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Goðafoss
Thingvellir national park
Heimaey
Puffin Colony
Dynjandi Waterfall
Starting at $10,995 per person
Land of volcanoes. Land of glaciers. Stomping ground of Vikings. Setting of countless legends and Norse sagas. These are some of the things that attract inquisitive travelers to this island nation in the North Atlantic, and this voyage has them all, but with something even more exceptional. On your ship Le Lapérouse, you’ll be joined by Professor Jennifer Verdolin, an animal behavior scientist, author, speaker, and conservationist, whose deep knowledge and dedication to the preservation of Iceland’s natural beauty will transform the way you see every landscape.
Along your route you will encounter the fishermen of Isafjordur and Grimsey. You’ll marvel at the abundance of birdlife everywhere, especially on Grimsey and Heimaey, explore Goðafoss and Dynjandi waterfalls, walk through lava caves at Vatnshellir, and witness the lingering power of the 1973 Mt. Eldfell eruption. But more than a standard voyage, this will be enriched by on-board lectures and on-the-ground insight from Prof. Verdolin, bringing deeper context to what you see through the lens of science as well as history. You’ll explore Skálinn Viking Center in Thingeyri not just as a visitor, but as a student of myth and history. It’s all here on this extraordinary voyage to the land of fire and ice.
with Jennifer Verdolin
Iceland: In the Wake of the Vikings
DEPATURE DATE AND PRICING
January 8–15, 2028
July 26-August 3, 2026
Highlights
Stand in the ruins of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and imagine the excitement of ancient athletes competing in honor of Zeus, king of the gods.
Discover the stunning mosaics of Hosios Loukas, a hidden Byzantine monastery, where centuries of devotion are etched in golden tiles, revealing Greece’s transition from antiquity to medieval splendor.
Immerse yourself in the myth and majesty of the Acropolis and explore the Parthenon and its surrounding temples with Professor Cyrino, uncovering the divine power of Athena and the artistic mastery that shaped classical Greece.
Travel in the footsteps of Agamemnon as you walk through the Lion Gate of Mycenae and visit the Tomb of Agamemnon, learning how Homer’s epics immortalized the kings and warriors of this ancient civilization.
Explore the sacred center of Delphi as you ascend the slopes of Mount Parnassus to the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle once delivered cryptic prophecies that shaped the course of Greek and Mediterranean history.
Highlights
Stand in the ruins of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and imagine the excitement of ancient athletes competing in honor of Zeus, king of the gods.
Discover the stunning mosaics of Hosios Loukas, a hidden Byzantine monastery, where centuries of devotion are etched in golden tiles, revealing Greece’s transition from antiquity to medieval splendor.
Immerse yourself in the myth and majesty of the Acropolis and explore the Parthenon and its surrounding temples with Professor Cyrino, uncovering the divine power of Athena and the artistic mastery that shaped classical Greece.
Travel in the footsteps of Agamemnon as you walk through the Lion Gate of Mycenae and visit the Tomb of Agamemnon, learning how Homer’s epics immortalized the kings and warriors of this ancient civilization.
Explore the sacred center of Delphi as you ascend the slopes of Mount Parnassus to the Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle once delivered cryptic prophecies that shaped the course of Greek and Mediterranean history.
Highlights
Explore the Viking heritage of Thingeyri at the Skálinn Viking Center, where hands-on exhibits reveal the daily lives, clothing, and craftsmanship of Norse settlers.
Encounter Iceland’s incredible wildlife, from puffins nesting on the cliffs of Grimsey and Heimaey to the vast colonies of seabirds that thrive along the coast.
Experience Iceland through cultural encounters, from Reykjavik’s museums and storytelling traditions to local history that reveals how myth, nature, and daily life intertwine.
Travel with your expert and uncover the deeper meaning of Iceland’s myths and legends, hearing Norse sagas brought to life both on board and at historic sites.
Enjoy lectures in our state-of-the-art onboard theatre by Professor Jennifer Verdolin and why Iceland connects storytelling with science—a place of fire and ice, plants and animals, mythology and history.
Marvel at Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders, from the thunderous cascades of Goðafoss and Dynjandi to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Snæfellsjökull Peninsula.
Explore the Viking heritage of Thingeyri at the Skálinn Viking Center, where hands-on exhibits reveal the daily lives, clothing, and craftsmanship of Norse settlers.
Encounter Iceland’s incredible wildlife, from puffins nesting on the cliffs of Grimsey and Heimaey to the vast colonies of seabirds that thrive along the coast.
