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Northern Iceland - Hike, Sail and Aurora Borealis

Available Departures: Oct

7 days from

US$3,410

without flights
View Dates & Prices
Polar
Guided Group
LEISURELY LEISURELY

A one week holiday sailing along the northern coastline of Iceland, with walks and excursions each day

Trip Code: PIH
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Northern Iceland - Hike, Sail and Aurora Borealis

Highlights

  • Sail on a 3 mast schooner, the Rembrandt van Rijn - with a maximum of 33 passengers.

  • Get the chance to see the northern lights 'dancing' overhead

  • Look out for humpback, minke whales, white-beaked dolphins and harbour porpoise

  • Walk across the arctic circle on the remote island of Grimsey

  • Incredible walks in awe inspiring landscapes with expert expedition staff

At a Glance
  • Group Size 1 to 33
  • 5 days walking and sightseeing
  • Join In Akureyri. End in Seydisfjordur.
Accommodation & Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts
  • 5 Lunches
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 nights SV Rembrandt van Rijn
Overview

From our sailing ship, the beautiful Rembrandt van Rijn, we can access small remote fjords, rugged peaks and isolated settlements of northern and eastern Iceland. Sailing to a new location on most evenings, including the magical island of Grimsey which straddles the Arctic Circle and Iceland's oldest settlement, Husavik with its famous landmark - the beautiful wooden church, Husavikurkirkja, built in 1907. We are also always on the lookout for wildlife such as humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises and of course the breathtaking northern lights.

Walks in each area are offered every day, if the weather isn't suitable for walking we can opt instead for an inland excursion by bus enabling us to fill our days with adventure and exploration. Whether it is a walk or an excursion, we are still in the heart of nature here and it truly feels like a honour to explore it.

Is this holiday for you?

The first snowfalls, cold winds and rough seas are possible at this time of year, however there is also an excellent chance of viewing the northern lights during clear skies. Backup plans are in place each day, if the weather is not on our side. The concept of this voyage is developed so as to offer excursions regardless of weather. If the weather isn’t ideal, we can opt instead for an inland …

The first snowfalls, cold winds and rough seas are possible at this time of year, however there is also an excellent chance of viewing the northern lights during clear skies. Backup plans are in place each day, if the weather is not on our side. The concept of this voyage is developed so as to offer excursions regardless of weather. If the weather isn’t ideal, we can opt instead for an inland excursion by bus, enabling us to fill our days with adventure and exploration. Hikes will be offered whenever possible, led by guides who will adjust to the conditions and fitness level of the group. Actual hiking locations depend on the prevailing conditions of the areas we visit.

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk for several hours per day. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship if you like. You must be able to get up and down the gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs - effectively a ladder with 4 rungs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. Ashore it can be slippery and rocky. Also consider that you are travelling in remote areas without quick access to sophisticated medical facilities.

The Rembrandt van Rijn is a sailing ship, with engines for when the weather is not suitable for sailing (based on open sea, water depth, wind, and time); the captain decides whether to use the sails or the engine. There is no claim to one or the other propulsion method. You will not be expected to ‘help out' with the crew on sailing the boat, however you can participate if you wish and it is always appreciated.

The day to day itinerary is for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local ice and weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. No two voyages are alike and flexibility is paramount on expedition cruises.

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Why KE?

Experience Iceland’s remote and breath taking fjords, harbours, and inlands at an exceptional time of year.

No surprise costs.
All zodiac excursions, landings and all meals on board are included in the price.

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Itinerary

Download Trip Notes

A supplemented bus transportation from Reykjavik to Akureyri (about six hours) will be available but has to be booked prior to the start of the voyage. We embark in Akureyri in the afternoon (16:00) and meet the expedition team on the ship. Conditions allowing, we may sail to Dalvik (about three hours) or spend the night in the harbor of Akureyri. During this first night, you may already see the magical northern lights shining overhead.

Accommodation

SV Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

D
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Plan A: In good weather conditions, we hope to sail toward the island of Grimsey. The goal is a Zodiac landing and a guided walk across the Arctic Circle, the most northerly of Earth’s five major circles of latitude. A sign on the island marks the coordinates at 66:34° north. If conditions allow we will stay the night at Grimsey. If not, we may sail toward the small town of Husavik, crossing Skjalfandi Bay, where we have a good chance of spotting whales. Plan B: If Grimsey is not possible due to weather, the vessel will have stay in Akureyri. A coach will be available for a day excursion to Myvatn, where you can see volcanoes, waterfalls, and geothermal areas. Hiking will be our focus here. The coach will then return to the vessel in the afternoon.

