Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice

Set out on a journey full of dramatic contrasts. Come to know Iceland; a place where steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving behind thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords.

Begin in the capital city of Reykjavík. Get to know your fellow travelers during an Icelandic lunch at a popular local restaurant before checking into your hotel in the later afternoon. Then, join a local expert for a walking tour of The Old City featuring the city hall, the harbor, the Parliament building and the nearby cathedral, dating form 1796.

Travel the Golden Circle and experience renowned natural wonders, including the double-cascade Gullfoss waterfall, the explosive Geysir thermal area, and the famous Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll stand upon the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Along the way, stop at a family-run dairy farm to enjoy various cheeses and their famous ice cream during a light lunch. Your day ends with a visit to Friðheimar’s stud farm and greenhouse cultivation center. Discover how pesticide-free produce is grown with the aid of geothermal energy and then learn about the tradition of breeding Icelandic show horses before returning to Reykjavík.

Explore the western side of Iceland’s coastline and visit Akranes, an old fishing town at the base of Akrafjall Mountain. Capture a photo of one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the world. You’ll have an opportunity to climb up the stairs and enjoy the stunning views this lighthouse has to offer and hear some of the mysterious stories about this place, or perhaps you will want to take a walk along the historical harbor. Continue to Delidartunguhver, the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe. Enjoy a walk on a number of wooden walkways and observation points to explore the hot spring safely. Listen to local stories and legends while visiting Barnafoss, which translates to “the Children’s Falls,” before you wrap your day in Reykholt, located in the valley of the River Reykkladalsa.

Begin your day with stunning views on your way to Stykkishólmur, located in the northern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Search for marine birds before joining a nature cruise of Breiðafjördur Bay. As you drift across the water, sample fresh scallops and sea urchin roe straight from the ocean. You might spot puffins,* cormorants, and the white-tailed eagle soaring as you look out at the shoreline. After, enjoy lunch on your own in this picturesque fishing town dotted with traditional wooden houses Before continuing your journey on to Grudarfjörður. Take in views of Mount Kirkjufell with its iconic shape and freestanding form; this is one of the most photographed landscapes in Iceland. Witness Kirkjufellsfoss, a beautiful series of waterfalls, before returning to Reykholt for an evening at leisure.

Learn about geothermal renewable energy on a visit to Hellisheiðavirkjun, the largest power station in Iceland and the second largest geothermal power station in the world). Visit the Lava Exhibition Center and delve into Iceland’s past and present volcanic eruptions. Afterward, witness Seljalandsfoss, a rushing waterfall where you may walk behind the water for unique views from the inside out. Arrive in Vík, Iceland's southernmost village, and one of the most remarkable spots in Iceland.

Drive along the scenic south shore to the Skógar Museum. Discover its turf-built houses and its collection of farm and domestic artifacts. Nearby, find the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, one of the tallest in Iceland. Behold Reynisfjara, a black volcanic sand beach scattered with caves and surrounded by basalt columns and cliffs. The beach is rich with bird life, such as the fulmar, black guillemot, razorbill, and gannet. You might also spot some nesting puffins* along the unique natural rock formations at Dyrhólaey, a volcanic peninsula towering over the ocean. Cap off your day with a visit to Sólheimajökull Glacier, part of Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap. Take in its dramatic, blue-white ice, rugged crevasses, and stunning views.

Journey to Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest National Park and home to the country’s highest mountains. Marvel at the vistas and snowy mountain peaks while you set sail** along the huge icebergs of the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Keep your eyes peeled for possible seal sightings and get to taste the 1,000-year-old ice that surrounds you.

Today, make your way back to Reykjavik, taking in the incredible backdrops that make this journey picturesque. In the afternoon, it’s your choice! You may choose to visit the Blue Lagoon and soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, located in the heart of a dramatic lava field, -OR- visit the Perlan Center to explore the wonders of Iceland through interactive exhibits such as the Ice Cave, the Planetarium, the virtual aquarium and more. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on your adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice.

Depart for home with memories of your Icelandic adventure.