Day 1: Overnight Flight
Set out on a journey full of dramatic contrasts. Discover Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature. Massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords.
Day 2: Reykjavik, Iceland – Tour Begins (D)
Begin in Reykjavik where you have the choice of two cultural experiences. You may opt to set out on a bicycle trip that explores the old town, the heart of the city, and the old cemetery, one of the most beautiful places in all of Reykjavik. Or, you may choose a personal walking tour of the city’s old section that features Hallgrimsskirkja church, City Hall, the and Reykjavik’s oldest building, home of the Kraum Icelandic Design . Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers at a popular restaurant while dining on gourmet Icelandic cuisine.
Day 3: Reykjavik – Golden Circle – Reykjavik (B)
Travel the incredible Golden Circle, a route that encompasses many of Iceland’s most renowned natural wonders. Marvel at the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) Waterfall, a stunning 100-foot double cascade. Journey to Thingvellir National Park, the nation’s most historic area. Here, Icelanders gathered in 930 A.D. and established what is considered 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 is an UNESCO World Heritage site that marks the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Return to Reykjavik and have time to explore the city on your own. Later, you may choose to learn more about Iceland’s volcanoes and how important they are to the country during an optional tour to Volcano House.
Day 4: Akureyri (B)
Today it’s your choice. Enjoy immersing yourself in the nature of Iceland on your horseback riding excursion; or, spend the day reflecting and relaxing in the geothermal Myvatn Nature Baths. Have the evening at leisure in Akureyri to explore independently.
Day 5: Reykjavik – Grundarfjordur (B, D)
Journey to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Catch a glimpse of Hallmundarhraun, the largest lava field in this region where lava emanated from the northwestern slopes of the Langjokull (long glacier). See the first toehold of vegetation growing close to where the eruption began. Visit the Settlement Museum to discover the Saga of Settlement of Iceland and delve into the life and works of the famous Viking and poet Egill Skallagrimsson. 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 that was used 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 “hakare,” cured shark meat. Travel to the fishing village of Grundarfjordur and board a traditional oak fishing vessel. Head out to Melrakkaey Island, a Puffin sanctuary. En route, you may have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Icelandic fishing practices by joining your captain as he fishes for tonight’s dinner. Experience the life of the locals as you overnight in this quaint fishing village.
Day 6: Grundarfjordur – Akureyri (B)
Continue the adventure as we travel to the north of the country. En route, stop at the home of Erik the Red, now a museum. Imagine yourself a part of his grand explorations before he was exiled to Greenland. Upon arrival in Akureyri, enjoy some time to independently explore the city of this “unofficial” capital of northern Iceland.
Day 7: Akureyri – Reykjavik (B)
Leave Akureyri behind as you take a short flight back to Reykjavik. Travel out to the Reykjanes Peninsula, home of the famed Blue Lagoon. Slip into a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a dramatic lava field. Relax in the warm, mineral-rich water.
Day 8: Reykjavik (B, D)
Today you get to choose from three amazing activities: try an adventure on the water during a deep sea angling expedition; set out on a volcanic cave hike; or relax on a scenic whale watching cruise. Tonight, enjoy a short ferry ride to Videy Island to dine at Videyjarstofa (Videy House), the original residence of Skuli Magnusson. Skuli, known as “The Father of Reykjavik,” founded Iceland’s first industrial enterprise, woollen workshops, which led to the development of the country. You will be surrounded by Icelandic history while savouring works of culinary art with each course.
Day 9: Reykjavik – Tour Ends (B)
Depart for home with many incredible Icelandic memories.
