Superimposed on the rugged terrain of Iceland is a resilient and independent culture, fashioned over the years by the descendants of farmers and warriors who fled the tyranny of medieval Scandinavia. In the midst of a landscape both terrifyingly harsh and sublimely beautiful, one finds friendly, hospitable people with a very distinct culture and unique sense of humor.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
Arrival in Reykjavik, Iceland. Rekjavik is a compact capital. In the greater Rekjavik area there are approximately 170,000 of Iceland's total population of some 280,000. Overnight Reykjavik. Dinner if required.
Day 2: Rejkjavik
In the morning a city sightseeing of Reykjavik including the town of Hafnarfiordur where we briefly visit the Fish Market, the Open-Air Museum Arbaer, one of the open air swimming pools and the towering Hallgrim's Church. We also pass through the old town, the harbour, the summit-meeting house Hofdi and the House of Parliament. The rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the capital on your own. Overnight in Rejkjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Reykjavik -'the Golden Circle' – Reykjavik
Today's excursion is one of the most popular excursions in Iceland: The 'Golden Circle.' We visit Geysir, the famous thermal area with hot springs that have been erupting since the fourteenth century. After our visit we travel to Gullfoss, the golden waterfalls, to view the picturesque cascade. Here, the river Hvita drops a total of 32 m (105 feet) into two falls. The canyon above and below is 70 m (230 feet) deep and 2.5 km (1.5 miles) long. Rainbows often form in the spray of the falls. We also visit the National Park of Thingvellir and the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi before returning to Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Reykjavik - Vik – Reykjavík
Today we have an extensive look at Iceland's south coast, from Reykjavik to Vik, the country's southernmost town. On this tour we travel through the scene of the Saga of Njall, visit waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, have a view of Myrdalsjokull Glacier, the home of of sub glacial volcano Katla, and a visit to the glacier's edge at one of its tongues. We have a lunch stop at the village of Vik followed by a walk on the black sands and view of the awe inspiring Dyrholaey sea arch, places famous for their bird colonies (arctic terns, puffins, guillemots). The full name of Vik means "bay of the marshy valley". Overnight in Reykjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Rejkjavik - Lake Myvatn
This unforgettable highland adventure to a rarely visited part of Iceland takes us across the heart of this volcanic island. We start in the capital of Reykjavik and then drive to Thorsar Valley and Sprengissandur, before civilization is left behind for hundreds of kilometers through lava rock deserts and unspoiled nature of central Iceland. To enjoy all of this, we make stops to take a look at the impressive surroundings, glaciers, gravel and sand deserts, lakes and lava fields. A lunch break allows us to roam in the wilderness and experience the feeling of solitude in the vast expanses of the interior before we continue to Lake Myvatn. Overnight near Lake Myvatn. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Lake Myvatn – Akureyri
Full day excursion around famous Lake Myvatn visiting the Namaskard Solfatra field with it's bubbling mud craters. Myvatin lies directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and is surrounded by volcanic and geothermal topographic features. The lake itself is a result of an ice cap 10,000 years ago, allied with lava flows forming a natural dam. Viti crater and Krafla, a volcanic fissure, is the scene of recent and frequent eruptions. We then see Dimmuborgir with its eerie rock formations. We have time to enjoy the bird life before continuing to Akureyri. Overnight in Akureyri. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Akureyri - Skagafjordur Valley
We take a sightseeing journey around Akureyri in the morning. In Siglufjordar, on a headland overlooking the Greenland Sea not far south of the Arctic Circle, we visit the fascinating Herring Museum. We then head for the fishing town of Dalvik and onwards along the fjord to Olafsfjordur town, between towering mountains and the wide ocean. We then proceed over Lagheidi Mountain road to Saudarkrokur in Skagafjordur Valley. Overnight in Skagafjordur Valley. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Skagafjordur Valley - Hellissandur - Snaefellnes area
We drive to Hellissandur. Overnight in the Snaefellnes area. Overnight in Snaefellnes area. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Reykjavik
This morning we explore the wonder of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, driving along the north shore, passing the Berserkjahraun lava field and viewing the towering and majestic Glacier Snaefellsjokull (1442 m / 4,730 feet). We visit Arnarstapi, with its fascinating rock formation, (including arches, caves, basalt cliffs, and blow holes), and bird cliffs. In Reykholt we see the cemetery where Snorri and his family are buried and visit the new interpretive center the is devoted to his life and to the literature he penned. We drive through the charming Husafell woods and to Hraunfossar, a multitude of picturesque waterfalls. Continuing on, we go through the desolate, but fascinating Kaldidalur. Kaldidalur is a valley with magnificent ice caps on both sides. Finally, we travel over the Mossfellsheidi Plateau to Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Departure from Reykjavik. Breakfast. Goaa Fero !!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner (local restaurants & hotels) daily
- All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for driver, restaurant staff, porters (if available)
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), any excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Iceland
Ecotourism
Cultural Journey
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