Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
19 m2
2
- Last staterooms
Icelandic Mosaic
Reykjavík - Reykjavík
Dates:
4/6/2023
to
11/6/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Discover the most beautiful landscapes on the Icelandic west coast during an 8-day PONANT cruise.
On the edge of the Arctic, between vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, volcanoes and boiling geysers, Iceland offers a kaleidoscope of wild and romantic landscapes.
You will board the ship in Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. With its houses with colourful roofs and its lake that is home to countless ducks, the city offers a picture-postcard setting. It also boasts numerous cultural treasures, particularly in the field of contemporary art, with the Reykjavík Art Museum.
The first port of call on your cruise: the bay of Grundarfjordur, right near Kirkjufell. This stunning cone-shaped mountain possesses a unique charm and this will be an opportunity to take some beautiful photos.
Your ship will then reach Grimsey, a small, hard-to-reach island where, in certain places, the volcanic rock forms magnificent basalt columns. Seabirds reign here.
Finally, you will discover Heimaey. This is the only inhabited island in the Westman archipelago. It is an exceptional place composed of volcanoes and almost-desert landscapes, where fishing is the main food source.
- Discover Reykjavík, capital of Iceland.
- Optional Golden Circle excursion: the three most emblematic sites in Iceland.
- Landscapes: vast glaciers, breathtaking fjords, volcanic rock, basalt pillars, jagged cliffs and geysers.
- Wildlife: Atlantic puffins**, Northern gannets**, Arctic terns, Minke whales, humpback whales, Icelandic horses.
- A passionate lecturer on board.
**except for 8th August 2023 departure
Ref : EE040623
Your itinerary
Discover Reykjavík, capital of Iceland. Optional Golden Circle excursion: the three most emblematic sites in Iceland. Landscapes: vast glaciers, breathtaking fjords, volcanic rock, basalt pillars, jagged...
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Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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L'AUSTRAL
28/6/2023 to the 12/7/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE CHAMPLAIN
29/5/2023 to the 5/6/2023
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
11/9/2023 to the 5/10/2023
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Inclusive Wi-Fi Internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- Discover Reykjavík, capital of Iceland.
- Optional Golden Circle excursion: the three most emblematic sites in Iceland.
- Landscapes: vast glaciers, breathtaking fjords, volcanic rock, basalt pillars, jagged cliffs and geysers.
- Wildlife: Atlantic puffins, Northern gannets, Arctic terns, Minke whales, humpback whales, Icelandic horses.
- A passionate lecturer on board.
Ports of Call & Excursions
4 June 2023 - Reykjavík
Embarkation 4/6/2023 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 4/6/2023 at 9:00 pm
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
5 June 2023 - Grundarfjördur
Arrival 5/6/2023 midday
Departure 5/6/2023 late afternoon
This secret boreal hideaway is located at the foot of the Kirkjufell, on Snaefellsnes peninsula. Arriving by boat means you will get a closer view of the lava-stone rock standing like a sentinel at the entrance to the bay; Grundarfjörður lies sheltered behind this cone-shaped rock. A stone’s throw from the jetty, crystal clear waters, tundra and beaches give onto the cerulean waters of Breiðafjörður. Scattered with its emerald-coloured lawns, this town, with its buildings that merge into the surrounding countryside, will most certainly win your favour.
6 June 2023 - Grímsey
Arrival 6/6/2023 early afternoon
Departure 6/6/2023 evening
Grímsey is the northernmost island of Iceland surging from the Arctic ocean, with the Arctic circle running through the island. Its contrasted contours are surprising. From Grímseyjarhreppur, the island’s only town located on the west coast, then heading due south, you can take in the beauty of the hillsides, lushly carpeted with moss and grass. On the rest of the coastline, imposing basalt cliffs inhabited by sea birds stand proud.
7 June 2023 - Akureyri
Arrival 7/6/2023 early morning
Departure 7/6/2023 mid afternoon
The elegant city of Akureyri is located very close to the Arctic circle, tucked away in the Eyjafjörður fjord. It displays a stunning palette of colours: blue waters in the harbour, bronze mountain ash on the squares and brightly-coloured houses in the historical centre. As you walk along the cobbled streets, you will come across rows of terraces with wooden furniture. A vast stairway cut into the hillside leads up to the emblematic feature of the town, namely the Akureyrarkirkja church. The very beautiful botanical garden made possible by a microclimate offers the opportunity to discover the Icelandic flora as well as plants from all over the world.
8 June 2023 - Isafjördur
Arrival 8/6/2023 early morning
Departure 8/6/2023 early afternoon
Your ship will take you to the heart of the fjords of North-West Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and steep cliffs, where man struggles to survive. In this very isolated region we find the Isafjörður fjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly for its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows. The town of Isafjörður, which nestles at the back of its fjord, between imposing mountains, is a delightful little town that lives exclusively from fishing. The capital of the Western fjords, its old wooden houses bear witness to its past as a major fishing port.
9 June 2023 - Heimaey, Vestmannaeyjar
Arrival 9/6/2023 midday
Departure 9/6/2023 early evening
This land seated off the southern coast of Iceland is the largest of the Vestmann islands, and is the only inhabited island in the archipelago. The steep Edfell volcanoes and the green prairies of Herjólfsdalur offer rich contrast of nature. On the Stórhöfði road, look out over grey sand beaches and cliffs carved out by the Arctic ocean. From here, you can also see the bronze landscapes of the mountaintops. You could visit Eldheimar, an ultra-modern and interactive museum which traces the volcanic eruption has experienced Heimaey in 1973.
10 June 2023 11 June 2023 - Reykjavík
Arrival 10/6/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 11/6/2023 at 7:00 am
Iceland’s capital stretches along the edge of a vast bay in the west of the country. Perlan, the “Pearl of Reykjavík”, a museum located on ’Oskjuhlið hill, offers a panoramic view of the lush, green landscapes. A little further, one can easily spot the signpost showing the way to the evangelical Hallgrímskirkja church, and to the historical centre where one can stroll along the Skólavördustígur and the Laugavegur, two lively streets with charming small shops. For some relaxation just outside of the city, visitors have the opportunity to visit the Reykjanes peninsula and its famous thermal lagoons of the Blue Lagoon.
The Snaefellsnes peninsula
Upon leaving Grundarfjordur, your journey will take you through the several small fishing villages along the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier-capped volcano. After a stop at Djupalonssandur, take a short refreshing walk to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.
While you drive along the roots of the volcano you may be able to see the mystical glacier, which was made popular in 1864 by the French writer Jules Verne in his novel A journey to the Centre of the Earth, where he located the entrance to the subterranean journey inside the Snæfellsjökull crater: “Here we had entered the Earth by one volcano, and we had come out by another. And this other was situated more than twelve hundred leagues from Sneffels, from that drear country of Iceland cast away on the confines of the Earth…”
Afterwards, you will pass the cliffs of Londrangar and join the tiny fishing village of Arnarstapi which offers splendid multicolour lava formations and an abundance of bird-life.
After a walk around, you will return to your ship through Budir, famous for its beautiful surroundings of black lava and its long beach of yellow sand. Continue over Frodarheidi Heath to the north coast of the peninsula, back to Grundarfjordur.
- This excursion includes walking on uneven but essentially flat terrain. We recommend you wear a wind and waterproof jacket, bring a warm pullover and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be slippery and steep. Please note that sights may be visited in a different order.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Thermal bath & Godafoss
You will pass by the old town of Akureyri before crossing the fjord and heading on to Godafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. Back in AD 1000, during the meeting of the Althing, the Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. The wooden idols of Norse mythology were then thrown into the falls in a symbolic gesture that swept away the old religion. Hence, Godafoss literally means “waterfall of the pagan gods”.
