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Iceland, the land of volcanoes and glaciers, elves and spirits, puffins and whales, epic sagas, heroic legends and a rich history…
Come with us on an 8-day Iceland cruise aboard one of their newest ships, stylish, yacht-like, from Ponant’s Explorers series. Sail from sophisticated Reykjavik to off-the-beaten-track towns, tiny villages and islands populated by just a handful of people.
Bird watchers will be delighted by all the opportunities to observe puffins, arctic terns and other species that thrive in Iceland, and history lovers will find much of interest in Iceland’s story. Your yacht is small enough for an intimate cruise experience yet large enough to provide amenities found on large cruise ships; all staterooms and suites have ocean views, and 95% have private balconies.
- 79396
- Ocean
- 01 Jan 24
- Reykjavik
- Hafnarfjördur
- Europe
- 02 Jul 23
- 06 Aug 23
- 7 nights
- Tauck Cruising
- Cruise Only
-
Reykjavik, Grundarfjordur, Grímsey Island, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Westman Islands, Heimaey, Hafnarfjördur
Inclusions
- Private visit to Vigur Island to tour a multi-generation family farm that offers a taste of daily island life; learn about Icelandic history on an in-depth visit to Thingvellir National Park
- All gratuities to Tauck Director, ship staff and local guides
- Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at AUD $3,487
- Cruise aboard a vessel from Ponant's Explorers series with an onboard naturalist who shares expert insights on land and at sea
- Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non-Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions
Important Terms
- * Rates quoted are in Australian dollars.
- You have the right to cancel your reservation with Tauck at any time prior to departure of the Trip. However, regardless of reason cancellations result in costly expenses, therefore a cancellation may result in a penalty fee that increase the closer the cancellation is to departure.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.
- Advertised price includes any bonus nights, special offers or discounts listed in the inclusions.
- Surcharges may apply due to demand, Christmas & New Year's Eve, school or public holidays, trade shows, special events & other unforeseen circumstances.
- Prices may be based on Dynamic Rates and as such, may fluctuate at anytime without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, or at the property's discretion.
Departures & Rates
*Rates are based on per person for two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates, or other cabin types not listed, please contact our Travel Specialists for a quote.
Itinerary
Day 1
Tauck’s Iceland cruise begins in Reykjavik
Tour begins: 12:00 PM, Reykjavik. When you arrive in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, you’ll be met at Keflavik International Airport and transferred to the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica or the Grand Hotel Reykjavik, where Tauck has reserved day rooms to accommodate those guests with early flight arrivals into Reykjavik today (on day 1 of the tour). Our welcome reception and luncheon will be memorable as you meet, mingle and dine at Kolabrautin Ristorante, on the fourth floor of Reykjavik’s stunning waterfront Harpa Concert Hall. Following lunch, visit Old Town as well as the Perlan Museum and its Wonders of Iceland exhibit, spotlighting the forces of nature behind the country’s amazing geological wonders; see, hear and feel the power of Iceland’s volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy. Board in Hafnarjfördur to begin your Iceland cruise; enjoy dinner onboard this evening.
