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An island of dramatic contrasts, Iceland is a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. The Icelandic people combine a reverence for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialized, progressive society. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey. |
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Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip. Meals 6 Breakfast(s), 4 Dinner(s) Hotel Accommodations: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges REYKJAVIK Centerhotel Plaza VIK Hotel Hofdabrekka On some dates alternate hotels may be used. Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling. Sightseeing Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight An overnight flight brings you to Iceland – an island of dramatic contrasts, and a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. The Icelandic people combine a reverence for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialized, progressive society. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey. Day 2 Reykjavik, Iceland Your tour begins in Reykjavik, where you embark on a fascinating city tour that highlights such important sites as the 19th-century Parliament House, Austurvollur Square, the Hofoi House, and Tjornin Lake. Visit the National Museum of Iceland where new and dynamic exhibitions increase your knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage, from the nation´s earliest settlement through to the modern day. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Day 3 Reykjavik - Reykjanes Peninsula - Reykjavik During a full-day excursion, explore the scenic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at Bessastadir, an ancient Viking site that is now the official residence of the current president. Continue to Lake Kleifarvatn to see an amazing display of geothermal activity, including steaming fumaroles, hot springs and mud pots. Conclude your day at the famous Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a large, dramatic lava field. Enjoy time to relax and/or take a swim in this pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water. Day 4 Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Vik** Travel to the "Golden Circle" which encompasses many of Iceland''s most renowned natural scenic wonders. Thingvellir National Park is Iceland''s most historic site and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD 930. The park also features the geologically significant Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the American and European tectonic plates meet. Continue to the amazing hot springs of Geysir, then marvel at one of the island''s greatest natural wonders, the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall. Continue south to the town of Vik, a small town set along Iceland''s dramatic southern coast, where black sand beaches, crashing waves, and towering figures of black rock form an unforgettable sight. Day 5 Vik - Skaftafell National Park - Vik Begin the day at Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful green oasis located near the highest peak in Iceland. Later, an unforgettable boat trip* amid graceful, floating icebergs serves as an introduction to Iceland''s dramatic glaciers and is the perfect opportunity to see many species of birds. Day 6 Vik - Reykjavik On your trip back to Reykjavik, travel across fertile pastures, sand flats and glacial rivers en route to Skogar, a small settlement located next to a magnificent waterfall. Visit Skogar''s Folk Museum, which houses an interesting collection of Icelandic artifacts. Next, stop at a traditional Icelandic horse farm. Learn how Iceland''s horses are directly descended from those brought by the Vikings and how Iceland is preserving this heritage. Day 7 Reykjavik Today is at leisure to explore the capital city of Iceland with its many art galleries and museums. You may choose to join an optional whale watching or "Super Jeep" glacier excursion. During the "Super Jeep" excursion you will travel on top of Iceland''s Langjökull Glacier. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening. Day 8 Reykjavik - Tour Concludes Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Discover the natural wonders and geological significance of Iceland.
EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS Your Icelandic adventure is complemented by intriguing lectures that explore the natural history of this geologically "young" nation. Learn how Iceland hopes to become energy independent through its hydro and geothermal power plants. Discover why this is an achievable goal that makes Iceland the envy of energy-import dependent countries. Acquaint yourself with the geologic energies at work in Iceland during a lecture by a geologist who explains the geothermal hotspots, volcanic rocks, and glaciers that you observe throughout your journey. Gain an appreciation for Icelandic culture as a historian recounts famous Icelandic sagas, painting a vivid picture of its early history. Know Before You Go... Hotel check-in on your day of arrival is 3:00 PM. Rooms may not be available prior to that time.
Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required. Singles are very limited on this tour and are subject to availability. On some dates, accommodations may be in Kirkjubaejarklaustur instead of Vik. However, this does not affect the included sightseeing attractions. The glacier cruise on Day 5 operates early-May to mid-September, weather permitting. It may be substituted with a lunch when the cruise is not operating during the off-season. The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. Museum visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays. This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets. Passport & Visa Information Time Zone |
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Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.
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