Icelandic Adventure

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.

Discover culture and history in Reykjavík – Iceland's capital. Explore the old section on a walking tour featuring the Parliament, 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. Today dinner will be included.

Travel the Golden Circle to see Iceland's most iconic 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 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. Today breakfast will be included.

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 Icelanders and visitors alike -OR- hike through Dimmuborgir and pass by irregular lava formations and mystical caves that inspire your imagination. End your day in Husavik, one of the first settlements on the island. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

*The internal flight is not included in the land cost of your tour. This flight needs to be arranged and purchased separately if you arrange your own air. Scheduled activities may vary in time due to the flight schedule from Reykjavík to Akureyri.

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. Today breakfast will be included.

En route to Akureyri, stop at one of Iceland's most historic waterfalls, Goðafoss, where Iceland was converted to Christianity in A.D. 1000. Enjoy time at leisure in Akureyri to explore Iceland's second largest city. Perhaps you'll peruse its botanical garden, a public park positioned just 30 miles south of the Arctic Circle and dedicated to finding and testing foreign plants to grow in Iceland. Next, head to the scenic Norðurland Vestra region, famous for its horse breeding. On a family-owned farm, grab your camera for a photo tour of the stables and interact with these friendly animals and their care takers. Later this afternoon, travel to the village of Laugarbakki for an overnight stay. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

This morning, journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with its camera-ready black sand beaches, mountain peaks, volcanic craters, rocky coastlines, and tiny fishing villages. 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. End the day in Borgarnes, your home for the next 2 nights. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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.*** Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

**The Langjökull Glacier Experience is weather permitting. Cold weather clothing is required to join the activities of your Langjökull Glacier Experience. ***The "Into the Glacier" visit is not exclusive to us and you may share the experience with other visitors.

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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Head for home having uncovered Iceland's adventurous side. Today breakfast will be included.