Mike Messick, Expedition Leader: Circumnavigation of Iceland
by Mike Messick, Expedition Leader

In 2011, I am thrilled be circumnavigating Iceland on a 14-day expedition that reveals the element-sculpted landscapes and volcanic wizardry that have made this Land of Fire and Ice famous. And, with 75% of Europe’s second largest island only accessible by ship, we’ll put the Clipper Odyssey’s fleet of Zodiacs to good use as we explore Iceland’s rugged coastlines and isolated bays. In addition to our expeditionary exploits by Zodiac, I am also really looking forward to:

• Admiring all Iceland’s stunning landscapes: bubbling hot springs, glittering glaciers, soaring volcanoes, and plunging waterfalls;
• Walking among ruins that recall the heyday of Viking exploration;
• Searching for breeding whooper swans, along with myriad other seabirds;
• Snowmobiling across Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland’s largest; and
• Exploring the fabled Golden Circle—Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Geysir Center

An amazing expedition team will accompany me on this on this voyage to help illuminate the path of early explorers and bring the region's natural history and culture to life. Kevin Clement and Jonathan Rossouw will be on board to highlight the natural history and wildlife of the region. I am also excited to announce that Iceland native, Ragnar Hauksson, will join us to discuss the everyday life of Icelanders coupled with the folk tales, fairy tales, and sagas that have heavily influenced modern-day Iceland.

Circumnavigation of Iceland - 14 Days
Luxury Expedition Ship: Clipper Odyssey (charter)
Date: 7/24/2011