Compare A Real-Life Fantasy World: Iceland With Your Grandchild, By Sea and On Foot by Road Scholar vs Iceland: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 9 days |
| Price From | Check price | $ 3,675 |
| Price Per Day | Check price | $ 408 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches and 10 Dinners |
Breakfast is included on Day 6. We do our best to ensure you are being offered healthy and tasty local cuisine. |
| Description |
This trip has been discontinued. Instead see
Pack your hiking boots and your sense of adventure for this two-generation voyage around a real-life world of ice and fire. Circumnavigate Iceland and go ashore for expert-led walking excursions to glaciers, around massive volcanic craters and through magnificent mountain valleys. Learn the stories of the Sagas of Icelanders and see the aftermath of a volcanic eruption. After your invigorating walks, relax and learn onboard the ship as you navigate beautiful coastlines and bays. |
You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all ""FIRST CLASS,"" yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price and substance. Below are just some examples of what you will see and do on this tour:
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Day 1: Flights depart the U.S.
Depart From: Flights depart North America.
Day 2: Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland / Program Orientatio...
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura
Arrive To: Flights arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland. Transfer from the airport to the hotel. Check-in for 2 nights.
Afternoon: Meet with your group at 5 PM for introductions, a review of the program itinerary, and site orientation.
Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Reykjavik / The Golden Circle
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura
Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
Morning: This morning you will depart on a full day journey from Reykjavik on this popular route which covers over 185 miles from Reykjavik to central Iceland and back. Stop at Thingvellir National Park, home of Iceland's first parliament, Gullfoss (Golden Waterfall), and the spouting spring area of Geysir, after whom all geysers are named.
Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Field trip through the Golden Circle continues, concluding at the program hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner: On your own. Ask your Group Leader for suggestions!
Day 4: Reykjavik / The Blue Lagoon / Embark Ocean Diamon...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Note: If you wish to swim in the Blue Lagoon, please remember to bring your bathing suit. Towels will be provided. Slippers, bathrobes and spa treatments are available at an additional cost.
Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel dining room.
Morning: The Blue Lagoon, located just 40 minutes outside of Reykjavik, was accidentally formed in 1976 during operation at a nearby geothermal power plant. In the years that followed, people began to bathe in the unique water and apply the silica mud to their skin. Those with psoriasis noticed an incredible improvement in their condition. Today the Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's most popular tourist destinations, and also operates a research and development facility searching for cures for other skin ailments using the mineral-rich water. At the Blue Lagoon, you will learn the history of the
volcanic eruption that formed the surrounding landscape 800 years ago, and how the Blue Lagoon itself came to be. Enjoy some free time to bathe in the lagoon.
Lunch: Enjoy a 2-course light lunch at Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon.
Afternoon: After lunch, you will travel back to Reykjavik to embark the MV Ocean Diamond for 9 nights.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 5: Stykkisholmur / Hiking in Berserkjahraun / Zodiac...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Close to Stykkisholmur on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula are the rugged 4,000 year old lava fields of Berserkjahraun. It is named after two Berserkers – Norse warriors – who forged a road across the enormous lava field according to the Saga of Eyrbyggja. Enjoy a hike through this remarkable landscape during this Road Scholar exclusive field trip. Along the way you will spot ruins from early settlements, craters from which the lava flowed, and birdlife – all of which will bring to life the Sagas.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Experience the beauty and wonder of Breidafjördur Bay up close from the ship's own Zodiacs. The bay is known for its colorful birdlife, unique basalt rock formations and stunning scenery. During this excursion you will have the opportunity to observe and photograph puffins, eider ducks, shags, kittiwakes, fulmars and the majestic white-tailed eagle from close proximity.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 6: Isafjördur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Depart by coach for the small village of Hnifsdalur to hike the nearby valley up to the Pjofatindar Peaks on this Road Scholar exclusive field trip. It is an easy climb up to a mountain pass that offers a spectacular view of Isafjördur. After some refreshments, descend down to the Seljalandsalur Valley, passing small mountain lakes and patches of almost fluorescent green moss. Walk along the main road back to Isafjördur.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Join your Group Leader for an onboard presentation.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 7: Siglufjördur / Hedinsfjordur / Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: The next fjord east of Siglufjördur is Hedinsfjördur. Inhabited until 1951, this deserted fjord is named after its first settler, Hedinn Karlsson. His brother Olaf settled in the next fjord of Olafsfjördur. Step back in time and learn the stories of the early inhabitants as you hike from one ruin to another along a small lake which lies in the middle of the valley.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: The ship is scheduled to arrive in Akureyri this evening at 6:00 PM and will remain in port overnight.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 8: Akureyri / Hike in the Lake Myvatn Area
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Note: Cave exploration equipment, including a helmet, headlights and rubber boots, will be included. This field trip is not suitable for people who suffer from claustrophia or have limited mobility. There is ice and water on the floor of the cave and it will be cold -- please wear warm and waterproof clothing.