After a drive through the northern landscape you will arrive in Húsavik, where a dive into the warm water of geothermal sea baths awaits you, a very genuine wellness wonder. Enjoy this rejuvenating experience for body and soul in the natural tranquillity of the Icelandic fjords, with the view of the mountain range to the west, Skjálfandi Bay beneath the cliffs and the Arctic Circle itself on the horizon.
You will then join your coach for a one-hour drive to your ship.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm sweater. Remember to bring a towel, your swimsuit for the geothermal sea baths experience and flip-flops. There are separate changing rooms for showering at the geothermal centre. It is custom in Iceland to take a shower without bathing suits for hygienic reasons. For your personal belongings, lockers are available. This tour is conducted in English only.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.
Godafoss & Akureyri
During a short sightseeing tour, view what remains of the old town of Akureyri before crossing the fjord and heading on to Godafoss, “Waterfall of the Gods”. The name marks the historical event that took place at these falls in the year 1000 when the Chieftain Thorgeir made a public declaration in favour of Christianity, by throwing his carvings of the Pagan Gods into the falls. Thorgeir was also leader of the Althing or Parliament at that time, and it was him who had the difficult task of deciding the Nation’s fate regarding its choice of religion.
Through the wide-open valley Fnjoskadalur, drive into the part of the valley known as Dalsmynni. Formations on the hillsides suggest that a once large pro-glacial lake occupied the valley only to be let down by stages as the ice melted.
Next, continue to the Laufas Folk museum, which originally served as a manor farm and vicarage. The turf farmhouse dates back to 1866 and contains the usual household and agricultural implements used by the gentry during that period and earlier.
Upon arrival in Akureyri and before heading back to the pier, visit the Botanical Gardens which house examples of every species indigenous to Iceland and an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world.
- We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm sweater. Please be aware that sites may be visited in a different order. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : €85
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale watching experience
From the pier, follow your local guide and join your whale watching boat. After a short briefing, start your 3-hour adventure.
Iceland has quickly become known as the ‘whale watching’ capital of northern Europe’. Akureyri offers some of the best whale watching opportunities in Europe and a wide variety of marine mammals are spotted regularly as they come into the bay to feed. Among those whales are Minke, Fin and Blue whales. Sometimes guests can also expect to see the Humpback whale, which is easily identified by their enormous black and white pectoral fins (flippers), lumps of tubercles on the snout and lower lips, and their big bushy blow. The Humpback whale is certainly one of nature’s most impressive creatures. A common sight on whale watching tours in Eyjafjörður the Humpbacks are known for their energetic awe-inspiring acrobatics,- breaching, fluking, tail and fin slapping, bubble blowing and spy hopping.
A large number of seabirds including puffins and other marine mammals are also regularly spotted out in the bay - such as the fun loving harbour porpoises and white beaked dolphins who often come up close to the boats in order to playfully surf alongside the boats.
- We recommend you wear comfortable non-skid walking shoes and warm layered clothing with a waterproof outer layer. It is good to be prepared with hats, mittens, scarves and sunglasses. Sunscreen is recommended on sunny days due to the reflection from the sea. We do not recommend this tour for the wheelchair-bound passengers due to difficult access to the whale-watching boat.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Calm fjord kayaking
Sea kayaking is not only a healthy and rewarding way to spend your day; it is also a perfect way to get to know the Icelandic nature up close. So grab a paddle and get ready for a great adventure.
The surroundings around the town Isafjordur are one of the best kayaking areas in Iceland and the West Fjords as a whole have earned themselves a great reputation as an appealing kayaking centre offering both easy and difficult areas to challenge the inexperienced and of course, the professionals.
The reason is the endless possibilities for kayaking in the fjords and bays that are close by but still so remote.
This trip, a calm discovery of the fjord, is perfect for those looking for an introduction to the sea kayaking. Kayaking between the mountains is an unforgettable adventure. Birdwatchers love kayaking as it gives them a different angle and a quiet and subtle way to approach the bird life. Paddling under the magnificent mountains towering over the town around Isafjordur, the traveler experiences the closeness of nature and the beauty of the landscape from an exciting angle and in a safe environment.
