Iceland is a place you have to see to believe. Wild beauty, glaciers, hot springs, volcanoes, and much more await you. In a place where the sun sets after 10pm and dusk lingers for hours, we will have long days to enjoy the sights and activities of Iceland. This is an active sightseeing trip, with activities such as easy hiking, glacier walk, kayaking, horseback riding, and more. Each day of the trip we have an active element to our day of sightseeing, giving you the opportunity to try different things....none of which require any experience. On our final full day in Iceland we visit the famous Blue Lagoon Spa for a soak in the soothing mineral waters, oh yea!
This trip is guaranteed to depart...Come join us!
Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Saturday, June 23: Arrive Iceland and transfer to Reykjavik (B)
Welcome greet at Keflavík airport. You will arrive early morning at the International Airport in Iceland. A 40 minute transfer from the airport will place you in the most northern capital city in the world. Early check-in at Reykjavik Natura Hotel and breakfast upon arrival. Rest until noon. Sightseeing tour of Reykjavik in the afternoon for approximately 2 hours. Enjoy dinner at one of the many choices in town. There is shuttle service from the hotel to Reykjavik City Center or an easy 15 - 20 min. walk to the city center.
Sunday, June 24: Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore - Waterfalls - Folk Museum - Puffin Colony (B,D)
From Reykjavík we travel through the town of Hveragerði and the surrounding fertile farmlands, noting the numerous glacial rivers on route to Skógar and Skógafoss waterfall. Continue to Dyrhólaey, a nature reserve where thousands of puffins nest during the summer. Discover the former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent at Kirkjubæjarklaustur.
Your Adventure: Kayaking in Stokkseyri
Kayaking in serene waters with breathtaking views is a peaceful way to spend the day. Your expert guide begins by teaching kayaking techniques and how the kayaks are stable and easy to use. Paddle along the coast and enjoy the magnificent views, before landing ashore and relaxing in the quiet Icelandic countryside.
Monday, June 25: Europe’s Largest National Park - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe’s Largest Glacier (B,D)
Travel from Kirkjubæjarklaustur towards Skaftafell National Park, one of Iceland’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty. The area is dominated by spectacular views of the mighty Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Continue to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon where huge icebergs float and grind together in the still, deep waters of the lagoon.
Your Adventure: Glacier Walk
Svínafellsjökull glacier is a breathtaking outlet glacier of Vatnajökull Glacier and with stunning views and scenery. The glacier is an ideal playground for hiking and climbing with ice walls of various shapes and heights. An experienced guide teaches us how to use basic glacier equipment before we meander through a wonderland of ice sculptures, ridges and glacial crevasses. This glacier walk is suitable for all experience levels.
Tuesday, June 26: Multicolored Mountains of the Interior - Lava Fields - Hekla Volcano - Hot Springs with Bathing (B,D)
Start the day with a visit to the grand Fjarðarárgljúfur gorge. Travel along the Fjallabaksleið highland interior track to Landmannalaugar, a magnificent area surrounded by colorful rhyolite mountains, with the option of bathing in a natural warm pool, a great way to rejuvenate the skin and spirit (do not forget to bring swimsuit). Spot the towering Hekla, the legendary Icelandic volcano, after exploring Þjórsárdalur Valley.
Note: If the route to Landmannalaugar is closed due to road conditions (spring or early summer) the tour goes through lava fields and outwash sands formed by floods from the glacial volcano Katla to Vík, passing two beautiful waterfalls, and on to Þórsmörk valley which lies in the shadow of the now famous Eyjafjallajökull volcano.
Your Adventure: Hot Spring Hike
We enjoy a colorful hike in the geothermal area of Landmannalaugar, where nature has painted the rhyolite mountains in yellows, greens and reds. Visitors may also opt to bathe in the natural hot rivers that run through the area.
Wednesday, June 27: The Famous Golden Falls - Exploding Geysers - National Park with Geological Wonders (B)
Depart for Geysir hot spring area to see the famous great Geysir and Strokkur, a hot spring that spouts every few minutes. Onwards to Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Your next stop is Þingvellir National Park, where the ancient parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake, before heading back to Reykjavik where we will check into our hotel and the rest of the evening is free.
Your Adventure: ATV
There’s no better way to get the adrenaline going than by crossing rugged landscapes on an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). Kjoastaðir is located near Gullfoss and Geysir hot spring area in Haukadalur where we drive on rough tracks and cross beautiful rivers. ATVing is not only a fun activity that everyone can enjoy but also a unique opportunity to enjoy the purity of exceptional surroundings.
Thursday, June 28: Horseback riding and The Blue Lagoon. Farewell Dinner (B,D)
Today we will begin the day by the Icelandic horse; a trek on the hardy, sure-footed Icelandic horse is an experience to remember. Whether you are a beginner or expert, old or young, these friendly horses, with their alert and willing nature are indeed a pleasure to ride in their natural surroundings. At the farm you will get all basic gear, such as helmets, boots and rain clothes. We gather information about how much you have been riding and choose the proper horse to match your experience. In the afternoon we enjoy a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon which is a unique wonder of nature with pleasantly warm mineral-rich geothermal water in a middle of a black lava field. The high natural levels of silica and minerals give the Lagoon its rich blue color. A visit to the Blue Lagoon is both invigorating and exciting whether bathing in the unique surroundings or indulging in spa therapy treatment in the luxurious and modern facilities. After a wonderful day we return to our hotel and relax a bit before going out to dinner at a local restaurant and our farewell dinner.
Friday, June 29: Return Home
Depart at your convenience. The WTT tour leader will coordinate transfers based on your return flight time.