Iceland’s Stunning Coastline

Day 1 London - Reykjavik Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Heathrow Airport and a direct, scheduled Icelandair flight to Reykjavik. On arrival, you are met and transfer directly to embark MS Ocean Diamond (3T) with time to settle in before dinner tonight. Day 2 Stykkisholmur Your explorations of Iceland’s west coast begin in Stykkisholmur, on Snaefellsnes Peninsula - an area that is in many ways a microcosm of the whole island. A full day exploration includes views on the Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which sits atop a 700,000 year old dormant volcano and served as the mystical entrance to earth’s interior in Jules Verne’s novel, ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’. Also see the dramatic rock formations of Snaefellsnes, the Londrangar Rock pinnacles, which are remnants of a large volcanic crater, and visit the small fishing village of Arnarstapi and the Shark Museum in Bjarnarhofn. Day 3 Isafjördur Disembark and visit the idyllic town of Isafjördur, honorary capital of the Westfjords region, set on a secluded peninsula and connected to the rest of Iceland by only a narrow strip of land. This unusually isolated area provides jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains plunging into the sea and untouched vegetation. Whilst here, we enjoy an excursion to Thingeyri and Dynjandi Waterfall giving the opportunity to explore the Westfjords, an historic village and a magnificent waterfall. Day 4 Siglufjördur - Grimsey - Akureyri (overnight) Enter the town of Siglufjördur this morning, once the centre of the Icelandic herring industry. Learn all about the golden age of Icelandic herring fishing at the award-winning Herring Era Museum. We head to the island of Grimsey (weather permitting), situated at the polar circle. A variety of bird species can be observed here. Later on we head for the town of Akureyri, Iceland’s lovable second city. Day 5 Akureyri MS Ocean Diamond remains in the port of Akureyri today, giving you the opportunity to explore Iceland’s north shore. An excursion away to the east of the city is the Lake Myvatn Nature Reserve, a changing landscape where it’s said that ‘heaven and hell clash’. One side of the lake is characterised by the rugged remnants of volcanic activity, while on the other you find fertile plains with lush greenery and a varied bird life. Optional excursions include a trek to Askja volcano via Super Jeep in summer, or exploring the colourful Myvatn area year-round. Day 6 Husavik Early morning we reach Husavik, also known as ‘The Whale Capital of Iceland’. In Skjalfandi Bay you may spot up to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 varieties of bird. Catching a glimpse of these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience. Day 7 Seydisfjördur For your exploration of the Eastfjords, the ship docks in the port of Seydisfjördur. Characteristic of the region are the picturesque fishing villages, steep slopes and panoramic sea views. Spot seals while horseback riding, or join a guided hike of the scenic and historical Vestadalur area. Day 8 Djúpivogur The small fishing village of Djúpivogur is a good starting point to explore Vatnajökull glacier, larger than all of Europe’s other glaciers combined. Perhaps join a Super Jeep tour up onto the glacier or take a boat trip in the Jökulsarlon glacier lagoon in summer, where you will find icebergs of all shapes and sizes floating in the water. Day 9 Vestmanneyjar (Westman Islands) Located about five miles off the coast of southern Iceland, the island group Vestmannaeyjar were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. The youngest of the islands only emerged from the sea in 1963. On an optional excursion, go ashore in the harbour of Heimaey, the only inhabited island of the group. 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. Weather permitting; you will have the opportunity to board zodiac boats to take in the magical scenery and stop at places of interest to see the local bird life, visit caves and possibly spot whales. There is also the opportunity to play an extraordinary round of golf in a sunken volcanic crater! Day 10 Reykjavik - London In the morning we return to the port of Reykjavik. After breakfast it’s time to bid a fond farewell to MS Ocean Diamond. You will have some free time to explore the city before an afternoon transfer to the airport for your direct, scheduled Icelandair flight to London Heathrow. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.