Compare The Best of Iceland: A Country of Beautiful Contrasts by Road Scholar vs Iceland Discovery by Intrepid Travel
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 12 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,599 | $ 3,296 |
| Price Per Day | $ 383 | $ 412 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches and 8 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Named by a Scandinavian explorer inspired by the beauty of icebergs bobbing through a fjord, Iceland is in fact not very icy at all, boasting abundant vegetation, a veritable menagerie of wildlife and stunning geological features. Journey through Iceland’s north, south and west with native experts who introduce you to their country’s history, music, food and traditions. Learn about the Sagas of Icelanders and explore a dramatic landscape, from the coast to the Blue Lagoon. |
Travel to Iceland and delve into the ancient tales of Vikings and volcanoes on this eight-day adventure to its heartlands. Marvel at geothermal hot springs, witness the steamy eruptions of a giant geyser, touch the tongue of Europe's biggest glacier at Vatnajokull and cruise the Jokulsarlong Glacial Lagoon, see lava that's still warm after decades and witness the giant Skogafoss and Detifoss waterfalls in all their splendour. Travel through Iceland's isolated corners and the land of the famous Blue Lagoon – so mysterious and ethereal that they have inspired artists, poets and musicians for centuries. Plus, with a local leader on hand to answer any questions and get you from place to place, you’ll be cruising around this icy isle in no time. |
Day 1: In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day 2: Reykjanes Peninsula, Blue Lagoon, Grindavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Northern Light Inn
Activity note: Check-in available from 2:00 PM.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room. 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 we take a drive along the coastline of the Reykjanes Peninsula, driving past the old Reykjanes lighthouse. Afterward we will check-in at the hotel.
Lunch: Hotel dining room. Lunches on this program are typically a two course set menu.
Afternoon: Welcome introduction. Your 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. Indicated times are approximate. 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. Enjoy a swim in the Blue Lagoon, said to have demonstrable healing powers, especially against skin diseases and arthritis. Make sure to bring your bathing suit!
Dinner: Hotel dining room. Dinners on this program are typically a three course set menu. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 3: Grindavik, Hvanneyri, Borgarnes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Borgarnes
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Depart for an expert-led visit to Grindavik's fish processing factory, and learn about the Icelandic fishing industry during a lecture.
Lunch: At a country restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Hvanneyri, an Agricultural Science Center for an expert-led lecture and introduction to Icelandic agriculture. Arrival and check-in at hotel.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 4: Reykholt, Borgarfjördur Region, Borgarnes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Borgarnes
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Departure for Reykholt, homestead of the famous Saga writer, Snorri Sturluson. In Reykholt, attend a lecture: "Snorri Sturluson, Middle Ages & Struggle for Independence."
Lunch: En route.
Afternoon: After lunch we take an excursion through the Borgarfjördur region. Stops include Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most prolific hot spring; Hraunfossar, rare and beautiful waterfalls; and Borg, the homestead of Viking/poet Egill Skallagrímsson in the 10th century.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: Evening entertainment at hotel with folk music and dancing.
Day 5: Stykkisholmur, Boat Ride and Scallop Fishing, Borgarnes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Borgarnes
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Depart for Stykkisholmur, a fishing village on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Take a two-hour boat ride among the islands of Breidafjördur with some scallop fishing and tasting.
Lunch: In Stykkisholmur.
Afternoon: Visit farmer Hildibrandur’s shark museum to learn about shark processing. You will also get to taste this special Icelandic delicacy. Then take a peek into Hildibrandur's tiny church at Bjarnarhöfn.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 6: Textile Exhibition, Icelandic Horse, Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel KEA
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Depart for Akureyri, North Iceland. En route we visit a horse farm, where we will become acquainted with the Icelandic horse. Enjoy an informative talk from the farmer about life at the farm, and meet the remarkable breed during a "horse show."
Lunch: At a country restaurant.
