Circumnavigating Iceland The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes: 2019

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Damian Moses Owen
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+971 4 512 4047 OFFICE: Marina Plaza, Dubai - UAE Travel period Duration May & June 2019 12 days Circumnavigating Iceland The Land of

Enjoy hikes through lava fields, see natural hot springs, explore raw wilderness, encounter rare wildlife, and visit fascinating

Explore mystical Iceland - the land of fire and ice Fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side A paradise

1 OFFICE: Marina Plaza, Dubai - UAE Travel period Duration May & June days Circumnavigating Iceland The Land of Elves, Sagas and Volcanoes: 2019 Circumnavigating Iceland: Reykjavik - Reykjavik Iceland is the perfect destination for explorers searching for the unexpected. The nation s heritage dates back to the ancient sagas, and Icelandic folk tales are rife with mysticism, elves and trolls. Enjoy hikes through lava fields, see natural hot springs, explore raw wilderness, encounter rare wildlife, and visit fascinating historic settlements. Explore mystical Iceland - the land of fire and ice Fascinating nature with waterfalls, volcanoes and glaciers side by side A paradise for bird and whale watching Circumnavigation, see the entirety of Iceland's coast The itinerary This is an expedition where the weather and wind will determine our final schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the sailing itinerary during the voyage. Therefore, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience, and why every expedition with us is unique

Departure May and June 2019 Departs from Reykjavik DAY 1 Arriving in Iceland Location: Reykjavik Many visitors find landing at Keflavik airport enchanting.

But just 45 minutes away, Reykjavik is a charming and vibrant modern city, o ering top restaurants, interesting museums and quaint narrow streets.

Experience Stykkishólmur s diversity of lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity and hot and cold springs.

2 Departure May and June 2019 Departs from Reykjavik DAY 1 Arriving in Iceland Location: Reykjavik Many visitors find landing at Keflavik airport enchanting. The hub seems carved out of an arctic desert, with lava stones covered in moss, and haunting mountains nearby. But just 45 minutes away, Reykjavik is a charming and vibrant modern city, o ering top restaurants, interesting museums and quaint narrow streets. DAY 2 Welcome to the "Sagaland" Location: Stykkishólmur and Flatey West Iceland is o en referred to as The Sagaland. Experience Stykkishólmur s diversity of lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity and hot and cold springs. Explore the town of Stykkishólmur on your own or join an optional excursions to explore more of the Snæfellsnes peninsula which is said to be a miniature version of Iceland. In addition to its characteristic Snæfellsjökull glacier, there are black sandy beaches, bird cli s, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters. On the charming island of Flatey, time appears to stand still. Take a stroll around the village and travel back in time along the scenic lanes. DAY 3 Europe's westernmost point Location: Bjargtangar One of Iceland s best-kept secrets is Westfjords. As we sail around the tip of the Látrabjarg peninsula, you can see the Bjargtangar lighthouse, Europe s westernmost point, from the deck. Come ashore and walk up the slope to the renowned Látrabjarg cli s, home to millions of birds, including pu ins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills.

DAY 4 Wonderful Westfjords Location: Ísafjörður Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour.

With our wide range of optional excursions, you can choose to follow in the footsteps of trolls or enjoy the beautiful scenery from horseback.

Reykjafjörður can only be reached on foot or by boat, and we plan to take a closer look at this stunning area as well.

3 DAY 4 Wonderful Westfjords Location: Ísafjörður Flanked by towering mountains on all sides, Ísafjörður is a nearly perfect natural harbour. Stroll around to see the architecture, the variety of local handicra s and the oldest houses in Iceland, including the structure that houses the Maritime Museum. With our wide range of optional excursions, you can choose to follow in the footsteps of trolls or enjoy the beautiful scenery from horseback. DAY 5 Bird watchers paradise Location: Hornbjarg cli and Reykjafjörður The Hornbjarg cli is one of the greatest sea bird habitats in Iceland, and we will try to land here in our small boats. Reykjafjörður can only be reached on foot or by boat, and we plan to take a closer look at this stunning area as well. DAY 6 Fjords, birds and city life Location: Hrísey and Akureyri Hrísey is a peaceful island in the middle of Eyjafjörður, a well-known paradise for birdwatchers. The most abundant species at this spot is the ptarmigan, but in all about 40 species of bird nest here. The 200 Islanders live in a trim fishing village with paved streets, tidy gardens and everyone has a view of the spectacular surrounding mountains. Next stop is Akureyri, a lively and energetic town. In fact, it is the most populous community outside Reykjavík, and serves as the centre of trade, culture and services for the north of Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland s most renowned natural treasures, although the town itself is a popular destination. Enjoy an optional hike or join an excursion to the impressive Goðafoss waterfall. DAY 7

Step across the Arctic Circle Location: Grímsey At Grímsey we will use our small boats to reach this green and grassy island.

