Highlights

There’s no bad time to visit Iceland. If you want to see the Northern Lights, they are most viewable September through April –though this spectacular, elusive display is always dependent on atmospheric conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Travel Day

Depart the US on an overnight flight to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Day 2 – Reykjavik City Tour

Arrive in Reykjavik and check into your hotel for the night. Meet your guide at 2:00 PM. Take an orientation tour and discover Iceland’s capital city set on the southern shore of Faxa Bay. You’ll discover Reykjavik’s settlement, history and the natural beauty that surrounds it. You’ll be charmed by its architecture and the beautiful brightly-colored rooftops. Stop for photos outside Hallgrímskirkja, the landmark Lutheran church that looms over the city. One of the tallest structures in Iceland, its design was influenced by the mountains and glaciers of the island’s landscape. Visit the Perlan Observation Deck, which offers magnificent 360° views of Reykjavik and its surroundings – mountain, glacier, and volcano vistas on the horizon will be a taste of what is to come on your journey. Return to your centrally-located hotel and enjoy a welcome drink with your group, followed by dinner on your own.

Day 3 – Golden Circle

Head out on the famed Golden Circle, starting with the spectacular Thingvellir National Park, a meeting place of old Icelandic clans. It is also where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet above ground. Journey to the Secret Lagoon: smaller and more intimate than the Blue Lagoon, it’s where savvy travelers go to enjoy the Icelandic spa experience. Don’t forget your swimsuit! Enjoy a tasty lunch in the greenhouse of Fridheimar Tomato Farm. Then it’s on to the Strokkur Geysir, which erupts every 10 minutes. Stop at Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Iceland with two separate drops and the largest falls in all of Europe in terms of water volume. Move on to your beautifully situated hotel below the Hekla volcano, where you’ll enjoy a first class dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Seljalandsfoss Waterfall & Skogar Folk Museum

Begin the day at the Lava Center to learn about Iceland’s volcanoes, and how their eruptions and lava flows have shaped the country over time. Journey to the beautiful Seljalandsfoss Waterfall where the sure-footed can walk the trail that takes you behind the 60-meter falls. Visit the Skogar Folk Museum to explore Iceland’s cultural heritage and learn about the lives of Iceland’s early settlers through an array of tools, books, and handicrafts. You’ll visit the nearby stunning Skogafoss Waterfall, where on sunny days a double rainbow is often visible. Discover Reynisfjara’s black-sand beach and rock formations along with the magical legend of its history. Save your appetite for dinner at your comfortable hotel tonight. (B, D)

Day 5 – Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Skaftafell National Park

Spend the afternoon in Skaftafell National Park to view its enormous glaciers. Filled with natural wonders, Skaftafell National Park also boasts a snow-capped volcano and magnificent wilderness areas and woodlands. Enjoy lunch with a view of the surrounding countryside. Travel to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, a crystal-blue glacial lake dotted with icebergs. Marvel as you witness small icebergs flowing into the Atlantic or breaking up along the black-sand beach. Return to your hotel for dinner on your own. (B, L)

Day 6 – Reykjavik & The Blue Lagoon Spa

This morning, you’ll travel back to Reykjavik, visiting en route any itinerary sites that might have been previously missed due to weather and enjoy the balance of the afternoon in the city exploring some of the many charming sites on your own. In the evening, you’ll be whisked away to the Blue Lagoon, a large man-made lake surrounded by a lava field which is also a geothermal spa. Enjoy one of the 25 wonders of the world as you share in a farewell dinner and lagoon entry with your group. (B, D)

Day 7 – Depart for Home

Your tour ends after breakfast.  Depart for home.  (B)