We start by visiting Hveragerði, a horticultural center, where geothermal water is used to warm greenhouses. The main products are varying kinds of vegetables and flowers. We travel over fertile farmlands and sand flats by the glacial river Markarfljót, heading to Skógar. There we visit the local folk museum before continuing to Reynisfjall/Dyrhólaey promontory (closed during the nesting period until June 25th). Driving on to the vicinity of Vatnajökull glacier, we visit both the glacial lagoon and Skaftafell National Park, which was setaside in 1968 as one of Iceland's most outstanding areas of natural beauty. At the glacial lagoon we take a boat trip among the floating icebergs. The tour follows the Fjallabaksleið interior track to Landmannalaugar when road conditions permit. (Fjallabaksleið track is not expected to be open until middle of June.) In Landmannalaugar is one of Iceland’s natural hot pools, where you can take a refreshing bath. Otherwise we will go to the Þórsmörk valley, a picturesque site beneath glaciers.
Continue to the famous Geysir hot springs and boiling mud pools, along with Strokkur spouting high into the air every few minutes. On to Gullfoss, one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. The last stop is Þingvellir National Park, where for centuries the ancient Viking Parliament convened in the open on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Depart USA
Evening departure from North America. Enjoy your comfortable flight on Icelandair bound for Iceland and the Keflavik Airport.
(D)
Day 2:
REYKJAVIK
Early morning arrival in Keflavik International Airport; transfer via Flybus, ready for boarding inf ront of the arrival hall, to your city hotel in Reykjavik. Spend your day and evening at leisure. Relax at the fabulous spa at your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Nordica, located in the city center.
(B)
Day 3:
REYKJAVIK - SOUTH SHORE - KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning departure to Hveragerði, a horticultural centre, where geothermal water is used to warm up greenhouses with varying kinds of vegetables and flowers. From there, the drive takes us across fertile farmlands and the sand flats of Markarfljót river, across glacial rivers to Skógar for a visit to the local folk museum. On to Reynisfjall and Dyrhólaey (closed during the nesting period until June 25th), a natural reserve. The promontory there is a massive natural arch carved by the relentless pounding of the winds and surf, whose sounds provide an accompaniment to the cries of the countless thousands of seabirds which nest in its every crevice. Continue to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent for overnight stay, for the next two nights. Overnight at the Icelandair Hotel Kirkjubaejarklustur.
(B) (D)
Day 4:
SKAFTAFELL - GLACIAL LAGOON JONÖKULSÁRLÓN We drive from Kirkjubæjarklaustur to Skaftafell National Park. Established in 1968, this is one of Iceland's most outstanding areas of natural beauty, dominated by Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe's largest ice plateau. Continue to the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs, broken off the ever-shifting mass of Breiðamerkur-jökull Glacier, float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon, providing a surreal backdrop for a cruise with a difference. Spring and autumn departures will include a horse riding tour, instead of the boat tour. Overnight again at Kirkjubæjarklaustur area.
(B) (D)
Day 5:
KIRKJUBAEJARKLAUSTUR - LANDMANNALAUGAR OR PÓRSMÖRK VALLEY - FLUDIR
from Kirkjubæjarklaustur, the tour follows the Fjallabaksleið interior track to Landmannalaugar. Landmannalaugar is a magnificent area surrounded by colourful rhyolite mountains where you have the option of bathing in a natural warm pool. From Landmannalaugar to Þjórsárdalur valley through which Þjórsá, Iceland's longest river (240 km) flows. The valley is dominated by the celebrated volcano Hekla, which last interrupted in year 2000. Overnight at Flúðir.
If road to Landmannalaugar is closed due to road conditions (spring) we drive through lava fields and washed out sands formed by floods from the glacial volcano Katla on to the village Vík, passing the two beautiful waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi. Then to Þórsmörk valley, a picturesque site beneath glaciers. Overnight at Flúðir
(B) (L) (D)
Day 6:
FLUDIR - GULLFOSS - ÞINGVELLIR - REYKJAVÍK
Departure for the Geysir area to see the famous Great Geysir and Strokkur, a hot spring powerfully spouting every few minutes, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. We visit the Geocentre at Geysir, where volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, waterfalls and glaciers come alive. On to Gullfoss, one of Iceland's most impressive waterfalls. The next stop is Þingvellir National Park, where the ancient parliament met outdoors for centuries on the shores of Iceland's largest lake. Return to Reykjavík in the afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Nordica, ideally located in the city center of Reykjavik.
(B)
Day 7:
KEFLAVIK - USA
Breakfast at the hotel. This last day offers an opportunity for last minute shopping before catching the Fly Bus to Keflavik International Airport. Or enjoy an optional excursion to the famous Blue Lagoon for a relaxing swim in the geothermal waters prior to your departure for home. Transfer to the Keflavik Airport for your return flight to the USA.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Included:
Icelandair flight from JFK /BOS/BWI
Bus transfers from/to Keflavik Airport
5 nights hotel, based on double room
Scandinavian breakfast buffet daily
3 x Dinners, 2-3 courses
1 x lunch box
Boat tour on Glacier Lagoon (or riding tour in spring/autumn)
Entrance to Skógar Museum
Geo-center at Geysir
Hotel taxes and service fees
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Iceland
Motorcoach Tours
Archeology/History
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