Watch our Online Travel Show about this tour and earn a $100 credit for your next booking with Holiday Vacations.
Iceland: Land of the Midnight Sun - WWNY TV
Seydisfjordur
Akureyri
Grundarfjordur
History & Culture
Wildlife
Mel Busler
Mel Busler
Sports Anchor Mel Busler has been covering sports since 1984. He considers his job to also be part of his hobby. A lifelong resident of Watertown, Mel feels fortunate to be able to do what he enjoys in his hometown.
Explore the charming towns, fascinating myths, and dramatic landscapes of Iceland in the summer, when the sun shines brightly into the night. Arrive in Reykjavik for a guided tour of the capital city’s best sights, including the Perlan Observatory and Hallgrimskirkja Church. Next, board Windstar’s opulent all-suite yacht, the Star Pride, for seven nights. Newly renovated ocean-facing rooms, luxurious amenities, and award-winning cuisine with all meals included await us on the ship. Our spectacular ports of call are Heimaey Island, Seydisfjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, and Grundarfjordur. Choose from a fantastic selection of optional excursions to visit historic sites, view majestic wildlife, and gaze upon some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Disembarking in Reykjavik, we relax at the Blue Lagoon and browse artifacts at the Viking World Museum before returning home.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Reykjavik
Discover the world’s northernmost capital and Iceland’s largest city, rich in Viking history. During our guided tour, explore Icelandic charms preserved in the colorful buildings of its historic center and marvel at the contrasting modernity in the trendy Harbor District. Enjoy a visit to the Perlan observatory on the Oskjuhlid hilltop, stroll Parliament’s bustling Austurvollur Square, and marvel at the exterior of two architectural masterpieces: Harpa Concert Hall and Hallgrimskirkja, a church designed to resemble the mountains, rocks, and glaciers of Iceland.
Windstar Cruises’ Star Pride
This opulent ship takes everything guests love about yacht-style cruising to the next level, featuring spacious ocean view suites. With a maximum of 312 guests, it’s large enough to pamper and entertain, yet small enough to tuck into quaint harbors beyond the reach of larger vessels. Revel in the opportunity to get closer to Iceland’s best natural wonders while completely circumnavigating one of the most diverse and impressive islands in the world. The Star Pride allows us to visit more than just the ordinary ports of call, so you get a truly immersive vacation.
Blue Lagoon
Named one of the top 25 Wonders of the World by National Geographic, this geothermal spa creates a revitalizing and relaxing experience unlike any other. Dip into the 102°F milky-blue waters filled with silica, algae, and minerals that are known for nourishing skin while surrounded by captivating landscapes. Enjoy an included Comfort Package with a silica mud musk and choice of beverage from the swim-up bar, such as a smoothie or glass of wine.
Viking World Museum
Step back in time to the era of Vikings, the rugged seafaring adventurers. Browse three intriguing exhibits that detail their rich history and culture: The Settlement of Iceland, Vikings of the North Atlantic, and The Icelander. Each boasts well-preserved artifacts, such as intricately carved longships and ancient weapons. However, the real treasure here is the full-scale replica of a 9th-century Viking ship, the Gokstad, which was excavated from a burial mound in the 1800s.
- Day 1: Fly to IcelandWe depart the United States on a comfortable overnight flight to Reykjavik.
- Day 2: Reykjavik & the Star PrideThis morning, we begin our explorations with a city tour of Reykjavik’s top sights including the Perlan observatory, Hallgrimskirkja Church, Hofdi House, and more. Later, we transfer to the pier to board Windstar Cruises' Star Pride and experience the luxury of yacht-style cruising. This newly renovated, all-suite ship is small enough to venture into ports beyond the reach of larger vessels, yet expansive enough to provide high-class entertainment and amenities. Enjoy upscale, spacious suites with an ocean view and all meals included on board!
Meals Included: Dinner
- Day 3: Heimaey IslandOur ship cruises to Heimaey Island today, passing by Surtsey Island’s rugged cliffsides and thriving seabird population. This vibrant island is the largest and most populated of the Icelandic coastline, but it comes from a catastrophic past of pirate invasions and a destructive volcanic eruption, similar to Pompeii. Learn about this intriguing history at the Eldheimar Volcano Museum, play a round of golf, or choose from a variety of optional excursions, such as a helicopter glacier adventure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Day at SeaEnjoy a leisurely day aboard the ship and take advantage of its wonderful amenities as we sail eastbound to Seydisfjordur. Arriving in the early evening, there is plenty of time to begin exploring with the sun shining brightly late into the night. This charming town boasts a lively atmosphere, colorful wooden buildings, quaint cafes, and otherworldly mountain scenery.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: SeydisfjordurWe spend the first half of our day discovering more of Seydisfjordur’s awe-inspiring sights. There is no shortage of spectacular optional excursions to choose from! Hike to Hengifoss Waterfall, embark on a 4x4 adventure through Mjoifjordur, witness majestic wildlife in Skalanes Nature Reserve, or step back in time with a journey through the area’s rich history. Later, we board our ship to enjoy delicious cuisine and relaxation as we cruise to our next destination.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: AkureyriToday’s port of call is Akureyri, nestled at the base of Eyjafjordur Fjord. This cosmopolitan city is a vital port and fisheries center, known for its ice-free harbor despite being near the Arctic Circle. It’s also coined as the gateway to north Iceland’s exceptional beauty, which can be explored with optional excursions including glacier canyon river rafting, visiting “Waterfall of the Gods,” relaxing in the sky-blue Myvatn Nature Baths, or joining a whale safari. If you venture into town, don’t miss viewing the art canyon, Listagil, or shopping for souvenirs on Hafnarstraeti.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: IsafjordurThis afternoon, our ship arrives in the quaint and walkable city of Isafjordur. Enjoy the small-town feel as you take in the dramatic landscapes and view fascinating wooden houses with tin roofs from the 18th to 19th century. Immerse yourself in the best attractions with an optional excursion such as fjord kayaking, an Icelandic super jeep ride, visiting the abandoned village of Hesteyri, traveling to “Trolls Throne,” or tasting local cuisine.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: GrundarfjordurWe arrive in Grundarfjordur this morning, located between a soaring mountain range and the picturesque sea. You may take a short trip north to find the most iconic attraction, Snaefellsjokull National Park, brimming with natural wonders from moss-covered lava fields to jagged cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Other optional excursions include hiking Berserkjahraun Lava Field, tasting fresh Viking sushi, or cruising to Melrakkaey Nature Reserve, a nesting site for puffins, kittiwakes, and other birds. There's also time to stroll through the historical city center, stop at a charming cafe, or view spectacular photographs at Baeringsstofa.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9: Fly HomeWe disembark the ship in Reykjavik this morning and visit Iceland’s most popular attraction, the Blue Lagoon. Soak in the mineral-rich seawater, naturally a constant 102°F, and relax at the geothermal massage waterfall. Enjoy an included silica mud mask and beverage to complete this tranquil experience. Later, we visit the Viking World Museum to climb aboard the replica of a 9th-century ship, the Icelander, then return to the airport for our flight home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
Attractions & Highlights
- Ports of call: Heimaey Island, Seydisfjordur, Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur
- Reykjavik guided city tour feat. Perlan observatory & Hallgrimskirkja Church
- Blue Lagoon geothermal spa with included Comfort Package
- Viking World Museum
20 Excellent Meals
- All meals included aboard the ship
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
Syracuse - Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Watertown - Home Depot