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Special Offers

  • No single supplement on a limited quantity of cabins in categories 3 to 7, please call for availability

Icelandic Odyssey

Iceland Circumnavigation aboard the Ocean Endeavour

Overview

Viking stronghold...land of fire and ice…culture, wildlife, and wonders…a modern nation on an ancient island—this is Iceland! Aboard the 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour, make a complete circumnavigation of Iceland as you witness Earth in action—active volcanoes, emerging islands, lava fields, geysers, and glaciers all await your discovery. The landscape is otherworldly, and superb photography, birding, and hiking are a quick Zodiac ride away. And whales ply the North Atlantic waters! Your voyage begins in the cosmopolitan capital of Reykjavik, takes in the little-visited Westfjords, with their rugged bird cliffs and traditional cultural lifestyles, then circles north to Grimsey Island, lying right on the Arctic Circle. In Húsavík, the “whale capital” of the world, you’ll have the chance to see whales and dolphins—some 30 species of birds reside here, too. Circling southeast, visit the volcanically active Westman Islands, an area that saw two major eruptions in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Your voyage comes full circle in Reykjavik.

Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Itinerary

Day 1, Jul 4, 2021
Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital, was established in 874 AD. Powered by geothermal energy, Reykjavík is widely considered one of the cleanest, greenest cities on Earth. Despite centuries of relative isolation, Reykjavík today is a contemporary city with plenty to see and do. The National Culture House preserves treasures like the Poetic Edda, and the Norse Sagas in their original manuscripts. Depart Reykjavík in the evening aboard the Ocean Endeavour.

Day 2, Jul 5, 2021
Rif, Snæfellsnes Peninsula

Begin your day at anchor at the former trading port of Rif, on the doorstep of Snæfellsjökull National Park. You’ll have an introduction to Icelandic culture with local guides. For the more adventurous, the region offers outstanding hiking, including opportunities to visit spectacular waterfalls.

Day 3, Jul 6, 2021
The Westfjords

Only about ten percent of Iceland’s visitors ever see this region, known for its jagged bird cliffs and multihued beaches. Coastal fjords, immense mountains, and tiny villages can be found here, and a traditional lifestyle is embraced by the region’s inhabitants.

Day 4, Jul 7, 2021
Northern Iceland and Grímsey

Iceland’s north is a geologist’s dream. Lava fields—almost lunar in their composition—epic waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, and bays teeming with marine wildlife are characteristic of the region. Grímsey Island lies on the Arctic Circle. Its human population of about a hundred shares the island with nearly a million seabirds! These include puffins, guillemots, and gulls.

Day 5, Jul 8, 2021
Akureyri

Iceland’s second-largest urban area, Akureyri enjoys a relatively mild climate and ice-free harbor. In addition, Akureyri is surrounded by mountains, which shield it from strong winds. First settled in the ninth century, Akureyri provided a base for Allied units during the Second World War. Nearby Lake Myvatn offers stunning contrasts: one side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.

Day 6, Jul 9, 2021
Húsavík

Húsavík, on Skjalfandi Bay, is known as the "Whale Capital" of Iceland. Fifteen different whale species frequent the area; you may also see dolphins and thirty varieties of birds. The Húsavík Museum is located by the harbor. There are also numerous other museums including the Exploration Museum, which houses artifacts from Apollo astronaut training in the area, a whale museum, and a turf house museum.

Day 7, Jul 10, 2021
Seyðisfjörður

Seyðisfjörður is nestled at the tip of its namesake fjord. The town of 700 is known for its flourishing art scene, colorful roads, and shopping. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Skálanes Nature Reserve. Family-owned and -operated, this is a center for research and interpretation of Iceland’s environment and cultural history, and a model for sustainable tourism. The 3,000-acre area is a habitat for approximately 50 different bird species during the summertime, and, in particular, the eider duck.

Day 8, Jul 11, 2021
Southeast Iceland

The south of Iceland is home to some of the country’s most beautiful natural attractions. It boasts a unique mix of volcanoes, lagoons, glaciers—as well as hot springs, geysers, and spectacular waterfalls.

Day 9, Jul 12, 2021
Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands)

Vestmannaeyjar lies off the south coast of Iceland and comprises 14 islands, numerous rocks, and skerries. Only the largest island, Heimaey, is inhabited. Many species of seabirds nest in the steep rock faces along the ocean cliffs. The volcanically active area has seen two major eruptions in recent times: the formation of the island of Surtsey in 1963, and the Eldfell eruption 10 years later that destroyed much of Heimaey and nearly blocked its harbor.

Day 10, Jul 13, 2021
Reykjavík

Reykjavík, or “steamy bay,” is a cosmopolitan capital city and as much a part of the Icelandic experience as the midnight sun or the fire and ice that creates the island’s landscape. Today, disembark the Ocean Endeavour and transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights.

