NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE INAUGURAL: ICELAND & GREENLAND Itinerary Route: Reykjavik, Iceland to Reykjavik, Iceland
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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ENDURANCE INAUGURAL: ICELAND & GREENLAND Itinerary route: Reykjavik, Iceland to Reykjavik, Iceland 18 Days Expeditions in: Jul Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com DAY 1: Reykjavík, Iceland padding Arrive in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital, which lies only a fraction below the Arctic Circle and receives just four hours of sunlight in winter and 22 in summer. Check in to our group hotel in the morning and take time to rest and refresh before lunch. In the afternoon, take a panoramic drive through the city’s Old Town before embarking National Geographic Endurance. (L,D) DAY 2: Flatey Island padding Explore Iceland’s western frontier by Zodiac cruise, visiting Flatey Island, a trading post for many centuries. (B,L,D) DAY 3: Grimsey / Húsavík padding This morning, take Zodiacs ashore to the tiny island of Grimsey, which lies exactly on the Arctic Circle. Here we celebrate being officially in the Arctic, in the company of nesting arctic terns, fulmars, and puffins in burrows, all bathing, courting, and fishing—another wonderful photo op. In the afternoon we set a course south for Húsavík, watching for whales on our way. In the evening, explore Þeistareikir—a colorful geothermal area with active fumaroles and clay pools. We take advantage of the midnight sun this evening by visiting an unforgettable sight: Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. Discover this incredible, thundering waterfall and perhaps practice your photography in the early stages of sunset. (B,L,D) DAY 4: At Sea / Skálanes padding Spend the morning at sea as we round the northeast rugged northeast corner of Iceland. This afternoon, visit Skálanes Nature Reserve in Seydisfjörður, to see and learn about the fascinating ongoing archaeological excavations, in addition to the peninsula’s bird cliffs and abundant wildflowers. (B,L,D) DAY 5: Djúpivogur padding Dock in Djúpivogur and drive down the coast to explore the deep blue icebergs of the large ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Alternatively, choose to join us on hikes along the region’s stunning black sand beaches. (B,L,D) DAY 6: Heimaey & Surtsey, Westman Islands padding 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 we see as we cruise past the coast. In 1973, Heimaey was threatened by lava flows that nearly closed off its harbor. We visit the crater, where the earth is still hot, and have amazing views of areas that had been engulfed by lava. (B,L,D) DAY 7: Akranes padding Arrive in Akranes this morning and depart the city for Iceland’s remote interior. Choose to visit Hraunfossar to see a series of waterfalls, formed Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com by rivulets streaming out of the nearby Hallmundarhraun lava field. Relax in the natural geothermal baths at Krauma, where the hot water originates in Iceland’s most powerful nearby hot spring. Alternatively, join us on a glacier excursion and discover the beautiful blue ice found inside Langjökull’s ice tunnels. (B,L,D) DAY 8: Arnafjörður / Dynjandi Waterfall padding Early this morning, glide into beautiful Arnafjörður, an inlet that reaches deep into the northern Westfjords. If you wish, disembark early and hike several miles along the shore to the fjord’s end, where the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall tumbles some 300 feet over many tiers of rock. Alternatively, join our expedition staff on the deck of the ship to watch our approach to the falls and go ashore by Zodiac to see them close up. There’s a chance we’ll spot nesting arctic terns along the way. (B,L,D) DAY 9: Crossing the Denmark Strait padding Cross the Denmark Strait, where the cold east Greenland current carries icebergs south. Enjoy presentations and be on the lookout for wildlife in these nutrient-rich waters. (B,L,D) DAY 10-13: Exploring East Greenland’s Ice padding Edge Weather and ice will dictate our exact route, but we plan to explore the ice edge along the coast of East Greenland. In the Arctic, the ice provides habitat for all manners of wildlife. We hope to see the icons of the Arctic: polar bears, walruses, seals, and whales. The ice also provides an incredible sea scape and the potential for beautiful lighting. We will explore up and down the coast and have a flexible agenda to make the best use of our time. (B,L,D) DAY 14-15: At Sea padding We return across the Denmark Strait headed just south of the Arctic Circle to the Westfjords, a remote area backed by majestic cliffs. We’ll call into Isafjörður in the Westfjords, for customs and immigration clearance back into Iceland. We’ll explore this beautiful and peaceful region. Perhaps take a hike to a remote waterfall or a Zodiac cruise alongside stunning scenery. (B,L,D) DAY 16: Ísafjarðardjúp and Vigur Island padding Enter Ísafjarðardjúp and land at Vigur Island, a privately owned island that is home to numerous species of seabirds, including a large colony of eider ducks. After our visit we will have an expedition afternoon exploring deep into Ísafjarðardjúp for Zodiac cruises and perhaps tundra hikes. (B,L,D) DAY 17: Western Iceland padding Today we let nature be our guide as we explore Iceland’s beautiful and peaceful western coast. (B,L,D) DAY 18: Reykjavík / Disembark / Home padding Today we complete our voyage, disembarking in Reykjavík. Join us on your choice of three tours Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com this morning: an excursion to see Iceland’s hot springs, beautiful Icelandic Horses, and a fascinating power plant; a visit to the Reykjanes GeoPark to view the Mid-Atlantic ridge above sea level and the nearby hot spring area; or, conditions permitting, opt to discover Iceland’s newly erupting volcano, Fagradalsfjall in the region of Geldingadalur, on a hike to a stunning view point. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flights home. (B,L) Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com * See our website at https://world.expeditions.com/ for the most up-to-date pricing, which may vary by departure date. Prices are subject to modification, and are not guaranteed until booking and required deposits are made. For best pricing, book early. (1) Travel Protection Plan We strongly recommend our guests to take advantage of our Travel Protection Plan. This plan offers comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damage or loss of baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels. Our Travel Protection Plan is available for U.S. residents only, and may be purchased any time prior to final payment due date, Travel Protection premiums are non- refundable once plan is purchased. Learn more about our Travel Protection “Plus” Plan: https://world.expeditions.com/terms-conditions/travel-protection-plan/ (2) Cancellation Policy Review our cancellation policy: https://world.expeditions.com/cancellation-policy/ Call us at 1.800.397.3348 or call your Travel Agent. In Australia, call 1300.361.012 • www.expeditions.com.