Learn about the life of an Icelandic fisherman at Osvor Museum and dine with a view of Reykjavik at the revolving Perlan Restaurant in the heart of the city
3. EXPLORE GRÍMSEY ON THE ARCTIC CIRCLE Remote and weather beaten, the tiny island of Grímsey – just 2½ miles by 1¼ miles – guards the Arctic Circle with huge colonies of seabirds and a scant population of hardy islanders said to consistently number about 100 residents. Step ashore for a walking tour to see the Arctic terns and whimsical puffins that live here, and walk across the Arctic Circle line – an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Meals BLD
4. ATTRACTIONS AROUND AKUREYRI Cruise the Eyjarfjördur fjord to Akureyri. Despite its location 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. Spend the day exploring the countryside around Lake Myvatn, named a national conservation area in 1974 for its large waterfowl population and nesting areas for breeding ducks. Guided sightseeing takes you to the sulphur fields at Namaskard, the giant lava field at Dimmuborgir and the shorefront Skutustadir. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and follow the Ring Road to the powerful waterfall, Godafoss, known to locals as “the falls of the gods” and star of the Kristni Saga, banishing paganism and welcoming Christianity into the land in 1000 AD. Return to Akureyri for a city tour, then board the ship for an evening’s sail. Meals BLD
5. CULTURAL GEMS & ISLAND LIFE Magnificent mountain scenery dominates the landscapes that surround Iceland’s western fjords, enriching your visit to Ísafjördur. Dock in the town’s fishing center for a day of cultural discoveries. Go inside a turf-roofed fisherman’s hut at Osvor Museum for a glimpse into the life of an Icelandic fisherman. As a special treat, cruise to Vigur Island, home to the same family since 1884, for a close-up look at their unique lifestyle, passed from one generation to the next. Your hosts will be serving homemade island refreshments. Meals BLD
6. HEIMAEY & SURTSEY, WESTMAN ISLANDS Welcome to Westman Islands, the “islands of the western men,” so named for a group of rebellious slaves whose daring, albeit short lived, escape from captivity in ancient Iceland is still the stuff of legends on these volcanic shores. 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, 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 of volcanic landscapes and the sea; you may see puffins here, too. Your ship also sails past one of the world’s newest islands, Surtsey Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, today. Meals BLD
EXCLUSIVE TAUCK LECTURER Join bathers for a dip in the healing waters of the Blue Lagoon 36
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, our expert will enhance your understanding of the country’s history, culture, economy and geothermal activities, sharing knowledge and experiences with you as you explore this land of fire and ice.
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