Cruising Iceland: Westman Islands to Westfjords

Description

Iceland is a land of physical extremes, from towering rocky cliffs and glacier-tipped volcanoes to sweeping tundras and Viking haunts. On this cruise you will see it all, from the popular Westman Islands to the remote and relatively untouched Westfjords. Wonder at thundering waterfalls of Reykholt, climb the dizzyingly steep Latrabjarg cliffs and encounter history both ancient and contemporary.

Trip Name

Cruising Iceland: Westman Islands to Westfjords

Last Updated

2019-07-25

Days

Capacity

Highlights

Only a fraction of visitors to Iceland make it across to the far-flung west, and the lack of tourists make its landscapes and villages a dream to explore
Learn about the devastating effects of a volcano eruption which rocked the Westman Islands in 1973, leaving large swaths of town buried beneath ash and lava and earning the moniker “Pompeii of the North”
Visit the home of influential Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson and see the landscapes that inspired his epic poetry

Itinerary

Travelling by sea is a fantastic way to explore, but it brings some challenges when weather conditions are not ideal. The itinerary may be subject to change, based on winds and sea conditions which may render anchorage and landing at some stops difficult. We reserve the right to change the itinerary for the safety of passengers and the ship. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and are based on a minimum participation. Each days' schedule will be posted by the cruise co-ordinator listing necessary information such as arrival/departure times, meal times, days activities and other information. This is given as a guideline and is subject to change.

Day 1 - Reykjavik

Why not spend the morning getting acquainted with Iceland’s capital before boarding the Panorama in the late afternoon. Savour the view of modern buildings against immense mountains as you set sail before enjoying a welcome dinner on the ship. Perhaps enjoy a post meal Brennivin (a local savoury schnapps) before bed, and get some rest during the overnight trip to your first destination.

Day 2 - Westman Islands

Say good-morning to rocky cliffs and alight for a bus tour of these rugged islands. Visit the Eldheimar Museum, which offers insight into the devastating volcano eruption of 1973, which left huge swaths of town buried beneath layers of lava and ash. Later, watch the locals scale treacherous cliff faces while rope swinging, a traditional method of gathering bird eggs reinvented as an exhilarating sport. If you'd like, grab a “pylsa” (Icelandic hot dog) and eat while you explore before heading back to the ship for an overnight journey.

Day 3 - Akranes

From port it’s a short journey to Reykholt, a town alive with geothermal activity and once home to eminent medieval scholar and politician Snorri Sturluson. Learn about this towering Icelandic figure and more at the Reykholt Museum. Then, visit the thundering waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, and see why Sturluson imagined Iceland’s cascades to be the watering holes of the gods “where joyful Odin drinketh every day.” Make sure to pack a towel and bathers so you can take a dip in the Krauma thermal pools. Return to Akranes and spend the evening at sea.

Day 4 - Patreksfjordur

Travel from the small fishing town to Raudasandur Beach, where the lurid sand stretches are far as the eye can see. Explore the Latrabjarg cliffs, and perhaps spot the bold and wonderfully tame puffins that live there. Return to port and feel free to grab a kayak from the ship and explore the bay. Perhaps grab a dinner of fresh fish in Patreksfjordur with the locals, or enjoy a late night drink on deck, as the ship will be docked here overnight.

Day 5 - Patreksfjorour

Take a trip to nearby Pingeyri, a small town rich in Viking history that lays nestled beneath the tallest of the Westfjord Alps. Here you will find a festival site constructed in the Old Icelandic style, a traditional hearth surrounded by seating made from stones and grass, where you can imagine yourself as a celebratory Viking, before returning to the ship for an overnight journey.

Day 6 - Grundafjordur

Arrive early in Grundafjordur and spend the day wandering glacier topped volcanoes in the awe-inspiring Snaefellsnes Peninsula, where you will surely work up your appetite for an afternoon cooking demonstration aboard the Panorama. Learn how to make staple dishes that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Maybe spend the evening reading one of the Icelandic sagas while the ship returns to the capital.

Day 7 - Reykjavik

Revisit Reykjavik during a tour from your now-familiar on-board leaders. The city is full of architecture that is almost as striking as the nearby mountains, and you may wish to explore buildings like the towering Hallgrimskirkja, a stark modern cathedral. Enjoy a farewell dinner on deck, and toast your new friends before spending your final evening on board.

Day 8 - Reykjavik

Your trip has come to an end. Say farewell to the crew and staff of the Panorama. If you have time, try one of the local eateries before returning home or continuing on your journey.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Accommodation

Small Cruise Ship 7 nights

Transport

Small Cruise Ship