Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day. January to December
7 days from $6545.00Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland
Welcome to Iceland! You are met upon arrival in Reykjavík, the most northern capital city in the world. Reykjavík is a modern city with a variety of restaurants, museums, galleries and theaters.
You are transferred to your hotel in the center of the city, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Reykjavík to Akureyri
Relax before your late morning flight to Akureyri, just 40 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Akureyri is called the “Capital of the North,” and is one of the most remarkable areas in Iceland.
Notice the striking scenery as you drive from the airport - traveling along the fjord of Eyjafjörður. Learn about life in the region with visits to local farms, greenhouses and an old turf church.
In town, enjoy a guided walking tour along the Akureyri Art Trail, visiting an artist’s workshop, a North Iceland design handcrafts shop, and a delightful Christmas house. Stop to enjoy local beverages at a small “retro” café. (B)
Akureyri
Today is a full day private Icelandic herring adventure. Travel along Iceland´s most beautiful coastline, getting unique views of the North Atlantic. Learn how, beginning in the 1900s, herring fishing has shaped Icelandic culture and life, and how it still has a strong influence over modern Icelandic society. (B)
Akureyri to Reykjavík
This morning fly back to Reykjavik.
This afternoon, enjoy a tour of this capital city, home to one third of Iceland's population. See the Presidential Manor Bessastaðir, and Höfði House, where the groundbreaking summit meeting between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev took place in 1986. View the monolithic cathedral Hallgrimskirkja, the lively University District, and the quaint Old Town Center, home to the Parliament Building and the New City Hall.
This evening, enjoy a special treat, the renowned tasting menu dinner at the Grill Market, one of Reykjavik´s most popular restaurants. (B,D)
South Shore Excursion
Today, drive south, through small villages and fertile farmlands, with magnificent views of snow shrouded Hekla, the country’s most active volcano, and Eyjafjallajökull, the towering, ice capped strato volcano. Explore this region best known as the setting for Njál’s Saga, a classic Icelandic saga. Stop for a view of the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss waterfalls, and then continue towards the Solheimajokull glacier. Here you put on crampons for an easy guided 2-hour glacier walk onto the Solheimajokull glacier ice field. Discover a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and deep crevasses.
Next, drive past Dyrhólaey, sheer rocky headland cliffs with a huge wave-cut gap in its ocean facing tip. Arrive in the beautiful village of Vík, for a lunch break, then drive towards the sea shore flanked by steep cliffs rising above the black, wave pounded sands. Stop to view the Reynisdrangar rocks – 215 feet above sea level. According to legend, the Reynisdrangar were formed when two trolls were trying to drag a three-masted ship to land in the dark of night, then when daylight broke, they turned into a stone.
Arrive back in Reykjavík by late afternoon. (B)
Golden Circle Excursion
Today, enjoy a full day adventure to the ‘Golden Circle,’ to see some of the most striking natural phenomena of Iceland, an island formed by volcanoes and one of the youngest lands in the world.
Traveling in a specially outfitted jeep, travel north to Þingvellir National Park, where for centuries the ancient parliament (“Alþingi”), founded in 930, met on the open shores of Iceland's largest lake. In the park, you can see geology at work in an open fissure that marks the division between two the tectonic plates of North America and Europe. Stop by the Great Geyser, the second largest in the world, which regularly shoots up glistening water up through the bright Icelandic air. See one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur, spouting up to 100 feet, and Gullfoss “the golden waterfall," Iceland’s most famous waterfall, that cascades down into the mighty glacial River Hvíta.
Proceed on the mountain road, leading up to Skalpanes, on the eastern side of Langjökull glacier. After donning the provided polar overalls, gloves and helmets, and some instructions, mount a snow scooter and venture off on the snowmobile ride of a lifetime. Admire this beautiful crystal-white Iceland wonderland - mystic, mysterious, silent and thrillingly peaceful.
Back in your keep, travel back through the mountains, arriving in Reykjavik in late afternoon. (B)
Depart Reykjavík
Today is a day of leisure until time for your transfer to the airport for your flight home or onto your next destination. (B)
Hotel Borg, Reykjavik
Hotel Borg combines old time elegance with modern style in the centre of Reykjavik, Icelands capital, a supreme location which leaves the hotel just steps away from a variety of restaurants and shops. The four star Hotel is a showcase of sophistication. All 56 rooms have custom-made furniture and fittings with modern amenities including flat-screen satellite TV and high-speed internet connections. The period black and white bathrooms are well equipped with Philippe Stark fittings and heated marble floors. By mixing colors, forms and material, furniture and curtains each room gets its own individual touch. For an extra touch of luxury, Hotel Borg offers superior rooms and suites.
Hotel Kea, Akureyri
Located in the heart of Akureyri, gateway to the rich natural splendor of northeast Iceland, Hotel Kea has been welcoming guests since 1944 with the same high standards of elegance, quality, service and comfort which would be expected of one of Iceland's well-established hotels. The hotel offers four halls for meetings and conferences, bars and restaurant. Comfort, rest and relaxation come easily in all of the 104 bedrooms. They all have private bathroom, coffee- and tea-making facilities, hairdryer, telephone, radio and satellite television. There is room service from morning till evening and same day dry cleaning, just to name a few of the benefits awaiting every guest.