WINTER WONDERLAND ICELAND

Arrive
Welcome to Iceland! One of our friendly English speaking guide will meet you at Keflavík Airport for a private transfer to your hotel in the Reykjavík area. Enjoy the trip through the exotic, ancient lava fields as you head to your hotel in Reykjavík. These lava fields are part of the Reykjanes Peninsula, now designated as a UNESCO Geopark for its unique volcanic features.
Overnight at Hotel

City tour
Breakfast at hotel. Departure for Reykjavik city tour in the morning by private coach with English speaking guide.
Reykjavík is a modern city with a wide range of restaurants, museums, galleries and theaters. On our tour we explore the old town center, Parliament, the National Museum (outside only), the Pearl (Perlan) (entrance to view platform inlcuded), and the bustling harbor area, to name a few. We also stop at Hallgrímskirkja Church whose high steeple is a landmark visible from all over the city and beyond.
After the city tour, transfer the group to the pier in Reykjavik to embark on our cruise.
The OCEAN DIAMOND docks in Old Reykjavik Harbor in the heart of the city approx. between 1pm and 3pm, a 5-minute stroll from the main squares, shopping, and dining. The ship departs in the afternoon. by 1pm. In time transfer to pier to embark on cruise
Embark on cruise

Today‘s destination is Isafjordur, an idyllic town in the Westfjords region. This secluded peninsula is connected to the Icelandic mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes many roadless areas where cars have never been. The landscape includes jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
Possible shore excursions
I1 – CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS OF ISAFJORDUR (THIS EXCURSION IS COMBINABLE WITH I2)
Tour Highlights: Highlights of Isafjordur incl. a presentation from our local fish monger with several fish tasting and a visit to the local brewery including beer tasting
Difficulty level 2: Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours walking
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Min/Max: 8/20
Reservation code: I1
On this walking tour through Isafjordur you will learn more about culture, traditions, the life and history of the town by getting culinary experiences of the Westfjords. You will walk through the picturesque center of Isafjordur. On the way you will stop at our local fish monger Kari who will introduce you to the local fishing industry and let you taste different kind of fish specialities. A guided tour of the Westfjords first and only brewery, that brews high class craft beer is another highlight of this tour. Here, you will not only get to taste a handful of exclusive brewed flavors with specialty branded beers but will also learn more about the local micro brewery.
I2 – IT`S A VIKING THING (THIS EXCURSION IS COMBINABLE WITH I1)
Tour Highlights: Interactive, fun Viking experience; history & culture of the Vikings
Difficulty level 1: Short walking tour
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Min/Max: 8/36
Reservation code: I2
Take a journey to another place in time. Learn about traditions of the Vikings that still echo in the lives of the locals. The tour starts with a drive to the village of Thingeyri, often called the Viking Village. There you go on a short, guided walking tour from the recreated Viking area through the ruins of the old “Viking Thing”, parliament of the Viking period, and into the Viking Centre. Here you get the opportunity to become a Viking yourself by dressing up in authentic handmade Viking clothing, bake Viking bread on an open fire, try out replicas of their weapons and cheer with a Viking beer.
I3 – BUS TOUR - DYNJANDI WATERFALL
Tour Highlights: Tour through harsh landscapes to the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall
Difficulty level 2: 20 minutes moderate walking on uneven ground to the waterfall; the waterfall can also be seen very clearly from the parking lot
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather; lunch included
Duration: 5-6 hours
Min/Max: 20/45
Reservation code: I3
Discover the beauty of Iceland’s mystic Westfjords which is even for Iceland a very sparsely populated area. Experience breathtaking rough nature, high summits and beautiful deep fjords. You will visit a typical Icelandic village along the way where you will also have lunch. Another highlight of this tour is the magnificent Dynjandi waterfall, the highest and most impressive waterfall in the Westfjord region. It consists of 6 different waterfalls that flow fanshaped together and its impressive height of 328 feet and width of 196 feet make it a spectacular natural beauty.
All excursions are subject to local weather/ice conditions as well as minimum/maximum numbers of participants. If an excursion is cancelled due to weather conditions or an insufficient number of participants, cruise reserve the right to provide notification of this at any point prior to the time of departure of the tour in question.

