11 Day Kaleidoscope of Iceland

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for Iceland
Depart for Iceland

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Keflavik, The Blue Lagoon, City Sightseeing
Early morning arrival in Iceland, "Land of Ice and Fire". Transfer from Keflavik airport to Viking World Museum where you will enjoy breakfast with your fellow travelers*. Afterwards, visit the famous Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral-rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field. In the afternoon, drive through the capital for a sightseeing tour of Reykjavík. The tour traverses the old town center to the Alþingi Parliament, the Dómkirkjan Cathedral, city hall and the harbor. Then, drive by Höfði House, the site of the 1986 Iceland Summit where Reagan and Gorbachev met. Enjoy a stop at the viewing deck at Perlan, located on Öskjuhlíð hill, for spectacular views over the capital area, followed by a visit to Hallgrímskirkja church**, one of Reykjavík's landmarks, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Tonight, at 5 PM, you join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting and drink with your fellow travelers
*Guests that are arriving prior to Day 2 or are making their own way from the Reykjavik Airport should meet the group directly at the Viking World Museum, Vikingabraut 1, 260 Njardvik, Iceland, by 7:30 AM.
**Visitors will not be permitted to enter the church if mass is in session
Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 3, Wednesday - Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today, embark on a full day excursion to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a Green Globe benchmark region, making it a model for sustainable tourism. Snæfellsnes is a unique area with a variety of geological features such as lava fields, volcanoes, glaciers, mineral springs, beautiful rock formations, and yellow and black sand beaches. Stop at a number of fascinating sites such as the Gerðuberg basalt columns, Arnarstapi Harbor and Ytri-Tunga beach to see the seal colony there. On a clear day, enjoy views of Snæfellsjökull Glacier atop a beautifully shaped stratovolcano. The glacier and the unspoiled natural wonders surrounding it are the setting of Jules Verne's classic novel Journey to the Center of the Earth and is rumored to be one of the seven most magical sites on Earth. Dinner is at the hotel later this evening
Overnight: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday - Akureyri, Botanical Gardens
Today, an early departure to Akureyri, cultural capital of the North, nestled at the head of Iceland's greatest fjord, with stunning views of snow-capped peaks. An orientation tour familiarizes you with the town's history as a trading center established in 1602. You can still see some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. Visit the Botanical Gardens featuring specimens of almost all native Icelandic plants.* Then, walk through the energetic center of the town with its lively cafes and handicraft shops. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel
*The Botanical Gardens are not visited before May 1 or after Oct 15
Overnight: Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday - Héðinsfjörður Tunnel, Siglufjörður in North Iceland
Travel through the Héðinsfjörður Tunnel to the historic herring-fishing town of Siglufjörður, the closest town to the Arctic Circle, clinging to a dramatic fjord on the very edge of Iceland's steep northernmost mountains. On the tour of the award-winning Herring Era Museum, you're introduced to the history of the very important herring fishing industry. Sample traditional rye bread, local herring and also the famous iced Icelandic schnapps! Leisure time to explore Siglufjörður. Wander through the art galleries, cafes and shops. At the end of the day, return to Akureyri via the villages of Ólafsfjörður and Dalvík
Overnight: Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Saturday - Lake Mývatn, Goðafoss Waterfall
Today head to lovely Lake Mývatn, with its crystal-blue waters, in one of Iceland's prettiest areas, known for its geothermal activity. Stop at the majestic Goðafoss Waterfall, named the "Waterfall of the Gods" according to Icelandic sagas. In this paradise for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, scenes were filmed for some of the Game of Thrones episodes. After a morning of traversing spectacular landscapes, see the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Afterward, continue southeast to your hotel in the remote eastern fjords region for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Egilsstaðir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Iceland's Eastfjords, Icelandic War Museum
Today, explore Iceland's remote Eastfjords region, defined by breathtaking fjords and mountains, as well as charming fishing villages that dot the coastline. Look out for wild reindeer herds as you travel south through this colorful landscape. Visit the Icelandic War Museum in Reyðarfjörður, site of an Allied base during WWII, to learn about Icelandic life during this time. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and then continue driving southward along the coast toward your hotel. En route, make several photo stops for unforgettable views. Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy dinner together
Overnight: Höfn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Vatnajökull Glacier, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Skaftafell National Park
Discover the might of the Vatnajökull Glacier today, formed thousands of years ago, the largest glacier in all of Europe with several still-active volcanoes situated underneath the ice cap. Explore some of the glacier's many outlets including Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. The astonishing blue ice makes this one of Iceland's most iconic destinations. Season dependent, take a boat excursion that brings you face to face with these breathtaking natural wonders.* Afterward, more amazing scenery awaits you in the unique alpine setting of Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful mountainous region on the edge of the Vatnajökull Glacier. This national park has been shaped by glaciers and volcanoes slowly interacting over time, creating a place of unique beauty. It's a perfect park to view the great contrasts between active volcanoes, mighty glaciers, powerful rivers and endless flat sandy plains. Cap off this exciting day with dinner together at your hotel in Höfn
*The boat excursion on the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon is not offered before May 1 or after Oct 15, therefore it will be replaced with Fjallsárlón Glacial Lagoon.
Overnight: Höfn
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - South Coast and Waterfalls
Depart from Höfn this morning and watch the dramatic scenery of outwash plains and lava fields go by as you make your way to Dyrhólaey*, a solitary cliff teeming with bird life for expansive views of the black sand coastline. Then visit Skógafoss to see the thundering falls plummet nearly 200 feet over a cliff to the valley floor. Continue on to Seljalandsfoss waterfall which you can walk behind if conditions allow (bring a raincoat!). Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at your hotel in the Hella area
*Dyrhólaey is closed during the nesting season (early May to late June)
Overnight: Hella
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm, Gullfoss Waterfall, Strokkur Geysir, Þingvellir, Reykjavík
This morning marvel at Gullfoss waterfall where the mighty Hvítá river appears to simply vanish into the earth, but a closer look reveals gorgeous staggered falls plunging into a crevice over 200 feet deep. Then, stand upon one of the world's most geologically significant landscapes on the volcanic rift at the Strokkur Geyser. Watch it erupt every few minutes spewing hot water high into the air. Then, visit the Friðheimar Tomato and Horse Farm. Here, meet with young Icelanders who innovated a process for growing tomatoes in bumble-bee nurtured greenhouses. See the beautiful Icelandic Horses and watch them perform before enjoying a light lunch of tomato soup and fresh-baked bread. Continue to Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on the plate boundaries of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this is an ideal place to see evidence of the rifting of the Earth's crust. Þingvellir, literally "Parliament Plains", is also the site of the world's oldest existing Parliament, which first met here in 930 AD. Continue to Reykjavik where you will have an evening at leisure to explore this energetic city on your own. Perhaps choose to dine in one of the world-class restaurants on traditional Icelandic fish, or visit a lively pub, stylish club or stop at a cozy café in the trendy harbor area
Overnight: Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11, Thursday - Depart Iceland
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast