Our Icelandic Adventure is filled with iconic experiences that highlight the very best of the region. We have included comfort admission into the famous Blue Lagoon, renowned for its rejuvenating geothermal waters and a natural wonder of the world. Next on your list is a guided excursion into the natural ice caves of Katla. You will embark on a beautiful and exciting super jeep ride to the secret area of one of 13 glaciers where you'll take a short walk through an amazing glacier area towards the natural ice cave - an experience like no other!
Also included within your Icelandic Adventure is entry to Hvammsvik Hot Spring Baths. Away from the crowds, you can enjoy 8 hot springs right on the Atlantic ocean, with water levels and temperatures fluctuating with the tides. Depending on the time of year, we include a Northern Lights by Boat Tour or a Whale Watching Tour. Sail away from the coastline of Reykjavik with a local guide in search for the amazing natural phenomenon that are the Northern Lights. Alternatively, on your guided whale watching tour from Reykjavik, you have the incredible opportunity to see minke and humpback whales, porpoises and dolphins.
Amongst all the above, you will also have the opportunity to drive the iconic Golden Circle route where you can visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Thingvellier National Park, Geysir Geothermal Area and the spectacular glacial waters of Gullfoss Waterfall. Whilst staying in Borgarfjordur within Western Iceland, you can explore the nearby Snaefellsnes, often referred to as 'Iceland in miniature' because of the wealth and diversity of its natural features. The coastline here is adorned with white and black sand beaches including Ytri-Tunga beach where you can observe its year-round seal colony.
Your trip begins and ends in the bustling city of Reykjavik; we recommend adding extra nights here should you want more time to explore the capital.
Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland - M/V Greg Mortimer GREENLAND, SPITSBERGEN- TRIP CODE GMGI
August 2024
We joined the Greg Mortimer in Svalbard having spent the night in a hotel in Longyearbyen. The ship is modern, clean and bright. Our cabin was on the 6th deck with a balcony accessed by a sliding door with room to sit out so long as we put enough clothes on. It had ample storage space, a wonderful en-suite with a heated floor, sheer luxury! All types of plug were catered for so recharging batteries was easy. The first 3 days were spent round Svalbard looking at the wildlife and scenery. Leaving the ship on the zodiacs was very easy and well thought out. We ended up wearing 5 layers to stay warm. Sitting in the zodiac for a couple of hours could get very cold with out the right gear. The ship itself is well appointed with plenty of observation space, both indoor and outdoor. The lecture theatre is excellent and, if you don’t want to attend, you can watch the proceedings from your cabin on the TV.
The food was very good, Buffet style lunches and a good menu in the evenings.
Crossing the Greenland Sea on the 4th day was a little rough but the ship has stabilisers which worked well. There was a noticeable lack of people in the dining room on the first night though.
Reaching Greenland, the itinerary was adjusted based on the weather and conditions. Each day we generally had two zodiac trips with landings when we could. The supplied Wellington Boots were comfortable and warm although we did supplement them with a thermal sole insert and two pairs of socks.
The landscape is fantastic with towering cliffs and glaciers coming down to the sea. The scale is hard to describe as there is not much to compare it with but some mountains like the Devil’s Castle loom over the ship at some 1100m. Very impressive. Each day was at a different site with the ship moving overnight.
We did get to see a couple of Polar Bears, seals, walruses, musk ox and plenty of birds.
All in all, a wonderful trip full of fantastic scenery and wildlife on a comfortable ship designed for the job. The crew were excellent and always helpful as were the very knowledgeable Expedition staff.
If you want to see a mostly untouched wilderness with stunning views and wildlife, we can recommend this trip.
Polar expeditions and cruise
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers