Northern and eastern Iceland are characterized by small villages, dramatic coastlines, narrow fjords, waterfalls, geothermal areas, volcanoes, and mountains. We are in the heart of nature here, and the scenery is breathtaking. This destination offers outstanding outdoor experiences all year round, such as trail hiking along the rugged highlands.
Arctic & Alaska
Northeast Iceland Explorer, Aurora Borealis, Hike & Sail – Incl. bus back up
7 Days aboard Rembrandt Van Rijn. From USD $3,750pp.
Details
Overview
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Out of Akureyri
- Day 2: Into the Arctic Circle
- Day 3: Húsavík, whales, and the high seas
- Day 4: Northeast Iceland’s hidden gems
- Day 5: Untouched Austurland
- Day 6: Around the far east
- Day 7: The journey ends in Seyðisfjörður
Travelling with Eclipse
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Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
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Day 1: Out of Akureyri
A supplemented bus transportation from Reykjavik to Akureyri (about six hours) will be available but has to be booked prior to the start of the voyage. We embark in Akureyri in the afternoon (16:00) and meet the expedition team on the ship. Conditions allowing, we may sail to Dalvik (about three hours) or spend the night in the harbor of Akureyri. During this first night, you may already see the magical northern lights shining overhead.
Day 2: Into the Arctic Circle
Plan A: In good weather conditions, we hope to sail toward the island of Grimsey. The goal is a Zodiac landing and a guided walk across the Arctic Circle, the most northerly of Earth’s five major circles of latitude. A sign on the island marks the coordinates at 66:34° north. We then may stay the night at Grimsey, if conditions allow. If not, we may sail toward the small town of Húsavík, crossing Skjálfandi Bay, where we have a good chance of spotting whales.
Plan B: If Grimsey is not possible due to weather, the vessel will have stay in Akureyri. A coach will be available for a day excursion to Mývatn, where you can see volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal areas. Hiking will be our focus here. The coach will then return to the vessel in the afternoon.
Day 3: Húsavík, whales, and the high seas
Plan A: We will enjoy the morning in Húsavík, with ample free time to explore the town and visit the local whale museum (entrance fee not included). Lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, we sail across Skjálfandi Bay, where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises may appear.
Plan B: If the vessel has to stay in Húsavík for the day due to weather, a coach will be available in the afternoon for an excursion to Tjörnes Peninsula. There we can observe the local birdlife and impressive geology. We then move to Ásbyrgi, the horseshoe-shaped canyon that is entirely unique in Iceland. Our focus will be hiking this ruggedly scenic area. The coach will later return to the vessel in Húsavík, where there might be time for a relaxing spa session in outdoor pools heated with geothermal energy (admission fees not included).
Day 4: Northeast Iceland’s hidden gems
Plan A: In good weather conditions, we hope to sail around northeast Iceland and get to shore in the small town of Raufarhöfn. Within walking distance from town is the Arctic Henge, a well-known Iceland attraction. Still under construction, this monument is intended to be a kind of sundial inspired by Völuspá, a poem from Edda, the medieval Norse mythological text by Snorri Sturluson.
Plan B: You may like to join a bus excursion that will take you to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe: 200 cubic meters of water surge over its edge every second. Dettifoss is 45 meters (150 feet) high and 100 meters (330 feet) wide. As usual on this expedition, hiking will be our focus. The coach will return to the vessel in the evening.
Day 5: Untouched Austurland
Plan A: We sail from Raufarhöfn to Vopnafjörður. Austurland (East Iceland) is characterized by visually stunning landscapes and small villages. Nature is all around us, providing the opportunity for great hikes and other activities.
Plan B: A coach will be available to take us on an inland excursion if conditions do not allow for the above plan, and the expedition leader will determine which route to take. We will reunite with the vessel in the evening.
