Silversea Luxury Cruises A DJUPIVOGUR

Discover how the abundant natural beauty of Djúpivogur contributes to the richness of bird and wildlife species in the area during this scenic sightseeing excursion on-foot.

Djupivogur, Nature Walk

Depart the pier for your picturesque, approximately 3.1-kilometre (about five-kilometre) nature walk. The combination of marshlands, ponds and beaches near the town makes this area ideal for bird-breeding; so much so that it is listed as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

Diverse Bird Species, Reindeer

Birds like the common shelduck, northern shovel and Slavonian grebe breed here. Many other species can be spotted, such as the oystercatcher, turnstone, curlew, sanderling, knot, little auk, king eider, and Brent goose. The area is also a stopover site for many birds like eider ducks, common scoters, and many other species of ducks and grallatores. Reindeer can also be seen in the area, especially in early-Summer. Every year, birds of the area are counted on behalf of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History. The area is also rich with history having been a valuable trading post in the 16th century, and suffering plundering by marauders from North Africa in the early-17th century.

Bóndavarða Vantage Point, Marshlands, Ponds, Sea

Your nature walk passes through the charming town of Djúpivogur en route to the Bóndavarða Vantage Point. From here, walk through the marshlands around the ponds and near the sea in order to see as many different bird species as possible, and learn about the history of your surrounds. At the conclusion of your nature trek, return to the pier on-foot.

Experience the unrivalled beauty of the Jökulsárlón Lagoon during this incredibly scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion via coach and boat.

Djupivogur, Höfn Village, Mountains, Glacier Tongues

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the beautiful and serene village of Höfn. En route, pass by the spectacular mountains of Djúpivogur, including Búlandstindur and Teigarhorn, which lays claim to having the finest deposit of zeolites in Iceland. After a comfort stop in Höfn, take a short drive through this town and its dramatic landscape, then continue on between the mountains, where icy blue glacier tongues penetrate downwards to the low ground.

Vatnajökull Ice Cap, Pastoral Landscape

Towering high above this beautiful setting rises the mighty Vatnajökull Ice Cap, the third-largest in the world and largest outside of the Arctic regions. Head westward through pastoral landscape squeezed between the shifting black sands on the seaward side, and cliffs and glacial outflows inland. Here, agriculture and wildlife exist in harmony; the grasslands are rich in wildflowers, and harbour a variety of nesting birds. Your next stop is at the Jökulsárlón Lagoon.

Jökulsárlón Lagoon Cruise, Icebergs, Lunch, Höfn Village

This approximately 328-foot-deep (about 100-metre-deep) glacial river lagoon was carved from the glacier Breiðamerkurjökull, and is filled with large icebergs. The glacial lagoon began to form around 1950; before this, the Jökulsá River flowed from under the glacier directly out to sea, swiftly and dangerously. Today, the Jökulsárlón Lagoon is popular with visitors who cruise on the waters between the majestic icebergs. Upon arrival, embark a boat for an approximately 30-minute cruise along the pristine waters and incredibly beautiful surrounds of this glacial lagoon. Following your cruise, re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and return to the village of Höfn for a comfort stop, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the spectacular natural panorama and bird species of rural East Iceland during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to the town of Höfn. Following a comfort stop here, continue through the picturesque mountainous region to the outlet of the Hoffellsjokull Glacier. Hoffellsjokull was at its largest around 1890; over the ensuing 50 years, it reached all the way to the moraine ridge that now envelops the lake in front of the glacier. Back then, trucks were driven up to this ridge and filled with ice, which they transported to the town of Höfn (Harbour). The ice was used for chilling fish, both at sea, aboard fishing boats, and onshore.

Due to climate changes, Hoffellsjokull Glacier has now retreated a considerable distance, leaving Hoffell, a deep glacial lagoon, in its wake. The area around the glacier is the habitat of several rare Icelandic plants, and a great diversity of bird species. A stop is made at the Hoffell Lagoon for some free time to explore these tranquil surrounds at your leisure.