From the pier, a 15-min walk will lead you to the kayak starting point. You will begin with a short lesson in paddling and put the boats out behind the Maritime Museum and paddle a circle inside the fjord while keeping a sharp lookout for various bird species and seals.
- Participants must be in good physical condition, know how to swim and should be able to carry their kayaks on a short distance to the water. This tour includes a walk of 30 minutes (1 mile approximately) to go to/from the place where kayaks are prepared. We recommend you wear warm and waterproof clothes and shoes and to bring a change. The kayaks are single kayaks. Kayaking gear and lifevest is provided. Tour operation is subject to weather conditions. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
Volcanic landscape & viking history
From the pier, drive to the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland, where a brief stop will be made to take some pictures. Next you will drive on across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes.
Your tour continues to Krysuvik, a colourful hot-springs area, which contrasts sharply to the sand and the lava fields of the area. In Krysuvik we can really witness the powerful jets of steam escaping from deep below the earth's crust and multicoloured pools of boiling mud of the solfataras.
The landscape contrast continues as we ride down to the sea towards a green bay and then up towards the mountains through lava and lush green meadows. You will make a quick stop at the bridge between continents, where you will get the chance to cross from the Eurasian tectonic plate over to the North American tectonic plate.
Then you will be guided over the lava-covered Reykjanes peninsula to the outskirts of the little town Njardvik, where we find the newly built Viking museum in which stands "Icelander" (Islendingur), a fully seaworthy replica of an average-sized Viking vessel, this in those times would have carried a crew of 70. To commemorate the thousandth anniversary of this countrymen navigating to and discovering North America, the shipbuilder Gunnar Eggertsson travelled on the "Icelander" to America and back again in the year 2000.
Homeward bound you will go back to the port, trough the Reykjanes lava fields, before arriving at the pier.
- For this moderate excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm pullover. Please be aware that the order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Golden Circle
This classic excursion encompasses the “Big Three” - Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir. They are collectively known as the Golden Circle, and provide a look at some of the scenic wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned.
On departing the pier, your journey begins with a drive inland to Thingvellir national park, about 48 km (30 miles) from Reykjavik. Your visit to this national park allows you to experience one of the most outstanding sceneries in the country. Thingvellir ranks at the top of Iceland's tourist attractions. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The area is surrounded by mountains and encompasses a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers. It has been regarded by the Icelanders as a sacred place since the presumed oldest legislative body in History, the Althing, first convened here in 930. Of special note are the Law Speaker's rock and the remains of the turf shelters. These shelters were once used as dwellings during the two-week assemblies of the Althing which were held in the height of summer every other year.
Leaving Thingvellir your tour continues to the Gullfoss waterfall. The “Golden Waterfall” is the most famous of the country's many waterfalls. Here the river Hvita drops 96 feet (30 meters) in two falls, creating an awesome spectacle.
During your next stop at the Geysir area, you will be able to see hissing springs and other geothermal phenomena. The active geyser “Strokkur” projects water every few minutes. Here, amongst these scenic surroundings lunch will be served in the Geysir-area. After lunch, and on your way back to the capital, a comfort stop will be made at Hveragerdi.
- For this moderate excursion with buffet lunch, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and you take a warm pullover. Please be aware that the order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : €135
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Bellot
Like the other ships in the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Bellot has been designed to provide absolute comfort for its passengers, even at the heart of the world's most remote and isolated regions.
Racy lines, state-of-the-art equipment, a refined design, a softly muted and at the same time convivial ambiance together with a deliberately restricted number of cabins all contribute to the modernity of Le Bellot, a unique ship in the world of cruising.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
TRANSFER TO THE PIER OF REYKJAVIK
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Reykjavik
Meet at Reykjavik airport in the arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will depart the airport by coach and be directly transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- English speaking assistance.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$110
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
ICELANDIC ADVENTURE AND WELLNESS (3 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Get a real feeling for the scale and the intensity of the wild expanses of this country and drink in the breathtaking sights where land, sea and sky meet. A stay in the heart of untouched, wild and remote Iceland, where man is merely a guest of nature.
