Iceland was born through volcanic action. The resulting land of peaks, geysers, glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and astonishing scenery is breathtaking. Here nature is unspoiled by pollution or development. Iceland is so magnetic that it lures visitors back again and again. This definitive tour circles the island to see all the best sights at the season of maximum daylight.

 

Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

 

DAY 1                         

We depart from Albuquerque on our flights, taking us overnight and into Reykjavik, Iceland.  

 

DAY 2          D                   

We arrive in Reykjavik. Today is spent outdoors as first stop at a wonderful local bakery. We take a whale watching cruise today. Iceland is a bountiful feeding ground that attracts 24 different whale species, from the enormous sperm whale to the diminutive harbor porpoise.

 

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavík Saga or similar.

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DAY 3            B, D

Our circle tour of Iceland begins today as we cross the spectacular Kaldidalur Highland Trail to the woods of Husafel, Hraunfossar Falls, and historic Reykholt, home of the medieval chieftain, Snorri Sturluson. We continue along lovely Borgarfjoredur Fjord, past the volcanic craters at Grabrok and across the Holtavoreduheiedi plateau.

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Overnight: Fosshotel Reykholt or similar.

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DAY 4          B, D

Today we start with easy hike on Grábrók volcano crater in the middle of a greenish lava field. Further north, we visit Glaumbaer, one of Iceland's most beautiful turf house farms and folks museums. Continue along scenic fjord landscape and over several mountain passes until we reach Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland. The overnight location at allows you to walk around the beautiful town of Akureyri.

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Overnight: Hotel KEA Akureyri or similar.

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DAY 5              B, D

In the morning, explore the town of Akureyri, also called the capital of North Iceland, and admire the panoramic view over the Eyjafjörður fjord. In the afternoon, travel to Goðafoss, the waterfalls of the Gods. Then explore Lake Mývatn, known as a geological wonderland and for its abundant birdlife. See the strange lava formations at Kálfaströnd, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the tephra cone Hverfjall. Finally, end the afternoon relaxing in the geothermal Mývatn Nature Baths with a fantastic view over the whole area.

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Overnight: Fosshotel Mývatn or similar.

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DAY 6              B, D

In the morning, walk in the lava labyrinth at Dimmuborgir, "The Dark Castles", hoping to get a glimpse of the trolls who are said to live there. In the afternoon, visit the hot spring area of Námaskarð with bubbling mud pools and steaming solfataras. Head through the uninhabited highlands and moon-like surroundings to East Iceland. The tour includes a detour to the powerful waterfall Dettifoss.

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Overnight: Fosshotel Eastfjords or similar.

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DAY 7              B, D

It's a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords and, on the route, visit an attractive stone and mineral collection. Then, in the afternoon, see Vatnajökull - Europe's biggest glacier, visible all over southeast Iceland.

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Overnight: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon or similar.

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DAY 8           B, D

Start the day with a stop at Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, and explore the extraordinary site where you might see seals swimming in arctic waters. A boat tour between floating icebergs is included in the program. You can walk on the so-called Diamond Beach across the street, where large icebergs get stranded. Travel along the southern part of the glacier Vatnajökull and get a glimpse at Europe's second largest national park, which has Iceland's highest mountains, an alpine environment, and Europe's largest glacier. In the afternoon, a beautiful drive with many natural wonders awaits us as we head across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls.

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Overnight: Hotel Vík or similar.

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DAY 9           B, D

Today we experience the unique Icelandic Lava Show where you get to witness and feel the heat from molten lava! Stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík. In the small village of Skógar, there is Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Continue to the high but narrow Seljalandsfoss waterfall, which plunges over the mountain. An exciting trail goes behind the fall if you are
prepared to get wet!

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Overnight: Hotel Örk or similar.

DAY 10             B, L

Today we first visit the Varmi exhibition at Hellisheidi power station. After we continue to explorethe classic Golden Circle sights. We begin at Friðheimar,  where you learn about the Icelandic horse, its unique qualities and history and visit a geothermal greenhouse. Later on, see steam from the Geysir geothermal fields as we arrive. There is a variety of hot springs and bubbling pools. The originalgeyser is now dormant but has been replaced by Strokkur, "The Churn," which erupts at 5-7 minute intervals. Continue to Gullfoss, "The Golden Falls," a double waterfall that tumbles 32 meters into the Hvítá river and attracts travellers in summer and winter. Travel inland to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we return to Reykjavík, we will take you for a short city tour to show highlights of the world's northernmost capital city.

 

Overnight: Hotel Reykjavík Saga or similar.

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DAY 11            B

We drive across the vast lava fields of the Reykjanes Peninsula to the lighthouse at its tip, then along the south coast to the busy fishing village of Grindavik. Fish accounts for 75% of Iceland’s exports. The Blue Lagoon is a pool of mineral-rich geothermal water with an amazing blue color located in a lava field. We can soak or just enjoy the view.

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Overnight: Hotel Reykjavík Saga or similar.

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DAY 12             B    

This morning we head to the airport to catch our flight home.

 

Itinerary subject to change