Day 1: Reykjavik
Arrive at the airport & transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Reykjavik – Borgarnes
Take a brief tour of the capital city this morning. Afterward, begin the journey to Borgarnes. Explore the Hallmundarhraun lava field, where you’ll find the Hraunfossar waterfalls. Hike up the Grabrok Crater, to see the Deildartunguhver hot springs. After checking in to the hotel, attend a presentation on the Northern Lights. This evening, you’ll have an opportunity to look for this colorful phenomenon in the sky.
Day 3: Borgarnes – Stykkisholmur – Bjarnarhofn
Discover the Snaefellsnes Peninsula area today. Travel to Stykkisholmur, one of Iceland’s fishing villages. Here you’ll board a cruise that takes you through the Breidafjordur fjord. Enjoy a brief visit to Bjarnarhofn & taste one of the country’s traditional cuisines, Hakarl (fermented shark meat). Other highlights include Mount Kirkjufell & Grundarfjordur. Return to Borgarnes to sit under the night sky for a chance to see the Aurora Borealis.
Day 4: Borgarnes – Thingvellir National Park – Golden Circle
Enjoy heading alongside the scenic Hvalfjordur fjord this morning. Visit historic Thingvellir National Park. You’ll learn about the beginning of the nation’s parliament during your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Strokkur, a geyser that erupts every five to ten minutes. While you're at the geothermal fields, you’ll enjoy tasting a variety of geothermally-prepared foods. Next, you’ll learn about Icelandic horses. Other highlights include a visit to a local wool outlet, a geothermal greenhouse & the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. Look for the Northern Lights in South Iceland after dinner this evening.
Day 5: Eyjafjallajokull – Skogar – Reynisfjara – Vatnajokull
Visit the Eyjafjallajokull Information Center to learn about the active volcano’s 2011 eruption. You’ll also become more familiar with one of Iceland’s architectural styles, the turf house, at the Skogar Folk Museum. See the Skogafoss waterfall & walk on the shores of the lava beach, Reynisfjara. Enjoy dinner & an overnight stay within Vatnajokull National Park area. Look for the Northern Lights at your leisure.
Day 6: Vatnajokull – Jokulsarlon – Hof – Vatnajokull National Park
This morning, visit the Jokulsarlon lagoon. Admire its floating blue icebergs & keep an eye out for seals. After lunch, explore Vatnajokull National Park where you’ll see Iceland’s largest glacier & some of the wildlife there. Other highlights today include a visit to the Hof turf church.
Day 7: Vatnajokull – Vik – Seljalandsfoss – Blue Lagoon – Reykjavik
The road to Vik will take you through the Eldhraun lava field. You’ll enjoy a brief visit to this quaint, coastal village, which features a black lava beach. Next, you’ll head to the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. Don’t forget your camera. This cascading stream of water makes for a unique photo opportunity. Then, head to the renowned Blue Lagoon to soak in its warm, relaxing water. Enjoy a traditional Icelandic dinner tonight & sit under the radiant sky one last time before heading home.
Day 8: Reykjavik – USA
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.