Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice

Set out on a journey full of dramatic contrasts. Come to know Iceland; a place where steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving behind thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords.
Hotel Name: Grandi by Centerhotels

Begin in the capital city of Reykjavík. Get to know your fellow travelers during an Icelandic lunch at a popular local restaurant. Next, join a walking tour of old town Reykjavík and learn about the city hall, the harbor, the Parliament building, and the nearby cathedral dating from 1796 before checking into your hotel later in the afternoon.
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Reykjavík
Located in southwestern Iceland, the capital and largest city of Iceland is said to be the location of the first permanent settlement. It is believed that the city was established around AD 870. Until the 18th century, there was no urban development, but the city was founded in 1786 as an official trading town and grew steadily over the next decades. Soon Reykjavík became the national center of commerce, population, and governmental activities. The city is rated among the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world.

Travel the Golden Circle and experience renowned natural wonders. Marvel at the double-cascade Gullfoss waterfall, the explosive Geysir thermal area, and the famous Thingvellir National Park where you’ll stand upon the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Along the way, stop at a family-run dairy farm to enjoy various cheeses and their famous ice cream during a light lunch. Your day ends with a visit to Friðheimar’s stud farm and greenhouse cultivation center to learn about the tradition of breeding Icelandic show horses as well as how pesticide-free produce is grown with the aid of geothermal energy before returning back to Reykjavík.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Hotel Name: Hamar Hotel

Visit Area: Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route from Reykjavík in South Iceland. Two main stops on the route are the national park Thingvellir and the waterfall Gullfoss (Golden Falls). The route covers about 300 kilometers looping from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back.

Explore the western side of Iceland’s coastline and visit Akranes, an old fishing town at the base of Akrafjall Mountain. Don’t forget to capture a photo of one of the most picturesque lighthouses* in the world. Perhaps, you’ll climb up the stairs to take in its stunning views. Listen to mysterious stories about this area, or take a leisurely walk along the historical harbor if you choose. Continue to Deildartunguhver, the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe. Stroll along several wooden walkways and observation points to explore the hot springs safely. Listen to local stories and legends while visiting Barnafoss, which translates to “the Children’s Falls.” Your day comes to an end in Borgarnes, a small West Iceland town with deep Viking roots.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Thingvellir National Park
Around 930, the Althing general assembly was established in Thingvellir. A law passed in 1928 protecting the area, which shall remain the property of the Icelandic nation under the preservation of the Althing. Thingvellir National Park was officially founded in 1930, marking the 1,000th anniversary of the Althing. In 2004, the park became a World Heritage Site. Throughout the park, visitors can travel among the many hiking trails.

Begin your day with stunning views on your way to Stykkishólmur, located in the northern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Search for marine birds before joining a nature cruise of Breiðafjördur Bay. As you drift across the water, sample fresh scallops and sea urchin roe straight from the ocean. You might spot puffins,** cormorants, and the white-tailed eagle soaring as you look out at the shoreline. After, enjoy lunch on your own in this picturesque fishing town dotted with traditional wooden houses before continuing your journey on to Grudarfjörður. Take in views of Mount Kirkjufell with its iconic shape and freestanding form; this is one of the most photographed landscapes in Iceland. Witness Kirkjufellsfoss, a beautiful series of waterfalls, before returning to Borgarnes for an evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Dyrholaey Hotel

Visit Area: Akranes

Learn about geothermal renewable energy on a visit to Hellisheiðavirkjun, the largest power station in Iceland and the second largest geothermal power station in the world. Visit the Lava Exhibition Center and delve into Iceland’s past and present volcanic eruptions. Afterward, witness Seljalandsfoss, a rushing waterfall where you may walk behind the water for unique views from the inside out. Arrive in Vík, Iceland's southernmost village, and one of the most remarkable spots in Iceland.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Breiðafjörður Bay Cruise
Enjoy a nature cruise in Breiðafjörður Bay. Experience countless birds like puffins, cormorants, kittiwakes and the majestic white tailed eagle soaring amongst basalt rock columns. While cruising, try delicious fresh scallops and sea urchin roe straight from the ocean. Seafood simply doesn´t come fresher than this!

Drive along the scenic south shore to the Skógar Museum. Discover its turf-built houses and its collection of farm and domestic artifacts. Nearby, find the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, one of the tallest in Iceland. Behold Reynisfjara, a black volcanic sand beach scattered with caves and surrounded by basalt columns and cliffs. You might also spot some nesting puffins** along the unique natural rock formations at Dyrhólaey, a volcanic peninsula towering over the ocean. And finally, take in stunning views on Sólheimajökull Glacier, part of Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Lava Exhibition Center
Visit the Lava Exhibition Center to learn about Iceland’s historic eruptions and current lava flows that make Iceland a showcase of volcanic activity.

This morning, travel to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, marvel at the vistas and snowy mountain peaks as you board a cruise on an amphibian boat*** along the huge icebergs. Explore this extraordinary landscape as you search for seals swimming in cold waters.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Grandi by Centerhotels

Visit Area: Vík
The picturesque village of Vík is the southernmost village in Iceland, and despite its small size, it is the largest settlement around and an important staging post. Vík's black sand beaches are some of the wettest places in Iceland. The cliffs of the beaches are home to many beautiful seabirds, most notably, the colorful puffins. The village lies directly beneath the Myrdalsjokull glacier, which sits atop the Katla volcano.

Today, make your way back to Reykjavik while taking in stunning backdrops as you approach the Reykjanes Peninsula. Visit a local studio and learn about Icelandic traditions of wool dyeing using natural ingredients and traditional techniques. Later, visit the scenic Sky Lagoon**** and experience the Icelandic tradition of geothermal bathing. Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy sweeping ocean views. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on your adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
A majestic glacial lake in southeast Iceland, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park. The lagoon is situated at the head of the Breioamerkurjokull glacier. It developed into a lake after the glacier started receding from the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The lake has grown since then at varying rates because of the melting glaciers. Today it is considered one of the natural wonders of Iceland and a major attraction for tourists. Several animals including various fish, seals and seabirds can be seen in or by the lagoon.

Depart for home with memories of your Icelandic adventure.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Sky Lagoon