Scandinavia – Iceland – 8N/9D

Itinerary:

Day 1 : Arrive Reykjavik, sightseeing and attractions

Explore the city on foot – in the Old Town, classic wooden buildings rub shoulders with modern timber and concrete structures. In winter, skate on the Tjornin Pond by the City Hall, which, in summer is home to many different kinds of birds. Take a guided tour of the Old National Library and step into cultural Iceland and its precious vellum manuscripts depicting Norse and ancient literature. Walk to the top of hill Oskjuhlio, overlooking the city, and view incredible Icelandic landscapes from the monument Perlan from the panoramic viewing platforms. This is a monument to Iceland’s geothermal water supplies. Head to Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street and full of eateries and coffee houses. Take a walk or bike ride out to the Ellioaardalur Valley, a lush valley that’s a hot spot for fishing Arctic char, salmon and brown trout. Hike up Mount Esja that provides a stunning backdrop to the capital area. There are trails for varying levels. See the Imagine Peace Tower, a memorial to John Lennon from his widow, Yoko Ono. A tall tower of light, projected from a white stone monument with the words ‘Imagine Peace’ carved into it in 24 languages.Find out all about Iceland’s history and heritage at the National Museum of Iceland, from the Settlement Age to the modern day.

Day 2 : The Beautiful South

The tour heads south-west through the lava rich farmlands towards Thorsmork, a majestic valley named after the god of thunder, Thor. See meandering creeks of clear water and rushing glacial rivers in this beautiful part of the country with its pleasant and mild microclimate. Overnight stay on the south coast.

Day 3 : Black beaches and the Glacier

Glaciers, glacial lagoons, black volcanic sand, and national parks, this area of Iceland is rich in extraordinary rock formations and beautiful deep lakes including, Jokulsarlon, Iceland’s deepest lake. Overnight stay near the village of Hofn, in Iceland’s south-east corner, at the foot of Vatnajokull – Europe’s largest glacier.

Day 4 : The spectacular fjords of the East

Driving through spectacular fjords and charming fishing villages, the tour heads to the capital of east Iceland, Egilsstaoir, past majestic mountains, pretty villages, flowing rivers and hidden coves. A great region for kayaking, sailing and deep-sea fishing.

Day 5 : The wonders of Lake Myvatn

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Myvatn and its surrounding lunar landscape of Namaskaro. In to the land of volcanoes, followed by an afternoon visit to the natural Myvatn pool, the Blue Lagoon of the north.

Day 6 : The pearls of the North

Explore the fascinating Asbyrgi Canyon, before moving on to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. A whale watching boat trip from Husavik is optional. Or take a walk around Lake Myvatn and the nearby Jokulsargljufur National Park – the area is rich in birdlife and geothermal activity. Overnight stay by Lake Myvatn.

Day 7 : Capital of the North and the Arctic Circle

Relax by the lake before a visit to the Gooafoss waterfall enroute to the romantic university capital of northern Iceland – Akureyri. Overnight in Akureyri.

Day 8 : The Highland Road and the Golden Circle

From north to south, a journey into the centre of Iceland through the beautiful Skagafjord, with options for river-rafting and horse-back riding. Bath in a natural hot spring in the black lava desert at Hveravellir, and continue to some of the most breathtaking natural phenomena in Iceland including the Gullfoss golden waterfall, the geothermal Geysir with its boiling waterspout Strokkur, and ending at Thingvellir National Park, the site of the world’s first parliament established in 930AD.Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 9 : The Blue Lagoon. Depart.

Visit the Reykjanes geothermal landscapes of Lake Kleifarvatn and Krysuvik Cove.A final welcoming visit to the Blue Lagoon, one of the most wonderfully relaxing and invigorating natural phenomena of Iceland. With its mineral-rich geothermal waters, pumped from more than a mile underground, take time here to step into these natural springs, relax and enjoy a massage – a unique experience for body and soul.

Things To Do:

Hop-On, Hop-Off City Sightseeing Tour: Take a city sightseeing bus tour and explore Reykjavik at your leisure.

Lagafellslaug Thermal Pool Complex, Reykjavik: Relax and switch off at this thermal pool complex with outdoor and indoor thermal pools, steam rooms, and health and wellness treatment rooms

Midnight Golf: Play golf with the midnight summer sun surrounded by lava fields and sweeping mountains. Iceland’s golf courses follow the contours of the natural landscape.

Kopavogur Art Museum: See modern and contemporary art at this city museum that was founded in memory of sculptor Gerour Heigadottir, a pioneer of modern sculpture in Iceland.

Gallery Lana Matusa:See lava ceramics and famous ‘lava people’ sculptures created with the Icelandic nature in mind.

Heidmork Nature Reserve, Reykjavik: Take in the sights, sounds and aromas of nature with a hike into the wilds of this beautiful nature reserve close to the city.

Island Of Videy: Jump on a ferry and visit the beautiful island of Videy – a little treasure in the heart of Reykjavik where you can enjoy nature, history, art and culture.

Thermal Pools And Spas: Recharge and relax at one of Reykjavik’s many thermal pools and spas.

Reykjavik Old Harbour: Combine a shopping day at the old harbour with a half-day marine excursion out to see the whales and puffins.

The Blue Lagoon: Bathe in the milky-white waters and the semolina-like silica mud of these geothermal waters. This mineral-rich sea water is pumped from more than a mile underground.

