Iceland's Wild Wonders

Welcome to Iceland! Arrive in Reykjavik anytime today. Flights from North America typically arrive early in the morning, so you may have some free time before we meet. Our trip officially begins at 5:00 PM at our hotel in Reykjavik. After a welcome orientation and introductions, we will head to our first dinner together. We will use this time to get to know one another, and try some Icelandic delicacies.

Overnight: Skuggi Hotel, or similar, Reykjavik (D)

After a full night's sleep, we will work off the rest of our jet lag with a trip to the famous Blue Lagoon. The Blue Lagoon is a modern wonder, tucked away in a black lava field just outside of Reykjavik. Iceland is known for their geothermic activity, and the Blue Lagoon is an effect of this natural marvel. The milky blue and mineral rich waters are known for their skin healing properties. After a long soaking session, we will return to Reykjavik for a sightseeing tour, including the landmark Hallgrímskirkja church. Enjoy the view from the vantage point known as the Pearl (Perlan), a science and cultural center built on hot water storage tanks, and take a look at Reykjavík’s new city hall among other highlights.

Overnight: Skuggi Hotel, or similar, Reykjavik (B, L, D)

Today, we leave Reykjavik for 3 nights in the countryside. We start with a visit to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of Iceland's Parliament between the years of 930 and 1798. Thingvellir is also one of the few places in the world where you can see the effects of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates pulling apart, clearly visible in Almannagja or Everyman's Gorge. At lunch time, visit a family-run geothermal greenhouse farm. Enjoy lunch made from the produce grown at the farm. After lunch explore the erupting hot springs area Geysir, the place giving its name to the phenomenon worldwide. From here, a 10-minute drive takes us to Gullfoss, or Golden Falls, Iceland’s most famous waterfall. In the afternoon, visit a ranch for an introduction to the Icelandic Viking horse. Learn about this unique breed brought to Iceland by the original settlers in the 9th century. Then enjoy an easy riding tour in the beautiful surroundings with views towards Hekla, one of Iceland's most famous volcanoes.

Overnight: Hotel Stracta (B L D)

This morning, we pack a picnic lunch and head into the highland nature reserve of Landmannalaugar, one of Iceland's most dramatic areas. Landmannalaugar features the largest geothermal field in Iceland and the area derives its magnificence and diverse nature from Iceland’s active volcanic zone. Landmannalaugar´s spectacular landscape features stupendous ravines, steep rhyolite screes, rocky slopes, mountains with boiling hot springs, cold and clear springs, lush valleys with delicate wildflowers, light colored alluvial plains and sculptural peaks sporting all the colors of the rainbow. Your guide will pick a hike that fits your interests and abilities. In the afternoon continue across the vast Eldhraun lava fields from one of the world's largest volcanic eruptions dating back to the 18th century. In the late afternoon, check into your hotel located in the remote south east. We will be staying here for the next two nights.

Overnight: Hotel Laki (B L D)

Today we'll explore the area beneath Vatnajökull glacier, Europe's largest ice-cap. We'll begin by heading to Skaftafell National Park, where we hike and enjoy the amazing alpine surroundings of waterfalls, glacier tongues, mountain peaks and the black desert sands stretching out to sea. After one or two other stops, we'll head to the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, where icebergs drift out to sea. Two James Bond movies were filmed in this fantastic location and floating among the ice you may spot seals, eider ducks, and even witness the glacier calving into the crystal turquoise waters. Go on a boat tour in the lagoon. Explore the nearby black sand beach, nicknamed the Diamond beach, where large chunks of ice cover the sands for a dramatic contrast.

Overnight: Hotel Laki (B L, D)

Today we will explore the south coast of Iceland, taking in some of its most dramatic scenery, visiting waterfalls and black-sand beaches along the way. Stops include the dramatic cliffs of the south populated by puffins and other seabirds, Skogafoss waterfall and Seljalandsfoss waterfall, a waterfall that you can walk behind the cascading water. We'll stop for lunch in the small village of Vik. Nestled amid the Katla UNESCO Global Geopark, Vik is magnificently surrounded by volcanoes, glaciers, and black sand beaches. Learn about Iceland’s unique geology and the lava that created much of it at the Lava Exhibit and enjoy a unique Lava Show. Arrive back in Reykjavik for you to enjoy a night on your own. You may choose to walk around town and eat dinner on your own, or call it an early night.

Overnight: Hotel Skuggi (B L)

Hot Springs are part of Icelandic heritage, so today we will start the day with a visit to our second bathing experience at the Sky Lagoon. The oceanside hot spring offers amazing views of the ocean, and will be very refreshing for you, as you soak away the activities from our week together. After you have had your fill of soaking, lunch will be in a small fishing village. In the afternoon, sail out from the old harbor in Reykjavik through Faxaflói Bay to look for puffins as well as Minke, Humpback, and other types of North Atlantic whales. We will returnb to Reykjavik for our Final Dinner, reminiscing about a fantastic trip to the Land of Fire and Ice!

Accommodation: Hotel Skuggi (B L D)

You are free to leave anytime this morning. We'll arrange shuttles to the airport based on departure times. (B)