iceland
iceland
Duration: 8 days
DAY – Depart for Iceland
Depart for Iceland.
DAY 2 – Arrive in Keflavík
Arrive in Iceland, Land of Ice and Fire" and transfer to your hotel in Reykjavík. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, please leave your luggage with the concierge. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore Reykjavík, the world most northerly capital, surrounded by incredible landscapes and countless natural wonders.Reykjavík is a small city and easy to navigate. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM.
Overnight: Reykjavik – Dinner.
DAY 3 – Blue Lagoon Tour, Reykjavik City Tour, Geothermal Power Plant
After breakfast, visit the famous Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral-rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field. Enjoy a relaxing bath in the pleasantly warm water reputed for its healing properties. Afterward, drive through the capital for a tour of Reykjavík.The tour traverses the Old Town center to the Alþingi Parliament, the Dómkirkjan Cathedral, city hall and the harbor. Then, onward to Höfði House, the site of the 1986 Iceland Summit where Reagan and Gorbachev met. Stop at Perlan, located on the Öskjuhlíð hill, for spectacular views over the capital area, followed by a visit to Hallgrímskirkja church*, one of Reykjavík landmarks. Later, head to Hellisheiði for a tour of the Hellisheiði Geothermal power plant, where geothermal energy has been extensively harnessed for the region vibrant greenhouse industry.
*Visitors will not be permitted to enter the church if Mass is in session.
Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
DAY 4 – Lava Center, South Coast Waterfalls
Depart from Reykjavík and journey through the rich farmlands and onward to majestic
mountains, where the impressive volcano Hekla can be seen on a clear day. Visit the informative Lava Center with its interactive exhibition about geology and the volcanic systems in Iceland. Free time for lunch on your own. Travel to Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, two of the numerous awe-inspiring waterfalls set along the coast. Pass by the Sólheimajökull glacier and learn about the impact that global warming has had on Icelandic glaciers. Continue to Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve* where you get a beautiful view of the coastline. Then, head to Kirkjubæjarklaustur for dinner and overnight.
*Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve is closed during the nesting season (early May to late June)
Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 – Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
Today, drive over the Skeiðarársandur outwash plains to Skaftafell National Park, one of
Iceland most amazing examples of sheer natural splendor, dominated by Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe largest ice cap. Take a short hike to see the stunning contrast between the lush vegetation and barren slopes, culminating with views of the highest peaks in Skaftafell. Then,continue to Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon with its immense floating icebergs. The astonishing blue ice makes this one of Iceland most iconic destinations. Take a boat excursion that brings you face to face with these breathtaking natural wonders. Cap off this exciting day with dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Kirkjubæjarklaustur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
DAY 6 – Gullfoss, Geyser, Thingvellir National Park, Hamar
Today, your first stop will be at the delightful Friðheimar Tomato Farm, where you will learn
about the process of greenhouse horticulture in Iceland. Enjoy a lunch of homemade tomato soup and fresh-baked bread, followed by a horse show. See firsthand the unique characteristics of the famed Icelandic horse. Afterward, visit Gullfoss waterfall where the mighty Hvítá river appears to simply vanish into the earth, but a closer look reveals gorgeous, staggered falls plunging into a crevice over 200 feet deep. From Gullfoss continue to Geysir geothermal area, where the famous Strokkur hot spring spouts every few minutes. Then, proceed to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on the plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this is an ideal place to see evidence of the rifting of the Earth crust.Þingvellir, the oldest existing Parliament, which first met here in 930 AD.In the afternoon drive to your hotel in Hamar for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Hamar.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
DAY 7 – Borgarfjörður Valley, Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today, embark on a full day excursion to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a Green Globe benchmark region, making it a model for sustainable tourism. Snæfellsnes is a unique area with a variety of fascinating geological features such as lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers, mineral springs, beautifully formed rocks, yellow and black sand beaches, caves, and captivating bird colonies.On a clear day, admire views of Snaefellsjökull Glacier atop a beautifully shaped stratovolcano.The glacier and the unspoiled natural wonders surrounding it are the setting of Jules Verne classic novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. Arrive at your hotel late afternoon. This evening, dinner is at your hotel.
Overnight: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
DAY 8 – Snæfellsnes, Settlement Center, Reykjavík
This morning, visit Bjarnarhöfn Farm which is the region leading producer of a traditional Icelandic dish known as hákarl (cured shark meat). The farm offers a unique history of the locality, and you can learn about the Greenland shark, its habits, biology, and much more. En route to Reykjavík, stop to visit the Settlement Center in Borgarnes which offers a unique opportunity to learn about the mystical Viking era. Learn how Vikings sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in the year 800 AD and how they discovered Iceland. Arrive in Reykjavik in the afternoon. Upon checking into your hotel, enjoy a reception and bid farewell to your tour Manager.
Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
DAY 8 – Departure to airport – home sweet home to our loved one.