Afternoon: We stop at the textile exhibition at Blönduós, to see its beautiful collection of wool, national costumes, and tools of the trade including loom and spin wheels. Then enjoy an expert-led visit of the Glaumbær Folk Museum, located on an old turf farm that was inhabited until 1947. The farmhouse is a great example of the typical building method used in Iceland for centuries, and the exhibition focuses on rural life in Iceland in the 18th and 19th centuries. Arrival at the hotel.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 7: Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel KEA
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "Geology of Iceland."
Lunch: Hotel dining room.
Afternoon: Lecture: "Flora and Birds." Then take a sightseeing excursion through Akureyri by bus and on foot. Walk through the Botanical Garden, Akureyri's church, and the Hof Cultural Center, before enjoying some free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: Departure for evening entertainment. More details will be provided in the final Information Packet.
Day 8: Whale Museum, Whale Watching Excursion or Local Museum, Akureyri
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel KEA
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Departure for Husavik. Excursion to the Whale Museum, where we have a short lecture on the whales and other marine life in the waters surrounding Iceland.
Lunch: At Restaurant Salka.
Afternoon: If weather permits, embark on a Whale Watching Excursion! If the weather does not permit, enjoy a visit to the excellent local museum that houses a folk museum, a maritime museum and a natural history museum.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 9: Lake Myvatn, Fly to Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Activity note: Please note that today's internal flight is an Air Iceland flight, and is approx. 45 minutes long. The luggage limit is 44 pounds, and the hand luggage limit is 13 pounds. Please see Internal Flight Luggage Note for further luggage information.
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Depart for a full day of exploration at Lake Myvatn, one of the richest nesting grounds for wet birds in the world. Pseudocraters, solfataras, craters and volcanoes make a fascinating geological study.
Lunch: At Sel Hotel Mývatn en route.
Afternoon: Fly from Akureyri to Reykjavík. Check-in at hotel and settle in.
Dinner: Hotel dining room.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 10: Hellisheidi, Þingvellir, Gullfoss, Geysir, Skálholt, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: A full day excursion. We will visit the geothermal power plant at Hellisheidi, admire Þingvellir (the former site of parliament), marvel at the majesty of Gullfoss (the golden waterfall), appreciate Geysir (the geyser from which all others take their name), and explore Skálholt (the ancient bishopric).
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue full day excursion.
Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 11: Arbær Open Air Museum, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Centrum
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Lecture: "Contemporary Iceland." Then take an expert-led excursion of Reykjavik. Visit the Arbær open air museum, an incredible representation of how life used to be in Reykjavik, and then enjoy a view of the city from the viewing deck of Perlan. During a bus excursion, see the Hofdi House, Lake Tjornin, City Hall, and the old Parliament.
Lunch: In downtown Reykjavík.
Afternoon: Afternoon at leisure. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities, which can be found in the first Information Packet. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Dinner: Farewell Dinner at a downtown restaurant followed by evening entertainment. More details about the evening entertainment will be provided in the final Information Packet.
Evening: At leisure.
Day 12: Departures, Reykjavik
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.
Morning: Morning at leisure.
Lunch: Hotel dining room.
Afternoon: Transfer to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) for departures. This concludes our program.
Day 1 Reykjavik
Hallo! Welcome to Reykjavik, which lies just below the Arctic Circle. The city sees around four hours of sunlight a day in winter and 22 hours or more in summer. Surrounded by volcanic peaks and crystalline ocean and boasting a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, Reykjavik's contrasts are utterly beguiling. Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your accommodation. If you arrive early, why not head to the National Museum, which depicts the history of Iceland from the ninth century – when the first Vikings from mainland Scandinavia arrived and settled – to the present day. Or perhaps join locals who gossip and chatter in the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.
Day 2 Golden Circle / Hvolsvollur Valley
Make an early start to beat the crowds on the Golden Circle route. Head to Thingvellir National Park, home to the Parliament Plains and location of Iceland’s first parliament. Thingvellir also contains the Silfra fissure, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. The resulting gap is partly filled with fresh water and is clearly visible. From here head to the Geysir geothermal area, checking out Strokkur and watching as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 20-30 metres in the air. Be spellbound by the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss (Golden) double waterfall on the Hvita River, before proceeding to a remote farm in the Hvolsvollur region, our overnight stop for the night.
