Iceland: Volcanoes, Glaciers, and Whales

Experiences some of the world’s most intriguing volcanic landscapes during a 10-day expedition with National Geographic. Venture into the heart of Iceland where you’ll visit Reykjavik, Húsafell and Mývatn alongside National Geographic experts. See stunning waterfalls and take the opportunity to descend into an 8,000-year-old lava tube, soak into the hot springs and try to spot the waters most magnificent mammal during a whale-watching cruise. Visit traditional turf farmhouses, and spend time in small fishing villages from Húsavík to the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Trip highlights

Meet with a marine biologist and National Geographic grantee at a research centre in Húsavík before a whale-watching excursion.

Venture into the ice tunnels of Langjökull glacier with an expert guide, and encounter intriguing volcanic landscapes, from gurgling mud pots to curious lava towers.

Stay at Hotel Húsafell, where local art, cuisine, and Nordic design converge.

Itinerary - 10 Days

1-2 Reykjavík, Iceland/Golden Circle

Arrive in Reykjavík and head into an indoor ice cave at the new Perlan Museum. Gather for a welcome dinner tonight. The next day, explore the Golden Circle: Thingvellir National Park, the geothermal hotbed at Geysir; and the magnificent falls of Gullfoss. Icelandair Marina Hotel or
Canopy by Hilton Reykjavík City Centre (B/L)

3-4 Húsafell/Langjökull/Snæfellsnes

Stop at hot springs and waterfalls on the way to Hotel Húsafell. Venture into the ice tunnels of Langjökull. Spend the next day on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula: see Kirkjufell peak, stroll the black pebble beach at Djúpalónssandur, and descend into an 8,000-year-old lava tube. Visit the Volcano Museum, founded by a National Geographic grantee.
Hotel Húsafell (B/L/D)

5 Húsafell/Siglufjördur

Head north, visiting a waterfall and the rock fortress of Borgarvirki. See an Icelandic horse-riding demonstration, then explore traditional turf farmhouses at Skagafjörður Heritage Museum. Spend the night in Siglufjörður.
Siglo Hotel (B/L/D)

6-7 Hrísey/Mývatn

Look for birdlife on the isle of Hrísey and visit spectacular Goðafoss waterfall on the way to Mývatn. The next day, soak in hot springs, venture into Grjótagjá cave, and see the geothermal activity of Námaskarð and the lava towers of Dimmuborgir.
Hotel Laxa (B/L/D)

8 Mývatn/Akureyri

Visit a geothermal power plant and explore Viti Crater and Ásbyrgi Canyon. See Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall, and continue to Akureyri.
Hotel KEA (B/L/D)

9 Húsavík/Akureyri

In Húsavík, meet National Geographic grantee and marine biologist Charla Basran to learn about her studies on cetaceans before embarking on a thrilling whale-watching cruise. Enjoy free time in Akureyri before our farewell dinner.
Hotel KEA (B/D)