Next, re-board your coach and head to a local horse farm. Upon arrival, proceed for local Icelandic pastries and refreshments. Afterward, you are invited to meet some of the farm’s denizens, including pure-bred Icelandic horses and a variety of other domestic farm animals. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the spectacular natural splendour of Iceland's ruggedly beautiful landscape during this half-day, off-road excursion.

Depart the pier for a scenic drive through the valleys and moors near the lovely village of Djúpivogur. Along the way, marvel at the rugged beauty of Iceland's diverse topography, which features an abundance of magnificent landscapes, nature, waterfalls, mountains, and reindeer.

During the drive enjoy refreshments of hot chocolate and local cakes.

Explore the spectacular panoramic beauty of one of the largest glaciers in the world during this unforgettable, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Djúpivogur, Höfn, Mýrar District, Mountains, Glacier Tongues, Cliffs, Atlantic Ocean, Wildlife

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to Höfn. Following a comfort stop and short drive through this town and its dramatic landscape, your drive continues on through the beautiful Mýrar District, where steep mountains rise on the landward side and the Atlantic Ocean surges on the other. Between the mountains, icy blue glacier tongues penetrate downwards to the low ground. Towering high above this beautiful setting rises the mighty Vatnajökull Ice Cap, the third-largest in the world and largest outside of the Arctic regions. Head westward through pastoral landscape squeezed between the shifting black sands on the seaward side, and cliffs and glacial outflows inland. Here, agriculture and wildlife exist in harmony; the grasslands are rich in wildflowers, and harbour a variety of nesting birds.

Skálafellsjökull Glacier, Vatnajökull Ice Cap, Glacier Walk, Glacier Hut, Lunch

Leaving the highway, take an exhilarating ride up a tortuous road to the Skálafellsjökull Glacier and onto the Vatnajökull Ice Cap. This hair-raising ascent offers spectacular panoramic views of your surrounds. Upon arrival, switch to a glacier vehicle, then venture into this brilliant white, majestic and peaceful world, where thrilling trails lead over the wide expanse of snow. Experience Europe's largest glacier at very close quarters, with the added thrill of knowing that several active volcanoes are lurking under the hundreds of metres of ice below. At the conclusion of this unique glacial experience, proceed for lunch at Smyrlabjörg then re-board your coach and drive back down to the coast. After a comfort stop at Höfn, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 109 yards-219 yards (about 100 metres-200 metres), at times over uneven, gravel and snowy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and glacier vehicle. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with a fear of heights, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of tunnels, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing in layers with sturdy, flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 13 years old to participate on this tour. The glacier vehicles utilised on this tour may include a 4x4 Jeep, snow-scooter or snow truck, and are selected by the local operator based upon the conditions on the glacier. A valid driver's license is required to ride the glacier vehicles. The driving distance between the pier and the Vatnajökull Ice Cap is approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

Explore one of Iceland's hidden treasures, the Lónsöræfi, during this picturesque, off-road excursion to the remote highlands.

Djupivogur, Hvannagil Canyon, Jökulsá í Lóni River, Lónsöræfi, Vatnajökull Ice Cap

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive to Hvannagil, with a comfort stop en route. Hvannagil is a deep, rugged and colourful rhyolite canyon on the eastern bank of the Jökulsá í Lóni River. After a stop here, re-board your coach and continue on the Lónsöræfi, or 'Lagoon Wilderness'. The Lónsöræfi area takes its name from Lón, a glacial river valley surrounded by extraordinary, colourful rhyolite mountains. Towering high above this beautiful setting rises the mighty Vatnajökull Ice Cap, the third-largest in the world and largest outside of the Arctic regions.