Accommodation

SV Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

B L D
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Plan A: We will enjoy the morning in Husavik, with ample free time to explore the town and visit the local whale museum (entrance fee not included). Lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, we sail across Skjalfandi Bay, where humpback and minke whales, white-beaked dolphins, and harbour porpoises may appear. Plan B: If the vessel has to stay in Husavík for the day due to weather, a coach will be available in the afternoon for an excursion to Tjornes Peninsula. There we can observe the local birdlife and impressive geology. We then move to Asbyrgi, the horseshoe-shaped canyon that is entirely unique in Iceland. Our focus will be hiking this ruggedly scenic area. The coach will later return to the vessel in Husavík, where there might be time for a relaxing spa session in outdoor pools heated with geothermal energy (admission fees not included).

Accommodation

SV Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

B L D
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Plan A: In good weather conditions, we hope to sail around northeast Iceland and get to shore in the small town of Raufarhofn. Within walking distance from town is the Arctic Henge, a well-known Iceland attraction. Still under construction, this monument is intended to be a kind of sundial inspired by Voluspa, a poem from Edda, the medieval Norse mythological text by Snorri Sturluson. Plan B: You may like to join a bus excursion that will take you to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe: 200 cubic meters of water surge over its edge every second. Dettifoss is 45 meters (150 feet) high and 100 meters (330 feet) wide. As usual on this expedition, hiking will be our focus. The coach will return to the vessel in the evening.

Accommodation

SV Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

Plan A: We sail from Raufarhofn to Vopnafjoraur. Austurland (East Iceland) is characterized by visually stunning landscapes and small villages. Nature is all around us, providing the opportunity for great hikes and other activities. Plan B: A coach will be available to take us on an inland excursion if conditions do not allow for the above plan, and the expedition leader will determine which route to take. We will reunite with the vessel in the evening.

Accommodation

SV Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

Plan A: Today we sail from Vopnafjorour to Seydisfjordur, and if conditions allow we may halt at Borgarfjordur Eystri, a treasure of Austurland. This fjord gets its name from Alfaborg, the home of the Icelandic elf queen, so it is fitting that the area offers spectacular scenery. Iceland’s eastern fjords are still untouched by mass tourism. The nearby village of Bakkagerdi has fewer than 100 inhabitants, and the harbor is mainly home to small boats for coastal fishing. Plan B: A coach will be available to take us on an inland excursion. The expedition leader will decide the plan, and we will reunite with the vessel in the evening.

Accommodation

SV Rembrandt van Rijn

Meals

B L D
Hide Details

We disembark in Seyaisfjoraur in the morning. Bus transport to Egilsstadir Airport (between 6.30 and 7.00am, approx. 45min) is available at an extra charge, but must be booked prior to the start of the voyage.

Meals

B
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The Route
Point Point
Boat

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Expert expedition staff and sailing staff,

All accommodation as described,

All meals on board the SV Rembrandt Van Rijn,

Snowshoe hire if required

Travel insurance,

Visas (if applicable),

Tips for staff,

Meals other than those on board the ship,

Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

Day 1

A bus transportation from Reykjavik to Akureyri (about six hours) will be available but has to be booked prior to the start of the voyage.

If you don't take this transfer you need to be at the ship in Akureyri by 4pm and meet the expedition team on the ship.

Day 7

Bus transport to Egilsstadir Airport (between 6.30 and 7.00am, approx. 45min.) is available at an extra charge, but must be booked prior to the start of the voyage.

All meals on board the SV Rembrandt van Rijn are included, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

On board the ship a diverse range of international dishes are available. Meals are prepared and catered by professional chefs and all meals are included in the holiday price. Special dietary requirements, including vegetarianism, can be accommodated with advance notice (please advise at the time of booking). Coffee, tea and water are all provided free of charge. All other beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are not included and can be prurchased in the dining room or the lounge areas.

During this trip the group will spend 6 nights on board the SV Rembrandt van Rijn. This is a 3 mast schooner sailing vessel. It was built as a herring lugger early last century. The vessel was rebuilt as a three-mast passenger sailing schooner in the Netherlands, with final refurbishments completed in 2011. The ship is well suited for expedition cruising among small islands (due to its size) and offers good open deck viewing areas also when under sail. Two zodiacs enable landing and wildlife viewing opportunities. The bow of the vessel is enforced and is therefore suitable to sail in arctic waters.

The Rembrandt van Rijn measures 49.5m in length, 7m in width and has a draft of 2,5 m. The maximum speed on engines is 9 knots. It has an experienced crew of 12 persons on board including 2 tour guides. The ship can accommodate a maximum of 33 passengers in 16 cabins consisting of 1 triple cabin with a porthole, 6 twin inside cabins (no porthole) and 9 twin cabins with a porthole. All cabins have en-suite facilities with a shower & toilet. On board there is also a restaurant and a bar/reading room for use to everyone whilst on board.

Our base price is a triple cabin with three single beds and a porthole. It is possible to upgrade to cabins with twin berths with no porthole or a twin with porthole. If you are travelling on your own and book a triple room you will be sharing with members of the same sex. If you are travelling on your own and book a twin cabin then we try to match you with someone of the same sex, although this is not always possible. Single cabins are also available. Please contact the KE office for further details on specific departure availability and prices. All cabins have private en-suite bathrooms.

