Warmed by geothermal activity, Reykjavik is one of the world’s hottest travel destinations; on Vigur Island, a look at the life of a fisherman is a very cool experience
sport of rope-swinging and cliff-side egg-collecting, and 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). The volcanic eruption of Mt. Eldfell in 1973 spewed lava over the island landscapes, creating the youngest mountain in the world and the new “Pompeii” of the north. A walk around the crater rewards with spectacular views and a cruise to an island cliff may see Atlantic puffins, weather permitting. Meals BLD
4. GRUNDARFJORDUR’S SHAPES & SAGAS Dock today in Grundarfjordur, nestled on the banks of a fjord and ringed with mountains, for a scenic drive along the rugged coast. Pass through fishing villages bustling with daily life on the way to Djúpalónssandur, a pebbled beach with a series of strange rock formations emerging from the ocean. The intriguing shapes towering over the Atlantic shores here 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. Your journey continues to the tiny hamlets of Arnarstapi, home to an arctic tern colony, and Budir, set against extinct volcanoes, glaciers and lighthouses. Meals BLD
5. EXPLORE GRÍMSEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE Remote and weather-beaten, the tiny island of Grímsey – just 2½ miles by 1¼ miles – is the northernmost inhabited part of Iceland. Cliffs cover most of the island, providing ideal breeding sites for huge colonies of seabirds. The island’s scant population of hardy residents, said to consistently number about 100, make their living from the bounty of the sea and limited farming. Step ashore for a walking tour to see arctic terns, the longest-distance migrating birds on Earth, and whimsical puffins, with penguin-like markings and beaks that bloom with color in the spring. During your visit, you’ll be able to walk across the Arctic Circle, the imaginary line which marks the southern limit of the Arctic Region. North of here, periods of continuous daylight or night last up to six months at the North Pole. Meals BLD
6. CULTURE, FROM AKUREYRI TO GODAFOSS Cruise the Eyjarfjördur fjord to Akureyri, the commercial and cultural center of northern Iceland. Located just 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, the town boasts a spectacular setting in view of snow-tipped granite mountains and some of the warmest weather in the country. Guided sightseeing takes you to the sulphur fields at Namaskard, the unique volcanic rock formations of Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) creating mysterious forms carved in lava and the small farming hamlet of Skútustadir. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then follow the Ring Road to the powerful horseshoe-shaped waterfall, Godafoss, known to locals as “the falls of the gods” and star of the Kristni Saga. Legend has it that in 1,000 AD the Icelandic “lawspeaker” tossed his icons of Norse deities into the falls, symbolizing the banishment of paganism and introducing Christianity as the official Icelandic
EXCLUSIVE TAUCK LECTURER Puffins spend most of their time at sea, but nest on land in spring and summer 20
Cruise with Tauck’s exclusive onboard lecturer who will offer daily expert insights on Iceland’s unique geographical features and wildlife. A marine naturalist and university lecturer, she will enhance your understanding of the country’s history, culture, economy and geothermal activities sharing her knowledge and experiences with you as you visit each destination in this land of fire and ice.
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