Tour Overview
Iceland's stark, pristine scenery has been shaped by fire and ice. More than 200 volcanoes and numerous glaciers form the country's landscape. It's a frozen land that's always letting off steam. Its U-shaped valleys, jagged lava fields, monstrous icecaps, hot springs and geysers have carved a rugged, bizarre landscape you won't see anywhere else on Earth. About 80% of Iceland’s land is lava desert, glaciers or lakes – the only arable areas are on the coast. Despite its relative isolation and uncultivable terrain, Iceland has one of the highest standards of living in the world, with sky-high prices to match. Icelanders, like many islanders, are self-confident and reserved, but once you break the ice, so to speak, they are among the friendliest in the world. This tour offers the scenic highlights of both south and north Iceland, with sightseeing excursions by motor coach to the island's most popular destinations. Optional excursions by Super Jeep are also available at an additional charge.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Reykjavik, Iceland Arrive Keflavik International Airport. Your driver-guide will meet you at the airport this morning for a one-hour city tour of Reykjavik en route to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Radisson SAS Saga Hotel Day 02: Reykjavik – Golden Circle – Reykjavik Today, explore many of the scenic natural wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned. You will be picked up at your hotel at 8:30 this morning to begin an 8-hour excursion by shared motor coach with English-speaking guide. Travel over the highland plateau of Hellisheiði, passing the geothermal town of Hveragerði and reach the picturesque Kerið, a lake-filled extinct volcanic crater. We continue to Skálholt, the site of an ancient bishopric, and for centuries Iceland’s main cultural centre. Onwards we will explore the otherworldly hot spring area of Geysir with its multicolored pools of water and mud. Strokkur, the Great Geysir’s little brother, spouts to a height of about 80 ft (25 m) and erupts at about 5-7 minute intervals. This afternoon, drive to the mighty Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall), perhaps the most beautiful in the country. We walk around Gullfoss Falls, where the river Hvitá tumbles 105 ft (32 m) in a double cascade. When the sun is shining, you’re likely to see a rainbow through the massive spray that forms. Over a scenic route we reach Thingvellir National Park and stroll around the country’s most sacred site, home of the old Viking parliament Alþingi and major events in Iceland’s history. Thingvellir is a place of fascinating natural beauty, one of the most geologically spectacular. It is set on a vast plain flanked by large fissures, right on Iceland’s largest lake, Thingvallavatn. BreakfastRadisson SAS Saga Hotel Day 03: Reykjavik – South Shore – Reykjavik This morning, embark on an excursion to Iceland’s south shore. You will be picked up at your hotel at 8:30 this morning to begin a 10-hour excursion by shared motor coach with English-speaking guide. This tour operates May-September on Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat and Oct-Apr on Wed/Sat only. Travel over a lava plateau and through the Threngsli pass, descending onto the southern coastal lowlands and crossing Ölfusá, Iceland’s most voluminous river and to Eyrarbakki, an attractive and picturesque coastal village. The route passes through some of the prettiest countryside in Iceland, with fields, farms and villages. We travel further south to Seljalandsfoss, a graceful ribbon-like waterfall, which drops from an overhanging lava cliff and looks as if it belongs in Hawaii. If you step carefully, you can walk behind it, but be prepared to get wet! We continue to the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, that’s more than 197 ft high. Then on to the icewall of Sólheimajökull, where we can walk up to the glacier, before we reach the beautifully sited village of Vík. This afternoon we continue to the picturesque Dyrhólaey promontory. A 390 ft (120m) spur of rock, cut into a natural arch by Atlantic breakers, stands in water deep enough to allow boats to pass through. Here the bus brings us on top of this fantastic viewpoint with a beautiful lighthouse, and a prominent nesting site for eider ducks, Arctic terns and Puffins in the summer time (from middle of May – end of June the Dyrhólaey promontory is closed off for the nesting birds and instead the volcanic black sandy beach of Reynisfjara is visited from where the bird life can be enjoyed.) On the return trip to Reykjavik we visit the tiny settlement of Skógar, home to one of Iceland’s best Folk Museums. Old houses are preserved in their original state and there is a vast collection of household items from the surrounding area. Among the mementos of this region’s past is one of the frail boats in which local fishermen once navigated the treacherous coast. Breakfast
Radisson SAS Saga Hotel Day 04: Reykjavik – Akureyri The morning is free for you to explore Reykjavik on your own. This afternoon, transfer by pre-arranged taxi to Reykjavik domestic airport for the 45-minute flight to Akureyri. Domestic flight from Reykjavik to Akureyri. Upon arrival in Akureyri, transfer by pre-arranged taxi to your hotel. Located in the heart of Akureyri, gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with a high standard of elegance, quality, service and comfort. Breakfast
Hotel Kea Day 05: Akureyri –Lake Mývatn – Akureyri Today, discover the highlights of the north. Join other travelers and your guide on this exciting excursion. This ten-hour tour to one of the loveliest spots in Iceland focuses on the most attractive features of the area. The drive along the fjord of Eyjafjörður provides us with a splendid view of Akureyri, often referred to locally as the Capital of the North. On our way to Goðafoss waterfall we travel through the valley of Fnjóskadalur with its lovely meandering river. Goðafoss waterfall is the first stop on our way to Lake Mývatn. Not only is Goðafoss a beautiful waterfall, but it has also played an important role in the history of the country, particularly in connection with the introduction of Christianity. From this scenic waterfall the road takes us to Skútustaðir, which is the first site we visit in the district surrounding Lake Mývatn. Intriguing pseudo-craters abound in this area. Towards noon we take a break for lunch in Reykjahlíð village. After noon refreshments we proceed to Krafla Mountain, past the power station bearing the same name. This power project is unique in Iceland because it relies on geothermal steam energy for its operation. Our stop is at Víti, or Inferno, an explosive crater in the slopes of Krafla. After visiting this volcanic location, we travel on for a view of Hverir, with its sizzling and bubbling sulphur mud pots. Grjótagjá is our next stop, where there used to be a natural, geothermal bathing spot. The final stop in this scenic district is at Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) where towering lava formations characterize the landscape. After a brief rest stop in Reykjahlíð village we return to Akureyri
Breakfast
Hotel Kea Day 06: Akureyri – Reykjavik This morning, transfer by pre-arranged taxi to Akureyri airport for the return flight to Reykjavik. Domestic flight from Akureyri to Reykjavk. Upon arrival at Reykjavik domestic airport, transfer by pre-arranged taxi to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure in Reykjavik. This evening, enjoy an excursion to the famous Blue Lagoon. You will be picked up at your hotel at 5:30 pm for the transfer to the Blue Lagoon, returning at about 10:00 pm. Enjoy a peaceful, tranquil and even romantic evening at the Blue Lagoon, an otherworldly setting where lava and thermal water complement each other. The effects are heightened in the winter, due to the unbelievable contrasts of hot and cold, dark and light. After a relaxing bath there is time for a romantic dinner at the Blue Lagoon Restaurant. Please place your order before entering the Blue Lagoon. Filled with mineral-rich waters, the Blue Lagoon has become internationally known for providing soothing, medicinal relief for sufferers of skin ailments, as well as for others simply looking for a sensational bathing experience. Breakfast
Radisson SAS Saga Hotel Day 07: Reykjavik – Depart This morning there is free time for additional sightseeing or shopping in Reykjavik. This afternoon, transfer to Keflavik International airport by Flybus for your departing flight. Breakfast
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