Scandinavia – Iceland – Reykjavik – 4N/5D

Itinerary:

Day 1 : Reykjavik attractions and sightseeing

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 .Ingolfur Arnarson was the first Nordic settler in Iceland. His statue lies in front of a fascinating mix of the city’s 18th century stone houses, 19th century small wooden houses, and modern blocks from the 30’s and 40’s.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 : Iceland in a Nutshell day tour  – The Wild West

A full day’s tour into the dramatic glacial landscape of western Iceland.Drive through Thingvellir National Park and through the Almannagja gorge with views of the beautiful Oxara River and cascading waterfall Oxararfoss. On to the highland road leading to the bleak and haunted Kaldidalur valley and the Langjokull glacier, Iceland’s second largest, and its cascading waterfalls. Stop off at historic Reykholt, home of Iceland’s greatest saga writer, Snorri Sturluson, See Deildartunguhver, Europe’s most powerful geothermal spring, followed by a guided tour and beer tasting at brewery Stedji. A final stop at Hvalfjorour, Whale Fjord, with its small whale factory, before returning to Reykjavik.

Day 3 : Reykjavik whale watching day trip

Wrap up warm – special suits are provided for a fascinating day out whale watching, tours operate from the old harbor in Reykjavik. Experienced guides take you out into the surrounding seas for a closer look at these spectacular mammals. Learn about the seabirds and nature in the Faxofloi bay then head out into deeper waters for sightings of Minke whales, Humpback whales, dolphins and porpoises and many other species.

Day 4 : Pampering and pleasure – thermal baths and the Blue Lagoon

Step into a giant bathtub that pools six million litres of geothermal seawater from way beneath the earth’s surface, and take the bath of your life. The mineral-rich milky, aqua blue waters at The Blue Lagoon in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula are perfect for soothing your skin, calming your nerves, and creating an all-round feel-good factor. Relax into the lagoon against a spectacular lunar backdrop and watch the rising steam dance and swirl above the waters. There’s also a sauna, steam bath carved out of a lava cave and a therapeutic massaging waterfall.

Day 5 : Depart.

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: 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.

Blafjoll Ski Resort: During winter, Iceland’s number one skiing area at Blafjoll just half an hour from Reykjavik offers spectacular views and varied landscapes.

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.

Inside A Volcano Tour, From Reyjkavik: A one-of-a-kind experience, a guide takes you down into one of the only perfectly intact magma chambers in the entire world. Includes a hearty bowl of home-made lamb stew.