Iceland & Northern Isles

Welcome to Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. Your wondrous journey begins with a two night stay.

Reykjavík, the world’s most northerly capital, has something for everyone – numerous enlightening museums, gourmet restaurants, creative architecture, and a vibrant nightlife, all wonderfully set within the spellbinding landscape of snow-capped mountains and cerulean seas. On an informative walking tour, you will explore all the hidden jewels the city has to offer. Visit the Hallgrímskirkja Church, the colourful houses of Þingholt, the 930 AD structure of Alþingi Parliament, the Old Harbor, Harpa Concert Hall and the Sólarið Sculpture, all while being entertained by your guide’s creative storytelling.

Enrich: Visit a variety of Reykjavík eateries on a culinary exploration, from restaurants to food trucks, and sample a selection of traditional dishes and street food including Icelandic cheese, lamb, homemade ice cream, and the famous Icelandic hot dogs. This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. (B/D)

After you bid goodbye to the vibrant capital city, make your way to the peaceful farming district and valley of Borgarfjörður, a wonder set amidst mountains and glaciers. Head to Deildartunguhver, one of the world’s largest hot springs. See the twin waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, then experience an ‘Into the Glacier’ adventure. Continue on to Borgarnes for your one night stay. (B)

Your grand adventure along Iceland’s famous Golden Circle begins here. Enjoy local experiences along the way with visits to authentic family run farms. Explore the untouched beauty of Thingvellir National Park, and its history as the original, outdoor site of Iceland’s first parliamentary assembly in 930 AD. View the extraordinary Thingvellir rift, the split that defines the borders of North America and Eurasia. At the Gullfoss Waterfall, marvel at the double-tiered falls and maybe even catch sight of its famous rainbows in the mist.

Next, visit the incredible geothermal region of Geysir, known for its hot springs and geysers. Take in the bubbling pools and steam vents, and see Strokkur, a waterspout that shoots to around 98 feet (30 metres) in the air. For the next two nights, you will stay in Ásborgir. Optional Helicopter Flight - Soar above Iceland’s snowy glaciers and active volcanic terrain on an optional helicopter flight (additional cost, please book on tour). (B/D)

Continue to explore this magnificent area. (B/D)

Head south to the village of Kirkjubæjarklaustur, home to some of the world’s most impressive geological formations which were created during a volcanic eruption that occurred between 1783 and 1784 – the largest eruption since the settlement of Iceland. The walking path along the eastern edge of the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon offers stunning views over the plains and glacial brooks below. Eldhraun is a wide lava field that has thick green moss enveloping the jagged and hard edges. The colours are striking with the bright greens of the moss against the smoky hues of lava and the blue skies. Later, check into your hotel, your small and intimate Special Stay hotel for one night, located in one of the most beautiful regions in Southern Iceland. (B/D)

Cross the sandy desert of the south coast to the coastal town of Vík, and stroll along the black sand beach and admire the Reynisdrangar, high basalt columns in the sea. Continue to your hotel, your Special Stay for the night. (B/D)

Board Scenic Eclipse this afternoon. Meet the Captain, crew, and your Discovery Team before setting sail on your voyage. (B/D)

The perfect example of nature’s ability to both create and destroy, Heimaey and the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) are filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty. When the volcano Eldfell, meaning “Hill of Fire”, erupted in 1973, parts of this small town were locked in time, and the harbour was nearly sealed off. Guests can wander around this island and witness where the ashes enveloped the town. Keep your eyes open for our black and white friends, with more Atlantic Puffins nesting here than anywhere else in the world, and the best place in Iceland to spot orcas.

Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery. Freechoice: Tour the island and visit the Eldheimar Museum built around one of the destroyed houses, or cruise around the island with a local captain in search of birdlife, including the puffin colonies. Discovery: Take a Scenic Discovery excursion hiking over the lava fields to the top of the new volcanic cone. (B/L/D)

Seyðisfjörður is at the mouth of a beautiful fjord, and is the heart of culture, heritage and hospitality in East Iceland. The centre of town is known for 19th century timber houses perched on the side of the lagoon, a “pearl enclosed in a shell”. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and snow-capped mountains, wandering reindeer and porpoises frequenting the shores, a flourishing art scene and small-town charm, you will soon discover why this unique location is a must see in Iceland.

Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery. Freechoice: Your local guide will share stories of the town on a walking tour including a short concert in the Blue Church or visit the Wilderness Centre and learn of the Icelandic wilderness history, nature and the life of the original inhabitants. Discovery: Choose a Scenic Discovery excursion such as hiking in the Skálanes Nature Reserve. (B/L/D)

A charming port named after the Norse god of weather, strength, and growth, Thor. One of the world’s smallest capital cities, Tórshavn remains one of Europe’s least travelled destinations. Towering cliffs, craggy fjords and powerful waterfalls make up the wild landscape. Wander the cobbled alleyways admiring the coloured buildings and grassy roofs. Be taken back to the time that the Vikings ruled. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery. Freechoice: Explore the town of Tórshavn and the surrounding villages leaning the Viking history, or enjoy another perspective of the Faroe Islands on a local boat trip to the Vestmanna Cliffs, keeping watch for puffins and guillemots. Discovery: Join a local expert for a hike to the geological formation Streymoy Sill. (B/L/D)

Our morning arrival is to the Island known as the "Garden of Shetland" due to it being by far the greenest of all the islands. Fetlar Island is rumoured to be the first Norse landing the Shetland, attracting many due to its fertile soils and ability to grow crops. Discovery: Discovery: Explore with the Discovery Teams ornithologist for the red-necked phalarope, a rare and endangered species, along with great and arctic skuas, red-throated diver, curlew and snipe. With the on board geologist learn the history of Funzie, an unusual conglomerate found on Fetlar Island. After a morning of discovery, we set sail for the capital of the Shetland Islands, Lerwick. (B/L/D)

The most northerly point of the British Isles, Lerwick’s waterfront is lined with sandstone buildings dating back to the 18th century. The sound of traditional Shetland music can often be heard as you walk through the twisting lanes of this charming harbour town. Freechoice: Visit the remarkable prehistoric archaeological site of Jarlshof, or take a ferry to the Island of Mousa and admire the Iron Age fortress, incredible scenery and abundant wildlife. Alternatively, explore the Shetland Museum. (B/L/D)

Stromness is full of character, with winding streets stretching from the shoreline up the hillside, quaint alleyways waiting to be explored, and a landscape shaped by the sea. Stroll through the township to find the hidden gems, such as the finest crafts, textiles and jewellery in the small local shops. This long established seaport has attracted sailors for centuries, from Vikings to Captain Cook. Discovery: Predating Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza, Skara Brae is one of the world’s most evocative prehistoric sites. Walk around the stone structures of this old village. (B/L/D)

Set neatly between the mountains and the sea, Aberdeen's harbour is said to be ‘one of the most architecturally distinctive in Europe.’ Docking in the heart of the city, witness Aberdeen's famous stunning, sparkling, granite buildings and monuments shimmering in the sunlight and listen for the warming tones of Scottish dialect 'Doric' as you roam. Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities or join a more active Scenic Discovery. Freechoice: Learn the history of Aberdeen on a city tour or choose to explore some of the fairy tale castles. Alternatively, enjoy a whiskey and pale ale tasting tour. Discovery: Explore the dramatic cliffs at the Bullers of Buchan, observing the diversity of wildlife, from Aberdeenshire’s puffins, porpoises, minke whales and sunbathing seals. (B/L/D)

Nestled between the Highlands and the Border Hills, Edinburgh is a gracious city noted for its superb skyline, its impressive collection of architecture and its beautiful vedant green parks. Disembark after breakfast and say farewell to your new friends. Please book your flight to depart out of Edinburgh after 11:00 AM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the tour will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)