Compare Glaciers, Geysers, Volcanoes & Elves: An Epic Family Voyage Around Iceland by Road Scholar vs Natural Wonders of Iceland - Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Departures

In Flight

Day 2: Arrive Reykjavik, Welcome, The Blue Lagoon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Saga Hotel

Activity note: If you wish to swim in the Blue Lagoon, please remember to pack your bathing suit in your carry-on luggage. Towels will be provided. Slippers, bathrobes and spa treatments are available at an additional cost.

Breakfast: At the Northern Light Inn, approx. 15 miles from the airport. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.

Morning: After breakfast, drive to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing bath in its mineral-rich, geothermally-heated waters. 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 features 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. Fully refreshed, coach to Reykjavik to check into your hotel.

Lunch: Enjoy a 2-course light lunch at Lava Restaurant at the Blue Lagoon.

Afternoon: At 5:00 PM, meet in the hotel lobby for the program orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Enjoy a three-course set menu welcome dinner inclusive of tea, coffee, water at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow participants, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 3: Reykjavik; The Golden Circle

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Saga Hotel

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: At a local restaurant featuring a two-course set menu.

Afternoon: Field trip through the Golden Circle continues, concluding at the program hotel in the late afternoon.

Dinner: On your own. This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4: Reykjavik, Embark Ocean Diamond

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Breakfast: In the hotel dining room.

Morning: Following breakfast, enjoy a lecture —“Iceland: Past and Present"—by a local expert before visiting the National Museum of Iceland. This charming museum traces the history of this remote island nation from the Settlement era to the modern day.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Afternoon: Enjoy a bit of free time to see and do what interests you most before joining the group to embark the MV Ocean Diamond. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities provided in your first Information Packet or ask your Group Leader for ideas.

Dinner: Aboard the ship. All meals are served in the ship's main dining room. For dinner, you will enjoy a 3-crouse meal and can choose from one of the three chef-prepared entrées. Coffee, tea and water are included in all meals about the ship.

Evening: At leisure. Evenings on board the Ocean Diamond typically include a presentation or concert by the ship's expedition team.

Day 5: Stykkisholmur, Snæfellsjökull Glacier

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Activity note: Today's excursion includes a glacier walk and is weather dependent. Please be prepared for cold temperatures (winter coat, warm hat and gloves). You will be in an open vehicle.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Take a snow cat up to 4,600 feet onto Snæfellsjökull Glacier, which lies atop a volcano. On a clear day, you will enjoy a fantastic view over Hellissandur and Breidafjördur Bay. It is through the crater of Snæfellsjökull that Jules Verne's promises a "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in his classic 1864 novel.

Lunch: Box lunch is provided by the ship.

Afternoon: Continuation of the full-day excursion to Snæfellsjökull National Park.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6: Isafjördur, Vigur Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Enjoy an expert-led field trip to Vigur. This serene little island, which boasts only five inhabitants, is a perfect location to observe an array of birds in their natural surroundings including puffins, eider ducks, arctic terns and black guillemot. While on the island, you can also visit Iceland's only extant windmill which dates from the 19th century. The boat ride to Vigur takes about 35 minutes each way.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: At leisure. Enjoy some free time in Isafjördur before the ship sails at 5:00 PM for the next port.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7: Siglufjördur, Grimsey Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Disembark in Siglufjördur where you will first visit its Herring Museum where you'll learn about the history of this industry. There is a bit of free time for independent exploration of this port town before the ship sails to Grimsey Island at lunchtime.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: The ship arrives into Grimsey by late afternoon. Just three square miles, this small island is located on the Arctic Circle, just 25 miles from the mainland. Grimsey is home to a handful of families and hundreds of birds. Explore the island to get a sense of what life is like in this remote locale.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: Enjoy live entertainment provided by your Icelandic guides.

Day 8: Akureyri, Lake Myvatn

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Activity note: Don't forget to bring bathing suit and a towel for today's excursion to Lake Myvatn. This is a full-day field trip, covering about 150 miles over the course of the day, with several stops.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: One of the most beautiful spots in northern Iceland, the Lake Myvatn area teems with fauna. This morning's field trip starts at the spectacular Godafoss Waterfall and continues to the small settlement of Skutustadagígar and to the impressive lava formations of Dimmuborgir, said to resemble a collapsed citadel. In Icelandic folklore Dimmuborgir is said to connect the earth to the infernal. Finally, we visit the Myvatn Nature Baths for a relaxing geothermal bath. Look forward to an amazing journey through an area of extreme contrasts.

