Compare Iceland by Under30Experiences vs Natural Wonders of Iceland - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,595 | $ 5,404 |
| Price Per Day | $ 319 | $ 540 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
5 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners |
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| Description |
Explore an island in the middle of the North Atlantic known for 24 hours of daylight all summer, spectacular Northern Lights in the fall, and amazing landscapes all year long. Home to more horses than people, and the country where Game of Thrones was filmed, Iceland is packed with waterfalls, glaciers, rainbows - and sometimes looks like the surface of the moon. You'll travel with experienced local guides, explore volcanos and glaciers, while staying in a cozy guesthouse. |
Breathe in the fresh air of Iceland as you tour the scenic bay of Reykjavik, uncover volcanoes on the way to Vik and explore the geothermal hubbub of Lake Mývatn—near Akureyri. From the thunder of the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall and the geothermal floating pools of Egilsstaðir to the black lava fields of Búðir and the sea cliffs of Arnastapi, experience every imaginable landscape on this one week guided tour. Take an Insight Choice in Reykjavik between a dip in the mineral rich waters of the Blue Lagoon or a walking tour of the city’s premier sights—led by a Local Expert. In Hellisheidi, visit Iceland’s flagship geothermal heat and power station, and learn how this scientific wonder helped the country generate 70% of its power—from renewable energy sources. |
Day 1: Arrive & Explore Reykjavik
We recommend booking pre-trip accommodations if you'd like to fully immerse yourself in Reykjavik's vibrant atmosphere.
Morning
Arrive at Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport (KEF) before 7:00 am
Your Trip Leader will pick you up from Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport and we'll head to downtown Reykjavik in included transportation (45 minute drive).
Arrive in Reykjavik, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and spend the morning exploring the capital of Iceland
Suggestions: Hallgrímskirkja Church, National Museum of Iceland, the Settlement Exhibition.
Afternoon
Arrive at your guesthouse in South Iceland and get settled into your new home for the next 5 days (~2 hour drive).
Go for a walk around the beautiful property as you begin to take in the magic of Iceland.
Evening
Enjoy a delicious Icelandic meal at our opening dinner.
Get to know your other like-minded travelers and begin to settle into Iceland together.
Day 2: Thingvellir National Park & Lake Laugarvatn
Morning
A traditional Icelandic breakfast will be served at your guesthouse.
Hike Thingvellir National Park where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet.
Learn about the history of Thingvellir and how it became the place where the first democratic parliament of the world was created.
Then, head to the hamlet of Laugarvatn to experience the Icelandic way of baking rye bread in hot springs.
Afternoon
Relax in geothermal pools and enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Laugarvatn from the steam baths.
Later in the afternoon, stop at Gullfoss Waterfall, and marvel at the beauty of this iconic waterfall.
Evening
Enjoy another delicious dinner at your guesthouse with your group.
Day 3: Vestmannaeyjar Islands or Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
Vestmannaeyjar Islands -- Midnight sun trips (May-August)
Morning
Wake up in the Icelandic countryside and enjoy your freshly made breakfast.
Start the day by visiting Seljalandfoss Waterfall.
Your Trip Leader will also show you the “hidden” waterfall right around the corner.
Afternoon
Take a ferry off the coast of Iceland and spend the afternoon exploring the Vestmannaeyjar Islands.
Hike Eldfell, a volcano that erupted in 1973, and enjoy breathtaking views of the island and the North Atlantic Ocean.
Don't want to hike? We suggest visiting the Volcano Museum of Eldheimar!
Evening
Have a delicious homemade dinner at your guesthouse.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach -- Northern Lights trips (September-November)
Morning
Wake up in the Icelandic countryside and enjoy your freshly made breakfast.
Visit the Lava Centre: a state of the art, interactive exhibition on volcanoes and earthquakes in Iceland.
Check out Seljalandsfoss waterfall, and a “hidden” waterfall nearby.
Afternoon
Have lunch at a local Icelandic farm.
You will have the option to ride Icelandic horses to a secluded waterfall beneath what used to be sea cliffs. Not your thing? Hike the surreal landscapes instead.
Watch the sunset from the famous Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach while you and your new friends check out the basalt columns and lava caves.
Evening
Return to the hotel for another home cooked dinner.
Cross your fingers for a clear night and hope to catch a glimpse the magical Northern Lights with your new friends.
Day 4: Skógafoss & Glacier Walk
Morning
A homemade breakfast will be served at your guesthouse.
Visit Skógafoss, a beautiful waterfall connected to the famous Eyjafjallajökull glacier.
Climb the steps that will take you to the top of the waterfall and go for an optional hike.
Afternoon
Refuel at a local restaurant with your group before your next adventure.
Drive over to Sólheimajökull glacier where you'll meet your glacier guides and hike onto the face of the glacier.
Learn more about glaciers and how Icelanders care about preserving nature.
Evening
Enjoy your last night in Iceland with your new friends and a delicious final dinner at your guesthouse.
For Northern Lights trips starting on Thursday, Days 3 and 4 are switched.
Day 5: Departure
Morning
Say goodbye to your guesthouse and take included transportation to Reykjavik-Keflavik International Airport (KEF) (~2 hour drive).
If you're flying home today please be sure your flight departs after 3:00 pm.
If you wish to go to the Blue Lagoon today, please book your ticket online (after 12:00 pm) as soon as possible since pre-booking is required. Under30Experiences will drop you off at the Blue Lagoon on our way to the airport.
Under30Experiences can provide transportation back to Reykjavik for travelers extending their stay in the beautiful capital of Iceland.
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
