OVERVIEW

Enter the world of the Humpback, Minke and Orca on a whale-spotting expedition off Iceland’s northern coast. Coupled with an informative whale museum visit, lunch at a local eatery and a stop to marvel at thunderous Godafoss falls, this has the makings of an exhilarating day indeed. You’ll travel from Akureyri pier by coach to the town of Husavik. There, you’ll head out by boat into Skjálfandi Bay, where hungry cetaceans like to feed on the abundant krill, plankton and fish. For the next three hours, all eyes will be fixed on the water – waiting to spot the next fluke, tail, blowhole or full-tilt breach. Entertaining you as you wait, harbor porpoises and white-beaked dolphins will likely be seen cavorting in the waves. Once back on dry land, it’s time for lunch and an interval spent soaking up the fascinating info on display at Husavik Whale Museum. Enroute back to Akureyri, you’ll stop to take in the roar of Godafoss, its waters plunging over a huge horseshoe-shaped rim to form one of Iceland’s most impressive natural wonders. But then, nothing quite compares to the sight of a giant Blue Whale or leaping Humpback.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the Iceland countryside by coach as you head for a tiny town on the northern coast.
• Spend three exciting hours on a whale-watching cruise in the krill-rich feeding grounds off Husavik.
• Tour an award-winning museum where ecology of whales and history of whaling is vividly presented.
• Visit the mighty “Waterfall of the Gods” – Godafoss – thundering over its wide horseshoe cliff.
• Enjoy lunch in a local Icelandic restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing including a water/wind proof jacket.
• Comfortable, flat walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Take an unhurried stroll through Akureyri, set majestically between fjord and mountain near the Arctic Circle. Discover its colorful cultural life and learn about its 16th-century origins as a remote Danish trading post. Foremost among the landmarks you’ll encounter is a hilltop Lutheran church whose modern design has become a symbol of the city (outside visit). It was spirited here for safekeeping after Coventry Cathedral was bombarded by air raids during World War II, and never went back. Then we weave our way uphill to one of the northernmost botanic gardens in the world. There you can find a surprising number of alien taxa, beside Icelandic native species. The charming coffeehouse in the garden is a popular meeting place for both locals and foreign visitors. On the way back to the center, we will pass Akureyri Junior College which is among the oldest and best-known educational establishments in Iceland. At your guided walk’s end, you’ll be in midtown and free to either head back to the pier or – better yet – spend awhile exploring the cool design shops and Icelandic eateries along pedestrian-friendly Hafnarstæti street, just near the harbor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor fabulous views of Iceland’s longest fjord as you walk the waterfront Strandgata.
• Climb the hill to a signature church, outside visit only.
• Visit one of the northernmost botanic gardens in the world.
• After the escorted walk, reward yourself with some free-range shopping or dining on local fare.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing including a water/wind proof jacket.
• Comfortable, flat walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Fly to the tiny isle of Grimsey to explore this northernmost inhabited part of Iceland which straddles the Arctic Circle. The flight from Akureyri airport takes just half an hour, but Grimsey might as well be a million miles away. Barely 100 souls reside here, along with the occasional polar bear dropping by from a drifting ice floe. Years ago, Grimsey was larger – but large chunks of it have tumbled into the sea over time and its residents have learned to make do with a diminishing land mass. Subsistence itself can be a challenge as a result, with islanders relying on locally caught seafood, scant imported goods and the most prized of edible island delicacies: bird eggs snatched by brave rappellers who clamber down Grimsey’s sheer sea cliffs during the brief summer. While mentioned in the earliest of Icelandic sagas, this miniscule outpost’s big claim to fame came late in the 19th century when the locals’ exceptional prowess at chess captured the outside world’s attention. Go figure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly to a remote islet sitting astride the Arctic Circle and observe its unique lifestyle firsthand.
• Wander Grimsey’s few streets, encounter its residents and wonder at how they manage to thrive here.
• See the island’s signature lighthouse, a church built from driftwood and raucous colonies of puffins and other seabirds making a home along the cliffs.
• Step across the Arctic Circle yourself, so you can boast about it later to friends at shipboard dinner.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing including a water/wind proof jacket.