Lunch: Road Scholar lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue exploring the area around Lake Myvatn.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9: Husavik, Whale Watching

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Activity note: Please wear warm clothing; the boat is not enclosed.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Husavik is considered by visitors as the Whale Watching Capital of Europe. Enjoy an exciting trip on a traditional wooden harbor boat to watch for the gentle giants. The wonders of nature are on display in the beautiful surroundings of Skjálfandi Bay, sheltered by the stunning mountains of Vík.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: Attend a talk by your Road Scholar Group Leader.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10: Seydisfjördur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Activity note: This morning's excursion involves a 45 minute moderate hike over uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Visit on of Iceland's most remote regions to explore a Viking-era archaeological site before venturing to the Skálanes Nature Reserve to learn about their research. This area is a habitat for about 50 different bird species during the summer.

Lunch: Box lunch provided by the ship.

Afternoon: Continuation of full day excursion in the East Fjords.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11: Djupivogur, Glacier Lagoon Jökulsárlon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Activity note: The journey from Djupivogur to the glacial lagoon is quite far - about 110 miles each way. Please be prepared for a long but very rewarding day!

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Today's field trip from Djupivogur takes you to the magnificent Glacier Lagoon of Jökulsárlon. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier, Breidamerkurjokull, and large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not very wide but it is up to 750 feet deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland. Breidamerkurjokull is an outlet of the Vatnajokull glacier. Sail among the huge icebergs in the picturesque scenery of Jökulsárlon with a specially equipped boat.

Lunch: Box lunch is provided by the ship.

Afternoon: Continuation of excursion, coach back to port to re-embark the ship.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 12: Vestmannaeyjar, Heimaey Island by Zodiac

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MV Ocean Diamond

Activity note: Zodiac excursions are dependent on favorable weather conditions.

Breakfast: Aboard the ship.

Morning: Enjoy a panoramic coach exploration around Heimaey Island. See the effects of the volcanic eruption of 1973: half-buried houses and the volcanic crater. It’s a unique and fascinating landscape with diverse birdlife. The excursion ends at the volcanic center. This unique museum tells the story of the Heimaey volcanic eruption in 1973, the Surtsey Island in 1963 and the geology of the Vestmannaeyjar Islands.

Lunch: Aboard the ship.

Afternoon: For a different perspective, travel by Zodiac around Heimaey Island. Be on the look out for caves, birdlife and hopefully whales.

Dinner: Aboard the ship.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare belongings for tomorrow's disembarkation and departure.

Day 13: Reykjavik, Program Concludes

Meals: Breakfast

In Flight  B

Aboard the ship.

Morning: Ocean Diamond is scheduled to arrive in Reykjavik at 8:00 AM. Upon disembarkation, enjoy a panoramic coach excursion of Reykjavik. See historic Höfði House - sight of the 1986 meeting between Reagan and Gorbachev that precipitated the end of the Cold War. Visit the Perlan, one of Reykjavik's most recognized landmarks, and also the city's hot water storage facility that has a deck providing a 360° vista of Iceland's capital city. Coach by Lake Tjornin, a small lake in downtown Reykjavik and teeming with birdlife, as well as the Parliament House and City Hall, worth a visit for its large topographic map of Iceland. Enjoy some additional free time in Reykjavik. Make sure to pop into the stunning Harpa Music Hall. This concludes our program.

Lunch: Free time for lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Transfer to the Keflavík International Airport (KEF) 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. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík

Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line. Join your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:15 for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.

Fosshotel Reykjavík.

Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík

Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Later, travel on to the ancient bishopric of Skalholt and see the historic church, set in a remote location amid magnificent natural scenery. Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfosswaterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls ofSeljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.

Hótel Kría, Vik.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn

Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.Dine at your hotel's restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.

Hótel Höfn.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir Relaxed Start

Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Friar Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir.

Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri

Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular coloured deposits. This afternoon is a taste of the local rúgbrauð, a sweet and dense rye bread which is buried underground and baked by the heat from nearby hot springs.After an introduction how they use the Dimmuborgir lava fields for the cooking process enjoy a sample of the delicious bread served with butter. Continue to Akureyri where you have the evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching experience? (available during whale season)

Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.

Breakfast

Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes Relaxed Start

Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls and green coastal regions. Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.

Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park

Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.

Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavík

Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, discover Reykjavik's top sights on a walking tour with your Local Expert and stop along the way to sample local specialties.This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.

Fosshotel Reykjavík.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík

Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.

Breakfast