Iceland and Greenland Explorer: 8 days Reykjavik to Reykjavik

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Your journey begins here in Iceland’s quirky and creative heart.   

This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Join your fellow guests for a drink as you toast to the start of an epic journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Docked: 18:00

Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Iceland's stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine fjords, Grundarfjörður offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and Icelandic charm. Explore the quaint streets lined with colourful houses, or venture into the nearby wilderness to discover hidden waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Have your camera ready to catch a glimpse of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Tonight, you will sail across the Arctic circle to reach Ittoqqortoormiit.

Join the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre as they present engaging lectures that bring your journey to life. Reflect on the day’s remarkable sights and gain fascinating insights into the destinations still to come. Refer to your daily program for a full schedule.

Elevate your Icelandic experience and take flight on one of two on board helicopters^, marvelling at the jaw-dropping views of glaciers, volcanoes and cascading waterfalls from above. This exclusive adventure offers a breathtaking new perspective on one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Scenic Freechoice:
Snæfellsnes Peninsula Express: Journey to Djupalonssandur’s black sand beach, featuring lava formations and shipwreck remnants. Visit Malarrif’s historic lighthouse for photos, pass Londrangar’s volcanic towers and stroll Arnarstapi’s cliffs with seabird colonies and Bardur Snaefellsas’ statue, ending with a scenic drive back to Grundarfjörður.

Coves, Craters & Caves: Admire the Snæfellsjökull Glacier’s mystical 1,446m presence on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Ascend Saxhóll’s crater for mossy lava views, walk Djupalonssandur’s 1km coastal trail to Dritvík and descend Vatnshellir Cave’s 35m lava tunnels, inspired by Jules Verne’s classic tale: Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Offshore: 07:00 - 12:30

Located above the Arctic Circle and nestled beside the world's largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system, Ittoqqortoormiit stands as one of Greenland's most remote towns. Home to approximately 350 residents, this small community offers a fascinating insight into the traditional Inuit way of life. Here, people have embraced a sea-dependent existence, where the ever-changing sea ice opens new opportunities for exploration.

Learn the stories of the community's resilience with a guided tour. Explore key landmarks such as the museum, church, weather station and public service buildings. Enjoy the chance to have your passport stamped in this unique destination, adding a permanent reminder of your visit.

Scenic Discovery:
Today, weather permitting and with harbour master approval, you may get the opportunity to enjoy immersive Discovery experiences including kayaking and Zodiac cruising.

Experience an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscape of Scoresbysund, a fjord that reaches a staggering 350 kilometres in length and plunges down 600 metres. Scenic Eclipse will navigate through a maze of towering icebergs that gently drift under Arctic waters, calving from parent glaciers from the Inland Ice.

Take in this awe-inspiring landscape from the Open Bridge alongside your expert Discovery Team, who can answer any questions you have. Or perhaps you’d like to soak it up from your own private verandah.

Alternatively, join the Discovery Team as they present engaging lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, reflecting on the amazing sights you’ve experienced so far and sharing insights into the exciting ports ahead. Check the daily program for the schedule.

Scenic Discovery:
Weather and ice conditions permitting, our expert Discovery Team invites you to experience the breathtaking fjords and Arctic landscapes of Scoresby Sound. Expect exciting Zodiac cruises to bring you closer to the pristine beauty of this remote wilderness.

Akureyri is the country’s second largest settlement after Reykjavik, but with only around 20,000 residents it still feels like a friendly small town. Though it sits just 60 kilometres below the Arctic Circle, the climate is pleasantly mild and picturesque, with colourful homes set on green hills at the base of a volcanic mountain chain.

See the striking Akureyri Church and stroll through one of the world’s most northerly botanic gardens, home to endemic Icelandic flora and hardy foreign species. Keep an eye out for the elves and hidden people that are said to dwell in the town.

Elevate your Icelandic experience and take flight on one of two on board helicopters^, marvelling at the jaw-dropping views of glaciers, volcanoes and cascading waterfalls from above. This exclusive adventure offers a breathtaking new perspective on one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Scenic Freechoice:
Leisurely Akureyri & Godafoss Waterfall: Explore Akureyri, the “capital of the North,” enjoy its charming architecture and Botanical Gardens, and visit the stunning Godafoss Waterfall.

Whale Watching: Enjoy a whale watching experience in Akureyri’s Eyjafjörður, where nutrient-rich waters host Humpback, Minke, Fin and Blue whales, plus white-beaked dolphins and porpoises. Observe abundant seabirds, including seasonal puffins amidst stunning scenery.