Itinerary:

Day 1 : Arrive Reykjavik, sightseeing and attractions

Explore the city on foot – in the Old Town, classic wooden buildings rub shoulders with modern timber and concrete structures. In winter, skate on the Tjornin Pond by the City Hall, which, in summer is home to many different kinds of birds. Take a guided tour of the Old National Library and step into cultural Iceland and its precious vellum manuscripts depicting Norse and ancient literature. Walk to the top of hill Oskjuhlio, overlooking the city, and view incredible Icelandic landscapes from the monument Perlan from the panoramic viewing platforms. This is a monument to Iceland’s geothermal water supplies. Head to Laugavegur, the city’s main shopping street and full of eateries and coffee houses. Take a walk or bike ride out to the Ellioaardalur Valley, a lush valley that’s a hot spot for fishing Arctic char, salmon and brown trout. Hike up Mount Esja that provides a stunning backdrop to the capital area. There are trails for varying levels. See the Imagine Peace Tower, a memorial to John Lennon from his widow, Yoko Ono. A tall tower of light, projected from a white stone monument with the words ‘Imagine Peace’ carved into it in 24 languages.Find out all about Iceland’s history and heritage at the National Museum of Iceland, from the Settlement Age to the modern day.

Day 2 : The Beautiful South

The tour heads south-west through the lava rich farmlands towards Thorsmork, a majestic valley named after the god of thunder, Thor. See meandering creeks of clear water and rushing glacial rivers in this beautiful part of the country with its pleasant and mild microclimate. Overnight stay on the south coast.

Day 3 : Black beaches and the Glacier

Glaciers, glacial lagoons, black volcanic sand, and national parks, this area of Iceland is rich in extraordinary rock formations and beautiful deep lakes including, Jokulsarlon, Iceland’s deepest lake. Overnight stay near the village of Hofn, in Iceland’s south-east corner, at the foot of Vatnajokull – Europe’s largest glacier.

Day 4 : The spectacular fjords of the East

Driving through spectacular fjords and charming fishing villages, the tour heads to the capital of east Iceland, Egilsstaoir, past majestic mountains, pretty villages, flowing rivers and hidden coves. A great region for kayaking, sailing and deep-sea fishing.

Day 5 : The wonders of Lake Myvatn

Take in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Myvatn and its surrounding lunar landscape of Namaskaro. In to the land of volcanoes, followed by an afternoon visit to the natural Myvatn pool, the Blue Lagoon of the north.

Day 6 : The pearls of the North

Explore the fascinating Asbyrgi Canyon, before moving on to Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. A whale watching boat trip from Husavik is optional. Or take a walk around Lake Myvatn and the nearby Jokulsargljufur National Park – the area is rich in birdlife and geothermal activity. Overnight stay by Lake Myvatn.

Day 7 : Capital of the North and the Arctic Circle

Relax by the lake before a visit to the Gooafoss waterfall enroute to the romantic university capital of northern Iceland – Akureyri. Overnight in Akureyri.

Day 8 : The Highland Road and the Golden Circle

From north to south, a journey into the centre of Iceland through the beautiful Skagafjord, with options for river-rafting and horse-back riding. Bath in a natural hot spring in the black lava desert at Hveravellir, and continue to some of the most breathtaking natural phenomena in Iceland including the Gullfoss golden waterfall, the geothermal Geysir with its boiling waterspout Strokkur, and ending at Thingvellir National Park, the site of the world’s first parliament established in 930AD.Overnight in Reykjavik.

Day 9 : The Blue Lagoon. Depart.

Visit the Reykjanes geothermal landscapes of Lake Kleifarvatn and Krysuvik Cove.A final welcoming visit to the Blue Lagoon, one of the most wonderfully relaxing and invigorating natural phenomena of Iceland. With its mineral-rich geothermal waters, pumped from more than a mile underground, take time here to step into these natural springs, relax and enjoy a massage – a unique experience for body and soul.

Things To Do:

Hop-On, Hop-Off City Sightseeing Tour: Take a city sightseeing bus tour and explore Reykjavik at your leisure.

Lagafellslaug Thermal Pool Complex, Reykjavik: Relax and switch off at this thermal pool complex with outdoor and indoor thermal pools, steam rooms, and health and wellness treatment rooms

Midnight Golf: Play golf with the midnight summer sun surrounded by lava fields and sweeping mountains. Iceland’s golf courses follow the contours of the natural landscape.

Kopavogur Art Museum: See modern and contemporary art at this city museum that was founded in memory of sculptor Gerour Heigadottir, a pioneer of modern sculpture in Iceland.

Gallery Lana Matusa:See lava ceramics and famous ‘lava people’ sculptures created with the Icelandic nature in mind.

Heidmork Nature Reserve, Reykjavik: Take in the sights, sounds and aromas of nature with a hike into the wilds of this beautiful nature reserve close to the city.

Island Of Videy: Jump on a ferry and visit the beautiful island of Videy – a little treasure in the heart of Reykjavik where you can enjoy nature, history, art and culture.

Thermal Pools And Spas: Recharge and relax at one of Reykjavik’s many thermal pools and spas.

Reykjavik Old Harbour: Combine a shopping day at the old harbour with a half-day marine excursion out to see the whales and puffins.

The Blue Lagoon: Bathe in the milky-white waters and the semolina-like silica mud of these geothermal waters. This mineral-rich sea water is pumped from more than a mile underground.