DAY 8 The whale capital of Iceland Location: Húsavík Húsavík is recognised as one of the best whale watching locations in the world, due to the island s thriving bay ecosystem.

whales. Húsavík is also the oldest settlement in Iceland. The town s most famous landmark is Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church built in 1907.

4 Step across the Arctic Circle Location: Grímsey At Grímsey we will use our small boats to reach this green and grassy island. It is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. You can have the chance to step across that line, North to South. DAY 8 The whale capital of Iceland Location: Húsavík Húsavík is recognised as one of the best whale watching locations in the world, due to the island s thriving bay ecosystem. Melting snow and rivers bring nutrients from mineral-rich mountainsides which, when combined with the boundless summer sun, leads to teeming masses of plankton, the main source of food for baleen whales. Húsavík is also the oldest settlement in Iceland. The town s most famous landmark is Húsavíkurkirkja, a wooden church built in Over the years, Húsavík has become an increasingly popular tourist centre and is home to the Húsavík Whale Museum. A er leaving the town, we sail past the Langanes peninsula. DAY 9 The land of the Elves Location: Bakkargerdi and Seyðisfjörður Bakkagerdi is the main settlement in Borgarfjörður. This area is known for its natural beauty and is the land of the elves. Pu in colonies abound in the fjord, making this a popular place for birdwatching. Bakkagerdi is o the typical tourist track, and o ers peace, quiet and lovely views. If you prefer more action, join us for an optional tour to the natural forest of Hallormsstaður. The Norwegian heritage of the village of Seyðisfjörður is reflected in colourful Nordic-style wooden houses dating from the early 20th century. The handcra ed architecture creates a truly unique identity in the settlement. Explore the town, join an organised hike or take an optional excursion to Skálanes. DAY 10

Glaciers and art Location: Djúpivogur The natural world around Djupivogur is highly varied.

The Vatnajökull glacier is the largest in Europe, and a spectacular sight. Join our optional excursion to Vatnajökull lagoon, or stay and hike in the beautiful surroundings of the town.

It houses some of the works of sculptor Ríkarður Jónsson, a heritage museum and a co ee shop with delicious homemade cakes and a display of local handicra s.

5 Glaciers and art Location: Djúpivogur The natural world around Djupivogur is highly varied. The Búlandsnes bird sanctuary is renowned among bird lovers throughout the world, because this is a place where you can observe most Icelandic birds nesting in their natural habitat close by. The Vatnajökull glacier is the largest in Europe, and a spectacular sight. Join our optional excursion to Vatnajökull lagoon, or stay and hike in the beautiful surroundings of the town. Langabúð is the oldest house in Djúpivogur, originally built in 1790, and has now been renovated to serve as a cultural centre. It houses some of the works of sculptor Ríkarður Jónsson, a heritage museum and a co ee shop with delicious homemade cakes and a display of local handicra s. Don't miss the outdoor sculpture, Eggin í Gleðivík, by the world famous Icelandic artist Sigurður Guðmundsson, consisting of 34 eggs. DAY 11 Iceland's Pompeii Location: Heimaey Heimaey is the largest of the Westman Islands, which are located o Iceland's south coast, and is dominated by magnificent cli s. These form natural habitats for many di erent seabirds, including pu ins and kittiwakes. The islands are also a great place for spotting whales. In 1973, a huge volcanic eruption surprised their residents of Heimaey. It forced the entire population to evacuate and set sail to mainland Iceland. A large number of buildings were buried under lava and ash. Many were completely destroyed, but others were later unearthed and restored. An entire museum, Eldheimar, has been built around the remains of one of the homes. DAY 12 The end of the adventure Location: Reykjavik Our voyage of discovery and adventure ends in Reykjavik. If you have the time, join our exciting post programme Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon. Arrival June 2019 Location Reykjavik

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