Panoramic City & Forest Lagoon: Relax with a scenic visit to Hlíðarfjörður viewpoint, enjoying fjord and mountain views, then unwind at Akureyri’s new geothermal spa in Vaðlaskógur forest. Soak in heated pools with Eyjafjörður vistas, embraced by birch and pine.

Scenic Discovery:
Enjoy immersive Discovery experiences such as kayaking and zodiac cruising, subject to weather conditions and harbour master approval.

Offshore: 13:00 - 18:00

Isafjördur is the gateway to the Westfjords region on Iceland’s northernmost peninsula. Set on the Skutulsfjörður Fjord, surrounded by mountains and the sea, it has been an important fishing and trading centre for over 500 years. The well-preserved Old Town is filled with colourful historic buildings, making for a picturesque stroll.

The surrounding Westfjords area abounds in natural wonders, with waterfalls, hiking trails, and jagged cliffs. Isafjördur offers vast, uncharted spaces for relaxation and Nordic stillness, making it a popular destination for travellers seeking a peaceful escape.

Elevate your Icelandic experience and take flight on one of two on board helicopters^, marvelling at the jaw-dropping views of glaciers, volcanoes, and cascading waterfalls from above. This exclusive adventure offers a breathtaking new perspective on one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Scenic Freechoice:
Taste of Isafjordur Walking Tour: Set out on a guided walk through Ísafjörður, uncovering its transformation from a 1980s fishing hub to a creative community. Visit Kertahúsið candle house, enjoy harbour views with avalanche barriers, and taste craft beers at the town’s first microbrewery ‘Dokkan Brewery’, with the option to explore even further using a custom map.

Vigur Island: Enjoy a guided walk on Vígur, a 2km by 400m island in Ísafjörður Bay, home to one family. Learn of their eiderdown and egg trade, spot 8,000 puffins and visit Iceland’s only windmill and Europe’s smallest post office (where you can send home a postcard or two), ending with refreshments served by the family in their 19th-century house.

Valagil Hike: Discover the Westfjords’ dramatic landscapes on a 4km round-trip active hike from Ísafjörður to Valagil Canyon via Álftafjörður. Enjoy a marked trail with a thundering waterfall and dramatic lava-layered cliffs.

History at Hesteyri: Experience the remote charm of Hesteyri in Jökulfirðir fjords, surrounded by snow-flecked peaks and tranquil coves. Explore its abandoned 1952 settlement on a guided walk, learning of its isolated past, and enjoy traditional refreshments at the former doctor’s house, spotting Arctic foxes, seals or whales along the way.

Life & Culture: Uncover Iceland’s rugged northwest with a visit to a restored fisherman’s hut south of the Arctic Circle, revealing traditional fishing life. Enjoy a live music performance at an historic church, explore Snæfjallaströnd’s scenic valley, visit Ísafjörður’s heritage museum and conclude with a tasting of Icelandic ‘Brennivín’ and local delicacies.

Scenic Discovery:
Enjoy immersive Discovery experiences such as kayaking and zodiac cruising, subject to weather conditions and harbour master approval.

Offshore: 09:00 - 20:00

Weather permitting, today we visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the freezing mist on your face as you admire the cascading bridal veil falls and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland.

Today, perhaps explore some of the indulgent spaces on board before dinner, from the welcoming Observation Lounge to the indulgent Senses Spa# with its sauna and heated therapy lounge. 

Join the Discovery Team as they present engaging lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, reflecting on the amazing sights you’ve experienced so far. Check the daily program for the schedule.

Elevate your Icelandic experience and take flight on one of two onboard  helicopters ^, marvelling at the jaw-dropping views of glaciers, volcanoes, and cascading waterfalls from above. This exclusive adventure offers a breathtaking new perspective on one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.

Scenic Discovery:
Join the Discovery Team as they lead a scenic hike to the majestic Dynjandivogur Waterfall, known as the "jewel of the Westfjords." Experience the powerful, cascading waters as they tumble down multiple tiers, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

Docked: 08:00 - 16:00

Scenic Eclipse will return to Reykjavik this morning. This busy, capital has a captivating creative soul, vibrant nightlife and a population of cool, quirky Reykvíkingurs. Stay longer to explore its stylish restaurants, chic boutiques, innovative galleries and fascinating museums.

After one final breakfast on board, you'll disembark your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Farewell the crew and your fellow guests, taking with you a wealth of memories from an unforgettable voyage.

Please book your flight to depart out of Reykjavik after 01:00 PM.

Docked: 08:00

#Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.
^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.

Helicopter not in operation in Greenland.

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.