Pull back the curtain on the most dazzling spectacles of nature on this journey to the Land of Fire and Ice. Visit the most miraculous natural wonders in Iceland, from volcanic fields to hot mineral springs, and from the crashing roar of spectacular waterfalls to the trumpeting spray of erupting geysers. Spend your nights under the inky expanse of a star-lit sky, hunting for the most admired phenomenon of winter – the Aurora Borealis. Whether the paintbrush of Mother Nature is lighting the night sky with pinks and greens, oranges and blues, or simply tracing your path through the ancient marvels carved into the Icelandic land, you are in for a drama like none other, played out on the grand stage of Planet Earth.
Degree of Difficulty –
Get set for your exciting adventure as you board your overnight flight to Iceland.
Meals Aloft
Arrive at Keflavik International Airport where you’ll be met by your guide and board your coach to drive to the fishing village of Grindavik for a visit to a local café located alongside the harbor. Meet some of the local fishermen as they trail into the café for their morning coffee before setting sail. Enjoy this look into daily Icelandic life over a welcome breakfast with your fellow travelers. Afterward, you will be among the first guests this morning to take a dip in the world-famous Blue Lagoon, known for its geothermally heated waters and its brilliant blue hue. Splash or soak, surrounded by stunning scenery, and find out for yourself why these waters are considered to have special healing properties. Dry off and perhaps enjoy some fleeting daylight as you get back into the coach for a drive to Krýsuvik Hot Springs. Dramatic red, green, and yellow colored hills frame an expanse of steaming volcanic vents and boiling hot springs. This area features an array of natural wonders, including fumaroles and mud pots. From Krýsuvík, drive to South Iceland, stopping first to check out the new Lava Center exhibition on volcanic activity, then continuing on to your hotel for the next 3 nights, and some well-deserved rest. Hotel Ranga is the only 4-star resort in Southern Iceland and is built along the base of a volcano. Enjoy dinner at Ranga’s esteemed restaurant before you set out on a hunt for the Aurora Borealis, the spectacular colored lights that sweep across the night sky in the polar regions when solar winds disrupt Earth’s magnetic field. HOTEL RANGA.
(B,L,D)
Today is devoted to a tour along the south coast of Iceland, one of the country’s most scenic regions in the country. You’ll travel as far as Vik, a charming village with roots that extend back to ancient times. Vik is set in the Vikoyri Valley and is surrounded by beautiful, high bird cliffs and burial mounds from the Viking era. Along the way stop at the majestic Seljalandsfoss waterfall, where you can walk behind the falls into an open cover for spectacular photographic opportunities. Enjoy this unusual view of the horizon framed by a combination of white mist and the golden cave walls before looping back through to the other side. Also stop at the beautiful Skogafoss waterfall, with its 165-foot drop and brilliant veil of mist, this waterfall almost always sports a single or double rainbow nearby. Head to the Skogar Folk Museum for a taste of how Icelanders lived centuries in the past. Stop off to view the stunning Myrdalsjokull glacier, which covers an active volcano called Katla. In the late afternoon, take some time to wander along the black sand coastline to get a good view of the impressive Reynisdrangar rock formations. These basalt sea stacks, framed by the otherworldly dark sands, won Reynisdrangar the honor of being listed as one of the most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world. These stacks are attributed to local legend involving rock trolls, though accounts of the trolls themselves vary. Embark on another hunt for the northern lights this evening, after dinner. HOTEL RANGA.
(B,L,D)
After a hearty breakfast, head towards Gullfoss waterfall, sometimes referred to as the “Golden Waterfall”, located in South Iceland on the Hvítá (White) river which is fed by Iceland´s second biggest glacier, the Langjökull. The white foaming glacial river Hvítá abruptly plunges in two stages (36 feet and 68 feet) into a crevice 105 feet deep. The crevice, about 66 feet wide, and 1.5 miles in length, forms a beautiful canyon. As one first approaches the Falls, the crevice is obscured from view, so that it appears that a mighty river simply vanishes into the earth, making a dramatic entrance to the viewer! Next, head to the Geysir geothermal area where the most active geyser, Strokkur, explodes every 6 to 10 minutes with a spurt of hot water that reaches as high as 98 feet. In the afternoon, visit the Friðheimar Farm to see how this family has developed an indoor greenhouse technique to grow tomatoes all year long! A chat with a member of the family will provide a personal insight into the history of Icelandic horticulture. Return to your hotel and after dinner once again set out for your third Northern Lights hunt. RANGA HOTEL.
Head to Reykjavik by way of Thingvellir National Park, the national shrine of Iceland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At Thingvellir – literally “Parliament Plains” – the Alþing (althing) general assembly was established around 930 and continued to convene there until 1798. Today Thingvellir is a protected national shrine due to its historical past, and its geological wonders. From Thingvellir drive to Reykjavik for a short tour of the city This afternoon you’ll have time to explore the city on your own, reconvening with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the center of town. Your accommodation tonight is the Skuggi Hotel, a four-star brand-new hotel offering top quality service and facilities. The hotel is located in one of the oldest streets in Reykjavik, and is just a short walk away from the main shopping district. SKUGGI HOTEL.
(B,L,D)
Your time in Iceland has come to an end. Transfer to Keflavik airport for your flight back to U.S.
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Icelandic breakfast daily, a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner, and other meals as per itinerary. (B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
- All ground transfers and excursions in private deluxe motor coach.
- Services of a specialist guide with 10 travelers.
- Entrance fees to all venues indicated.
- Complimentary bottled water on coaches during sightseeing.
- Complimentary baggage tags.
- Complimentary emergency evacuation insurance.
Iceland’s weather is cool and the Icelandic climate temperate. The warm North Atlantic Current ensures generally higher temperatures than in most places of similar latitude in the world. Iceland’s winters are mild and windy while the summers are cool. There are some variations in the climate between different parts of the island. Often times the south coast is warmer, wetter and windier than the north. Snowfall in winters is more common in the north of Iceland. There’s a seasonal change in length of day and night, creating unique weather phenomena. In midwinter, there is a period of no sunlight, and darkness prevails, called the Polar Nights. This is perfect to view one of the most beautiful phenomena: The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights.) In midsummer, daylight takes over and there is no night darkness during June and July – this is called the Midnight Sun.
