Iceland — Before and After

While the voyage aboard the MV Ocean Diamond is far-and-away the highlight of any Iceland ProCruises itinerary, there’s plenty to do on dry land before and/or after your cruise around Iceland.

You can always drive yourself around the island — taking advantage of the rental car program offered by IPC. But there’s also a choice of six guided excursions that can be added before or after your cruise. And the range of activities available through these pre and post tours is truly astounding.

Inside the Volcano (US$376 per person)

This unique adventure answers the age-old question: What does the inside a volcano actually look like? A cable car lowers participants 400 feet into the magma chamber of 4,000-year-old Thrihnukagigur volcano. Reaching the bottom, the group explores an area once filled with glowing hot lava with an expert guide followed by hikes across the moss-covered lava fields. And in case you were wondering: the volcano is dormant. Duration: 4-5 hours

Silver Circle Helicopter Tour (US$719 per person)

Lifting off from Reykjavik, the helicopter first heads to Hvalfjördur Fjord and the nearby Glymur waterfall that cascades 640 feet down a dark volcanic cliff. The tour continues high above Thingvellir National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) for a bird’s-eye-view of the spectacular rift valley between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. On the final leg of the flight, the chopper soars over Mt. Hengill volcano, its geothermal field of steamy wonders and the nearby geothermal power plant. Duration: 1-2 hours

Super Jeep Safari Landmannalaugar (US$334 per person)

Buckle up! Because this tour starts with a rough-and-tumble ride in specially equipped 4×4 vehicles into the Thjorsa Valley to explore the colorful highland area of Landmannalaugar. Hiking trails lead into the surrounding mountains and along the banks of Ljotipollur crater lake. There’s also time to enjoy a dip in one of the freshwater springs which dot this amazing landscape. Duration: Approx. 10 hours

The Golden Circle (US$94 per person)

Ranging out from Reykjavik, this tour includes the world famous Geysir area with its active geysers and Gullfoss waterfall, which plunges 230 feet in three stages into a narrow rock chasm. The journey continues into Thingvellir National Park — where Iceland’s ancient parliament convened — and the hot springs of Nesjavellir. On the way back to the capital, we briefly stop at the former Bishopric of Skalholt and visit the fascinating greenhouses of Fridheimar. Duration: Approx. 8 hours

Super Jeep Tour Thorsmörk (US$334 per person)

Thorsmörk is a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts. The valley is surrounded by three glaciers, including the famous Eyjafjallajökull. To reach this remote area, we need to cross numerous rivers in our Super Jeep vehicle — a bonus for off-road fans! Duration: Approx. 8-10 hours

South Coast Adventure (US$121 per person)

On this comfortable coach tour we travel along the island’s south shore — one of Iceland’s most scenic regions — to a charming village called Vík, surrounded by high cliffs and black-sand beaches. Along the way we stop at the dramatic Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls. All day long there are stunning views of glaciers, the Atlantic coastline and impressive rock formations. Duration: Approx. 10 hours