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Northern Lights and Whales

Northern Lights and Whales

From USD $2,460

Description

Get to know the island of “fire and ice” in autumn on this special journey that gives the opportunity to witness Northern Lights and different species of whales. Look forward to a 3-day-cruise with shore excursions and interesting lectures, before an exciting bus tour along the Northwest coast and back to Reykjavik follows.

Included on ship:

– Accommodation in booked cabin category
– All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
– Coffee, tea and water
– Zodiac tours (weather-dependent)
– Icelandic/English speaking guide
– All presentations from cruise staff and guest speakers
– Onboard entertainment program
– Windjacket

Included on bus tour:

– 3 nights in a typical hotel room with shower/toilet
– 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
– Icelandic/English speaking guide
– Whale Watching on RIB boat

Trip Name
Northern Lights and Whales
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 124 metres Passenger Capacity: 224 Built / refurbished: 1974 / 2012 The 224 passenger vessel was completely refurbished in Norway in 2012 and is perfect for our exploration being large enough to provide stability, speed, spacious cabins and ample public space, yet small enough to manoeuvre in remote areas. The vessel is outfitted with the most current navigational and communications technology as well as with retractable stabilisers for smooth sailing. The vessel is ice strengthened and features 18 Zodiacs for our forays ashore. Your Cabin/Suite With a maximum of 224 passengers, the Ocean Diamond offers cabins across its five decks. There a range of cabins and suites available and all feature outside views (porthole, window or balcony), full private en-suite bathrooms featuring bathtub and shower, a writing desk, individual temperature control, in-room safe, refrigerator, satellite phone access, hairdryer and flat-screen television and DVD player. Cabins range in size from 17 square metres to 30 square metres. Your Space The Ocean Diamond features spacious public areas and ample deck space from where you can admire the beautiful passing landscapes. Public areas and facilities include an observation lounge with bar, a fitness centre, pool with bar, sun deck, lecture threatre with state of the art audio visual equipment, library and lounge. The restaurant serves all passengers in one, open seating and cuisine onboard is international. There is also a gift shop, clinic and a spa onboard. Your Dining The single sitting restaurant is located on the Lower Deck and is both spacious and light. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style and dinner is served to your table. All meals include a vegetarian option. Afternoon tea also served daily around the afternoon excursions and coffee, tea and water are available complimentary around the clock. Weather permitting, there will be the opportunity to dine outside on occasion. Life Onboard The atmosphere onboard is focused on exploration and discovery with all the creature comforts you would expect from a vessel of this calibre. The onboard crew offer excellent service and in addition the expedition team will enrich your experience with their knowledge of the region. Through a lecture programme and shore expeditions, they will share their expertise and passion with you. After a day of exploration ashore, you will return to the comfort of a sophisticated ship with a friendly crew and informal atmosphere. A fleet of Zodiacs are used for landings and nature cruises, and during your voyage you will have the opportunity to visit the Captain and Officers on the Bridge to learn more about your journey, further fostering the expeditionary nature of our voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Reykjavik
Use your leisure time in Reykjavik in order to get to know the unique charm of the city. Your “floating hotel” awaits you. The OCEAN DIAMOND docks in the old harbor, located in the heart of town, which is a 5 minute walk to the inner city. In the evening the ship sets course for the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Tonight you may already have a first opportunity to see the Northern Lights!
Day 2 - Day 2 Stykkisholmur
In the morning the OCEAN DIAMOND reaches the small village of Stykkisholmur, the starting point for our explorations of the Snaefellsnes peninsula. Snaefellsnes is also known as “Iceland in miniature” since this region contains nearly all different kind of Icelandic scenery. In the evening the OCEAN DIAMOND leaves Stykkisholmur for the direction of the Westfjords. And again dark clear sky might offer great opportunities for the Northern Lights.
Day 3 - Day 3 Isafjördur
Today‘s destination is the idyllic town of Isafjördur, capital of the Westfjords region. This secluded peninsula is connected to the rest of Iceland by only a narrow strip of land. Even by Icelandic standards, the area can be described as unusually isolated. The landscape is characterized by mesas and dramatic fjords that cut deep into the landscape.
Day 4 - Day 4 Husavik/Myvatn
In the early morning hours we steam into Skjalfandi Bay and Húsavík. After disembarkation we explore the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir and the pseudo craters at Skutustadir. The pseudo craters were formed by gas explosions when boiling lava flowed over the wetlands. Last but not least we visit Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park.Lunch will be provided the way. Dinner and overnight in the Husavik area.
Day 5 - Day 5 Akureyri/West Iceland
Husavik is often called the “Whale watching capital” of Iceland, the town’s offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins. Watching these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience. An exciting trip with RIB boats (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to search for the gentle giants awaits you. On our way to Akureyri we visit the impressive Godafoss, “the waterfall of the Gods”. In the year 1000, the Icelandic parliament (Althing) decided to give up their pagan religion in favor of Christianity. The story goes that the idols of the ancient Nordic religion (godars) were then thrown from the top of the waterfall (foss). The cascade retains its name, Godafoss in memory of this event. Lunch will be provided on the way.Dinner and overnight in West Iceland.
Day 6 - Day 6 Reykjavik
On our way back to Reykjavik we pass Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in the world. A stop will be made to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, before continuing to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament. Our journey ends after a city tour in Reykjavik.Lunch will be provided the way. Overnight in Reykjavik.
Day 7 - Day 7 Reykjavik
Individual departure.
Day 8 - Please Note:
All routes and excursions are provisional and subject to change.All Zodiac excursions are weather dependent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $2,460Category T/H
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $3,035Category P
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $3,650Category O
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $4,410Category D
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $5,915Category A
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $2,460Category T/H
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $3,035Category P
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $3,650Category O
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $4,410Category D
23-09-202029-09-2020USD $5,915Category A

Inclusions

    • Admire black-sand beaches, erupting volcanoes, lumbering glaciers and thunderous waterfalls while at the same time swimming in hot springs, betting on when geysers will erupt, and hiking across barren rocky deserts
    • Be introduced to many facets of the island, enjoy a journey that showcases the country and its people, wildlife as varied as wild horses and whales, culture and cuisine, stories and legends

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