Your first glimpse of Iceland begins in Reykjavík, where colorful rooftops sit against a backdrop of mountains and sea and a creative spirit thrives. After transferring to your hotel, depending on your flight time, you’ll settle in and explore the city, perhaps strolling towards its harbor or taking in its relaxed cafe culture. In the early evening you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome reception at the hotel sharing appetizers and a drink as you hear what adventures lie ahead. You’ll then have free time to sample Reykjavík’s fresh seafood or its cozy local dining scene before regrouping to embark on a search for the Northern Lights. You’ll head to locations with the best possible viewing conditions and learn more about the science behind this legendary natural phenomenon.
Today you’ll step into the raw beauty of the Golden Circle, walking through UNESCO-listed Þingvellir National Park to stand between two continents at the Mid Atlantic Ridge. You’ll see the Parliament Plains, where Iceland’s early leaders gathered, feel the force of the geothermal energy at the hot springs of Geysir and visit the thundering ‘Golden Waterfall’ Gullfoss. At Friðheimar greenhouse you’ll discover how Icelanders use natural heat to grow fresh produce year-round before viewing Iceland’s most famous crater, Kerið. Your journey continues along the South Coast to Vík, where you can stretch your legs on the black sand beach. This afternoon, choose an Optional Experience at The Vík Lava Show to hear local folklore and watch real molten lava up close. After dinner, spend a cozy evening indoors by the fire or at the bar, or turn in early before a possible Northern Lights wake-up call. At this time of year, Icelandic hotels automatically notify guests when viewing conditions are good, even during the night. Let the hotel know if you’d prefer not to be disturbed.
Today, traveling east from Vík, you’ll journey into a world shaped by fire, ice and open sky. See the moss-covered Eldhraun lava field and sweeping black sand plains of Skeiðarársandur as you make your way into UNESCO-listed Vatnajökull National Park. At Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, watch icebergs broken from the glacier drift across bright blue water, with time for lunch overlooking this spectacle. Choose an Optional Experience by boat for an even closer look at the icebergs, then step onto one of Iceland’s most striking backdrops, Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacier glitter on the shore in sharp contrast with the black volcanic sand. Your journey continues to Skaftafell for views of glaciers and surrounding peaks before returning to Vík. Enjoy free time today to explore the town and have dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
Journey west along the South coast, where waterfalls, black sand and wide-open views frame Iceland’s wild beauty. You’ll feel the spray of mighty Skógafoss waterfall, then visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where a narrow cascade drops from rugged cliffs into the misty landscape below. You’ll also see Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull in the distance, two volcanoes that reveal the island’s powerful geology. Your Be My Guest experience takes place at the home of Ásta Kristrún Ragnarsdóttir at Bakkastofa Cultural Center in historic Eyrarbakki, where you’ll hear Icelandic stories, poetry and learn more about local heritage. After tea and cake at Ásta’s house, you’ll visit Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant for your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, where you’ll discover how natural energy is turned into everyday power. On your return to Reykjavík this evening, sample the local restaurant scene and then choose to set sail on an Optional Experience of a Northern Lights Cruise.
Dive into Culture this morning by taking a dip in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. Watch the steam rise around you from the lava fields and unwind in the lagoon’s warm geothermal waters, believed to have healing powers. With an exclusive Comfort Package included, you’ll also have access to a sauna, steam room, colder lagoon and mud mask, as well as a drink at the swim-up bar to complete this one-of-a-kind, uniquely Icelandic experience. After a deeply relaxing morning, you’ll return to Reykjavík for a city orientation with your Travel Director, who will bring the city’s colorful streets, harbor views and local character into focus. Enjoy free time for lunch, then spend the afternoon at leisure or unwind back at your hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner, sharing stories from your Icelandic adventure.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and saying farewell to Iceland. Your individual transfer takes you to Keflavík Airport for your onward journey.