• Comfortable, flat walking shoes with a non-slip sole are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Impossibly beautiful, Iceland flaunts its extraordinary natural attractions on this enchanting tour of a legendary waterfall, ancient craters and bizarrely shaped lava castles. Your tour commences from the pier with a scenic drive along the coastline of Eyjarfjordur, Iceland's longest and perhaps most spectacular fjord. Looking back, you'll have an excellent view of Akureyri, which nestles at the very end of the waterway. Further ahead lies Fnjoskardalur, a pristine valley that clearly shows evidence of its ancient glacial formation. Your first stop is thundering Godafoss, an Icelandic word meaning "Waterfall of the Gods." The name refers to an event that supposedly occurred 1,000 years ago when an Icelandic chieftain threw statues of the Norse gods into the water to symbolically demonstrate Iceland's conversion to Christianity. Whether the legend is true or not, it's quite a sight to behold the Skjalfandafljot River cascade over the horseshoe-shaped cliff and plummet into the roiling tempest below. But Godafoss only touches upon the natural wonders that await you, which include the volcanically formed craters at Skutustadir, location of your next stop. From here, you'll travel to an even larger collection of imaginative lava formations found at Dimmuborgir. Created more than 2,000 years ago, the area is full of hardened lava lakes, natural arches, and craggy grottoes. Your final stop before returning to the pier will be at Namaskard, a barren field of gurgling sulfur cauldrons and boiling mud pits that afford you a look at Iceland's geothermal activity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hear the mighty “Waterfall of the Gods” – Godafoss – roar as it thunders over a wide horseshoe cliff.
• Visit the odd volcanic landscape of Skutustadir, where the craters look like something on the moon.
• Encounter extraordinary, hardened lava castles and other ancient formations at Dimmuborgir.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Behold natural wonders in northern Iceland that are so dramatic that they were used as locations for the blockbuster HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Many of the scenes that represented the lands beyond The Wall – a solid ice fortification that separated the Seven Kingdoms from the tribal wildings – were shot in the surrounding countryside. One look at the glorious Goðafoss waterfalls and the basalt lava pillars at Kálfastrandavogar, and you will instantly understand why they were chosen to represent areas in the show’s Haunted Forest. Then, there is Dimmuborgir, known as the Dark Fortress, a land of volcanically sculpted caverns and craggy black peaks. You may recognize it as the camp site for Mance Rayder, the leader of the wildings. You will also visit Grjótagjá, a surreal lava cave with a thermal spring, and the Námaskarð geothermal field, where the battle scenes on the Fist of the First Men plateau took place.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit dramatic natural settings that were chosen as locations for “Game of Thrones.”
• See the Goðafoss waterfalls and lava pillars that were sets for the show’s Haunted Forest.
• Be awed by the volcanic caves and craggy peaks that represented otherworldly settings.
• Hear what scenes were shot at each location, which will make them all the more relevant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Take an exhilarating ride into the nutrient-rich waters off Akureyri and look for whales, dolphins and porpoises that feed there in abundance. After suiting up in a thermal floatation suit, gloves and goggles, you will board a rigid inflatable boat, commonly known as a RIB, and speed off into Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. Framed by glacier-carved mountains, this narrow deep fjord is a stunning setting, made even more spectacular if you spot a whale breaching the water’s surface. RIBs allow you to get closer to the whales than any other type of boat because of their size and maneuverability. There is no way to predict what marine life you will see, but humpbacks, blue fin, minke and sei whales are often spotted in the fjord. Occasionally, a blue whale – the world’s largest animal – will surface to exhale. It will be quite the spectacle as the spray from their blowholes shoots about 30 feet into the air.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland, in an open-air rigid inflatable boat.
• Look for whales feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south.
• Be awed if you spot whales breaching the water’s surface, a common sight.
• Keep an eye out for white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises as well.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race high above the wilderness on the outskirts of town on a series of ziplines for the ultimate adrenaline rush. The venue for this high-flying adventure will be the Zipline Akureyri, a wooded oasis in the Glerárgil River Canyon. After being harnessed into the zipline, off you will go on the first of five exhilarating courses that will carry you straight downhill at hair-raising speeds. Each zipline will offer a different view of the forested landscape and the roaring river below. You can expect it to be a nonstop thrill, even between ziplines, especially when standing atop a wooden platform perched high above the river. After warming up on a few of the shorter ziplines, you will take on the longest zipline in northern Iceland, a span that is nearly three football fields long. To make it even more exciting, take the challenge and ride the zipline upside down in the classic Spiderman pose.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over a wooded river canyon on a series of five ziplines, each one exhilarating.
• Revel in the nonstop thrills and the ever-changing views of the wilderness below.
• Ride the longest zipline in northern Iceland, a span of more than 850 feet.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover Akureyri’s humble beginnings as a Danish trading post on a leisurely walk through town with occasional stops to sample the local cuisine. The walk will start right at the pier and follow a waterfront road called the Strandgata, which offers gorgeous views of Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland. Depending on the route, you may pass Artist’s Alley – the center of Akureyri’s cultural life – and a hilltop Lutheran church whose modern design has become a symbol of the city. The tastings will reflect the culinary side of Akureyri, particularly the lamb soup as the source sheep graze freely in the nearby hills, lending the lamb a flavor not found elsewhere. You can also expect to sample traditional dried fish, which will go well with a beer from the local brewery. The most unusual sampling will likely be Brennivin, Iceland’s national spirit, which can be flavored with caraway.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take an enlightening walk of about two miles through Akureyri with a local guide.
