Iceland
Iceland may well be the globe’s premier natural wonderland, with a staggering array of natural spectacle. The diversity displayed on this tiny island nation is breathtaking: geothermal wonders that rival Yellowstone, volcanoes that contend with Java, glaciers that equal Alaska, mountains that match the Alps, and more waterfalls per mile than any area on the planet. Add to that list the potential of seeing the Aurora Borealis and you have an incomparable lineup, all experienced in just over a week. In addition to this symphony of environmental splendor, Iceland boasts a stirring musical tradition, an engaging culture of overtly friendly locals, and a rich literary heritage.
Day 1 Reykjavik
Meeting; Dinner
Halló og velkomin til Íslands! In other words, welcome to Iceland! Reykjavik, the Northernmost capital of the world, has a rich cultural life and something for everyone. In the late afternoon we’ll have our get-acquainted meeting, followed by dinner together.
Hotel Storm (2 nights) https://www.keahotels.is/en/hotels/storm-hotel
Day 2 Reykjavik
Golden Circle
Today we explore the world famous Golden Circle. First stop is Thingvellir National Park where Icelanders founded the oldest active parliament in the world in 930 A.D. and we see where two tectonic plates meet. Next stop is the Geysir geothermal area where Strokkur geyser spouts hot water high in the air. Also located here is Old Geysir, which is the root of the English word. The final stop is the iconic and spectacular Gullfoss Waterfall.
Day 3 Akureyri
Waterfalls
We depart Reykjavík today, heading towards the north of Iceland. On the way we visit an Icelandic horse farm and the waterfalls of Hraunfossar (Lava Waterfall) and Barnafossar (Children's Waterfall). Both make for great pictures with braided rivulets that tumble over bright green mossy cliffs into bright turquoise waters.
Hotel Centrum (2 nights) https://centrum-hotel.is/
Day 4 Akureyri
Free Day
Today is yours to do what you want. There is no shortage of activities to be found in Akureyri. There are several museums and galleries, whale watching excursions, an excellent botanical garden, nearby thermal baths, or even trips to one of the nearby islands.
Day 5 Lake Myvatn
Myvatn activities; Dettifoss
The otherworldly geo-thermal landscape surrounding the pristine beauty of Lake Mayvatn is this morning’s goal. We’ll see bubbling mud pools, the lava labyrinth of Dimmuborgir, and the volcanic crater group at Skutustadir. In the afternoon we drive to to the magnificent Dettifoss waterfall, Europe's mightiest cascade. 96,500 gallons crest the brink per second. It’s so powerful the vibrations can be felt in the nearby rocks. The falls are 100 meters wide, with a 45-meter drop into the Jökulsárgljúfur canyon below.
Guesthouse Fjalladyrd (1 night) https://fjalladyrd.is/
Day 6 Hof/Hofn
Fjiordlands
Today will be a long drive day, but every drive in Iceland is scenic. We will be passing next to the eastern fjords, rugged mountains, and immense glaciers along the way. We’ll have lunch together today before finally arriving in our accommodation late in the afternoon.
Hotel Smyrlabjörg (2 nights) https://property.godo.is/booking.php?propid=61775&referer=BookingLink
Day 7 Hof/Hofn
Jokulsarlon
After breakfast, our goal is one of Iceland's undisputed highlights, the glacier lagoon of Jökulsárlón. We’ll board an amphibious vehicle to cruise the lagoon and be amazed by some of nature’s finest work, surrounded by floating icebergs. The rest of your day is free to explore the stunning beauty of southern Iceland. There are many optional activities available: hiking, glacier walks, ATV tours, and more.
Day 8 South Coast
Dyrholaey; Reynisdrangar; Reynisfjara; Solheimajokull; Waterfalls
Our final day of driving introduces us to Iceland's beautiful South Shore. We’ll observe sea bird colonies on the promontory of Dyrhólaey, view the amazing stepping-stone rock formations of Reynisdrangar, visit the black sand beach of Reynisfjara, and the dramatic otherworldly landscape of the Solheimajokull glacier along the way. We’ll also visit two last amazing waterfalls: Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Hotel Ranga (1 night) https://hotelranga.is/
Day 9 Kevlavik
This morning after breakfast, we head west towards Reykjavik or its airport. Along the way we’ll visit the Lava Center to learn more about the volcano activities and history of the country. Note: Don’t make flight departure arrangements before 16:00 today.
[Itinerary details & hotels subject to change]
What’s Included:
8 nights accommodation; All breakfasts, 3 dinners, and 1 lunch; All tour transport; All tips (guide, tour director, guides, drivers, group meals, hotel staffs); Full-time services of an Icelandic tour director and Imprint escort, local guides; All entrances: Thingvellir NP, Geysir, Gullfoss, Hraunfossar, Barnafossar, Dettifoss, Reynisdrangar, Reynisfjara, Solheimajokull, Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss; All activities: Lake Mayvatn, Jökulsárlón cruise, and more.
Important exceptions:
Tour participants are responsible for the cost of drinks, free-time sightseeing and meals, and any expenditures of a personal nature.
