11-night Iceland Circumnavigation Expedition: Helicopters, Glaciers And Volcanoes

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.

From gold and pink beaches to stretches of lava fields, sparkling fjords, massive glaciers, deep gorges and breathtaking waterfalls, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is interestingly a small fishing village. It is said that the first Scandinavian ruler Bolli Bollasson claimed this tiny town his birthplace in the year 1000. Visitors can hike the Snæfellsjokull glacier, a dormant strato-volcano claimed to be one of seven energy centers of the world. Visitors can also walk the belt of basalt columns, drink from natural mineral springs, or get astounded by the beautiful rhyolite mountains.
 

Settled by the Norse in the 7th century, the Westman (Westmann) Islands are composed of dramatic coastlines, shaped by numerous volcanic events throughout their history. Surtsey is the newest island, emerging in 1963 after several eruptions shaped new land. Heimaey is the only inhabited island and is dotted with colorful homes along the base of wild seacliffs and green landscapes. You can tour the island's rugged coastline and see orcas, puffin colonies, and the seacave Kettshellur. Every August, the island comes alive with the Westman Islands Festival, with  bonfires and live music 24/7.

The fire, frost and water symbolized by the red, white and blue of Iceland’s flag are manifested in this land. Reykjavik, or Smoky Bay, was so named in 874 A.D. by Ingolf Arnarson when he sighted the numerous hot springs on the Seltjarnarnes Peninsula. Today this remarkably pollution-free city is wrapped around a sweeping bay and has managed to retain its charming Old-World atmosphere. A pastiche of red-blue-and green-roofed houses together with the tall gray tower of Hallgrim’s Church dominate the skyline. In Old Town, many of the wooden buildings have been lovingly restored and stand side by side with modern timber and concrete structures. There are fine museums and art galleries; historic pubs present activity in late afternoon. The beautiful countryside outside of Reykjavik includes such natural wonders as volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, mountains and spectacular waterfalls.