All Around Iceland

Arrival transfer by airport bus into Reykjavik city center and your hotel. After arrival in Reykjavík, you have the day free to explore on your own. As the capital of Iceland, Reykjavík has some great amenities and experiences. Perhaps walk along the bay to see the Sun Voyager sculpture, or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many world-class restaurants Reykjavík boasts. There is also the option to visit the Blue Lagoon on arrival and relax in the warm milky-blue waters for the morning before heading into the city, or opt for an afternoon visit to the Sky Lagoon seaside hot springs spa, with its 7-step bathing ritual. Overnight in Reykjavik

This morning you will meet your tour guide and the rest of the tour group before heading northwest out of the city. Travel through the Hvalfjörður (Hvalfjordur) Tunnel to Borgarnes where the group will do a leisurely a hike up Grábrók volcano crater, surrounded by a green lava field. The hike is fairly easy and it takes about 20 minutes to reach the top of the crater for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Further north visit Glaumbær, one of Iceland’s most beautiful turf house farms and folk museums; then continue along scenic landscape and mountain passes before arriving in the capital of the north, Akureyri. Overnight in Akureyri

Time this morning to explore Akureyri – can walk around town and admire the panoramic view over the Eyjafjörður fjord. (An optional morning whale watching tour can be added April-October). Travel onward to visit beautiful Goðafoss, the waterfall of the gods. From there it is on to Lake Mývatn, an area known for the lake itself, strange & rocky lava formations surrounding it, and abundant birdlife. See the strange lava formations at Kálfaströnd, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and the tephra cone Hverfjall. End the day soaking in the Mývatn Nature Baths, naturally heated pools that are filled with healing and rejuvenating minerals and vitamins. If you are traveling between fall and early spring, there is the chance to see the Northern Lights in the nighttime sky. Overnight in Mývatn

First up this morning is a walk through the lava formations of Dimmurborgir, the “dark castles”. There is a mystical feel to these formations that has led to the rumor of trolls living amongst the lava. 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. From June to August, the tour includes a detour to the powerful waterfall Dettifoss. Overnight in Egilsstadir area

The drive today takes you along the amazing East Fjords, where quaint fishing villages and dramatic views are not in short supply. Along the route, visit a fascinating stone and mineral collection. As you continue to the southeast, you will see the large Vatnajökull Glacier, the largest in Iceland. We end the day with a stop at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon filled with floating icebergs, exploring the extraordinary site and might see seals swimming in the arctic waters. A boat tour amongst the icebergs is included in the program from May through October. You can walk on the black sandy beach (The Diamond Beach) where large icebergs get stranded. From mid-September to early April, there is a possibility of seeing the Northern Lights during the evening. Overnight in Southeast Iceland

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. The journey continues with a beautiful drive across the Eldhraun lava field, cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. Experience the unique Icelandic Lava Show, where you can experience real lava being melted to a molten state. Stroll along the black lava beach of Reynisfjara near Vík. In the village of Skógar, we visit Skógafoss waterfall which is 60 meters high and is one of the more 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! (Possibility of Northern Lights sighting in the evening, from mid-September to mid-April.) Overnight in Hella

Your first stop along the famous Golden circle route is a ranch and greenhouse Friðheimar, where you will learn about the Icelandic horse. These purebred horses are very special to Icelanders as they have a fascinating history, being originally brought over by Vikings. After a visit to a geo-thermal greenhouse, continue along the Golden Circle visiting Geysir geo-thermal fields, with main geyser Strokkur erupting high in the air every few minutes. Then on to the impressive golden falls, two-level Gullfoss waterfall, and lastly Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the rift between the continents. Finally, this afternoon you will return to Reykjavík, with a short city tour ending at your hotel. Overnight in Reykjavik

Departure transfer to the airport with the airport bus. (If you have a later afternoon flight, you can opt to add in a visit to the Blue Lagoon, en route to Keflavik Airport.) Depart on your flight back to the US – or extend your stay in Scandinavia!