British Isles & Iceland Explorer

Venture out on foot during a stroll around picturesque Seydisfjördur and enjoy the Viking Festival. Meet your knowledgeable guide at the pier where you will set out for a leisurely walk. Stroll amid colorful streets and view the striking Blue Church as your guide explains more about the town’s culture. Brimming with creativity and rich in history, the town boasts a flourishing arts scene. Gain insight during a visit to the Herðubreið Community Center, where you will enjoy a musical performance of traditional Icelandic songs. You will also admire art exhibits showcasing works by local artists; various display pieces are available to for you to purchase, should you wish. Cap your tour with a tasting of typical Icelandic cuisine, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Experience the majestic scenery of Seyðisfjörður’s fjords during a ride by Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Proceed to your embarkation point with your guide. There, you will don your dry suit and required life jacket before boarding your vessel. Hold tight as you will skim along the waters at high speed, sea spray in your face and the pristine waters of the fjord around you. You will pause for more intimate views of the natural landscapes and listen to stories of the life in Iceland. Next, head to Tröllanes to view some of Iceland’s magnificent geological wonders. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including various species of birds, curious seals or even a passing whale. Enjoy the invigorating ride back to your awaiting ship.

Journey through scenic fairy-tale lands where Icelandic folklore was born. Drive along the Njardvíkurskridur track, which was once an incredibly dangerous route because of its loose, rocky slopes. A road passable for cars opened in 1949, but prior to that time, access through the scree between Njardvík and the Borgarfjördur Estuary was either on foot or on horseback. Legend has it that a terrifying half-man, half-beast creature used to guard this route. He harassed and attacked passing travelers until Jon from Njardvík challenged him and managed to force the menacing beast into the sea. Travel in Jon’s footsteps and cross the path safely into the small village of Bakkagerdi, where you will enjoy lunch. Cap your tour with a visit to Álfhóll (Elf Hill)—home to Iceland’s huldufólk elves, or “hidden people”—before returning to your ship.

Bask in remote natural beauty as you journey through grasslands and mountains to the town of Skálanes. Embark on a scenic drive to Thorarinsstadir, taking in the beautiful countryside views along the way. Stop at an abandoned farm and explore the important excavation site that revealed an early settlement graveyard and church. Continue on to the Skálanes Nature and Heritage Center—a unique, private nature reserve situated in a beautifully restored Icelandic farmstead. The towering coastal cliffs are home to more than 40 different species of birds, and the five-square-mile facility showcases the incredible biodiversity of the region. The center promotes sustainable tourism, and its vision is to become a leading center of Icelandic culture and environmental development. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the whales and seals that can sometimes be spotted here.

Unwind in the hot waters of Lake Urridavatn during a rejuvenating visit to the Vök Baths in a private setting. Centuries ago, the residents who lived around the lake discovered that certain spots—known as vöks, or ice-free holes—refused to ice over during the Arctic winters due to underground geothermal activity. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach along the mountain pass of Fjardarheidi to the spa, whose sublime architecture was designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Admire unspoiled views of the rugged Icelandic countryside as you relax in one of the two lakeshore pools while sipping herbal tea brewed from pure spring water. You will also have an opportunity to try the steam bath and cold tunnel equipped with an inside mist shower. Your tension eased and your spirit reenergized, board your coach and return to Seydisfjördur and your awaiting ship.