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Iceland’s incredible sights and experiences are best explored on a circumnavigation cruise, such as those offered by National Geographic Explore/Lindblad. This exclusive circular tour on a small ship offers a unique and privileged insight into what makes Iceland tick. With access to small harbors and fjords unavailable to larger ships, each day brings a new adventure. The added comfort of returning to the same lodging each night ensures an exceptional experience. These seven stops will give any traveler a privileged insight into Iceland.

Reykjavik: Blue Lagoon

Before or after your trip, the most impressive geothermal bathing experience is the Blue Lagoon. The main attraction is the many options for soaking in the blue-lit water. Your level of access and pampering extends to primal access to the entire spa experience. The spiffy bracelet system gives you access to your locker, drinks, dining and other amenities with a wave of the hand. With four dining options, this is easily an all-day experience. Lava Restaurant, a four-course all-day dining stop, combines upscale dishes like arctic char with cucumber, horseradish and Greek yogurt in a volcanic setting. Moss, a Michelin-starred restaurant for evening meals, has its own wine cellar deep in the lava rock. Can’t get enough in just one day? Stay overnight at their exclusive retreat hotel with a private lagoon.

Westfjords: Vigur Island and Eider Down

Here, the fjords are quiet and peaceful. The world famous eider down comes from Vigur Island in this region. Birds shed down from their chests to warm their eggs, and after hatching, the down is removed, then collected and processed. Felicity Aston, one of the island’s farm owners, is the only woman to ski across the Antarctic alone. She is more than used to the harsh life of Iceland.

Siglufjodur: Herring and Forestry

The northernmost major settlement in Iceland was once the center of a thriving herring fishing and processing industry. A set of museum buildings and live exhibits chronicle the herring industry from 1903 to 1968 when it ceased operations. Iceland doesn’t have many trees. Siglufjordur has a local forestry association that promotes the forestry movement and conservation by adding trees.

Husavik: Geological Survey

The site of the first house built in Iceland, Húsavík is the gateway to exploring the geology and landscape of northern Iceland. Trek to Guáfoss, one of Iceland’s largest waterfalls. More aqua wonder awaits at Myawatan Lake. The Whaling Museum displays the fascinating history of whaling.

Grimsey: The Arctic Circle

This small island is the northernmost part of Iceland and sits on the Arctic Circle. As the magnetic pole shifts slightly each year, the exact location is marked with a large stone ball, which records the magnetic shift at the current location. Birds, such as puffins, make this island home, as it is only miles of land.

Dupivogur: Vatnajökull Ice Cap and Icebergs

As one approaches South Iceland, black sand beaches await. Walk to the foot of the massive Vatnajökull Icecap and then continue on to the icy lagoon of Jökulsárlón. Further exploration by 4 x 4 vehicles is available for more remote valleys and waterfalls.

Westman Islands: Surtsey Island

These islands were formed by undersea volcanoes 10,000 years ago. The most recent lava crater on Westman is an easy hike, and the earth is still warm from underground activity. Surtsey popped up from the sea in 1963, its birth was documented on film, and is now a UNESCO Heritage Site.