Day 1 - Reykjavik
Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for the PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Geysir hotel (approximately 2 h transfer).
Check-in in your room.
The end of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 - Thorsmork
You will embark for a safari on a 4x4 vehicle to explore Þórsmörk, a magnificent valley that takes its name from Þór (Thor), the god of thunder.
Thorsmork is famous for having a great variety of natural features and has been protected since 1921, in the care of the Forestry Service. Weather in Thorsmork is often warmer than nearby, since it is protected by the three glaciers surrounding it ; Eyjafjallajökull, Mýrdalsjökull and Tindfjallajökull. During the hike, you will discover the magnificent landscape, a must for all nature lovers.
After your hike, lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
Then, the drive through Þórsmörk provides a unique perspective, some glacial river crossing and travelling through rough terrain as well as the beautiful green vegetation of moss, fern and birch wood.
Than discover Gígjökull glacier, an outlet glacier from the notorious Eyjafjallajökull glacier that erupted in 2010 and the ever graceful Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a stunning waterfall that drops 60 m and originates from the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. If you are feeling adventurous you can walk behind the waterfall.
At the end of this journey, you will be transferred to the hotel.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 3 - The Golden Circle
Depart for the Secret Lagoon, a natural hot spring located on the small village of Fludir.
This is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland, since 1891. Have a unique experience relaxing in warm water surrounded by several geothermal spots and a little Geysir, which erupts every few minutes.
Your next stop is at Fridheimar Horse Park and Greenhouse. The owners will introduce you to Icelandic agriculture – its local market greenhouse production.
The family will share their story as to how their joint passion for horses and horticulture entwined and thrived into the enterprising establishment that it is today. In the greenhouse amidst the fragrant aroma of fresh tomato plants and the buzzing of worker bees.
Then a fresh homemade lunch will be served.
Following the greenhouse visit you will head to the most beautiful waterfall of the country, Gullfoss. Nearby you will also stop at the Geysir geothermal area with its multitude of hot springs, where the most active one, Strokkur, spouts every few minutes.
Your last stop of the day will be at Thingvellir National Park, a place of tremendous interest as a primary site of both Iceland’s geological and historical heritage. Look over the geological fault known as Almannagja - the place where Europe’s oldest national legislative assembly, the Icelandic Althing, was established in the year 930 AD, and where it convened in grandiose surroundings every summer for nearly eight centuries.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 4 - Reykjavik
The morning is at leisure to enjoy the ambiance and amenities of your hotel before your check-out.
Transfer to Reykjavik where you will have free time exploring the city.
In the afternoon you will be picked up at Reykjavik´s City Hall for your Panoramic Reykjavik tour. With plenty of space, clean air and natural green energy - Reykjavik clearly revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe. The city’s logo “pure energy” says it all - whether that pure energy is portrayed in the form of the city’s heating, nightlife or culture, Reykjavik delivers.
Head to Hallgrimskirkja Church. The largest in Iceland at 74,5 meters high and is one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Continue with the spectacular coastline and harbor area, the Harpa Concert Hall and the Hofdi house - venue of THE landmark “end of the cold war” meeting in 1986 between President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev.
Then you will be transferred to the port for embark on board your ship.
Your hotel :
The Geysir hotel is a family-run hotel located on doorstop of the geothermal area, in the historic Haukadalur valley. This recent building has been designed in the aim to reflect nature through the choice of materials blending into the nearest surroundings.The hotel's rooms and suites are bright and light, and all have views of the stunning scenery.
The Geysir hotel has a strong sustainable policy by operating and heating exclusively with green and renewable energy, and use as much as possible products from the local community as for restaurants. The hotel also puch for forestation, and environnement preservation.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes :
- 3-night accommodation in standard room at Geysir hotel 4* (or similar).
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Beverages package during lunches and dinners (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include :
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
Please note :
- This program includes walks on irregular ground, we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes and warm clothes
- You will be able to swim in hot water sources, do not forget your swimsuit.