A carefully chosen professional and qualified team will lead your voyage. Their goal is to provide an informed and balanced interpretation of the destination, accomplished through day-to-day briefings, and informal discussions. The expedition staff will work conscientiously with you, on deck and in the field, to allow you to experience all that the destination has to offer. Their strong sense of ethics and ecological knowledge make for stimulating and mindful conversation whether onshore or at the dinner table.

It is not practical to set a recommended amount for personal spending money on a holiday like this. All meals while on board and the daily Zodiac excursions, are included in the trip price. The main extra spend on board will be on drinks and this will vary greatly from person to person. On board ship, bar bills can be put on a tab and paid at the end of the cruise by credit or debit card or in cash Euros. You will also need some money for any meals taken when not on the ship and for tips.

The customary gratuity to the ship's service personnel is made as a blanket contribution in one envelope at the end of the voyage, which is divided among the crew and staff. You will receive detailed guidelines on board. Tipping is a very personal matter and the amount you wish to give is at your discretion. It is better for the crew and staff, if you can give them cash, either US Dollar or Euro.  As a guide, we recommend you allow about $20 per day for tips to your crew and expedition staff.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage and a daypack. Your baggage will be kept in your cabin with you and there is a finite amount of space. Please keep the weight of your main luggage to around 15kg. A soft bag, are the most suitable as they are easier to store in the cabin - in fact the ship crew discourage the use of hard cases as much as possible, as they simply take up too much space in the cabin.

The holiday will be conducted in English. Generally on these trips there will be a mix of nationalities but it is not possible to guarantee this.

All meals on board the SV Rembrandt van Rijn are included, from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

This holiday is part of our Explore International range. Participants on these trips can book through KE or through one of our international partners. This helps us to gather together sufficient numbers of like-minded adventurers to get your holiday up and running quickly. Led by an English-speaking guide, the cosmopolitan nature of these groups can be an important part of the experience!

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. Please restrict your baggage to one main bag and a small daypack.

You SHOULD bring the following items:

  • Casual shoes / Trainers or similar for onboard

  • * Rubber boots (Wellington boots) for Zodiac landings and for use with snowshoes

  • Waterproof jacket with hood

  • Waterproof trousers or salopettes

  • Trekking trousers

  • Windproof soft shell

  • Thermal Baselayer top and bottoms

  • Casual shirt and/or T-shirts

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Down Jacket

  • Underwear

  • Socks (Warm, high wool or similar socks worn over a thin pair of silk, polypropylene socks should provide enough warmth and insulation for your feet. Bring several pairs of socks, since you will inevitably get your feet wet)

  • Sunhat

  • Warm hat (plus spare)

  • Scarf and/or buff

  • Sun glasses/glacier glasses with sides (plus spare)

  • Waterproof gloves

  • Water bottle 1 Litre (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Rucksack 25 litres

  • Selection of dry bags (to keep rucksack contents dry)

  • Small padlock (to lock trek bag)

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Seasickness remedy

  • Plug adapter - On the ship (Rembrandt van Rijn) you will need a plug / adaptor with European 2 pin round holes.

  • Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, and plasters (band-aids).

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL:

  • Travel clothes
  • Ski goggles
  • Camera (in a dry bag)
  • Binoculars
  • Walking / Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • USB memory stick (in case you want to swap photos with other travellers)
  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

NOTE: Snowshoes are provided

* Wellington boots should be used instead of walking boots on this holiday to ensure you keep your feet dry, this will be both when hiking with and without the snowshoes. There are several reasons for this: most zodiac landings will be 'wet landings' where it is likely that water depth will be atleast ankle deep / when hiking the snow can be atleast ankle deep / when hiking there are often streams to walk through. 

Cotswold Outdoor Red PantonMany of the Equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive 12.5% discount voucher from Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers.
>> Find out more

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DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

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2025

Dates

Adults from

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Status

More Information

  • Northern Iceland - Hike, Sail and Aurora Borealis
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: PIH /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Thu 9 Oct and ends on Wed 15 Oct
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$1,150
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary joining in Akureyri (a transfer from Reykjavik Airport (approx. 6 hours) is available but must be booked in advance) and the trip ends in Seyaisfjoraur (a transfer to Egilsstadir Airport is available but must be booked and payed for in advance).

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

Final Balance

Full payment for all Polar Cruises is 14 weeks prior to departure. Early booking is recommended as flights fill early and cabin choice can be more limited nearer to departure.

 

Upgrade Price per person and cabins

Our base price for this holiday includes accommodation in a triple cabin with porthole. It is possible to upgrade to cabins with twin berth with or without porthole. If you are travelling on your own you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Please contact the office for further details on upgrade prices. All cabins and have private en-suite bathrooms. 

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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