Meal(s): Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Bellot
Day 2
Grundarfjordur and fishing villages
Begin the day with a relaxing morning at sea, where briefings set the stage for the week ahead – during which you’ll encounter daily life in fishing villages hugging the craggy coast, traditions and legends that are so much a part of Icelandic culture, pristine wilderness and natural wonders. After lunch onboard, the ship docks in Grundarfjördur midday for a choice of afternoon sightseeing. Take a scenic drive along the coast en route to Djúpalónssandur; when you see the eerie rocks rising from the ocean here, you’ll understand why local folks suspect that they belong to elves. These strange formations have become the basis for many of Iceland’s time-honored sagas; learn more about the traditional stories that tell tales of the country’s early settlers, trials and tribulations during your visit, including how these rocks were used in strength competitions between local fishermen. A walking tour in and around the fishing hamlet of Arnarstapi reveals both village life and the abundant bird life that thrives in the area. And discover a black-lava landscape at Budir, as well as one of the very few yellow-sand beaches in Iceland. Alternatively, you can choose to embark on a “Lava & Viking Adventure” that explores both the rugged nature of the area and the literature it has inspired, visiting sites that have been immortalized in Icelandic sagas – including a walk up the slope of Mt. Helgafell for spectacular views. Return to the ship in Grundarfjördur; set sail for Grímsey late afternoon. Please join us onboard this evening for the Captain’s welcome dinner.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Bellot
Excursion Choices
Day 3
Life on Grímsey and the Arctic Circle
Your Tauck small ship calls at the small island of Grímsey today, located just off the northern coast of Iceland on the Arctic Circle. Approximately 100 hardy souls make their homes on this northernmost inhabited part of Iceland. Learn about what life is like here, the fascination that chess holds for residents – and perhaps you’ll hear the local legend about the Arctic Circle crossing right down the middle of the local clergyman’s bed! Although there are no trees on the island, the impressive sea cliffs and rich marshland, grass and moss are an ideal environment for birds – many, many birds. Go ashore to observe vast colonies of Arctic terns and comical puffins as well as other species. Crossing the Arctic Circle in a single step will be a favorite memory of your Iceland cruise.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Bellot
Day 4
Cultural Akureyri and the Godafoss
On the northern coast of Iceland cruise to the beautiful city of Akureyri, the second-largest city in the nation. Set amidst magnificent mountains, Akureyri is known as the “capital of North Iceland” and noted for its lively cultural life. First settled by Norse Vikings in the 9th century, the city was home to a Norwegian-British fighter squadron during World War II and today boasts the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the world. Your choices of activities today include: mineral bathing at the Myvatn Nature Baths in the geologically intriguing area around Lake Myvatn; visiting the historic fishing village of Siglufjördur and its significant ties to Iceland’s 19th-century economy, with journeys “back in time” at the Folk Music Center and the Herring Era Museum; or leisurely exploration of Akureyri and environs – including a visit to the spectacular Godafoss waterfall to discover why it’s locally known as “the falls of the gods,”and hear about the Kristni Saga recounting the arrival of Christianity in Iceland and the banishment of the old pagan gods in 1000 AD. After reboarding in Akureyri, enjoy dinner onboard as you continue cruising to Ísafjördur.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Bellot
Excursion Choices
Day 5
Isafjordur, Vigur and island life
The allure of the Westfjords that you’ll explore on your Iceland cruise today includes spectacular scenery, history and encounters with the daily lifestyles of the people who live here. Dock at the fishing town of Isafjordur, which despite its isolation from the rest of Iceland is known for its rather urban atmosphere, flourishing cultural life and rich heritage of music and art. It also boasts some of the oldest houses in Iceland, dating from the 18th century. Your choices today include: a drive through Ísafjördur for a look at the region’s life and culture, including stops at the quaint church of the village of Bolungarvik, a restored Osvor fisherman’s hut showcasing what life was like here for Icelandic fishermen before the 20th century, and the Maritime Museum; a hike and visit to the Arctic Fox Center in Sudavik, focusing on the biology and natural history of Iceland’s only native mammal; or a short ferry trip to Vigur Island, inhabited only by three generations of the same family whose home it has been since 1884… and what seems like millions of birds, especially the Arctic tern. See Iceland’s only windmill and enjoy traditional Icelandic cakes served by the family in the restored Viktoria House, built in 1862. Return to the ship this afternoon and sail on to the Westman Islands.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Bellot
Excursion Choices
Day 6
Heimaey & the “Islands of the western men”
