Grandeur, 10 Nights Exploring Northern Horizons ex Reykjavik Return

Inspired by the past and reimagined for the future, Seven Seas Grandeur™ will personify our heritage of perfection.

Heimaey, Iceland
Heimaey is the largest island in the Vestmannaeyjar cluster, approximately 4 nautical miles off the south coast of Iceland. Currently Vestmannaeyjar is the home to around two million puffins, and many millions of other birds. At around one in the morning on January 23, 1973, a volcanic eruption of the mountain Eldfell began on Heimaey. The eruption lasted until July. The encroaching lava almost destroyed the harbor, but it was saved by constantly spraying cold seawater.

Eskifjordur, Iceland
Rare is a town that greets you with a meandering river, waterfalls and a jaw-dropping mountain, but Eskifjordur is a rare place, indeed. Located on one of Iceland’s magnificent fjords, this quaint fishing village offers spectacular scenery (it’s Iceland, after all); an outdoor, geothermal-heated pool; a ‘spar’ (calcite) mine that dates to the 17th century; maritime museum housed in an 1816 building; even a privately held collection of rare stones you’re invited to see for yourself. But it’s Eskifjordur’s surroundings that your senses will celebrate, especially the village’s pride and joy, Holmatindur, standing over 3,200 feet high, and Holmanes Nature Reserve, the cliffs of which provide views to last a lifetime.

Seydisfjordur, Iceland
Cruising the fjord that ends with picturesque Seydisfjordur, it’s easy to understand how its small populace produces such a thriving artistic community. Surrounded by soaring Mt. Bjólfur (3,560 feet) to the west and Strandartindur (3,314 feet) to the east, with waterfalls cascading in every direction, you’ll undoubtedly feel the transformative powers of this Eastfjords town. A leisurely stroll past smartly painted wooden houses reveals small charms like the Bláa Kirkjan (Blue Church), the quaint star of many a Seydisfjordur photo, that perfectly embody this city’s unique style. Watch for reindeer on hillsides and seals and porpoises in the cold waters.

Husavik, Iceland
Charming Husavik is the whale watching capital of Iceland. Altogether, there are 23 species of whale that are found in these waters and you are most likely to see Humpbacks, Minke and Blue. While you are out whale watching, keep watch for a puffin colony near Lundey Island. Take a walk along the serene lakes of Botnsvatn and Kaldbakstjarnir or go for a swim in one of Husavik’s therapeutic geothermal lakes. Get a glimpse inside the Húsavíkurkirkja (Husavik Church) and the Husavik Whale Museum.

Akureyri, Iceland
Explore the big city amenities and small village charm of Akureyri, on the shores of one of the world’s longest fjords encircled by dramatic snow-capped mountains. As you stroll into town visit the newly built “temple of culture,” HOF, which houses a theater, music hall, restaurant as well as the Tourist Information Center. Marvel at the variety of Arctic plants in the Botanical Garden of Akureyri. Stroll along Arts’ Alley meandering through the museum, galleries and artists’ studios. Enjoy the tax-free shop in the town center. Look for fine woolen knitwear, handmade ceramics, glassware, and silver jewelry.

Isafjordur, Iceland
Discover the dazzling natural beauty of Isafjordur. With its striking steep mountains on three sides rising dramatically around a gorgeous bay, this is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. Trace the area’s history with a visit to the Maritime Museum in one of the oldest buildings dating back to the 18th century. A delightfully urban atmosphere prevails with major music schools, free concerts and festivals. Bring home fine handmade woolen items, nautical-themed articles, as well as arts and crafts. Feast on fresh baked goods and coffee at one of the many cafés.

Grundarfjordur, Iceland
While the small fishing town of Grundarfjörður is itself a charming place to peruse, it’s perhaps most well-known due its proximity to the most photographed mountain in all of Iceland. Mt. Kirkjufell (Church Mountain) was shaped across millions of years by the force of two glaciers, and today its steeple-like peak casts dramatic shadows at the edge of the sea. A three-pronged waterfall called Kirkjufellsfoss (Church Mountain Falls), often favored as a foreground, completes the epic scene. Visit the town’s information center for exhibits celebrating Grundarfjörður’s importance to Snæfellsnes Peninsula history, as well as photographs by Icelander Bæring Cecilsson (1923-2002).