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Experience an unforgettable journey around the island of fire and ice. Iceland is a country of contrasts and the diverse natural landscape provides the possibility for unique experiences like nowhere else on earth. This cruise reveals both natural wonders and the Icelandic way of living. A range of exciting shore excursions brings the unique character of Iceland closer to you.

Itinerary

Individual arrival. Use the day in Reykjavik to explore the highlights of the world’s northernmost national capital city on your own, or book one of our exciting pre-cruise programs and discover Reykjavik and its surroundings by land or air. The Ocean Diamond docks in the old harbor located in the heart of town which is a 5 minute walk to the inner city. The ship will depart Reykjavik harbor at 8 p.m.

Stykkisholmur is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellnes Peninsula. Often called “Iceland in Miniature” because of its diverse landscapes, the area is home to bird-rich Breidafjordur Bay and Snaefellsjokull glacier, which sits atop a 700,000-year-old dormant volcano that was featured in the Jules Verne novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. .

Optional tours in Stykkisholmur:

* SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA

* SNAEFELLSJÖKULL GLACIER

* BOAT TOUR - VIKING SUSHI ADVENTURE

Today's destination is the idyllic town of Isafjördur, capital of the Westfjords region. This secluded peninsula is connected to the rest of Iceland by only a narrow strip of land. Even by Icelandic standards, the area can be described as unusually isolated. The landscape is characterized by mesas and dramatic fjords that cut deep into the landscape. Enjoy silence and nature while sea fishing or bird watching on the small island of Vigur, or by visiting the Dynjandi Waterfall, the highest cascade in this area.

Optional tours while in Isafjordur:

*

* SEA ANGLING FROM FLATEYRI/SUDUREYRI -

* BOAT TRIP TO VIGUR ISLAND

* BUS TOUR - THINGEYRI AND DYNJANDI WATERFALL

* KAYAK IN FLATEYRI

By morning we reach the fjord town of Siglufjordur, once the hub of the global herring industry and now enjoying a rebirth in popularity. Learn about the golden age of herring at the award-winning Herring Era Museum located on the vibrant harbor-front. In the early afternoon we head to uninhabited Grimsey Island. Located about 25 miles (40 km) off the mainland on the Arctic Circle, the island harbors a variety of bird species including puffins, guillemots and gulls. Later we set sail for Akureyri, Iceland’s lovable second largest city.

Optonal tours while in Sigulfjordur:

* HERRING MUSEUM

Ranging inland from Akureyri, we visit the fascinating Lake Myvatn region, where the schizophrenic landscape looks as if “heaven and hell” have clashed. One side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.

Optional excursions while in Akureyri:

* BUS TOUR – MÝVATN MAJOR

* WONDERS OF NATIONAL PARK MYVATN

In the early morning hours we steam into Skjalfandi Bay and Husavik. Often called the “Whale watching capital” of Iceland, the town’s offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of bird. Watching these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience.

Optional shore excursions while in Husavik:

* WHALE WATCHING ON RIB BOATS

* ÁSBYRGI/TJÖRNES

* SUPER JEEP AND NATURES LESSER TRAVELLED TRAILS

Iceland’s East Fjords are best explored from the impossibly picturesque port of Seydisfjordur, nestled between the sea and steep mountains. Activities include seal spotting, horseback riding, and visiting the beautiful nature reserve Skalanes.

* HUSEY – SEAL WATCHING ON HORSEBACK

* BUS TOUR-SKALANES-NATURE RESERVE

* BUS TOUR-EAST FJORDS - PETRA‘S STONE, MINERAL COLLECTION AND THE WARTIME MUSEUM

Today’s port of call is Djupivogur, fishing village in southeast Iceland, starting point for an optional excursion to the amazing glacier lagoon. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, and large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not very wide but it is up to 250 meters deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland.

Optional tours while in Djupivogur:

* BUS TOUR-GLACIER LAGOON/JÖKULSARLON

* VATNAJOKULL GLACIER – SNOWMOBILE

* ADVENTUROUS SUPER JEEP TOUR

Located off the coast of South Iceland, the island group Vestmannaeyjar was formed by submarine volcanic eruptions 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest place on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the archipelago. Here the evidence of Iceland’s volcanic fury is on full display with half-buried houses in ash from a violent eruption in 1973 when the entire island had to be evacuated. Aboard Zodiacs we circumnavigate the island to take in the magical scenery and stop at places of interest to see the local bird life, visit caves and possibly spot whales. An epic experience here is to play a round of golf in a sunken volcanic crater.

Optional excursions while on Westman Islands:

* LAVA TOUR POMPEY OF THE NORTH

* GOLF IN THE VOLCANO

In the morning we return to the port of Reykjavik. After breakfast it’s time to bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond. Extend your stay in Iceland and book one of our post-cruise programs or explore Reykjavik and the surrounding area on your own. Reykjavik, which is both the economical and cultural hub of Iceland, boasts a variety of museums and shops. Scattered around the city are fascinating natural wonders like glaciers, waterfalls and geysers. Individual departure or book our comfortable.

Notes