Experience Iceland through cultural encounters, from Reykjavik’s museums and storytelling traditions to local history that reveals how myth, nature, and daily life intertwine.
Travel with your expert and uncover the deeper meaning of Iceland’s myths and legends, hearing Norse sagas brought to life both on board and at historic sites.
Enjoy lectures in our state-of-the-art onboard theatre by Professor Jennifer Verdolin and why Iceland connects storytelling with science—a place of fire and ice, plants and animals, mythology and history.
Marvel at Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders, from the thunderous cascades of Goðafoss and Dynjandi to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Snæfellsjökull Peninsula.
Highlights
Jennifer Verdolin
Dr. Jennifer Verdolin is an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona and an animal behavior scientist, author, speaker, and conservationist, in addition to being a former Fulbright Scholar. She’s developed a passionate interest in the heritage and wild beauty of Iceland, pursuing independent research into Iceland, including its language, land, cultures, and animals. Professor Verdolin earned a PhD in Ecology and Evolution from Stony Brook University. Her writing and research on animal and human behavior have appeared in The Washington Post, Scientific American, and National Geographic. She is also the author of the popular nonfiction books Wild Connection and Raised by Animals, and she has contributed to multiple podcasts, radio shows, and wildlife documentaries. For The Great Courses, she taught The Great Tours: Iceland and the Audible Original Reconnect with Nature: Lessons from the Natural World.
Journey Expert
Jennifer Verdolin
Reykjavik
Arrive in Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Reykjavik, Iceland, where you will be met by your driver and transferred to the Radisson RED Hotel (or similar) for overnight. This evening, join your fellow travelers and your Great Courses Journeys Expert for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner will be at your leisure.
Included Meal: Reception
Accommodations: Radisson RED Hotel
Perlan
After breakfast, set out with your expert and a local guide to explore Reykjavík’s dynamic blend of history and innovation. At the National Museum of Iceland, trace the nation’s evolution from the Viking Age to today through engaging exhibitions and artifacts. Continue to Perlan, where interactive displays reveal Iceland’s natural wonders, from glaciers to the northern lights, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Lunch will be at your leisure, and then visit Árbær Open Air Museum, where preserved houses and exhibits bring early Reykjavík life to vivid reality before you embark on your ship, Le Lapérouse.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Le Lapérouse
Heimaey
The Westman Islands, located off Iceland’s southern coast, are home to one of the world’s largest seasonal puffin colonies and countless other seabirds, making them an unparalleled site for observing avian ecology. Cruise along the dramatic cliffs to witness this abundance before arriving at Heimaey, the archipelago’s largest island. Here, walk across the lava field formed during the 1973 eruption of Mt. Eldfell, which reshaped the island and forced a complete evacuation of its residents. At the Eldheimar Museum, interactive exhibits chronicle a deeper understanding of volcanic processes and the remarkable story of the community’s survival and rebuilding.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Le Lapérouse
Dritvik Beach
Today’s excursion provides an in-depth look at the volcanic forces that shaped the Snæfellsjökull Peninsula, a region steeped in both natural history and legend. Begin with a climb to the rim of Saxhóll Crater, where panoramic views showcase the Snæfellsjökull Glacier, a stratovolcano capped by ice that has long inspired myth and literature. As you hike among smaller craters and lava fields, gain insight into the peninsula’s dramatic geologic evolution before reaching Dritvik, a pebble beach that once supported a thriving fishing community. The day culminates in a descent into Vatnshellir Cave, a 7,000-year-old lava tube whose eerie passageways highlight Iceland’s volcanic origins and sparked Jules Verne’s classic tale Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Le Lapérouse
Grimsey Island
Grimsey—Iceland’s northernmost inhabited island—is uniquely marked by the Arctic Circle, which runs directly through its center. With a small community of about 100 residents, largely sustained by fishing the rich North Atlantic waters, Grimsey offers a compelling example of human resilience in a remote environment. The island is equally renowned for its ecological importance, providing critical nesting grounds for seabirds. Visitors can observe species such as the Black-legged Kittiwake, Northern Fulmar, Razorbill, and Black Guillemot, along with one of Iceland’s largest colonies of Atlantic Puffins. Grimsey also hosts extensive Arctic Tern nesting sites, highlighting its significance for avian biodiversity and conservation.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Le Lapérouse
Akureyri
