SmallShips.travel | L'Austral | Reykjavik Round trip July 13 2014

L'Austral - Reykjavik (Iceland) Round trip

July 13-20, 2014 - 8 days / 7 nights on board

The route taken by L’AUSTRAL will take you to the fringes of the Arctic Circle, where the first Vikings went ashore in the 9th Century. There are many stories and legends of their passage, describing the country’s wide open spaces, the last frontier of Europe, forged by fire and ice. Fjords with their abyssal sides, unfathomable glaciers, high volcanic plateaux - Iceland’s natural heritage is both wild and fascinating and has retained all of its mystery.

On the edge of the Arctic, between vast glaciers, vertiginous fjords, volcanoes and boiling geysers, Iceland offers a kaleidoscope of wild and romantic landscapes; a rare and tormented beauty redolent of the dawn of Time.

Itinerary

Arrival

Departure

Day 1 - Reykjavik - Hafnarfjordur (Iceland)
Embarkation of L'Austral from 5pm to 6pm.

Day 2 - Reykjavik - Hafnarfjordur (Iceland)
Reykjavik, the "Bay of Smoke": nestled in a bay that protects its dreamlike beauty from the wind, Reykjavik’s rhythm is determined by the infinite movements of the ocean. The capital of Iceland is also merely a stone’s throw away from the magnificent Icelandic outback, as evidenced by the large numbers of Arctic terns and wild geese and duck that are to be found in the town centre! Established in around 874 by a Viking chief, the world’s northernmost capital is simultaneously fierce and fascinating. Nearby, in the rugged lava fields, natural springs throw their turbulent water towards the sky, performing an incredible geyser dance dressed in amber tones. Don’t miss out on this natural resplendence and the reflections of astonishing geological phenomena.

6:00 pm

Day 3 - Heimaey (Vestman Islands - Iceland)
The Westman Islands were formed from a succession of underwater eruptions and consist of 15 islands and around 30 islets. As you will discover, Heimaey has a rich history and captivating landscapes. Dominated by the Eldfjall, it’s the only island in the chain that is inhabited. This exceptional site has a very pronounced relief taking in vertiginous cliffs, reefs, sea caves, and surf. Guided by our specialists and experienced naturalists, you will have the opportunity of reaching the summit of the steep Sprangan cliff, offering a splendid view from where are visible a number of islets formed by the most recent volcanic eruptions. At the crossroads of the four elements, hikers will discover an uninterrupted view of the lands of fire and ebony, encircled by the sea. And lastly, raise your eyes and you will be able to admire the incessant ballet of the sea birds, including the spectacular dives of the Gannets.

7:00 am

5:00 pm

Day 4 - Grundarfjordur (Iceland)

7:00 am

5:00 pm

Day 5 - Grimsey island (Iceland)

Grimsey is a little island located 40 km north of mainland iceland and is crossed by the symbolic line of the Arctic Polar Circle. It is formed from volcanic rock that has generated majestic basalt pillars, a delight for photographers. The island has been inhabited since the Vikings came to Iceland and legend says that it takes its name from the colonial sailor Grìmur who sailed from the region of Sogn in Norway. This site is the home to fabulous wildlife, with many bird colonies having chosen to nest along the jagged cliffs. Here we can observe the ‘‘clowns of the sea’’, better known as the Atlantic Puffins. While many travellers come here in order to cross the invisible line into the Arctic Circle, the island is also famed as a place to observe the Midnight Sun.

12:00 pm

8:00 pm

Day 6 - Akureyri (Iceland)
Located at the back of a magnificent fjord, the capital of the North of Iceland unfurls its charms along the shores of the Eyjafjördur, offering you the spectacle of its multicoloured houses seen by the midnight sun. You will set out from this delightful city to discover Lake Myvatn, with its wild beauty that has been sculpted by a succession of volcanic eruptions. Lake Myvatn boasts an ecosystem that is unique in the world and lies at the crossroads of the great migratory routes; this natural sanctuary is therefore home to many species of birds. This is a paradise for birdwatchers and above all for contemplative souls looking for secret landscapes with mysterious charm. In such a wild place, the imagination is constantly sought by the strange shapes of the landscape. Trolls, elves and the other fairy folk that people Icelandic folklore live here...without a doubt!

7:00 am

5:00 pm

Day 7 - Isafjordur (Iceland)
L’AUSTRAL’s route will take you to the heart of the fjords of North-West Iceland, a wild land of lost valleys and steep cliffs, where man struggles to survive. In this very isolated region we find the Isafjördur fjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the country, mainly for its relief, forged by many very ancient basaltic flows. The town of Isafjördur, which nestles at the back of its fjord, between imposing mountains, is a delightful little town that lives exclusively from fishing. The capital of the Western fjords, its old wooden houses bear witness to its past as a major fishing port. With its relief and its bold and raw colours, Iceland offers lovers of wide open spaces an endless variety of unlimited pleasures.

7:00 am

4:00 pm

Day 8 - Reykjavik - Hafnarfjordur (Iceland)
Disembarking.

7:00 am

Cruise Fares
Please contact us for more information and availability.

Prices are per person, based on double-occupancy and subject to fuel adjustment.

Cruise Category	Brochure Fare	Ponant Bonus Fare*
Superior Stateroom	$4,659	$3,885
DeLuxe Stateroom	$5,296	$4,395
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4	$5,796	$4,795
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5	$6,069	$5,013
Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6	$6,342	$5,232
Deluxe Suite	$7,616	$6,251
Prestige Suite - Deck 5	$8,754	$7,161
Prestige Suite - Deck 6	$9,300	$7,598
Owner Suite	$14,669	$11,893
Safety and port taxes	$546	$546
Airport Taxes	-	-
One Child (8-12 years old) sharing cabin with 2 adults	$455	$455
3rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom	$2,725	$2,339
3rd Passenger in a Prestige Suite	$4,773	$3,977
Single supplement in cabin*	Starting at + 75%	Starting at + 75%

*On request. Limited availability. Fares may be subject to Fuel adjustement according to our terms and conditions.

Our fares include:
•Port and safety charges
•Open bar (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands - list available on board)
•Gratuities
•Your cruise including all meals from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation
•Welcome aboard and captain’s cocktail parties, gala dinner
•Mineral water, tea, filter coffee, white, red and rosé wines served with meals
•24 hour room service (selected menu)
•Evening entertainments and events, and/or organised shows
•Porterage from the quayside to the ship and vice versa
•English-speaking guest-speaker (when applicable)

Our fares do not include:
•Flights and airport taxes
•Transfers, day rooms and other services at arrival & departure, before embarkation and after disembarkation
•Optional shore excursions (sold on board)
•Insurances
•Personal expenses
•Other drinks not included in open bar

** Ponant Bonus Fares:
Special Savings program off published cruise-only fares for select voyages, in all stateroom and suite categories. Ponant Bonus fares are capacity controlled, subject to availability and may change at any time without notice. Ponant Bonus could decrease or be closed for specific stateroom and suite categories or entire cruise.

Ponant bonus fares represent savings from the published fare and may not be combined with certain other promotional offers. Some cruise credits may not be combinable. The bonus fares represent our best available rate at time of booking.