Day 6: Around the far east
Plan A: Today we sail from Vopnafjörður to Seyðisfjörður, and if conditions allow we may halt at Borgarfjörður Eystri, a treasure of Austurland. This fjord gets its name from Álfaborg, the home of the Icelandic elf queen, so it is fitting that the area offers spectacular scenery. Iceland’s eastern fjords are still untouched by mass tourism. The nearby village of Bakkagerði has fewer than 100 inhabitants, and the harbor is mainly home to small boats for coastal fishing.
Plan B: A coach will be available to take us on an inland excursion. The expedition leader will decide the plan, and we will reunite with the vessel in the evening.
Day 7: The journey ends in Seyðisfjörður
We disembark in Seyðisfjörður in the morning, taking home memories that will last a lifetime. Bus transport to Egilsstaðir Airport (between 6.30 and 7.00 am, approx. 45 min.) is available at an extra charge, but must be booked prior to the start of the voyage. You must book the flight from Egilsstaðir to Reykjavik yourself (flight time approx. 1 hour). Alternatively, you can choose your own route back to Reykjavik, making stops along the south coast.
Next Departure Date: 12 Oct 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Oct 2025 - 18 Oct 2025 | USD$3750pp | ||
| Triple Private Porthole | USD$3750pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Private Inside Cabin | USD$4000pp | Contact us | |
| Twin Private Porthole Cabin | USD$4700pp | Contact us | |
| 12 Oct 2026 - 18 Oct 2026 | USD$3950pp |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Triple Private Porthole
One porthole window, one upper/lower berth, one lower berth, private shower and toilet, and ample storage space.
Twin Private Inside Cabin
One upper/lower berth, private shower and toilet, and ample storage space.
Twin Private Porthole Cabin
One porthole window, one upper/lower berth, private shower and toilet, and ample storage space.
Rembrandt Van Rijn Deckplan
Specifications
- Registered: Vanuatu
- Length: 49.5 metres
- Breadth: 6.65 metres
- Draft: 2.8 metres
- Ice Class: Enforced bow
- Displacement: 435 tons
- Propulsion: 2 Cummins / 550KW
- Average cruising speed: 6.5 knots
- Passengers: 33 in 16 cabins
- Crew: 10 + 2 guides
- Refurbished: 2011
Whats included?
- Voyage aboard the indicated vessel as indicated in the itinerary
- All meals throughout the voyage aboard the ship including snacks, coffee and tea.
- All shore excursions and activities throughout the voyage by Zodiac and coach (if needed).
- Program of lectures by noted naturalists and leadership by experienced expedition staff.
- Transfers and baggage handling between the airport, hotels and ship only for those passengers on the group flights to and from Longyearbyen.
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the programme.
- AECO fees and governmental taxes.
- Comprehensive pre-departure material.
- Free internet: daily allowance of 1.5 GB of free internet connectivity
What’s not included?
- Any airfare, whether on scheduled or charter flights
- Admission fees to museums and spas
- Pre- and post- land arrangements.
- Passport and visa expenses.
- Government arrival and departure taxes.
- Meals ashore.
- Baggage, cancellation and personal insurance (which is strongly recommended).
- Excess baggage charges and all items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar, beverage charges and telecommunication charges.
- The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard (guidelines will be provided).
Notes
PLEASE NOTE:
All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice, weather, and wildlife conditions. Landings are subject to site availabilities, permissions, and environmental concerns per AECO regulations. Official sailing plans and landing slots are scheduled with AECO prior to the start of the season, but the expedition leader determines the final plan. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises, and willingness to compromise on comfort is a basic requirement on board a historic sailing vessel. Important information about the use of sails: The vessel is equipped with sails to be used in good conditions (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time allowance), but the use of sails is not guaranteed. The captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. If sails are used, the crew will operate them. Guests must follow the safety instructions of the team. The average cruising speed for s/v Rembrandt van Rijn is 6.5 knots.
Price Assurance
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Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
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Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Arctic
Viking history, Inuit villages and an abundance of wildlife are just some of the wonders you’ll discover in the Arctic. You’ll be amazed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. Search for Polar Bears while cruising through breathtaking fjords or around the nature lovers dream, Spitsbergen.
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