Icelandic Adventure - 2022

Day 1 Overnight Flight

You’re on your way to Iceland, a land forged by fire and ice, where adventurous landscapes give way to a rich cultural heritage. Discover the dramatic contrasts: from ethereal lava fields and thundering waterfalls to charming coastal villages.

Day 2 Reykjavík, Iceland - Tour Begins

Discover culture and history in Reykjavík – Iceland’s capital. Explore the old section on a walking tour featuring Hallgrímskirkja church, the harbor, city hall, and the city’s oldest building. Gaze up at the famous glass façade of the Harpa Concert Hall, a true marvel of modern architecture. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Icelandic dinner at a distinctive local restaurant.

Day 3 Reykjavík - Golden Circle - Reykjavík

Travel the Golden Circle to see Iceland's most incredible natural wonders, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Thingvellir National Park where you can walk between two continents. Learn how locals use Iceland’s geothermal energy to cook food and visit a bakery to taste “lava bread,” which is submerged into the earth and cooked for 24 hours. Continue along the Golden Circle and take in the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) double-cascade waterfall before visiting the explosive Strokkur fountain geyser.

Day 4 Reykjavík - Lake Mývatn

This morning, fly* to Akureyri and take in the unique volcanic landscape that surrounds Lake Mývatn. You will have a chance to explore the Hverir geothermal area, where bubbling mud pools resemble a Martian terrain. Next, it’s your choice! Dip into the warm water and steam of the Lake Mývatn Nature Baths, frequented by Icelandic locals -OR- hike through Dimmuborgir and pass by irregular lava formations and mystical caves that inspire your imagination.

Day 5 Lake Mývatn - Húsavík - Whale Watching - Lake Mývatn

Venture into the town of Húsavík, where legend claims the Norse first settled in Iceland. Gear up in thermal wear to join expert whale watchers on a cruise on Skjálfandi Bay. Aboard specialized Zodiacs, you’ll get as close as you can to whales in northern Iceland. You may see humpback, minke, fin or harbor porpoise, and possibly the orca or giant blue whales that frequent these waters. End your day with a visit to Grenjaðarstaður and peruse Icelandic turf settlement homes.

Day 6 Lake Mývatn - Akureyri - Laugarbakki

Enjoy time at leisure in Akureyri before heading to the scenic Norðurland Vestra region, famous for its horse-breeding farms. On a family-owned farm, it’s your choice! Saddle up and venture into the tranquility of the countryside via horseback -OR- grab your camera for a photo tour of the farm’s stables and interact with these friendly animals. Later this afternoon, travel to Laugarbakki village.

Day 7 Laugarbakki - Snæfellsnes Peninsula - Borgarnes

This morning, journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with its camera-ready black sand beaches, mountain peaks, volcanic craters, rocky coastlines, and tiny fishing villages. Then journey 100 feet below the ground and into an 8,000-year-old lava tube on a tour of Vatnshellir Cave.** In addition to seeing the cave’s amazing rock pigments and lava formations, you’ll also get to experience total and absolute darkness. End the day in Borgarnes, your home for the next 2 nights.

Day 8 Borgarnes - Húsafell - Langjökull - Borgarnes

This morning, journey inland to Húsafell and look out at the misty waterfalls cascading over lava rocks. Then, experience an Impact Moment with a visit to Jóhanna’s goat farm. Here, she has helped to bring this unique breed, dating back to the time of Iceland’s settlement, back from the brink of extinction. After visiting with the friendly goats, enjoy a simple meal of homemade specialties from the farm. Then, bundle up and ascend Langjökull glacier*** via mountain truck and go "Into the Glacier" to experience the purest blue ice color in this man-made tunnel, the world’s largest.****

Day 9 Borgarnes - Blue Lagoon - Reykjavík

Visit the Settlement Museum and dive into the origins of Icelandic heritage, including the works of the famous Viking poet Egill Skallagrímsson. Drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to the famous Blue Lagoon. Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters of this iconic geothermal pool, located in the heart of a dramatic lava field. Come together this evening for a farewell dinner at a restaurant featuring Icelandic cuisine.

Day 10 Reykjavík - Tour Ends

Head home having uncovered Iceland’s adventurous side.