There are places on Earth that simply must be experienced and the geological children, Heimaey and Surtsey islands in the area of Iceland called Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands), are among them. Named “islands of the western men” for a group of rebellious slaves whose daring exploits are the stuff of Icelandic legend, this remote part of Iceland – far off the beaten track, with its scenic beauty, huge seabird colonies and intriguing human saga – has an aura of adventure and magic. In 1973, a volcanic eruption on Heimaey, the only populated island, destroyed the small town and changed the island’s landscape forever. Come ashore on Heimaey for a day of exploration that includes a visit to Sprangan cliff, where young islanders are taught the sport of rope-swinging and cliff-side egg-collecting; a stop at Storhöfdi, home to the island’s largest colony of puffins and an incredible vantage point for breathtaking views of the island and the massive glaciers of the mainland (weather permitting); and a walk up the youngest mountain in the world – which was born when Mt. Eldfell spewed lava over the island, creating the new “Pompeii” of the north. You won’t have to look too hard to see puffins, Arctic terns, and other birds that inhabit the cliffs and coves. Return to the ship for a special farewell dinner and another day of discovery.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Bellot
Day 7
Iceland’s “Golden Circle”, the Althing & the Blue Lagoon
After you arrive in Hafnarfjördur this morning, take in the “Big Three” – Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot spring area and Thingvellir National Park – as well as many of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir is significant both for its dramatic scenery and as the ultimate symbol of Iceland’s independence and national unity. The Althing (or Alping), the world’s oldest legislative parliament, first convened in this natural amphitheater in 930 AD and was Iceland’s legislature and highest court during the Old Commonwealth (930 – 1262/1264) era; discover the Law Speaker’s rock, from which laws were spoken aloud and Christianity was adopted around 1000 AD, and the remains of ancient turf shelters that housed the delegates. At Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall,” the Hvíta River drops 96 feet in two falls creating Iceland’s most famous and spectacular cascade. Geothermal activity surrounds you in the geyser area of Geysir, with its colorful mud formations rich in minerals and steaming vents. This afternoon you have an opportunity, if you wish, to go to the Blue Lagoon – an aqua-blue pool of mineral-rich geothermal seawater with a temperature between 98 and 102 degrees F. Return to the ship for a final evening.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Le Bellot
Day 8
Journey Home
Your Iceland cruise ends this morning in the town of Hafnarfjördur as you bid farewell to the captain and crew. Tour ends: 8:00 AM with a transfer to Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Cruise Line
Tauck Cruising
Go beyond the ordinary and experience cruise travel at its best with Tauck. What makes Tauck’s Small Ship Cruising and River Cruising unique is the focus on the destination. Each scenic ports of call connect you with people and places, which will give you a moving, compelling and heart-warming experience both onboard and ashore.
Time ashore is enriched by in-depth cultural exploration and insider access that ensures up-close-and-personal connections with the locals and daily life. Tauck’s cruise travel adventures include guided sightseeing with local experts such as naturalists, historians, and accomplished lecturers. You’ll dine on regional cuisine on land at aboard ship that showcases specialties of the destination. After a day of extraordinary sightseeing, Tauck welcome you back onboard the hand-picked vessels for warm camaraderie and lively conversation that’s inherent on every Tauck cruise travel experience. The stories are endless, the memories are timeless and the connections priceless.
You can expect to see the sights a bit differently than you would with anyone else. Tauck explores Europe’s great waterways from the Rhine and the Danube to the Rhône and the Seine in France. Their luxurious riverboats are spacious and comfortable, welcoming you to an onboard experience characterized by the Tauck. Discover river cruises that go beyond the ordinary!
Tauck Voted World’s Best River Cruise Line
For the second time in three years, Tauck has been named the “World’s Best River Cruise Line" by the readers of Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s most authoritative and respected publications for travellers. The World’s Best Awards from Travel + Leisure are selected by the magazine’s readers. Every year, T+L holds a survey for readers to fill out on their main website. The survey remains open until April.
Winners are announced in the August/September issues of Travel + Leisure. These awards are given in categories such as hotels, resorts, spas, cruises, airlines, travel companies, tour operators, cities, islands, family travel, and more.
River Cruising
The heart of history meets the art of sophisticated river cruise travel aboard Tauck’s river cruises. Experience the Tauck difference on cruise travel days along great European waterways from the Rhine to the Danube, from the canals of the Netherlands to the Rhône, from the Main to the Danube and the Moselle…
You’ll cruise aboard spacious riverboats that have been custom designed to meet American standards with well appointed outside facing cabins and suites, a choice of on-board dining venues, complimentary wine with dinner, fitness centers and attentive personal service from Tauck’s staff and the ship’s crew.
Ancient civilizations beckon on cruise travel days along the River Nile in Egypt and China’s Yangtze River on Tauck’s Exotic journeys, where 3- and 4-night river cruise travel enhances land journeys.
Small Ship Cruising
The difference in Tauck’s small ship cruise travel lies in the choreography of the total cruise travel experience – the combination of personalized cruising with cultural land exploration. How you spend your days ashore – where you go, what you do, who you meet – that’s the Tauck difference. From the moment you step ashore, with 85 years of expertise on land ensures that on every cruise travel day, every moment of your shore excursions (all included in the price) count! Smaller ships hold fewer passengers, which means more personal attention from the captain and the crew – you’ll find the on-board atmosphere to be both club-like and comfortable. The pace is more relaxed, the conversations are richer, and the day-to-day experiences are shared with like-minded travelers.