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Depart from port by coach to Dimmuborgir, a large area of unusually shaped lava fields. The area is composed of various volcanic caves and rock formations, reminiscent of an ancient collapsed citadel. Hike to the large crater of Hverfell which measures about 450 feet deep and is over 3,000 feet in diameter. Formed over 2,000 years ago, it is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Hike through the lava fields to the Lofthellir Lava Cave to spend an hour exploring this remarkable natural phenomena. Enjoy a short visit in Reykjahlid where you will meet back up with the coach and bus back to Akureyri.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: At leisure
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 9: Flatey Island / Whale Watching by Zodiac
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Today, the ship’s Zodiacs will take you into Skjalfandi Bay – the whale watching capital of Iceland – to enjoy the stunning views on the snowcapped Vik Mountains while looking for wildlife. In this sheltered bay you can find up to 15 different species of whales as well as dolphins and many different kind of birds.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Join your Group Leader for an onboard presentation.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 10: Seydisfjördur / Borgarfjördur Hiking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Today's hike takes you through majestic landscapes while keeping a lookout for wildlife. The field trip is focused on reindeer watching, geology and flora in the wonderful Borgarfjördur region.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: At leisure
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 11: Höfn / Glacier Lagoon and Glacier Hike
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: En route to Skaftafell National Park, stop at the magnificent Glacier Lagoon of Jökulsarlon and float past ethereal icebergs. Arriving at Skaftafell enjoy a glacier hike and a short walk to Svartifoss waterfall, surrounded by dark lava columns which give rise to its name “Black Falls.“
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: At leisure
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 12: Vestmannaeyjar (Westman Islands) / Heimaey Island...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: From the harbor, walk up through brand new lava fields all the way to the volcano Eldfjall, which erupted in 1973. On this walking exploration, walk past the part of the town that was covered with lava - almost 400 homes were buried in lava and ash. From the crater of Eldfjall, continue up to Storhofdi to see the largest puffin colony in the world. Storhofdi is one of the windiest places in Iceland, but the view is worth it. Hike back to the ship through the town of Vestmannaeyjar.
Lunch: Lunch on board.
Afternoon: Travel by Zodiac around Heimaey Island for a different perspective of this stunning locale. Your expert guide will point out caves, birdlife and hopefully whales.
Dinner: Dinner on board.
Day 13: Reykjavik / Departures
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast: Breakfast on board.
Morning: Ocean Diamond is scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik at 8:00 AM. Wrap up your immersion into Iceland with a stop at the National Museum of Iceland.
Lunch: Free time for lunch on your own.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for late afternoon flights returning to North America. Group flights are currently scheduled to depart at 5:00 PM. If you are arranging your own flights, we recommend coordinating your flights so they coincide with the group departure.
Day 1: Whale Watching & Colorful Skies
From mid-May to mid-October, our tour starts in Iceland's second most visited city, Akureyri. Get ready to go on a whale watching tour. From late October to early May, whale watching is done instead in the capital that is Reykjavík. From September to early March, also included is a night tour to an area where we see the northern lights.
