Iceland Adventure

Welcome to Reykjavik!

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Incredible Iceland

Start the day with an orientation drive around the capital city of Reykjavik, then continue to Hellishiðarvirkjun to visit the geothermal heat and electric power station. Reach the hot springs of Geysir and taste local specialties, including freshly baked bread and a glass of Geysir Schnapps. Stop to take photos at Iceland's most famous falls, Gullfoss Waterfall, before arriving at Thingvellir. Here, a unique experience awaits with a walk through the Rift Valley's landscape formed by shifting tectonic plates and stand on two continents at the same time! Later, arrive in Borgarnes. (B/D) 196 mi / 315 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - NATURAL WONDERS: Iceland is the only place in the world where separation between the North American and European geological rift (tectonic plates) are above sea level, and nowhere in the world are the edges of both plates as clearly visible than the Rift Valley in Thingvellir National Park.

Giant Love

Take in the splendid scenery as you drive north to Hauganes and embark on a whale-watching cruise. Embark on the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of these majestic mammals in their natural habitat. Continue to the charming town of Akureyri, considered to be the “Capital of Northern Iceland.” (B) 224 mi / 360k m.

LOCAL FAVORITE - WILD & WONDERFUL: Take a whale-watching cruise from Hauganes for the chance to spot humpback and minke whales and dolphins surfacing on the glassy waters of Eyjafjordur bay. An epic experience!

Heavenly Sights

This morning, join an orientation walk in Akureyri, including the botanical gardens. Depart Akureyri for fantastic photo opportunities en route to Godafoss for a stop to see the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Mývatn, formed by a volcanic eruption that left its imprint with various volcanic landforms. Stop to enjoy free time to admire the incredible panorama. Later, arrive at Dettifoss and take photos of the most powerful waterfall in Europe (road conditions permitting) before continuing to Egilsstadir. (B/D) 224 mi / 360 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - PICTURE PERFECT: Take the photographs of a lifetime with a stop at North Iceland's historic and magnificent Goðafoss waterfall, stretching 90 feet across dramatic rock formations to deliver its spectacular cascades along the glacial-fed Skjálfandafljót River.

Warm Friends on an Icelandic Fjord

Depart Egilsstadir for a scenic drive to Höfn, a charming fishing town in the southeast which is thought to have been settled by Irish monks. Enjoy free time to explore the town. (B/D) 162 mi / 260 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CULTURE & TRADITION: Hear about the Lagarfljótwurm, a snake-like animal that is supposed to guard a pot of gold located by Lake Lögurinn and take in the natural beauty of this fjord town where sheep farming, fishing, and music festivals are all part of the culture.

Icy Beauty

This morning, stop at Lake Jökulsárlón and snap photos to capture the beauty of the glacier Vatnajökull, the largest in Europe. Admire the stunning scenery as you drive through Skaftafell national park en-route to the Vik area. (B/D) 174 mi / 280 km.

LOCAL FAVORITE - PICTURE PERFECT: Drive through the national park at Skaftafell and stop at the stunning Lake Jökulsárlón, Iceland's largest lake. Here, Icebergs break away from the vast Vatnajökull Glacier (the Water Glacier) and drift gracefully toward the Atlantic. Snap photos to capture the astonishing majesty of Iceland's largest ice cap.

Earthly Powers

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the mighty Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Later, stop to take photos of the Seljalandsfoss waterfall before continuing to Reykjavik. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D) 118 mi / 190 km.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT - NATURAL WONDERS: Eyjafjallajökull is one of Iceland's few stratovolcanoes (with an ice cap covering the caldera). When the volcano erupted in 2010, the glacier topping also broke, and the plume of ash rose over five miles into the sky – interrupting European air travel for almost a month!

Safe travels until we meet again!

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)