9 days Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice
An island of dramatic contrasts, Iceland is a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. Travel the “Golden Circle” where many natural scenic wonders are located. Stay overnight in a local fishing village to enjoy a scenic bay cruise. Create your own adventure with your choice of exciting activities – soak in the Blue Lagoon, go on a whale watching cruise, take a lava cave hike, or stroll along coastal lava fields while admiring natural wildlife. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overnight Flight | Set out on a journey full of dramatic contrasts. Come to know Iceland, a place where steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. |
| 2 | Reykjavík, Iceland - Tour Begins | Begin in the capital city of Reykjavík. Join a local expert for a walking tour of the city’s old section featuring Hallgrimskirkja church, city hall, the harbor and Reykjavík’s oldest building, home of the Kraum Icelandic design center. Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers during a sumptuous Icelandic dinner at a popular local restaurant. Dinner High 42° Low 33° 2" Hotel Reykjavik Centrum |
| 3 | Reykjavík - Golden Circle - Reykjavík | Travel the stunning Golden Circle, a route encompassing many of Iceland's most renowned natural wonders: waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, lava fields and volcanos. Begin at Thingvellir National Park where Icelanders gathered in A.D. 930 and established one of the world’s first parliaments. Find yourself standing upon one of the globe’s most geologically significant landscapes, Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley. This UNESCO site marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Next, marvel at the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) waterfall, a stunning 100-foot double cascade. Stop at the famous thermal area of Geysir to admire the hot spring Strokkur’s explosive vertical spout that reaches a height of up to 90 feet. Your day concludes with a visit to Friðheimar greenhouse cultivation center to learn how the locals grow delicious, pesticide-free tomatoes and cucumbers with the aid of Iceland’s geothermal energy; also learn about their family tradition of breeding Icelandic show horses. Breakfast High 42° Low 33° 2" Hotel Reykjavik Centrum |
| 4 | Snæfellsnes-Cave/Lava Field Tour-Breiðafjörður Cruise-Stykkishólmur | Experience the otherworldliness of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Take in the dramatic landscapes of black and white sand beaches, magnificent cliffs, mountain peaks, volcanic craters, soaring waterfalls, rocky coastlines, intimate fishing villages, and its remarkable Snæfellsjökull glacier. This afternoon it’s your choice! Select a guided Vatnshellir Cave tour* and descend 100 feet below ground to an 8,000-year-old lava tube where you’ll experience total darkness and see amazing rock pigments, lava formations, stalagmites and stalactites. Or, you may choose to walk the lava field and put your camera to work snapping photos of nature’s artwork of varying textures, colors and arrangements of this dramatic landscape. Embark on a true Icelandic cultural adventure as you spend time with a family that keeps alive a 400-year-old tradition of catching and preserving Greenland shark. See the fishing boat utilized by their grandfather; the tiny farmer’s church; and explore the museum to learn more about Iceland’s deep relationship with this trade. Before leaving, taste “hákarl,” cured shark meat. Your day concludes with a nature cruise in Breiðafjörður Bay. Experience countless birds like puffins**, cormorants, kittiwakes and the majestic white tailed eagle soaring amongst basalt rock columns. While cruising, try delicious fresh scallops and sea urchin roe straight from the ocean. Seafood simply doesn´t come fresher than this! Breakfast & Dinner High 38° Low 32° 1" Hotel Stykkisholmur |
| 5 | Stykkishólmur - Lava Centre Exhibition - Vík | Today continue the adventure traveling Iceland’s south coast. Broaden your knowledge about volcanoes and earthquakes during a visit to the Lava Centre. This interactive, high-tech educational exhibition provides a view of the earth’s inner forces, depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years. Then, learn about geothermal renewable energy with a visit to Hellisheiðavirkjun, the largest power station in Iceland and the second largest geothermal power station in the world. Make a picture stop at Waterfall Seljalandsfoss, one of few waterfalls providing you with a walkway for views from the inside out. Arrive in Vík, Iceland's most southerly village and one of the most visited sites in Iceland. Breakfast & Dinner High 44° Low 36° 6" Hotel Katla Hofdabrekka |
| 6 | Vik - Seljalandsfoss Waterfall - Skogar Museum - Vik | Drive along the scenic south shore to see the beautiful Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland's most famous and picturesque waterfalls with a walkway behind it. Visit Skógar Museum which contains an outstanding collection covering all aspects of Icelandic life including farm and domestic artifacts, as well as turf-built houses. Nearby is the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland. Next, view Reynisfjara, a black volcanic sand beach surrounded by basalt columns and cliffs scattered with caves and rich bird life including the fulmar, black guillemot, razorbill, gannet and various types of seagulls. Later, see the unique natural rock formations at Dyrhólaey. Breakfast & Dinner High 44° Low 36° 6" Hotel Katla Hofdabrekka |
| 7 | Vík - Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Skaftafell - Vík | Set sail*** among the huge icebergs of the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Get to taste the 1,000-year-old ice and possibly see some seals. Later, stop at Skaftafell, gateway to Vatnajökull National Park, the largest national park in Europe. Marvel at the Alpine environment of Iceland’s highest mountains and the Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest glacier. Breakfast & Dinner High 44° Low 36° 6" Hotel Katla Hofdabrekka |
| 8 | Vík - Blue Lagoon or Whale Watching - Reykjavík | Choose how to enjoy your last day in Iceland! Perhaps you’ll embark on a drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its rugged landscape, lava fields, numerous hot springs, and home to the Blue Lagoon; take a dip in the pleasantly warm, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool, located in the middle of a dramatic lava field. Or maybe you’d prefer to further explore the wonders of Iceland’s waters during an informative whale watching adventure in the bay of Faxaflói; have your camera ready for minke and humpback whale sightings, along with white-beaked dolphins and harbor porpoises in their natural habitat. Later, gather with your fellow travelers for a local dining experience and share stories of your days in Iceland. Breakfast & Dinner High 49° Low 38° 1" Hotel Reykjavik Centrum |
| 9 | Reykjavík - Tour Ends | Depart for home with many incredible Icelandic memories. Breakfast |