin Deck 7 | £8695 | |
9 Junior suite with balcony 6 & 7 | £9495 | |
10 Grand suite with veranda Deck 6 & 7 | Not Available | |
2 Panoramic cabin for sole use | £7995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHI290521
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the Hanseatic Inspiration on a full board basis • Mini-bar with soft drinks in your cabin restocked each day • Zodiac excursions • Expedition team including onboard lectures • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes • Loan of waterproof boots & parka during cruise.
Not Included: Travel insurance, shore excursions (details will be available to pre-book three months before departure and payment will be made on board).
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Deckplan
Hanseatic Inspiration
Operated by our German associates, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the Hanseatic Inspiration is a new five-star expedition ship launched in October 2019. With a maximum of just 230 passengers (199 passengers in Antarctica), this unique vessel offers an informal and relaxed atmosphere on board with more open deck space than any other expedition ship. There is a qualified expedition team of naturalists who will accompany you ashore and provide informative talks in the comfort of the well-designed HanseAtrium, and a crew of 175 offering the most exquisite and attentive service on board.
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Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000