Whales & waterfalls: Iceland to Norway with a luxury Silversea cruise

First, you'll travel via the expansive Kleifarvatn Lake, the largest on the Reykjanes Peninsula, en route to the Krýsuvík geothermal area. Here you'll witness the bubbling mud-pool of Seltún, and feel the ground percolate around you as you take a short boardwalk through the geothermal park. Then you'll visit the fishing village of Grindavík and come face-to-face with the region's tough shipping history as you drive by several shipwrecks that were cruelly beaten by the Atlantic Ocean and dragged miles onto land, but now remain as homage to the brave sailors of the region.

The highlights of Iceland’s renowned Golden Circle await. Your guide will fill you in on Iceland’s history, culture and geology, sharing anecdotes on Icelandic horses, local volcanic activity and the Icelandic sagas that have helped bring the country’s past to life. You'll visit Þingvellir National Park and Geysir, the geyser that lends its name to all others around the world. You'll also stop at Efstidalur dairy farm, the thundering Gullfoss waterfall and take a dip at Hvammsvík Hot Springs.

Today, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Reykjavik cruise port to board and begin your Silversea journey to Longyearbyen.

The Dynjandi waterfall is located in the Westfjords region of Iceland. At the top, the cascading water is roughly 100 ft wide and tumbles approximately 330 ft into the fjord. It has been nicknamed The Bridal Veil for the way the water sprays and spreads over the rocks.

Djupavik sits in Iceland's Westfjords, dominated by an abandoned herring factory dating back to 1934. The Djupavikurfoss waterfall calls visitors ashore to a small cluster of cherry-red houses beside the fjord.

Husavik, known as the European capital of whale watching, lies below the Husavikurfjall mountain on the shores of Iceland's oldest settlement. Humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales are sighted in the bay and the town's whale museum documents Iceland's relationship with the sea giants.

Enjoy a leisurely day on board as you sail north towards the Arctic. You may wish to attend talks from the expedition team, relax in the spa or simply watch the scenery unfold from the Observation Lounge as anticipation builds for the days ahead.

Continue your journey towards Svalbard with a day to enjoy the ship’s facilities. Learn more about the wildlife and landscapes you’ll soon encounter during onboard presentations, spend time on deck looking out for seabirds and marine life, or relax and enjoy the comfort of your suite.

Today is dedicated to exploring the varied landscapes of Svalbard. Depending on local conditions, you may venture into glaciated fjords, cruise past rugged mountain scenery or search for wildlife along remote stretches of coastline.

As you continue through the archipelago, your expedition team will tailor the day's plans to make the most of prevailing conditions. Opportunities may include exploring ice-filled waterways, observing seabird colonies or enjoying Zodiac excursions in sheltered bays.

Svalbard's northern region is wild and icy. The Nordaust Svalbard Nature Reserve encompasses spectacular fjords, glaciers, walrus haul-outs, and bird cliffs on Nordaustlandet and the outer islands. Ice conditions determine accessibility, making every voyage into this region a real expedition.

The ever-changing Arctic environment shapes each day’s discoveries. You might spend time navigating through drifting sea ice, watching for marine wildlife or experiencing the scale and beauty of Svalbard’s glaciers and dramatic coastal scenery.

Further exploration reveals more of this remote wilderness. Weather and ice permitting, your day may include landings ashore, scenic cruising and opportunities to learn about the region’s unique wildlife, geology and history from the expedition team.

This morning, disembark your ship in Longyearbyen, the largest settlement in Svalbard and the administrative centre of the archipelago. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Oslo, where you'll spend the night before continuing your journey.

A driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Oslo Airport for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.