Iceland 6 days, 5 nights

As you touch down, you will be greeted by a moon-like landscape of endless lava fields and the gray-green moss that blankets the Reykjanes Peninsula.  Welcome to the land of fire and ice!

Arrive Iceland

Itinerary – After breakfast, spend some time at the Viking World Museum.  The museum’s galleries provide a unique opportunity to learn about the Vikings of the North Atlantic, their lifestyles, and their histories.  While there, explore the Islendingur – a full-size replica of the AD 870 Viking ship Gokstad. 

Next, head out into the Reykjanes GeoPark – a UNESCO Global GeoPark.  This protected geothermal area is located where the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates intersect.  Visit several of the more than 60 geothermal areas that comprise the GeoPark – to see the bubbling mud pools, steam vents, colorful hot springs, and more.  You will also have time to cross the Bridge Between Continents – a footbridge that spans the wide tension crack that opened due to the divergent movement of the two tectonic plates.

This afternoon, visit the world-renowned Blue Lagoon.  Relax in the steamy, mineral-rich water of this unique geothermal spa.

Overnight: Reykjavik

Meals Included:  *Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (*pending arrival time)

Itinerary – Begin the day with three of the most famous sites in Iceland: Þingvellir National Park, Geysir area, and Gullfoss waterfall.

Start at Þingvellir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the geological wonders of the world. There you can see the effects of the tectonic plate movements which have opened various cracks and fissures in the earth’s crust.

After taking a walk in the unique landscape of Þingvellir, drive to the geothermal area of Geysir. There the Strokkur hot spring ejects its water column high into the air every 5 – 10 minutes and numerous other small springs are boiling and bubbling.

Finally, take a short drive from Geysir to Gullfoss, a magnificent waterfall that Icelanders refer to as the “golden” waterfall, one of the most beautiful in Iceland.

After lunch, visit an organic greenhouse operating on geothermal energy.  See how this greenhouse can grow tomatoes year-round using geothermal energy.   An optional demonstration with Icelandic horses is also available in this area.

The day continues with a visit to a geothermal bakery.  Watch as a pot of fresh bread is dug out from naturally heated black volcanic sand. Try a sample of hot bread with Icelandic butter – a treat that cannot be missed!

Overnight: Reykjavik

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Itinerary – The day begins with a drive to Iceland’s South Coast and Vík, the southernmost village in Iceland.  Located in an idyllic setting famous for the Reynisdrangar pillars that rise from the sea just off the shore. On the way, stop at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall special not only for its beauty but also because it is possible to walk behind it and through to the other side….  Continue a little further and make a stop to take a walk on a glacier. During this easy walk, you will safely explore the wonderful blue ice, ridges, and deep crevasses of the glacier.

The afternoon continues with lunch before a visit to the Lava Center, an interactive museum on volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the creation of the island of Iceland over the last 15 million years.

Next up is the Skógar folk museum where you can immerse yourself in the daily life of Icelanders of past centuries. Discover a vast collection of artifacts touching on all aspects of life (fishing, embroidery, culture, transportation, etc.) and step into old houses such as a traditional farmhouse with peat walls and a grass-covered roof.

Finally, walk on the Reynisfjara beach, a magnificent black, volcanic sand beach with basalt columns of all sizes and shapes.

Overnight: Reykjavik

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Itinerary – Start the day at Hellisheiðarvirkjun geothermal power plant. Visit the most important geothermal power plant in the country. Icelanders simply call it “Hellisheiðarvirkjun”. Good luck pronouncing that correctly!  Learn how Icelandic engineers have managed to tame this inexhaustible green energy provided by natural geothermal power, allowing them to produce some 300 MW of electricity in this power plant alone.

Next, discover one of the longest natural lava tubes in Iceland. With easy-access walkways, you discover an ancient lava tunnel illuminated by beautiful lighting effects.

The day continues after lunch with a visit to Perlan, the Pearl, one of Reykjavík’s main attractions.  Scientific wonders will come alive all around you – northern lights, glaciers, volcanoes, ocean life, seabirds and so much more. You can explore a real ice cave, sit back, enjoy a show in a first-class Planetarium, and have fun with tons of interactive exhibits.

The last stop of the day will be FlyOver Iceland, which uses state-of-the-art technology to give you the feeling of flying.  The illusion of hovering like a bird and of being in complete immersion with nature is an amazing experience.

Overnight: Reykjavik

Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today, bid Iceland a fond farewell, but not before you…

Itinerary – This morning, board a vessel for a half-day whale watch cruise.   Keep an eye out for the playful Humpback and Minke whales who frequently put on a show.  See Harbor Porpoises and White-Beaked Dolphins and if you are very lucky you might spot an Orca or a critically endangered Blue Whale.

After lunch, depart for the airport and an afternoon flight home.

Meals:  Breakfast & Lunch

**This itinerary is a sample of activities – additional options and full customization are available.  Average tour length 6 – 8 days, including travel.  Iceland is a very popular destination, planning a minimum of six to nine months before travel is strongly recommended.