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Contact of your hotel :
Geysir Hotel
Haukadalur 806
Iceland
Telephone number : 00 354 480 6800
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$3,750
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
GLACIER ADVENTURE
This overland must be prebooked and prepaid at least 60 days prior to your cruise. Any reservation made after this deadline will be confirmed on board based on availability. A minimum of participants must be booked to operate this tour. 100% of total cost for cancellations made less than 60 days before departure.
This super four-wheel drive tour starts with a visit to Iceland’s first National Park Thingvellir, where the oldest still existing parliament in the world was founded and assembled through centuries in a grandiose landscape. Thingvellir is also very important from a geological point of view.
The route ascends to an elevation of 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level over Kaldidalur, a valley-like, rocky and barren defile between the snow-capped Ok (1,198 m – 3,930 ft) and Langjokull Glacier (1,355 m - 4,445 ft). This spectacular glacier is a continuous, solid shield of ice, in places up to 900 metres (2,950 ft) in thickness and about 1,000 square kilometres (386 sq. miles) in area, the country’s second biggest field of ice.
Continuing on, in heated snow four-wheel drive vehicle with covered bodyworks, into the icy world of the glacier. On board our vehicle, we will drive on the glacier as it is suited for travelling around the wonder-world of ice. After returning from this marvellous adventure we have our light lunch break (buffet).
The route continues into the Borgarfjordur district, visiting the extraordinarily beautiful waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where water emerges in many small falls from beneath a lava field. Drive past Reykholt where the 13th century historian and Prose Edda writer, Snorri Sturluson, lived. Next, we stop at Deildartunguhver, Europe’s mightiest hot spring with high-spouting spurts of boiling water. Continuing over mountain ridges and through pretty lake dotted valleys towards one of the longest fjords of the country, the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord and driving along the shores back to Reykjavik.
- We recommend you wear warm clothes and good walking shoes. This excursion is not recommended for persons suffering from back problems. A minimum of 10 participants is required to operate this tour. Please be aware that this excursion is obviously completely subject to weather conditions.
Duration of excursions are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : AU$600
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
The Snaefellsnes peninsula
Upon leaving Grundarfjordur, your journey will take you through the several small fishing villages along the famous Snæfellsjökull glacier-capped volcano. After a stop at Djupalonssandur, take a short refreshing walk to the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.
While you drive along the roots of the volcano you may be able to see the mystical glacier, which was made popular in 1864 by the French writer Jules Verne in his novel A journey to the Centre of the Earth, where he located the entrance to the subterranean journey inside the Snæfellsjökull crater: “Here we had entered the Earth by one volcano, and we had come out by another. And this other was situated more than twelve hundred leagues from Sneffels, from that drear country of Iceland cast away on the confines of the Earth…”
Afterwards, you will pass the cliffs of Londrangar and join the tiny fishing village of Arnarstapi which offers splendid multicolour lava formations and an abundance of bird-life.
After a walk around, you will return to your ship through Budir, famous for its beautiful surroundings of black lava and its long beach of yellow sand. Continue over Frodarheidi Heath to the north coast of the peninsula, back to Grundarfjordur.
- This excursion includes walking on uneven but essentially flat terrain. We recommend you wear a wind and waterproof jacket, bring a warm pullover and wear comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain can be slippery and steep. Please note that sights may be visited in a different order.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Thermal bath & Godafoss
You will pass by the old town of Akureyri before crossing the fjord and heading on to Godafoss, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland. Back in AD 1000, during the meeting of the Althing, the Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. The wooden idols of Norse mythology were then thrown into the falls in a symbolic gesture that swept away the old religion. Hence, Godafoss literally means “waterfall of the pagan gods”.
After a drive through the northern landscape you will arrive in Húsavik, where a dive into the warm water of geothermal sea baths awaits you, a very genuine wellness wonder. Enjoy this rejuvenating experience for body and soul in the natural tranquillity of the Icelandic fjords, with the view of the mountain range to the west, Skjálfandi Bay beneath the cliffs and the Arctic Circle itself on the horizon.
