Epic Iceland

A Borton Overseas Scandinavia Specialist will travel with the group from Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, on overnight Icelandair flight. Borton Overseas can assist with departure arrangements from other US locations – please inquire!

Welcome to Iceland! Early morning arrival at Keflavik Airport. After luggage collection, transfer by private motorcoach to Viking World Museum where we will enjoy breakfast and a brief visit in the museum, introducing us to the Viking history of Iceland. After breakfast, we will tour the Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its landscapes and unique geology. The peninsula is characterized by rugged lava fields, geothermal areas, and stunning coastal cliffs. We will then make our way to the city center of Reykjavík to our hotel, where we will drop off our bags, then meet our guide at for a walking food tour of the city.

The Reykjavík Food Tour is one of the best ways to get acquainted with the city and its culture. In addition to having a walking tour of Iceland’s capital with a local guide, we will also stop at various dining establishments across the city and sample some of the best native Icelandic treats. Tour Duration: ~3 hours.
Late afternoon and evening at leisure to explore and relax. Overnight in Reykjavik

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart on a private tour of the Golden Circle, exploring Iceland‘s geological highlights. Þingvellir National Park – founded in 1930 – is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated on the northern shore of Þingvallavatn, the largest natural lake of Iceland. Gullfoss is a majestic and powerful multi-level waterfall in a lush and dramatic environment. Geysir, the hot spring that is the namesake for all geysers in the world, is one of the most popular stops in Iceland. The main geyser, Strokkur, erupts high in the air every few minutes. Tour Duration: 7-8 hours

This evening, we will hunt for the northern lights by boat! We sail away from the coastline of Reykjavík to view the aurora borealis out on the North Atlantic Ocean, with beautiful mountains and the city lights in the background. In only 15-30 minutes, the boat will be at a prime location away from light pollution, perfect for viewing the auroras! Overalls provided on-board will keep you nice and warm out on the deck while listening to what the guide has to say about the lovely colors dancing in the sky. *The northern lights are a naturally occurring phenomenon and a sighting cannot be guaranteed. Tour Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Overnight in Reykjavik

Your day is free to explore Reykjavik on your own or to choose from the following Optional Day Tours:

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Explore the Snæfellsness Peninsula, a magical region in west Iceland with moss-cloaked lava fields, picturesque mountains, stunning black sand beaches, roaring ocean waves, lava tube caves, charming little villages, and sea cliffs. This day trip from Reykjavík will show you the very best of Iceland in a single day. Duration: 11 hours / $163 per person

• Whale Watching: Your whale watching adventure begins at Reykjavik’s Old Harbor, close to city center. You can watch from the viewing deck and dip inside to take in the comfortable seating areas, café, and souvenir shop when the winds get cold. The friendly guides, along with the captain and crew, point out where to spot the whales and provide information about the different types of whales and seabirds you can expect to see. Duration: 3-3.5 hours / $116 per person

• Lava Caving: One of the major aspects of Iceland’s incredible geology is its volcanic activity. On your tour, you will enter the geological paradise of Raufarhólshellir, formed by a volcanic eruption over 5,000 years ago, exploring the lava tube caves, caves, and chambers made by molten magma flowing over and through the ground. Duration: 3 hours / $141 per person

• Horseback Riding: Enjoy the scenery of volcanic mountains and farmland as you pass several farms which give you an idea of how agriculture has developed in the last decades. Well-groomed riding trails give an opportunity to experience the special gait of the Icelandic horse “tölt”. At the end of the tour you are invited for coffee and home-baked cake. Duration: 1.5-2 hours riding, 5 hours total with transfers / $175 per person

• Northern Lights by Minibus: Add a second opportunity to glimpse the Northern Lights – one of nature’s greatest shows on Earth. As you escape the city’s artificial lights and drive into the darkness of the countryside, your guides will keep a close eye on weather conditions to find the perfect spot to admire the Aurora Borealis. Your encounter with these ephemeral lights will make for a magical night! (Sightings are not guaranteed.) Duration: 3-5 hours / $115 per person

Overnight at Reykjavik hotel

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then begin another full day private tour exploring the South Coast of Iceland! This excursion will take us out to the lava fields of the southern part of Iceland. We will visit the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, and continue to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach, which features the dramatic and imposing pyramid of basalt columns, known as the “organ pipes”, that command the surrounding cliffs. This beach is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and was named one of the best beaches in the world by National Geographic. We will end with an epic off-road beach spin in our super jeeps. Tour Duration: 9-10 hours

Overnight at Reykjavik hotel

Today is free to sightsee independently or walk the main shopping street of Laugavegur, filled with shops, restaurants, and art. Tonight, we gather for our final farewell dinner as a group at a local and well-loved restaurant. Overnight at Reykjavik hotel

Following breakfast and check-out, we will transfer to the Blue Lagoon for our last amazing experience in Iceland prior to our departure for home. The mineral rich water is a milky shade of blue, where the soothing and healing effects on the skin have been experienced by visitors throughout its 40+ years of existence. Your entrance includes the self-applied silica mud mask to soften and clean the skin, towel usage, and your first drink in the lagoon. You will leave the lagoon feeling clean, relaxed, and satisfied.

Following our visit, we will board our coach to Keflavik airport for flight check-in. We depart on our late afternoon flight with an early evening arrival back in Minneapolis/St. Paul.