Many visitors find landing at Keflavik airport enchanting. The hub seems carved out of an arctic desert, with lava stones covered in moss and haunting mountains nearby. But just 45 minutes away, Reykjavík is a charming and vibrant modern city, offering top restaurants, interesting museums and quaint narrow streets.

Patreksfjördur is a charming settlement on the west coast of Iceland with around 660 inhabitants. The picturesque fjord offers scenic hiking trails if conditions allow. Patreksfjördur is also close to the spectacular waterfall of Dynjandi and to Látrabjarg, a renowned site for birdwatching.

Included activity:

Stroll through town (1 hr)

Stroll along the lively harbour of Patreksfjörður and learn about the importance of fisheries to the village and the various types of fish. We visit the local church and walk to the snow avalanche protection wall where you get the best views of the fjord. The village has a rich history as a base for English and French sailors, merchants and navy mariners.

In 1917 Elías Stefánsson settled down in Djupavik  and built a herring salting factory. Today you can still see the remains of the factory as well as only seven houses and a hotel here. We will explore the landing site, and the beautiful natural scenery surrounding it.

Included activity:

Herring Factory visit & Leisurely Hike (2 - 3 hrs)

Join in an exciting hike up a mountain ridge for an amazing view of the entire coast, then learn a bit of local history with an exciting guided tour through a former herring factory. The fish facility is also part of contemporary movie history, as scenes from the Hollywood blockbuster, Justice League, were filmed here. Afterward, savour some local pastries served by the owner of a small guesthouse near the pier.

We will use our tender boats to reach this green and grassy island. Grimsey is probably best known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle, which cuts across the island. You can have the chance to step across that line, North to South. During the afternoon we sail towards Husavik, where we will arrive in the evening and stay overnight.

Included activity:

Arctic circle crossing ceremony (2 hrs 30)

The Arctic Circle crosses Iceland at the northernmost point on Grimsey island. As we cross the Arctic Circle, enjoy a fun ceremony with the staff, then take a walk towards the Orbis et Globus (Circle and Sphere) artwork that symbolises the Circle. On the way you will have amazing photo opportunities of magnificent scenery, and wildlife like puffins, arctic terns, golden plovers and many more spectacular birds, as many of them are nesting on the cliffs or right next to your footpath.

Bakkagerdi is the main settlement in Borgarfjörður. This area is known for its natural beauty and is `the land of the elves´. Puffin colonies abound in the fjord, making this a popular place for birdwatching. Bakkagerdi is off the typical tourist track, and offers peace, quiet and lovely views.

Included activity:

Puffin Colony visit (1 - 3 hrs)

Climb aboard one of our small boats that take you to a small pier next to a large puffin colony. Here you climb stairs to the top of a small hill for a spectacular view over the colony. Afterward, a five-minute shuttlebus ride takes you to the small village of Bakkagerdi, where the Icelandic queen of the elves holds court. You also find a charming, traditional peat house in the village.

Our voyage of discovery and adventure ends in Reykjavik. If you have the time, we recommend you stay a few extra days to explore fascinating Reykjavik.