Day 2: A Lake Created by Lava & Geothermal Eruptions
As a land daytrip from Akureyri (mid-May to mid-October) or a flight daytrip from Reykjavík (late October to early May), we are taken on a tour to Goðafoss Waterfall, Lake Mývatn, a geothermal area called Hverir and Dettifoss Waterfall. Goðafoss waterfall has a height of 12 meters over a width of 30 meters. Lake Mývatn was created by a large basaltic lava which erupted 2,300 years ago. The surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms, including lava pillars. Dettifoss is reputed to be the second most powerful waterfall in Europe.
Day 3: Approaching a Caldera & Bathing in a Crater or Iceland’s Best Bar Lagoon Accompanied with a City Tour
Today’s destinations and activities depend on the season. From mid-May to mid-October, as a daytrip from Akureyri, we first hike Askja Caldera and then visit a crater called Viti, the latter of which offers a pond where we go bathing. From late October to early May, we go bathing at a ‘fashionable’ geothermal spa called Sky Lagoon, located near to the capital. We are also provided with a tour of the capital.
Day 4: Why They Call This Area the ‘Golden Circle’
From mid-May to mid-October, we relocate from Akureyri to Reykjavík. From late October to early May, we are not based in Akureyri. Instead, we are still based in Reykjavík. Either way, today we are doing the so-called ‘Golden Circle’ as a daytrip from Reykjavík. Destinations include Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir/Strokkur geyser and Þingvellir National Park (a.k.a. Thingvellir National Park). Gullfoss is 32 meters tall and features not 1 but 2 drops. Geysir’s eruptions can hurl boiling water up to 70 meters in the air. Þingvellir is notable for its unusual tectonic and volcanic environment in a rift valley.
Day 5: One of the Ten Most Beautiful Beaches on Earth & Thundering Waterfalls
We leave Reykjavík and start the journey along the southeast coast. Highlights for today include Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Skógafoss Waterfall and the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. We end up lodging in the Skaftafell area. The Seljalandsfoss Waterfall drops 60 meters. Visitors can walk behind the falls into a fascinating cave. Skógafoss is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country, with a width of 25 meters and a drop of 60 meters. Reynisfjara was ranked by National Geographic as one of the ten most beautiful non-tropical beaches on Earth.
Day 6: Huge Icebergs, Exploring an Ice Cave & a Surreal Shoreline
Although today we head to Thorsmork Valley, many destinations are visited en route. They include Skaftafell Nature Reserve, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lake, the natural ice cave at Vatnajökull National Park and Diamond Beach. Skaftafell’s landscape is similar to some of the Alps. The difference is Skaftafell has been formed over thousands of years by different influences of fire and water. Jökulsárlón Lake provides outstanding views of icebergs which rise to a height of 910 meters. Jökulsárlón has been a setting for four Hollywood movies: (1) A View to a Kill, (2) Die Another Day, (3) Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and (4) Batman Begins. Vatnajökull’s ice cave contains canals for water which run through or at the bottom of the glacier. Diamond Beach features icebergs which float onto the shore from Jökulsárlón.
*Note that the surreal looking Svartifoss Waterfall is sometimes-but not always-included on today’s tour. It depends on many factors, including the weather. Also, note that the ice cave is not open June through September. It is open only during the winter season.
Day 7: A Hiker's Paradise
Before returning to Reykjavík, we hike around Thorsmork Valley. The highlights are Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, Stakkholtsgjá Canyon, Nauthúsagil Canyon and Gígjökull Glacier. This is arguably the best area in the country from where to go hiking.
Day 8: Mud Pools, Hot Springs & Blue Waters
From Reykjavík, we make a daytrip to the Reykjanes Peninsula: Lake Kleifarvatn, a geothermal area called Krýsuvík, Gunnuhver’s mud pools and hot springs and the Blue Lagoon. Krýsuvík consists of several geothermal fields. Here solfataras, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs have formed. The soil is colored bright yellow, red and green. Nearby are several craters which were created by the explosions of overheated groundwater. The Blue Lagoon, one of the most visited attractions in Iceland, is a geothermal spa. There we enjoy bathing inside the warm water.
Day 9: Our Tour Ends Today
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Reykjavík.
