Iceland Intensive Voyage

Once we leave Amsterdam's unique culture, singular personality, and labyrinth of endless canals and bridges behind, we enter into territory that, were it not so welcoming and enchanting, would feel entirely undiscovered.

A luxurious day at sea prepares you to transition to another world in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands—home to a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish culture. Explore rocky cliffs and embrace a slower, more authentic pace of life. And you'll feel a million miles away in the town named for the hammer-wielding Norse god of thunder, Thor. But don't be fooled by Tórshavn's rustic exterior. Behind the multi-colored grassy roof houses and cobblestone alleys lies a fascinating culture, more than your fair share of fantastic food, and delightfully wild natural edges. A late stay allows you to take it all in.

Another relaxing day at sea prepares you for the big show: to immerse yourself in all things Iceland. First is Seyðisfjörður, boasting some of the country's most unique architecture, natural beauty, and friendly faces. Known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland, the waters surrounding coastal Húsavik are home to humpbacks, minke, and the mammoth blue whale. During an overnight stay in Akureyri, marvel at snow-capped mountain peaks, stunning fjords, and lush countryside. And if you love horses, you're in luck–your next destination, Skagafjörður, is the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people. Next is Ísafjörður, a remote fishing community with a quaint Old Town and a lively arts and music scene. Our legendary journey ends right in Reykjavik with an incredible overnight stay. With a sophisticated look and small-town soul, Reykjavik offers thrilling art, architecture, gastronomy, and an old-world charm that will surely capture you.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Amsterdam

With more canals than Venice, Amsterdam is a winding wonder of waterways waiting to be explored. Whether by boat or by foot, learn about the city's past inhabitants, such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Anne Frank. You'll soon discover there's so much more to Amsterdam than windmills and wooden shoes.

Day 2:

At Sea

Spend the day sailing in style aboard your boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, stay ship shape with a class at our fitness center, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck.

Day 3:

Lerwick (Shetland Islands)

Secluded and seaswept, the Shetland Islands are home to a unique blend of Scandinavian and Scottish cultures. Fiddle music floats down streets named to honor the old Norse language. Rocky cliffs and rich farmland are yours to explore over 100 islands that embrace a slower, more authentic pace of life.

Day 4:

Torshavn (Faroe Islands)

This remote and little-known fragment of Europe is an archipelago of 18 hilly islands and a self-governing region of Denmark. Towns and villages cluster along the shores of fjords, and brightly painted houses in a rainbow of colors stand out against the deep green of fields and hillsides.

Day 5:

At Sea

Relax and reflect on your journey thus far with a few days of fun at sea. Get a behind-the-scenes look at life onboard with an Insider’s View Tour, attend a destination lecture to learn more about your next port-of-call, or try your luck at our onboard casino. Want to really unwind? Watch the world go by and sip a complimentary drink poolside, or say “ahh” with a visit to Sanctum Spa.

Day 6:

Seydisfjordur

Alive with history and culture. Seydisfjordur is overflowing with natural beauty. Explore iconic architecture, crashing waterfalls, and local art.

Day 7:

Husavik

The whale-watching capital of Iceland, Husavik, sits on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi Bay, where humpbacks, minke, and blue whales breach the waves and slap the water with their enormous fins. Geothermal springs south of town are the perfect spot to relax, while the Exploration Museum pays tribute to adventures mapping the globe and beyond.

Day 8:

Akureyri

Set on the shores of one of Iceland's most spectacular fjords, with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Akureyri is quite a sight to behold. Only 60 miles from the Arctic Circle, summer temperatures can soar as high as 60°F. No surprise then that a main attraction is the Botanical Gardens, where over 2,000 species of native and non-native plants flourish without the benefit of a greenhouse.

Day 9:

Skagafjordur

Endless natural treasures reside in Skagafjordur, home of the famed Icelandic horse, magnificent gorges, and jaw-dropping glaciers. Bird watching and white water rafting await, not to mention the call of a soothing hot spring ready to ease any lingering tensions at the end of the day.

Day 10:

Isafjordur

Remote and magical, tucked away in the West Fjords of Iceland, you'll find this pleasant fishing port. And you'll find yourself surrounded by towering peaks and sights that will enchant you.

Day 11:

Reykjavik

Carved from fire and ice, Reykjavik is a city of contrasts at the edge of the world. Charming wood houses blend with cutting-edge designs, and avant-garde galleries mingle with local markets where locals love to gather. Plus, its natural beauty is beyond breathtaking.

Day 12:

Reykjavik

Disembark with a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Testimonials

This trip was so much fun. I told my travel advisor that I wanted to visit as many hot springs as possible and she created an itinerary that included a visit every day! Quest Travel Adventures carefully planned the trip so we were driving on safe roads that didn't have any issues with closures due to bad weather. The accommodations were perfect - simple and clean. Reykjavik was an amazing city to explore on foot and we spent a day on the hop on/off bus so we could learn and see as much as possible. Each activity planned was so much fun, my favorite being the hike on the glacier. This trip was really well organized and I all definitely travel with Quest again in the future.

Traveler G, Iceland - 2021

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