Name: Iceland, East Greenland & Northern Lights
Brand: Swan Hellenic
SKU: V2324081812

Itinerary

Reykjavík, despite its small size, is the capital of Iceland. At the top of the town stands the distinctive Hallgrímskirkja church, designed by renowned Icelandic architect Guðjón Samúelsson. The revitalised harbour area features the futuristic Harpa Concert Hall and the Maritime Museum, showcasing the city's cultural heritage A trip to Reykjavík would be incomplete without a visit to the Blue Lagoon, famous for its therapeutic geothermal waters.

Surrounded by fjords in the Westfjords region, Ísafjördur is a bustling fishing town in northwest Iceland with colourful wooden 18th- and 19th-century houses in its old town, Neskaupstadur. Nearby, Sudavik is home to the Arctic Fox Centre. Iceland’s only mammal, the arctic fox, lives on the lush tundra of Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, the northernmost peninsula in the Westfjords with two of Europe’s largest bird cliffs.

Westfjords Life and Culture

Included

03 h 00 m

Discover the time-honoured local methods of salting fishing
Go back in time as you enter the turf-and-stone fishing shacks, greeted by a local dressed in a traditional sheepskin fisherman's outfit
Visit the Maritime Museum, housed in some of Iceland's oldest buildings, to delve into the history of the fishing industry that has sustained the area for centuries

Whale Watching from Isafjordur

Optional

02 h 30 m

Sail along the beautiful Snæfjallaströnd (Snow-Mountain-Coast) while looking out for whales in the water
Besides whales we might encounter seals as well as dolphins

Holt Inn Farmers & Flavours

Optional

03 h 30 m

Get to know the history of the Stadardalur Valley , which at one point was inhabited by multiple farms and one of the first places in Iceland to be settled by the Vikings
Visit the farm and interact with the animals and enjoying Icelandic delicacies

ATV Tour (2 persons/ATV)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Feel the exhilaration of travelling through the mountainous terrain of the Westfjords on your choice of a ATV
When you first arrive, get geared up with all the essentials to venture out on this one of a kind Icelandic experience
Take in the panoramic vistas of deep blue waters and snowy mountains that surround you as you ascend to their peaks

Calm Fjord Kayaking

Optional

02 h 00 m

See for yourself why the Westfjords are a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike with its calm waters and soaring mountains
This journey provides an intimate connection with the environment, allowing you to observe the delicate ecosystems and appreciate the intricate balance of nature
Be on the lookout for curious seabirds soaring above you and active marine life swimming beneath you

Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.

In the southeastern part of Greenland, the city of Ittoqqortoormiut appears, on the territory of which only 500 people live. A thick layer of sea ice prevents ships from approaching the city's port for nine months of the year, so he arrived in this remote city. Ittoqqortoormiut was founded in 1925 by the Danish explorer Einar Mikkelsen and a group of about 80 Inuit, covering a vast hunting ground. There is still hunting and sea fishing. The territory of Ittoqqortoormiit is home to white foxes, bears and seal colonies.

Discover Ittoqqortoormiit and the local community

Included

03 h 00 m

Discover the local museum and church, offering a glimpse into Greenland's heritage, with a demonstration showcasing muskox Qiviut
See the sled dogs being fed and immerse yourself in a demonstration of Traditional Greenlandic Handicraft, along with insights into the traditional East Greenland National suit.

Discover Ittoqqortoormiit and the local community

Included

03 h 00 m

Explore this astounding settlement dotted with brightly coloured buildings and home to hunters who still depend on the local wildlife for their survival
Learn about the storied past dating back to 1925 when it was founded by approx. 80 Inuit people and a Danish explorer
The local guides spread among the village will point out places of interest you might want to explore, like the museum which is typical hunter settlement home from the 1960s with a collection of historic photographs, paintings and costumes

The vast Scoresbysund fjord network is framed by imposing basalt mountains. Serving as a barrier against Arctic winds, the mountains create a haven for Greenland's wildlife, including muskoxen, Arctic foxes and mountain hares. The area teems with birdlife like little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, Greenlandic gyrfalcons and great black-backed gulls. Seals and whales are common sightings in the fjord's waters.

Zodiac Cruising and/or Nature Walks With Your Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Scorebysund as you navigate the fjords surrounded by towering basalt mountains
Learn about the unique ecosystem that the mountains protect from the Arctic winds, providing shelter for the abundance of Greenland’s flourishing wildlife
Be on the lookout for the active bird population in the area including little auks, Atlantic puffins, fulmars, snowy owls, the Greenlandic gyrfalcon and great black-backed gulls

King Oscar Fjord forms the northern border of the Scoresby Sound. This seemingly endless maze of valleys eventually gives way to the open sea. The imposing mountains, deep waters and sparkling ice create a dramatic and emotive landscape, beautiful and imposingly hostile all at once. The fascinating Berzelius Bjerg, a mountain with clear bands of coloured strata, formed millions of years ago when the mountains here were once part of the seabed.

Zodiac Cruising With Swan Hellenic Expedition Team

Included

01 h 00 m

Join your expedition team on this exhilarating boat ride through King Oscar Fjord, which forms the northern border of the Scoresby Sound.
Cruise past the remarkable Berzelius Bjerg, a mountain with clear bands of coloured strata formed millions of years ago when the mountains were once part of the seabed
This Zodiac ride will bring you up close and personal to the majestic nature of Greenland, so be sure to keep an eye out for the vibrant wildlife like Ringed Seals

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

Brightly painted wooden houses line Seyðisfjörður’s port, regarded as east Island’s cultural hub with a lively arts scene disproportionate to its size. Seyðisfjörður has attracted writers and artists and hosts a summer arts festival. Surrounded by incredible nature, the nearby Skálanes nature reserve is known for its diverse wildlife with over 47 bird species, as well as 150 plant species. Reindeer, seals and porpoises often populate the area.

Skálanes Nature Reserve - incl

Included

03 h 15 m

Enjoy this guided tour of Skálanes nature reserve where your guide will point nesting seabirds, like the large colony of Eiders and Arctic Terns, as well as stunning cliffs reaching up to 640 m
Explore the landscape that still holds remnants of farms and turf structures that demonstrate the relationship of humans and nature since the settlement of Iceland
This tour also includes a stop to an archaeological dig site, called Thorarinsstaðir, to see the stave church and graveyard discovered by a team in 1998

Vök Nature Baths

Optional

03 h 00 m

Take a soak in the floating geothermal pools at the Vök Baths to unwind and revitalize while complete surrounded by the rest of Lake Urriðavatn
Admire the architecture of the baths, designed to evoke a deeper connection and appreciation for the beauty of Iceland’s one-of-a-kind nature
Learn the legend of the thermal pools and how it was once believed to be created by a monster living at the bottom of the lake, preventing the ice above it from forming

Horseback Riding in the Eastern Fjords

Optional

04 h 30 m

Journey on horseback through the stunning East Fjords to discover the bountiful and vibrant unspoiled nature of the region
Listen as your local guide recounts stories and folklore from area as they lead you to to some of the most picturesque points for pictures
Get to know the five gaits of the small sturdy Icelandic horses are famed for: the walk, trot, gallop, tölt (a smooth run) and skeið (flying pace)

Archaeology, History and Heritage Walk

Included

02 h 00 m

Fjörður archaeological excavation site under mt. Bjólfur
Explpore the town of Seyðisfjörður and enjoy refreshments at Skaftfell Bistro
Visit the fascinating Technological Museum of East Iceland

Hike To Hengifoss Waterfall

Optional

05 h 00 m

The impressive mountain pass of Fjarðarheiði
Take in the rich tapestry of greenery in the otherwise volcanic land of Hallormsstaður
On your ride out of Seyðisfjörður, keep an eye out for the many small waterfalls that line the way

Tiniest Town in Iceland

Optional

04 h 30 m

Visit Mjóifjörður fjord in a specialised 4 x 4 vehicles
Stop at the breathtaking Klifbrekkufossar waterfall
Visit the tiny village of Brekka and enjoy local delights

With Viking-era origins, Djupivogur, a tranquil fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, is renowned for its unhurried pace of life and the art installation 'The Eggs at Merry Bay,' featuring 34 granite eggs representing local bird species. Nearby, Vatnajökull National Park, covering 14 percent of Iceland, offers a wild expanse with Europe's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull Glacier, thundering glacial rivers and active volcanoes.

