CME Cruises Arriving in Reykjavik, Iceland

Your cruise concludes in Reykjavik, but your Icelandic adventure is just beginning. While this important seaport on Faxaflói Bay marks the end of your voyage, it serves as the perfect gateway to the otherworldly landscapes of the Land of Fire and Ice. Settled in 877 AD, Reykjavik has evolved into a vibrant cultural heart, a city where Viking history and avant-garde design coexist. After an enriching journey at sea, allow yourself the well-deserved reward of a few extra days to explore a destination that feels a world away from your daily routine. Disembarking here without extending your stay is to read only the final chapter of an epic saga. We strongly encourage a two or three-day post-cruise extension to truly experience this remarkable country. **A Suggested Post-Cruise Itinerary:** **Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Reykjavik’s Creative Spirit** After disembarking, transfer to your hotel and begin your exploration of the world's northernmost capital. The city is remarkably compact and walkable, making for an easy and rewarding first day. Start your journey at the iconic **Hallgrímskirkja**, the expressionist church whose design was inspired by Iceland's basalt lava columns. Take the elevator to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city’s colorful rooftops and the surrounding mountains and sea. From there, wander down towards the waterfront to admire the striking glass architecture of the **Harpa Concert Hall** and the elegant **Sun Voyager (Sólfar)** sculpture, a gleaming steel ode to the sun. Spend the afternoon exploring **Laugavegur**, the main thoroughfare, lined with unique boutiques featuring Icelandic wool sweaters (lopapeysa), volcanic rock jewelry, and minimalist Nordic design. For a dose of history, the **National Museum of Iceland** offers a superb chronicle of the nation's journey from settlement to the present day. As evening approaches, Reykjavik's celebrated culinary scene comes alive. The Old Harbour area is brimming with exceptional restaurants serving the freshest seafood imaginable—think Arctic char, langoustine, and cod. For a more casual but quintessentially Icelandic experience, seek out the legendary Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur hot dog stand. The city’s innovative spirit extends to its cuisine, with chefs creating world-class dishes from pristine local ingredients like free-roaming lamb and greenhouse-grown vegetables, all made possible by the same geothermal energy that heats the city's buildings. **Day 2: The Golden Circle – A Symphony of Natural Wonders** Today is dedicated to Iceland’s most famous sights. Renting a car provides ultimate flexibility, though numerous excellent small-group tours offer expert guidance without the crowds. The **Golden Circle** is a 190-mile loop that showcases three of the country's most magnificent natural attractions. First, visit **Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park**, a site of immense historical and geological importance. This is where the world's first parliament, the Althing, was established in 930 AD. It's also where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are actively pulling apart, allowing you to walk in the rift valley between two continents. Next, witness the raw power of **Gullfoss**, the “Golden Falls,” a spectacular two-tiered waterfall that thunders into a deep canyon. The sheer volume of water and the ever-present mist and rainbows are a humbling sight. Complete the trio at the **Geysir geothermal area**, home to the original geyser (now mostly dormant) and its highly active neighbor, **Strokkur**, which erupts with a dramatic spout of boiling water every 5-10 minutes. This trio of wonders offers an accessible and unforgettable taste of Iceland's dramatic geology. **Day 3: Geothermal Bliss & Departure** On your final day, indulge in a quintessential Icelandic wellness experience before heading home. The world-renowned **Blue Lagoon** is conveniently located between Reykjavik and Keflavík International Airport (KEF), making it the perfect pre-flight activity. Submerge yourself in the milky-blue, mineral-rich geothermal seawater, apply a purifying silica mud mask, and simply float amidst a surreal black lava field. It is the ultimate way to relax and reflect on your journey. (Note: Pre-booking is essential). For a more contemporary and perhaps less-crowded alternative, consider the **Sky Lagoon**, which offers a stunning oceanside infinity pool and a seven-step therapeutic ritual. Both provide a deeply restorative experience. From either lagoon or from your hotel in Reykjavik, Keflavík International Airport (KEF) is an easy 45-minute drive. Airport shuttles, private transfers, and taxis are readily available. By extending your stay, you transform your disembarkation port from a simple endpoint into the highlight of your entire trip, returning home not just inspired, but truly rejuvenated.