Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice - 2023

Day 1 Overnight Flight

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.

Day 2 Reykjavík, Iceland - Tour Begins

Begin in the capital city of Reykjavík. Join a local expert for a walking tour of the city’s old section featuring the city hall, the harbor, the Parliament building and the nearby cathedral, dating from 1796. Then, get to know your fellow travelers during an Icelandic lunch at a popular local restaurant before checking into your hotel in the later afternoon.

Day 3 Reykjavík - Golden Circle - Reykjavík

Travel the Golden Circle and experience renowned natural wonders, including 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. Your day ends with a visit to Friðheimar’s stud farm and greenhouse cultivation center. Discover how pesticide-free produce is grown with the aid of geothermal energy and then learn about the tradition of breeding Icelandic show horses before returning to Reykjavík.

Day 4 Reykjavík - Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Stykkishólmur

Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and take in black sand beaches, volcanic craters and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Put your camera to work snapping photos of this dramatic landscape during a walk along the coastline. Connect with the local culture during a visit to a maritime museum illustrating fishing techniques, such as the century-old tradition of catching and preserving the Greenland shark; you’ll also taste hákarl – cured shark meat.

Day 5 Stykkishólmur - Breiðafjördur Cruise - Stykkishólmur

Begin your day with a walk on Súgandisey Island, searching for marine birds and taking in the views of Stykkishólmur 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 to the shoreline. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Follow local tradition and take a hike up Helgafell Mountain, known as the Sacred Hill, with your Tour Manager -OR- spend some time on your own at Stykkisholmur Swimming Pool, a facility with both outdoor and indoor swimming pools and thermal pools to soak in.

Day 6 Stykkishólmur - Lava Exhibition Center - Vík

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. Arrive in Vík, Iceland's southernmost village, and one of the most remarkable spots in Iceland.

Day 7 Vík - Skógar Museum - Sólheimajökull Glacier - Vík

Drive along the scenic south shore to the Skógar Museum. Discover its turf-built houses and its collection of farm and domestic artifacts. Nearby is the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, one of the tallest in Iceland. View Reynisfjara, a black volcanic sand beach scattered with caves and surrounded by basalt columns and cliffs. The beach is rich with bird life, such as the fulmar, black guillemot, razorbill, and gannet. You might also spot some nesting puffins* along the unique natural rock formations at Dyrhólaey, a volcanic peninsula towering over the ocean. Cap off your day with a visit to Sólheimajökull Glacier, part of Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap. Take in its dramatic, blue-white ice, rugged crevasses, and stunning views.

Day 8 Vík - Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon - Vatnajökull National Park - Vík

Journey to Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest National Park and home to the country’s highest mountains. Marvel at the vistas and snowy mountain peaks while you join a cruise on an amphibian boat** along the huge icebergs of the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Keep your eyes peeled for possible seal sightings and get to taste the 1,000-year-old ice that surrounds you.

Day 9 Vík - Seljalandsfoss - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavík

Make a picture stop at Seljalandsfoss, where you’ll walk behind a waterfall for views from the inside-out. In the afternoon, visit the Blue Lagoon and soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, located in the heart of a dramatic lava field, before returning to Reykjavik. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a local dining experience and share stories of your days in Iceland.

Day 10 Reykjavík - Tour Ends

Depart for home with memories of your Icelandic adventure.