Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Flybus. Join your Travel Director and travel companions this evening for a Welcome Reception served with canapés.
Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík Relaxed Start
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Later, explore a local farm and sample their sweet-tasting, homegrown tomatoes. Meet the family to learn about Icelandic horticulture and growing the tastiest tomatoes. Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.
Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn
Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations. Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films. Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation. Dine at your hotel's restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.
Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir Relaxed Start
Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Papey Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir where upon arrival relax in the untouched nature at Iceland’s only geothermal floating pools. Vök Baths harnesses the natural geothermal power of the area to create a unique bathing experience with amazing views of the Lake Urriðavatn. The architecture of the hot springs is designed to complement the unspoiled beauty of the Icelandic environment. Continue on to your hotel for an included dinner.
Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri Relaxed Start
Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations. The concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacularly coloured deposits. Continue to the charming fishing village of Húsavík for some free time to enjoy lunch. Perhaps visit the Húsavík Whale Museum for a guided tour to learn about whales, their significance in marine ecosystems and the history of whaling in Iceland. This evening is yours to relax or explore Akureyri at your leisure.
Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes Relaxed Start
Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls, and green coastal regions. Later, continue to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.
Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park
Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery. This evening, consider joining the Optional Experience at one of the oldest houses in Borgarnes and enjoy dinner at The Settlement Center restaurant, which is home to an exhibition telling the story of The Settlement Era in Iceland.
Day 8: Thingvellir and on to Reykjavík
Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Take an Insight Choice in Reykjavik between either a visit to the Perlan Museum with the Wonders of Iceland's one-of-a-kind exhibition to experience Iceland’s natural beauty or experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in the city. Perhaps unwind in one of Reykjavík’s many geothermal pools, visit the iconic Sky Lagoon or explore the vibrant Icelandic streets. Round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
