NATURAL WONDERS OF ICELAND (CLASSIC GROUP)
Overview
Breathe in the fresh air of Iceland as you tour the scenic bay of Reykjavik, uncover volcanoes on the way to Vik and explore the geothermal hubbub of Lake Mývatn—near Akureyri. From the thunder of the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall and the geothermal floating pools of Egilsstaðir to the black lava fields of Búðir and the sea cliffs of Arnastapi, experience every imaginable landscape on this one week guided tour. Take an Insight Choice in Reykjavik between a dip in the mineral rich waters of the Blue Lagoon or a walking tour of the city’s premier sights—led by a Local Expert. In Hellisheidi, visit Iceland’s flagship geothermal heat and power station, and learn how this scientific wonder helped the country generate 70% of its power—from renewable energy sources.
Included/Excluded
Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík
- Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line
- Join your Travel Director and travel companions in the evenin for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.
Welcome Meet your Travel Director at 18:15
Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík (Breakfast/Dinner)
- Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun.
- Later, explore a local farm and sample their sweet-tasting, homegrown tomatoes.
- Meet the family to learn about Icelandic horticulture and growing the tastiest tomatoes.
- Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls.
- Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls.
Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn (Breakfast/Dinner)
- Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.
- Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.
- Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day.
- This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.
- Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub.
- From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.
- Dine at your hotel’s restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.
Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir (Breakfast/Dinner)
- Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages.
- Catch a glimpse of Papey Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings.
- Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir where upon arrival relax in the untouched nature at Iceland’s only geothermal floating pools.
- Vök Baths harnesses the natural geothermal power of the area to create a unique bathing experience with amazing views of the Lake Urriðavatn.
- The architecture of the hot springs are designed to complement the unspoiled beauty of the Icelandic environment.
- Continue onto your hotel for an included dinner.
Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri (Breakfast)
- Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular-coloured deposits.
- Continue to the charming fishing village of Husavik for free time for lunch.
- Perhaps have a guided tour of the Whale Walk in the Husavik whale museum.
- This evening is at your leisure in Akureyri to relax or explore.
Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes (Breakfast)
- Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602.
- Travel past mountains, waterfalls, and green coastal regions.
- Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.
- This evening consider joining the optional experience to one of the oldest houses in Borgarnes and enjoy dinner at The Settlement centre restaurant which is home to an exhibition telling the story of The Settlement Era in Iceland.
Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park (Breakfast/Dinner)
- Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano.
- See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty.
- En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach.
- Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.
Day 8: Thingvellir and on to Reykjavík (Breakfast/Dinner with Wine)
- Journey south to Thingvellir.
- This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
- Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice.
- Choose to visit the Perlan Museum with the Wonders of Iceland one of a kind exhibition to experience Iceland´s natural beauty.
- Alternatively, experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords.
- This afternoon you may decide to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon on our optional experience.
- Round off your journey through one of the world’s most naturally beautiful places with a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík (Breakfast)
- Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík’s Keflavík Airport.
- Day 1: Fosshotel Reykjavík
- Day 2: Hótel Kría
- Day 3: Hótel Höfn
- Day 4: Icelandair Hotel Herad
- Day 5: Hotel Kea Akureyri
- Day 6 – Day 7: Icelandair Hotel Hamar
- Day 8: Fosshotel Reykjavík