Day 3 South Coast / Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Begin the day with a visit to breathtaking Seljalandsfoss waterfall, followed by Skogafoss waterfall. At 25-metres wide with a 60-metre drop, this waterfall roars. You can feel its power up close with a strenuous walk up a windy set of stairs up to a stunning viewpoint. The black sands and bizarre, rectangular rock formations of Reynisfjara are up next. The last stop of the day is the famous Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Make sure you head down to Diamond Beach, where some of the icebergs are washed onto the black sand. Your leader can help you book an optional walk on the mottled blue, grey and black face of one of the tongues of Europe's largest glaciers, the epic ice cap of Vatnajokull. From Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon it is not far to our overnight stay, located on another lagoon that is sheltered by a black sandbar.
Day 4 East Fjords / Modrudalur Valley
Start the day by returning to the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Cruise between jagged icebergs in an included boat tour. Then take a scenic drive along the rugged coast of the East Fjords. Enjoy spectacular views of high mountains, deep fjords, spectacular waterfalls, glaciers and quaint fishing villages. Make stops along the way at small but notable towns like Djupivogur, which became a member of the cittaslow movement in 2013 and is aiming to be the Happiest Town in Iceland, and drop by Egilsstadir, home to the mythic Lagarfljot Wyrm. Continue along mountain roads into the highland to the farm village of Modrudalur. At 469 metres (1539 feet) above sea level, Modrudalur is the highest inhabited place in Iceland, and snow can be seen almost year-round. Stretch your legs with a walk to the farm's church, built in 1949 by farmer Jon Adalsteinn Stefansson in memory of his wife. Spend the evening on this unique farm, which is small but rich in history.
Day 5 Lake Myvatn / Akureyri
Set off for magnificent Dettifoss, Europe's mightiest waterfall at 100-metres wide and with a 45-metre drop into the craggy shores of Jokulsargljufur canyon below. It’s so powerful that it’s vibrations can be felt underfoot. Continue to volcanic Lake Myvatn. Next is Namaskard, where steam rises from the sulphuric terrain and it’s hard to believe you’re on Earth and not Mars. Take a walk around the lava stacks and caves of Dimmuborgir and then observe the massive pseudo craters of Skutustadir. Continue to the crescent shaped Godafoss waterfall, where legend says a lawmaker priest threw the idols of the Norse gods when Christianity became Iceland’s official religion in AD1000. Travel on to Akureyri and settle into your accommodation for the evening.
Day 6 Akureyri / Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Situated at the head of Iceland's longest fjord, Akureyri is the nation's second-largest city. Embark on a short walking tour of the town, taking in the striking church and other local sights. Later, continue to Snaefellsnes Peninsula, home to the magnificent Snaefellsjokull Glacier, which played a starring role in Jules Verne's 1864 novel Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Next up is Lysuholslaug, where you can bathe in thermal pools (depending on the season) or check out the Icelandic horses grazing in the fields. Look forward to an included home-cooked dinner this evening.
Day 7 Snaefellsnes Peninsula / Reykjavik
Continue exploring the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning with the white beach at Budir, then go on to Arnarstapi, where a short stroll along the coastal cliffs exposes you to rich bird life and other wonders of nature. Continue on to the basaltic pebble beach Djupalonssandur. In the afternoon head back to Reykjavik to complete your circuit of Iceland. You may wish to book an optional whale watching tour for late afternoon if you are here between May and December. The rest of the evening is yours for the taking. Perhaps head out for dinner with your fellow travellers and toast with a glass of Brennivin, a savoury schnapps.
Day 8 Reykjavik
Today is departure day and time to say sjaumst (see you soon)! Check out time is at midday. If you are departing later, you can arrange with reception to store your luggage at the hotel. If you wish to spend more time in Reykjavik, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Please speak to your booking agent at the time of booking. Perhaps browse some of the city's great art galleries. If you feel like something more active, book yourself on a Silfra Fissure snorkelling adventure, where you’ll discover this underwater ridge with water visibility of up to 120 metres. Alternatively, while away the hours with a soak in the geothermal waters of the famous Blue Lagoon.