Your local guide will provide an overview of Akureyri, the cultural and economic hub of northern Iceland, whose harbor has long connected the region to global trade. From there, travel inland to Goðafoss, the famed “Waterfall of the Gods.” Beyond its dramatic cascade, this site holds profound historical importance: It was here in the year 1000 that Iceland officially converted to Christianity, marking a turning point in the nation’s cultural identity. Returning to town, visit the Laufás Folk Museum, a preserved turf farm that offers insight into rural domestic life of the 19th century. Conclude at the Akureyri Botanical Garden, where more than 7,000 species flourish under subarctic conditions, showcasing human ingenuity in adapting to extreme environments.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Le Lapérouse
Ísafjörður
Today’s program highlights Iceland’s Viking heritage with a visit to the Skálinn Viking Center in Thingeyri. Here, examine reconstructions of clothing, handicrafts, and weaponry that illuminate everyday life during the Norse settlement of the 9th and 10th centuries. Hands-on exhibits provide a deeper appreciation of the skills required for survival in this harsh environment, from textile production to shipbuilding. You may also view a replica Viking ship moored in the harbor, underscoring the seafaring expertise that enabled exploration and settlement across the North Atlantic. On the return to Ísafjörður, pause at the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall, where cascading tiers of water demonstrate Iceland’s powerful glacial and tectonic forces.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Accommodations: Le Lapérouse
Icelandic Horses
On your final day, journey inland across Iceland’s dramatic rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly diverge, offering a living lesson in geology. Continue to Friðheimar Horse Farm and Greenhouse, where you will learn how Icelanders harness geothermal energy and advanced horticultural methods to grow fresh produce year-round in a challenging climate. The visit illustrates both agricultural innovation and the cultural importance of the Icelandic horse. Conclude your experience at the Laugarás Lagoon a newly developed, mineral-rich two-story oasis, where bathing traditions highlight the enduring connection between natural resources and daily life and enjoy lunch here.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Accommodations: Le Lapérouse
The morning begins with a ferry to Aegina, a maritime power and home to the Temple of Aphaea, a local goddess linked to Athena and Artemis. Admire this well-preserved Doric temple, part of the “sacred triangle” with the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon. Savor lunch in a private farmhouse on the island, overlooking pistachio and olive trees. Then, return by ferry to Athens and freshen up before a final celebratory dinner. Toast your journey with a final reception and dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the Acropolis.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Fresh Hotel
Cabin and Deck Pricing
PONANT- Juin 2018
Studio PONANT
Studio PONANT
Studio PONANT
Studio PONANT
Studio PONANT
Studio PONANT
Studio PONANT
Studio PONANT
PONANT-Philip Plisson
PONANT-Francois Lef
Download a ship guide
Download a deck guide
Iceland Radisson RED
Reykjavik, Iceland
The 203-room Radisson RED Reykjavik, will be a newly built property that provides travelers with an ideal base from which to explore the city and beyond. Located in the city center, with easy pedestrian access to the main retail street, leisure areas and financial district, the 17-storey hotel will be an ocean front property offering guests panoramic views of the ocean, city, and surrounding mountain ridge. (1 night)
Your Ship: Le Lapérouse
The five-star Le Lapérouse, part of the PONANT Explorers expedition yacht series, features 92 cabins accommodating 184 guests. Designed with advanced eco-friendly technology, its “Clean Ship” certification highlights energy efficiency and marine protection. Compact yet luxurious, it navigates shallow bays and sensitive environments while offering safe, comfortable voyages with custom stabilizers. (7 nights)
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)
January 8–15, 2028
July 26-August 3, 2026
Questions? Call
1-855-476-5080
Iceland: In the Wake of the Vikings
Sign up to receive the latest trip updates and instant access to a digital version of our full-color 2025–2027 travel catalog. You will also have the option to share your mailing address and we’ll send a printed copy of our next catalog to your door.
Stay Updated and Receive a FREE Catalog
Request your copy of our full color travel catalog
Highlights
Uncover the dynastic ambitions and historical significance of monuments like Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.
Experience the stony landscape of the Agafay Desert on a camel trek, culminating in a breathtaking sunset over the High Atlas Mountains.
Admire the Islamic architecture in Marrakesh, from the grand Koutoubia Mosque and intricate Bahia Palace to the serene beauty of the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Discover the University of al-Qarawiyyin, the world’s oldest continuously operating university, and engage in a discussion on its profound influence on global scholarship.
Wander through the labyrinthine alleyways of the UNESCO-listed Medina in Fes, where vibrant stalls overflow with textiles, spices, and artisanal crafts.