Ranging inland from Akureyri, we visit the fascinating Lake Myvatn region, where the schizophrenic landscape looks as if “heaven and hell” have clashed. One side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.

In the early morning hours we steam into Skjalfandi Bay and Husavik. Often called the “Whale watching capital” of Iceland, the town’s offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of bird.
Possible shore excursions
HU1 – WHALE WATCHING ON RIB BOATS (THIS EXCURSION IS COMBINABLE WITH ALL OTHER EXCURSIONS ON HUSAVIK DAY 1)
Tour Highlights: Whale watching on RIB boats (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
Difficulty level 2: Short 10-minute walk to the pier
Remarks: Warm safety overalls included; gloves, scarf and hat recommended; not allowed for pregnant women and passengers with heart, knee or back problems
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Min/Max: 6/48
Reservation code: HU1
Husavik is the whale watching capital of Iceland where you can see the gentle giants at close range. On this tour we will pass the puffin island Lundey where you can experience thousands of puffins during the nesting period (mid April to mid August). The speedboats are not only adventurous and fun but also more agile and maneuverable giving us the opportunity to look for whales. So look forward to an unforgettable whale watching tour!
HU2 – HIKE TO THE LAKE BOTNSVATN (THIS EXCURSION IS COMBINABLE WITH HU1)
Tour Highlights: Panoramic views and stunning nature
Difficulty level 3: Approx. 6 miles long hike on uneven ground
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather; please bring a bottle of water with you
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Min/Max: 10/40
Reservation code: HU2
Deep-set beneath the colourful slopes of Husavik Mountain, a fair distance from civilisation,Lake Botnsvatn is a particularly serene and peaceful location to visit. It is surrounded by mountains from three sides. Along the way you will follow a small river and will be surrounded by pure beauty and silence. Up at the lake you might be lucky to hear the eerie calls of the Northern Diver (mid April to mid August), or simply just sit down for awhile and relax while soaking in the views as the waters lap at the shore.
HU3 – BUS TOUR – DIAMOND CIRCLE (THIS EXCURSION IS COMBINABLE WITH HU1)
Tour Highlights: Europe‘s most powerful waterfall Dettifoss and Vesturdalur
Difficulty level 2: Moderate walking for 30 to 60 min on partially uneven ground
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather
Duration: 5-6 hours
Min/Max: 20/45
Reservation code: HU3
A number of Iceland’s highlights are included in this excursion – travel alongside the Jokulsargljufur Glacial canyon to Vesturdalur valley and to Hljodaklettar, the echoing cliffs. They are world known for their basalt columns that characterize the ancient lava flow. You also stop at the Dettifoss Waterfall, Europe‘s most unique and powerful waterfall and also where a mass of water, mud and sand rumbles into Iceland’s most impressive canyon.
All excursions are subject to local weather/ice conditions as well as minimum/maximum numbers of participants. If an excursion is cancelled due to weather conditions or an insufficient number of participants, cruise reserve the right to provide notification of this at any point prior to the time of departure of the tour in question.

The fishing village of Djupivogur is today’s starting point to explore Vatnajokull glacier (optional). Go on a four wheel-drive tour (optional) or take a boat trip in the Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon (optional). Icebergs of all shapes and sizes are floating in the water – an unforgettable adventure.
Possible shore excursions
D1 – BUS TOUR-GLACIER LAGOON/JÖKULSARLON
Tour Highlights: Amphibian boat tour on the Glacier Lagoon, dramatic landscapes
Difficulty level 1: Easy walking
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather; hat and scarf are recommended; approx. 2.5 hours bus tour per way with photo and toilet stops; lunch included
Duration: 7-8 hours
Min/Max: 20/45
Reservation code: D1
This tour takes you to the magnificent Glacier Lagoon Jokulsarlon. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier Breidamerkurjokull and large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not very wide but it is up to 750 feet deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland. Sail among the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jokulsarlon with a specially equipped boat for approximately 35 minutes.
D2 – BIRD WATCHING AND CITY WALK
Tour Highlights: Various types of birds, local art, coffee & cake at Langabud
Difficulty level 2: Easy walking on sometimes uneven ground
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Min/Max: 5/20
Reservation code: D2
During the breeding season from mid April to mid August, Djupivogur is an interesting choice for bird watchers because you can experience unspoiled nature and see the bulk of Icelandic birds in their natural environment. It is home to 36 species of birds during summer time (mid April to mid August), among them ducks and waders. During this walk you will also pass by the local stone collection by Audunn where you can enjoy a stunning collection of all kind of minerals and gems. The owner himself is an artist and has worked on all the stones in his collection. In the end you will enjoy a nice coffee and one of the best cakes in Iceland at Langabud.
D3 – ADVENTUROUS SUPER JEEP TOUR
Tour Highlights: 4x4 Super Jeep tour, mountains and canyons
Difficulty level 2: Short easy walking distances
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather; not suitable for passengers with back problems; lunch boxes from OCEAN DIAMOND
Duration: 5-6 hours
Min/Max: 4/36
Reservation code: D3
Enjoy a Super Jeep drive to the hidden gems of nature that can be discovered in the National Park Vatnajokull. On the Jeep tour we will not only cross glacier rivers but drive through spectacular mountain scenery too. And you can expect narrow and steep canyons, fierce waterfalls and dramatic mountain formations.
All excursions are subject to local weather/ice conditions as well as minimum/maximum numbers of participants. If an excursion is cancelled due to weather conditions or an insufficient number of participants, cruise reserve the right to provide notification of this at any point prior to the time of departure of the tour in question.

