Compare Iceland - Land of Fire and Ice 2021 by Rockjumper Birding vs Iceland's Golden Circle in Depth by Intrepid Travel
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 7 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 2,590 | $ 2,384 |
| Price Per Day | $ 370 | $ 477 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
2021 Prices are an estimate, dates are not confirmed and may change. Lying far out into the North Atlantic Ocean, the volcanic island of Iceland is the land between two continents; a land of fire and ice with its Viking heritage. While Iceland doesn’t have a long list of breeding birds, those that do occur are in many cases abundant, with globally important populations of waders, wildfowl and seabirds. In fact, its towering cliffs are among the largest seabird colonies on the planet, with five species of breeding auk, including Thick-billed Murre (Brünnich’s Guillemot), while the numerous lakes and wetlands are teeming with an array of divers, ducks and waders, such as Harlequin Duck, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Red‐necked Phalarope and Purple Sandpiper. Top of many people’s wish list is the world’s mightiest falcon, Gyr Falcon, and Iceland has a healthy population of this supreme predator. As a backdrop to all this there is also the country itself, with its volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, spouting geysers, mud pools, dramatic coasts and black sand beaches making for spectacular and other-worldly scenery at every turn! |
Experience the highlights of Iceland’s Golden Circle on a five-day loop from Reykjavik. When we say you’ll see the hotspots, we mean it – whether you’re soaking in the steamy geothermal waters of the Secret Lagoon or marvelling at the eruptions of the Strokkur Geysir. But this is the land of not only fire, but ice too – and where better to experience the latter than Solheimajokull Glacier, and the south coast's series of pristine waterfalls? |
Day 1 Reykjavik
Welcome to Iceland! Your adventure begins in Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital and an eclectic place full of charm. At 6 pm you’ll meet your local leader and travel companions at an important welcome meeting at your hotel. If you arrive in Reykjavik with time to spare, why not hit the streets and explore the city's quirky boutiques and cosy cafes. After your welcome meeting, you may like to head into town with the group and get to know each other over dinner.
Day 2 Reykjanes Peninsula - Hveragerdi
Wake up and take a moment to breathe in the fresh Icelandic air before heading out towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Stop at family-run workshop where they use native Icelandic ingredients to make herbal teas, jams and salts. Tour their production area and learn more about their sustainability initiatives while sipping on a cup of their delicious tea. Next up you’ll see the Bridge between Continents, a footbridge that spans a fissure between the North American and Eurasian continental plates, and visit the eerie mud pools and steam vents of Gunnuhver, named for the angry ghost that is believed to have been trapped in the hot springs 400 years ago. A steaming bowl of lobster soup awaits you in the fishing village of Grindavik for lunch (vegetarian alternatives available), before you continue to Strandarkirkja, a Lutheran church that has been a landmark for seafaring travellers since the 12th century. After a busy day you’ll head for Hveragerdi, our base for the next three nights.
Day 3 Hveragerdi / Golden Circle
Today is all about exploring Iceland’s famous Golden Circle. Head to the geyser geothermal area to check out Strokkur and watch as the geyser swells with blue water before erupting and shooting some 20-30 metres in the air. Marvel at the immense beauty and sheer power of the Gullfoss double waterfall on the Hvita River. After witnessing these natural wonders, it’s time to reap the benefits of Iceland’s geothermal activity for yourself, with a soak in the warm waters of the Secret Lagoon. Fed by various hot springs in the surrounding area, this spot is the oldest pool in Iceland – though it’s had a facelift since first opening in 1894. Once you're fully destressed (or before your fingertips start to prune), return to Hveragerdi for the night.
Day 4 Hveragerdi / South Coast
Start the day by visiting the magical Seljalandsfoss waterfall and take a walk behind its cascade for a different perspective, followed by the powerful Skogafoss waterfall, one of Iceland's biggest at a width of 25 metres and a drop of 60 metres. From here embark on a short hike to another breathtaking waterfall, Kvernufoos, hidden in a nearby valley, and unbeknownst to most. The waterfall is framed by moss-coated cliffs of lava rock, adding to its otherworldly appearance. After you’ve had your fill of gorgeous waterfalls, prepare to take a walk on one of Europe's biggest ice caps – the mighty Solheimajokull Glacier. No experience is necessary to partake in the hike – your guide will brief you on all you need to know so you can explore the icy caves and crevasses safely.
Day 5 Thingvellir National Park - Reykjavik
It’s time to head back to Reykjavik. En route, stop at Thingvellir National Park to see the Parliament Plains, the site 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 partly filled with fresh water and clearly visible. Once you get back to Reykjavik, your leader will take you out on a walking tour to discover more of the history and culture of this fascinating city. Once this concludes, you will say your goodbyes and your adventure will come to an end.