You will then join your coach for a one-hour drive to your ship.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm sweater. Remember to bring a towel, your swimsuit for the geothermal sea baths experience and flip-flops. There are separate changing rooms for showering at the geothermal centre. It is custom in Iceland to take a shower without bathing suits for hygienic reasons. For your personal belongings, lockers are available. This tour is conducted in English only.
Total : €120
According to availability, price per passenger.
Godafoss & Akureyri
During a short sightseeing tour, view what remains of the old town of Akureyri before crossing the fjord and heading on to Godafoss, “Waterfall of the Gods”. The name marks the historical event that took place at these falls in the year 1000 when the Chieftain Thorgeir made a public declaration in favour of Christianity, by throwing his carvings of the Pagan Gods into the falls. Thorgeir was also leader of the Althing or Parliament at that time, and it was him who had the difficult task of deciding the Nation’s fate regarding its choice of religion.
Through the wide-open valley Fnjoskadalur, drive into the part of the valley known as Dalsmynni. Formations on the hillsides suggest that a once large pro-glacial lake occupied the valley only to be let down by stages as the ice melted.
Next, continue to the Laufas Folk museum, which originally served as a manor farm and vicarage. The turf farmhouse dates back to 1866 and contains the usual household and agricultural implements used by the gentry during that period and earlier.
Upon arrival in Akureyri and before heading back to the pier, visit the Botanical Gardens which house examples of every species indigenous to Iceland and an extensive collection of high-latitude and high-altitude plants from around the world.
- We recommend you to wear comfortable walking shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm sweater. Please be aware that sites may be visited in a different order. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : €85
According to availability, price per passenger.
Whale watching experience
From the pier, follow your local guide and join your whale watching boat. After a short briefing, start your 3-hour adventure.
Iceland has quickly become known as the ‘whale watching’ capital of northern Europe’. Akureyri offers some of the best whale watching opportunities in Europe and a wide variety of marine mammals are spotted regularly as they come into the bay to feed. Among those whales are Minke, Fin and Blue whales. Sometimes guests can also expect to see the Humpback whale, which is easily identified by their enormous black and white pectoral fins (flippers), lumps of tubercles on the snout and lower lips, and their big bushy blow. The Humpback whale is certainly one of nature’s most impressive creatures. A common sight on whale watching tours in Eyjafjörður the Humpbacks are known for their energetic awe-inspiring acrobatics,- breaching, fluking, tail and fin slapping, bubble blowing and spy hopping.
A large number of seabirds including puffins and other marine mammals are also regularly spotted out in the bay - such as the fun loving harbour porpoises and white beaked dolphins who often come up close to the boats in order to playfully surf alongside the boats.
- We recommend you wear comfortable non-skid walking shoes and warm layered clothing with a waterproof outer layer. It is good to be prepared with hats, mittens, scarves and sunglasses. Sunscreen is recommended on sunny days due to the reflection from the sea. We do not recommend this tour for the wheelchair-bound passengers due to difficult access to the whale-watching boat.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Calm fjord kayaking
Sea kayaking is not only a healthy and rewarding way to spend your day; it is also a perfect way to get to know the Icelandic nature up close. So grab a paddle and get ready for a great adventure.
The surroundings around the town Isafjordur are one of the best kayaking areas in Iceland and the West Fjords as a whole have earned themselves a great reputation as an appealing kayaking centre offering both easy and difficult areas to challenge the inexperienced and of course, the professionals.
The reason is the endless possibilities for kayaking in the fjords and bays that are close by but still so remote.
This trip, a calm discovery of the fjord, is perfect for those looking for an introduction to the sea kayaking. Kayaking between the mountains is an unforgettable adventure. Birdwatchers love kayaking as it gives them a different angle and a quiet and subtle way to approach the bird life. Paddling under the magnificent mountains towering over the town around Isafjordur, the traveler experiences the closeness of nature and the beauty of the landscape from an exciting angle and in a safe environment.
