Fire and Ice: An 8-Day Sail Around Iceland | 8 Days | National Geographic Explorer Cruise

Arrive in Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital and the world’s northernmost capital city. Spend the day exploring at your own pace, visiting landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church, Harpa Concert Hall, or the city's geothermal pools. In the afternoon, check in with the hospitality desk before embarking on your adventure.

Journey into the untouched landscapes of the Westfjords, a region known for its dramatic cliffs and deep fjords. Explore Ísafjarðardjúp, a haven for marine life including whales, seals, and seabirds. Kayak along the serene waters or hike to a remote waterfall. Visit Vigur Island, where traditional eiderdown harvesting continues and puffins nest in abundance.

Visit Siglufjörður, once the heart of Iceland’s booming herring industry. Tour the award-winning Herring Museum, watch a salting demonstration, and sample local delicacies. In the afternoon, participate in a conservation project with the local forestry association, learning about Iceland’s efforts to reforest its volcanic landscape.

Explore the wonders of northern Iceland from Húsavík, one of the country’s oldest settlements. Visit the powerful Goðafoss waterfall and the geothermal landscapes of Lake Mývatn. Alternatively, hike through the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi Canyon, said to be formed by the hoof of Odin’s eight-legged horse, or unwind with forest bathing and a soak in the geothermal Geo Sea baths.

Arrive at Bakkagerði, a picturesque village famous for its thriving puffin colony. Walk along wooden boardwalks for a close-up view of these colorful seabirds. Then, hike to a stunning fjord overlook or embark on a backcountry mountain biking adventure through the rugged terrain, discovering hidden valleys and dramatic vistas.

Discover the remote beauty of Djúpivogur, a charming coastal town. Visit secluded valleys and cascading waterfalls or take a scenic drive to the vast Vatnajökull ice cap, where blue icebergs drift in Jökulsárlón Lagoon. For a different perspective, hike along the black-sand beaches near town, admiring the contrast between ice and volcanic landscapes.

Sail to the Westman Islands, a volcanic archipelago formed by undersea eruptions. Cruise past Surtsey, one of the world’s youngest islands and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Heimaey, where lava flows once threatened to close off the harbor in 1973. Hike to the still-warm volcanic crater and witness the resilience of nature and human ingenuity in this otherworldly landscape.