Located off Iceland’s South Coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption.
Possible shore excursions
V1 – BUS TOUR-POMPEII OF THE NORTH – LAVA TOUR (THIS EXCURSION IS COMBINABLE WITH V2)
Tour Highlights: A geologically and historically interesting bus tour, visit of the Volcano Museum Eldheimar
Difficulty level 1: Easy walking
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather; entrance to the Volcano Museum and transfer to the ship included
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Min/Max: 10/45
Reservation code: V1
This guided bus tour around Heimaey Island includes the volcanic crater and houses half-buried from the volcanic eruption of 1973. It‘s a unique and fascinating landscape with diverse birdlife (mid April to mid August). The tour ends at the volcanic center, a unique museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption 1973, the emergence of Surtsey Island 1963 and the geology of the Westman Islands.

V2 – THRILLING QUAD (ATV) EXPERIENCE (THIS EXCURSION IS COMBINABLE WITH ALL EXCURSIONS IN VESTMANNAEYJAR)
Tour Highlights: 4x4 Quad (ATV) tour in the lava fields; driving a Quad (ATV) yourself
Difficulty level 2: Approx. 15 min walk to the starting point; the Quad (ATV) tour requires generally good physical condition
Remarks: Safety helmet, waterproof jacket/trousers, fleece sweater, gloves and listening gadget will be provided; driver’s license for the driver of the Quad (ATV) necessary
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
Min/Max: 2/7 or 2/14
Reservation code: V2
On this one hour guided Quad (ATV) tour you will ride through stunning lava fields while experiencing the real offroad feeling. While driving around you get great views over the island and the surrounding areas. And if you are lucky you might even get a glimpse of the world famous volcano Eyjafjallajokull on the other side on the mainland. This is a unique and adventurous opportunity to experience Westman Islands! Don´t miss out on the fun!
V3 - VOLCANO HIKE (THIS EXCURSION IS COMBINABLE WITH V2)
Tour Highlights: Climbing a volcano, visit of the Volcano Museum Eldheimar
Difficulty level 3: Approx. 3.3 miles and 2 hours hike on uneven ground, partly uphill
Remarks: Clothes according to local weather; please bring a bottle of water with you; entrance to the Volcano Museum included
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Min/Max: 10/40
Reservation code: V3
Various catastrophes have befallen the island of Heimaey and its inhabitants throughout history. Probably the most tragic incident to take place on the island is the volcanic eruption in 1973. Learn more about the geology and volcanology of Iceland during this 2 hour hike upon a volcano. After reaching the top of the volcano you can still feel the warmth of its activity. At the end of the hike, we will visit the unique volcano museum that tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption in 1973, the emergence of Surtsey Island in 1963 and the geology of the Westman Islands.

After breakfast we bid farewell to the OCEAN DIAMOND as we sail back into Reykjavik. You can also simply hang out in Reykjavik, a perfect city for those who want to refresh their spirit in a place that combines invigorating outdoor activities, great food and world-class entertainment or departure for flight home.