Highland Trails, Wilderness, Illikambur Drive and Summit, Mountains, Valleys, Barren Plains, Lunch

Through the centuries, highland trails in this wilderness area along the edge of the glacier were utilised to travel between the north and south parts of the country. A number of old cairns can be spotted here; relics left by travellers of the past. Drive along a mountain track, only suitable for big Jeeps, on Illikambur, or (Evilsridge), and maybe even cross rivers en route. A stop is made for a short walk to the top of Illikambur to marvel at the colourful landscape and take photographs, and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst your magnificent surroundings of mountains, valleys and barren plains. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

A visit to Iceland represents a unique opportunity to explore some of the most breath-taking and awe-inspiring natural wonders anywhere in the world. Experience it all from up-close via boat, helicopter, coach and on-foot during this unforgettable, one-night overland excursion to Iceland. Journey to the south coast of Iceland during a panoramic drive from Djúpivogur to Höfn. Here, enjoy a breath-taking cruise on the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, then proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, take a walk on the Skaftafellsjökull Glacier to see ice sculptures and ridges, and deep crevasses. Following dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast at the Fosshotel Vatnajökull in Hornafjörður, check-out and depart for a visit to the massive rock arch, Dyrhólaey, and beautiful, black-sand beach of Reynisfjara. Next, explore an exquisite, crystal-blue ice cave with its blue-and-black ice domes near the Katla Volcano, then drive past the spectacular waterfalls of

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and depart for the panoramic, approximately 75-minute drive from Djúpivogur to Höfn, an Icelandic fishing town in the south-eastern part of the country near the Hornafjörður Fjord. En route, you can see the spectacular scenery of the south coast with its rolling hills, wide-open skies and imposing cliffs dotting the landscape.

Upon arrival in Höfn, proceed for a delicious, two-course lunch at Ottó, a local restaurant focusing on fresh, local ingredients and making everything from scratch.

After lunch, re-board your coach and drive to the Skaftafellsjökull Glacier, another outlet glacier that extends from the mighty Vatnajökull. Upon arrival, your glacier guide transports you to what appears to be an icy, foreign planet during an easy glacier walk. Stroll through a wonderland of glacial ice sculptures, ice ridges and deep crevasses on the glacier.

Following your glacier walk, re-board your coach, return to the magnificent Vatnajökull and transfer to the Fosshotel Vatnajökull for a welcome drink, check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

A three-course dinner is served at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, meet your guide and depart for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to the heart of the south coast of Iceland, Vík í Mýrdal.

This local is renowned for its massive rock arch, Dyrhólaey, and beautiful, Reynisfjara black-sand beach, which, in 1991, was voted one of the Top 10 non-tropical beaches by National Geographic magazine. This beach also has powerful waves, and is surrounded by basalt sea-stacks known as Reynisdrangar.

Next, head to an ice cave near the Katla Volcano, which has been semi-dormant now for 101 years. Occasionally, regular, smaller eruptions occur, but they did not break the ice cover; the last eruption took place in 2011. Your guided tour of the Katla Volcano begins with a walk along the ‘no-man’s road’ leading to a mysterious ice cave, sometimes known as the ‘Dragon Ice Cage’.

Upon entering inside the ice cave, marvel at the magical, blue-and-black ice domes of this rare natural phenomenon created by the powerful Katla Volcano.

After re-boarding your coach, drive past the spectacular waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, then proceed for lunch at a local at the Hotel Anna in Moldnúpur.

After lunch, re-board your coach and head to Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi Waterfall. Sometimes known as ‘Seljalandsfoss’s little brother’, Gljúfrabúi is much lesser-known and almost hidden from plain sight. Upon arrival, enjoy refreshments and a traditional Icelandic picnic. Following your picnic, take a short, guided walk, with some wading through water, so you can get so close enough to the waterfall that you can almost stand underneath it (not recommended, but bring a towel, and an extra pair of socks and shoes).

Leaving the Gljúfrabúi Waterfall, re-board your coach and drive to the helicopter pick-up location. Upon arrival, receive your safety and flight instructions, then lift-off for a helicopter flight-seeing tour to admire this magical landscape from above.

Following your helicopter flight-seeing tour, re-board your coach and commence the short transfer to the port of Heimaey. Upon arrival at the pier, embark the ship.