From the pier, a 15-min walk will lead you to the kayak starting point. You will begin with a short lesson in paddling and put the boats out behind the Maritime Museum and paddle a circle inside the fjord while keeping a sharp lookout for various bird species and seals.
- Participants must be in good physical condition, know how to swim and should be able to carry their kayaks on a short distance to the water. This tour includes a walk of 30 minutes (1 mile approximately) to go to/from the place where kayaks are prepared. We recommend you wear warm and waterproof clothes and shoes and to bring a change. The kayaks are single kayaks. Kayaking gear and lifevest is provided. Tour operation is subject to weather conditions. This tour is only conducted in English.
Total : €140
According to availability, price per passenger.
Volcanic landscape & viking history
From the pier, drive to the enchanting Kleifarvatn Lake, one of the deepest lakes in Iceland, where a brief stop will be made to take some pictures. Next you will drive on across the impressive volcanic plateau of Reykjanes.
Your tour continues to Krysuvik, a colourful hot-springs area, which contrasts sharply to the sand and the lava fields of the area. In Krysuvik we can really witness the powerful jets of steam escaping from deep below the earth's crust and multicoloured pools of boiling mud of the solfataras.
The landscape contrast continues as we ride down to the sea towards a green bay and then up towards the mountains through lava and lush green meadows. You will make a quick stop at the bridge between continents, where you will get the chance to cross from the Eurasian tectonic plate over to the North American tectonic plate.
Then you will be guided over the lava-covered Reykjanes peninsula to the outskirts of the little town Njardvik, where we find the newly built Viking museum in which stands "Icelander" (Islendingur), a fully seaworthy replica of an average-sized Viking vessel, this in those times would have carried a crew of 70. To commemorate the thousandth anniversary of this countrymen navigating to and discovering North America, the shipbuilder Gunnar Eggertsson travelled on the "Icelander" to America and back again in the year 2000.
Homeward bound you will go back to the port, trough the Reykjanes lava fields, before arriving at the pier.
- For this moderate excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket and take a warm pullover. Please be aware that the order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : €70
According to availability, price per passenger.
The Golden Circle
This classic excursion encompasses the “Big Three” - Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir. They are collectively known as the Golden Circle, and provide a look at some of the scenic wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned.
On departing the pier, your journey begins with a drive inland to Thingvellir national park, about 48 km (30 miles) from Reykjavik. Your visit to this national park allows you to experience one of the most outstanding sceneries in the country. Thingvellir ranks at the top of Iceland's tourist attractions. Thingvellir is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The area is surrounded by mountains and encompasses a vast lava plain of green moss and wild flowers. It has been regarded by the Icelanders as a sacred place since the presumed oldest legislative body in History, the Althing, first convened here in 930. Of special note are the Law Speaker's rock and the remains of the turf shelters. These shelters were once used as dwellings during the two-week assemblies of the Althing which were held in the height of summer every other year.
Leaving Thingvellir your tour continues to the Gullfoss waterfall. The “Golden Waterfall” is the most famous of the country's many waterfalls. Here the river Hvita drops 96 feet (30 meters) in two falls, creating an awesome spectacle.
During your next stop at the Geysir area, you will be able to see hissing springs and other geothermal phenomena. The active geyser “Strokkur” projects water every few minutes. Here, amongst these scenic surroundings lunch will be served in the Geysir-area. After lunch, and on your way back to the capital, a comfort stop will be made at Hveragerdi.
- For this moderate excursion with buffet lunch, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes, a wind and waterproof jacket, a hat and sunglasses and you take a warm pullover. Please be aware that the order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : €135
According to availability, price per passenger.
TRANSFER FROM THE PIER TO THE AIRPORT OF REYKJAVIK
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Reykjavik
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will then be transferred to the airport of Reykjavik in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes :
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of an English-speaking assistance.
Your programme does not include :
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent ; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : AU$110
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.