• Hear how Arkureyri evolved over the centuries from an isolated Danish trading post.
• Savor samples of Icelandic lamb soup, dried fish and ice cream for dessert.
• Enjoy a glass of locally brewed beer and Brennivin, Iceland’s signature distilled spirit.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise into the nutrient-rich waters of Iceland’s longest fjord, looking for whales, dolphins and porpoises that feed there in abundance. After a scenic drive to Hauganes, you will board a wooden fishing boat and cruise into Eyjafjörður. Chances are, you will spot colonies of puffins nesting in the rocky cliffs. Still, the star attractions are whales. Species such as humpback, blue and minke whales frequent these waters to gorge on the abundant plankton and fish larvae carried in the coastal currents. It is a breathtaking sight to see humpback whales acrobatically breaching the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down as they dive, and feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south. If blue whales – the world’s largest animals – surface to exhale, it will be quite the spectacle as the spray from their blowholes shoots about 30 feet into the air. You may also spot white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise in a wooden fishing boat from Hauganes through Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland.
• Look for humpback, blue and minke whales feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south.
• Keep an eye out for white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises as well.
• Behold the spectacle of whales breaching the water’s surface.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Sail into the nutrient-rich waters of Iceland’s longest fjord, looking for whales, dolphins and porpoises that feed here in abundance. Chances are, you will also spot colonies of puffins nesting in the rocky cliffs and diving for small fish. They are easy to identify by their bright orange beaks and short, stout wings. Still, whales are the star attractions. Species such as humpback, blue and minke whales frequent these waters to gorge on the abundant plankton and fish larvae carried in the coastal currents. You may also spot white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises. It is a breathtaking sight to see humpback whales acrobatically breaching the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down as they dive, and feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south. If blue whales surface to exhale, the spray from their blowholes will shoot about 30 feet into the air, so it will be quite the spectacle.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise a fjord where numerous species of whales, dolphins and porpoises feed.
• Watch the spectacle as the cetaceans breach the water’s surface and then dive for food.
• Look for puffins nesting in the cliffs and feeding on small fish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing, including a waterproof jacket.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles.

OVERVIEW

Watch whales breaching the water’s surface in Iceland’s longest fjord and fish from the boat, after which you will dine on your fresh catch. While your success isn’t guaranteed, this trifecta of whale watching, reeling in fish and enjoying them for lunch happens on almost every cruise. Humpback, minke and blue whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises are abundant because the waters of Eyjafjörður are pristine and teeming with everything that they feed on. Fish such as cod, haddock and herring are also plentiful, especially on the borders of the cold and warm zones. As you will be cruising in a vintage fishing boat, it is only natural for you to cast a line and try your luck. Fishing teams will be chosen and the winners will get bragging rights and a bottle of Icelandic gin. After disembarking, the catch – a sure thing – will be grilled for your open-air picnic lunch.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise in a wooden fishing boat from Hauganes through Eyjafjörður, the longest fjord in Iceland.
• Look for humpback, blue and minke whales feeding to fatten up for their winter migration south.
• Join in a fun competitive fishing tournament with the winners receiving a bottle of Icelandic gin.
• Dine on your fresh catch, which will be grilled and served picnic-style on land.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Behold the natural beauty of northern Iceland and enjoy the cultural diversity by browsing a museum and watching an equestrian performance. A breathtakingly scenic drive will bring you to Goðafoss, the so-called “Waterfall of the Gods.” According to legend, it was named for the statues of Nordic gods that a chieftain threw into the water when Iceland converted to Christianity. The turf roofed Laufás Folk Museum will add a different perspective of the country, as it is filled with curious household and agricultural items from the 19th century. The Icelandic horse is even more unusual because it is the world’s only breed that holds five gaits—walk, trot, gallop, tölt and the flying pace. While watching these strong-spirited horses perform at Brúnir Farm, you will understand why they are held in such high esteem. You will enjoy some refreshments at the horse farm as well. Back in Akureyri, you will meander through the world’s northernmost botanical gardens. A surprising variety of plants flourish there thanks to the area’s warm microclimate.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hear the legend of Goðafoss waterfall while watching the thundering cascade.
• Browse a turf-roofed museum with a variety of enlightening 19th-century items.
• Watch a rare performance of Icelandic horses that highlights their unusual abilities.
• Walk through the world’s northernmost botanical gardens.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in layers in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-slip soles.