Cultural Walk in Djúpivogur

Included

02 h 00 m

Let your imagination soar as you discuss the symbolism behind the intriguing “Eggs” sculpture with your guide
Uncover the hidden story behind the repurposed Tank and marvel at the ingenuity that has transformed it
Your exploration wouldn't be complete without a visit to a local craft museum and store to admire the craftsmanship and artistry that have been passed down for generations

4x4 Waterfalls & Bragðavellir

Optional

03 h 30 m

Visit the nature lovers haven of Bragdavellir cottage and farm where you’ll find an abundance of bird life set against picturesque views
Get to know the local farmers who keep the site in impeccable shape and also run the Bragdavellir café
Relax to the roaring sounds of rushing waterfalls and even get the rare opportunity to dismount your vehicle and walk up close to Einstigsfoss waterfall

Hoffelsjökull Glacier & Lagoon

Optional

05 h 00 m

Your first stop is Hoffellsjökull, an outlet glacier formed during the "little ice age” which played a crucial role for the local communit
The glacier tongue was also a hub for groundbreaking glaciological studies, offering invaluable insights into the mysteries of these frozen giant
Understand the effects of climate change from your guide and the indelible mark it has left on Hoffellsjökull

Jökulsárlón Cruise & Scenic Drive

Optional

08 h 30 m

Feel the exhilaration of navigating through the icy wonderland of Jökulsárlón by boat, immersing yourself in otherworldly landscapes that will leave you in awe
See some of Iceland’s finest scenery as you pass mountains with glacial tongues penetrating downward and pastoral landscapes squeezed between shifting black sands
On your way back, stop for a traditional Icelandic meal at a local restaurant and glimpse at the beautiful village of Höfn

Vatnajökull Adventure & Sightseeing

Optional

09 h 00 m

Drive through the beautiful Mýrar district and arrive at your destination of the mighty Vatnajökull ice cap, the largest outside the Arctic regions
Follow the tortuous roads on your ascent up the Skálafellsjökull Glacier as the anticipation builds with each meter you rise above sea level
Ride aboard a 4x4 jeep, a snow scooter or a Snow Truck (assigned by the local operator) and embark on this action packed adventure of a lifetime

4x4 The Valley of Waterfalls

Optional

04 h 30 m

Enjoy an off-the-beaten tracks tour to discover many of the hidden gems of East Iceland
Learn to appreciate Iceland’s rugged yet exceptionally beautiful landscape
Ride with your driver/guide on a 4x4 vehicle along a peaceful fjord before entering countryside paths to reach beautiful waterfalls

Ten million Atlantic puffins make Heimaey, a 13-km square island in the Westman Islands off southern Iceland, the largest puffin colony in the world. Despite a population of 4,000 people, puffins have even been spotted in the town of Vestmannaeyjar. The fascinating Eldheimar museum charts the story of the town’s devastation by lava from Eldfell volcano in 1973. Nearby, Vestmannaeyjar Bird Cliff is home to puffins, guillemots and razorbills.

Pompeii of the North

Included

03 h 00 m

Visit a birdwatching house in Stórhöfði, providing a wonderful opportunity to see the largest puffin colony
Drive between two incredible volcanoes, the 5,000-year-old volcano Helgafell (Holy Mountain) and the considerably younger volcano Eldfell (Fire Mountain)
Brace yourself for the untamed power of nature with a stop at the windiest place on Earth, where the average wind speed reaches 11 m/s

Caves & Islands RIB Safari

Optional

02 h 00 m

Cruise through the waters at high speeds, jetting from cave to cave and maybe even spotting some wildlife like orcas, dolphins, seals, puffins and fulmars
Visit the Ægir cave, an extremely deep and beautiful cave with basalt columns, and the Klettahellir cave, known as the roomy cliff cave with excellent acoustics
Your guide will point out unusual rock formations that have been shaped over years of interplay by the sea and volcanic activity

Volcano ATV Tour (2 persons/ATV)

Optional

02 h 00 m

Experience the thrill of driving amidst the remnants of volcanic activity as you explore this unique geological wonder
Gear up with all the essentials for your exciting ride, including a helmet with a built in communication gadget so you can listen to your guide’s stories as your tour about the island
You ride will take you to historical points of interest including the scene where Guðlaugur Friðþórsson reached land after swimming 5 km in the dark, cold sea after his trawler Hellisey VE 503 sank

Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

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YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, a bedroom with living room area, and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony.

Balcony D6

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom, and a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony.

Suite

40 m²

Suites feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and walk-in shower – and a 10m² (108ft²) private balcony.

Premium Suite

47 m²

Premium Suites have a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – walk-in wardrobe, and a 12m² (129ft²) private balcony.