Natural Wonders of Iceland
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The land of ice and fire needs little introduction. From the Blue Lagoon of Reykjavik to Jokulsarlon’s glacier lakes, Iceland is an iconic experience that you simply must have at least once in your lifetime. But here’s a secret you might not yet know. Despite being one of the world’s coldest countries, Iceland gives visitors one heck of a warm welcome. You’ll quickly get swept up in the vibrant culture of the capital and its cosy lifestyle. On this nine-day tour, you’ll get to experience all the key sights, including the double waterfalls of Gulfoss, the floating pools of Egilsstaðir and the black lava fields of Búðir. If that sounds like an itinerary for a fantasy adventure, you’re not far off. It’s time you saw for yourself what Iceland is really all about.
Itinerary
DAY 1 The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line. Join your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:15 for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.
DAY 2 Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun.Later, travel on to the ancient bishopric of Skalholt and see the historic church, set in a remote location amid magnificent natural scenery.Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls.In Friðheimar, learn about Icelandic greenhouse horticulture when you visit a family-run vegetable farm, specialising in tomatoes. Explore their greenhouses and sample the sweet, unique flavour of their lovingly grown crop. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.
DAY 3 By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn
Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.Dine at your hotel’s restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.
DAY 4 Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir - Relaxed Start
Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Friar Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir.
DAY 5 By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri
Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular coloured deposits. Continue to Akureyri where you have the evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching experience? (available during whale season)
DAY 6 From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes - Relaxed Start
Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls and green coastal regions. Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.
DAY 7 Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park
Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.
DAY 8 Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavík
Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, discover Reykjavik’s top sights on a walking tour with your Local Expert and stop along the way to sample local specialties.This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world’s most naturally beautiful places.
DAY 9 Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík’s Keflavík Airport.
About this trip
See 15 cities and 1 country
Departure Months
May to September
What's included
8 NIGHTS
Accommodation
14 MEALS
8 Breakfast, 5 Dinner and 1 Dinner with Wine
ON-TRIP TRANSPORT
All transport shown
Sightseeing highlights
Gullfoss Falls: The spectacular two-tiered waterfall, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara falls, drops a total of 32 metres, while spanning the entire width of the Hvítá River.
Skogafoss: Admire the majestic beauty of these two impressive waterfalls.
Vik: Enjoy an orientation of Vik, Iceland’s seafront village home to black pebble beaches and offshore rock formations.
Skaftafell: Visit the amazing alpine setting of the National Park and experience the might of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier.
Lake Myvatn: Traverse spectacular landscapes of craters, boiling mud pots and geothermal hot springs shooting jets of hot water and steam into the air, at this renowned bird-watching site.
Snaefellsjokull National Park: Enjoy a fascinating exploration of this magnificent park, home to lava formations, waterfalls and the most famous volcano in Iceland.
Reykjavik: Visit Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon. Geothermic seawater flows from 2000 meters underground, emerging at the surface enriched with algae, silica and minerals.
Reykjavik: Explore the city with your Local Expert. See the old town centre, the parliament building, Höfði House, the colourful harbour and the Hallgrímskirkja.
The Bressenden difference
INSIGHT EXPERIENCE
Fridheimar: Explore a local farm and sample their sweet-tasting, homegrown tomatoes. Meet the family to learn about Icelandic horticulture and growing the tastiest tomatoes, all the while respecting the surrounding nature.
CHOICE HIGHLIGHTS
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Reykjavik:
Visit Iceland’s world-famous Blue Lagoon. Geothermic seawater flows from 2000 meters underground, emerging at the surface enriched with algae, silica and minerals.
Explore the city with your Local Expert. See the old town centre, the parliament building, Höfði House, the colourful harbour and the Hallgrímskirkja.
AUTHENTIC DINING
Reykjavik: Delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world’s most naturally beautiful places
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Hellisheidavirkjun: Visit Iceland’s newest geothermal heat and electric power station in Hellisheidi, the second largest of its kind in the world. During this Make Travel Matter experience learn why Hellisheidavirkjun is a world leader in the utilisation of geothermal energy. The Power Plant has helped Iceland achieve 70% of the country’s energy consumption through renewable energy sources. Hellisheidavirkjun Power Plant, advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Low deposits – Booking protected.
STAYS WITH STORIES
Stay at highly rated hotels in desirable locations offering superb service, superior rooms with comfy beds to rest in.
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Included
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Not Included
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