Icelandic Odyssey route-map

Icelandic Odyssey

Icelandic Odyssey route-map

Highlights

Highlights

Browse the cultural attractions of Reykjavík, a global hotspot for culture
Visit Grimsey Island, lying right on the Arctic Circle
Sail by Surtsey, one of the world's newest islands
Hike to dramatic cliffs to photograph seabirds, visit remarkable geological formations by Zodiac, learn about Iceland’s incredible volcanic history

Details

Length: 10 days
Cost From: $4495  
Full pricing
Arrive: Reykjavík, Iceland
Depart: Reykjavík, Iceland
Lodging: 9 nights aboard a 198-passenger expedition vessel
View Lodging
Meals: All meals included aboard ship
Activity: Sea Kayaking, Walking, Wildlife & Natural History, Photography, Small Ship Cruising
Trip Level:

10-day cruise, cultural explorations and walking tours
What the Trip is Like

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Trip Cost

Prices are for 2021
Per person, double occupancy
CategoriesPrice
Category 1 - Quad $4495
Category 2 - Triple $5495
Category 3 - Main Twin $6895
Category 4 - Main Twin $8195
Category 5 - Main Twin $9495
Category 6 - Comfort Twin $10,795
Category 7 - Select Twin $12,095
Category 8 - Superior Twin $13,395
Category 9 - Junior Suite $14,695
Category 10 - Suite $15,995

Departures

2021
Jul 4-13, 2021

Deck Plan

Ocean endeavour deckplan

Trip Cost Includes

  • Accommodations aboard the Ocean Endeavour
  • All shipboard meals
  • Team of experienced expedition staff
  • Complimentary Expedition jacket
  • All guided activities including sightseeing and community visits
  • All Zodiac excursions
  • Pre-departure materials
  • Educational program
  • Nikon Camera Trial Program
  • Interactive workshops
  • Evening entertainment
  • Contribution to Adventure Canada's Discovery Fund
  • Special access permits, entry and park fees
  • Applicable taxes and Credit card fees
  • Port fees

Trip Cost Does Not Include

International airfare, pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations, luggage handling, arrival and departure transfers, passport and visa expenses, excess baggage fees, mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac cruising, meals ashore unless otherwise specified, fuel surcharges, laundry, bar, purchases from the ship boutiques or any item or service of a personal nature such as mobile phone service, internet service, medical care, voluntary gratuity for shipboard staff and crew, optional kayaking or program enhancements/optional excursions, additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes.

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: $1000
130 days prior to departure: Balance

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $500 per person
91-119 days prior to departure: 65% of trip cost
90 days or less: 100% of trip cost

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Arrival & Departure Information

You are responsible for your own transportation arriving to Reykjavík, Iceland, and departing from Reykjavík, Iceland. If you have any questions, please call our office at 1-800-368-2794.

Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule.

2021 Departures
Arrival 
Reykjavík, Iceland
Date: July 4
Time: Anytime after 3:00 pm

Suggested Airport for Arrival
Reykjavik Keflavik Airport (KEF) 
 
Departure
Reykjavík, Iceland
Date: July 13
Time: No earlier than 12:00 noon

Suggested Airport for Departure
Keflavik Keflavik Airport (KEF)

Ocean Endeavour

The 198-passenger Ocean Endeavour is designed to bring passengers to remote environments in comfort, and is outfitted with 20 Zodiacs, advanced navigation equipment, and a top-deck observation room. All guest cabins include a private bath with shower, comfortable beds, and a flatscreen TV. Guests enjoy meals in the ocean-view restaurant that offers buffet-style breakfast and lunch, while dinner is served a la carte. Other amenities include three comfy lounges, a library, gym, sauna, swimming pool, and saltwater hot tub.

Our Trips using this Lodging

  • Icelandic Odyssey
Ocean endeavour 01
Ocean endeavour 02
Ocean endeavour 03
Ocean endeavour 04
Ocean endeavour 05
Ocean endeavour 06
Ocean endeavour 07
Ocean endeavour 08

Trip Level

For most activities, a moderate level of exertion is required. You will need to climb into and out of Zodiacs for excursions ashore and be able to walk moderate distances over rough terrain, including rocky uneven beaches. Temperatures throughout will range from lows in the 40s°F to highs in the mid-50s°F. Please note that temperatures on the water may feel cooler.

Explain Trip Level

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.

Email Area Manager

References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

Email Area Manager

Resources

Travel Insurance
WT Gear Store

What to Know Before You Go

PASSPORT
A valid passport is required for travel to Iceland. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after the conclusion of your trip. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport photo page in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.

VISAS
No visa is required for US citizens traveling to Iceland.  If you are a citizen of any country other than the US, check with a local consulate for entry requirements.

MEDICAL
We recommend checking the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov should you have any international health concerns.

INOCULATIONS
No inoculations are currently required for entry into Iceland.
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Wilderness Travel Awards
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California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Wilderness Travel Awards
1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Discover
  • Our Trips
  • Where Can I Travel Now
  • New Cruises for 2021
  • Top Ten Places in 2021
  • New Trips
  • Special Offers
  • Wish List
  • Photo Blog
Keep in Touch
  • Contact Us
  • Catalog Request
  • Digital Catalog
  • Enews Sign-up
  •  
  •  
  •  
About WT
  • Welcome
  • How We Travel
  • Our Leaders
  • Making a Difference
  • Awards
  • WT in the News
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Resources
  • Reserving a Trip
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Toucan Club
  • Referrals
  • Post-trip Survey
  • Client Forms & Helpful Links
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Agents
  • Gear Store
  • Gift Certificates
  • Site Map