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This itinerary is valid for departures in 2018. To view the 2019 itinerary click here.
Explore Iceland
7 days, Reykjavik to Reykjavik
Itinerary
Day 1Reykjavik
Arrive at any time.
There is a lot to do in and around Reykjavik - should you wish to take advantage of the many optional activities, such as the Blue Lagoon thermal pools, we recommend booking a pre or post night.
Hotel accommodation in Iceland is very limited and rooms/facilities can be fairly simple with few amenities. Hotels are chosen for their location and access to the wonderous landscapes and natural wonders of Iceland. Hotels are often remote, all the better to enjoy the beautiful natural setting.
During winter months (generally November through early March) the itinerary and inclusions are highly subject to change based on weather conditions and less "daylight "hours. Your CEO will go over the schedule and advise you of any alterations on a daily basis. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding that this is completely outside of G Adventures control.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Reykjavík/Golden Circle/Selfoss
Explore the geological wonders that have shaped Iceland on a tour of the Golden Circle, including a walk in Thingvellir National Park and visits to the Gullfoss Waterfall and Geysir hot springs. Also visit a farm to learn about the use of geothermal energy in Icelandic horticulture and enjoy a lunch of local produce. Spend the evening relaxing at the geothermal hot tubs and sauna at our hotel.
Thingvellir National Park is the meeting place of the two tectonic plates on which America and Europe rest. This rift is clearly visible in the huge fissures that scar the landscape surrounding the lake and lava fields. Continue on to Geysir, the world famous spouting hot spring, which gave all others its name, then Gullfoss waterfall, the Golden Falls, thundering down 32 meters into the Hvítá River Gorge.
During winter months (generally Nov-Feb) it may be possible to view the Northern lights in a few spots along the itinerary. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and sightings will be dependent on weather conditions. G Adventures cannot guarantee that travellers booked on this tour will experience the Northern Lights.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Thingvellir National Park Visit
Stop at Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site, to see the tectonic faults created by North American and Eurasian tectonic plates shifting apart. The Oxara river cuts through the largest rift in the valley, Almannagja, and leads to the Oxarafoss waterfall. Iceland’s parliament was also established in the area in 930. The park was later created to protect the remains of the open-air assembly grounds.
Geysir Visit
See a variety of geothermal pools and the erupting hot spring Strokkur. Geysir is one of the oldest geysers recorded in the world, but is most often dormant. Strokkur erupts a spray of boiling hot water straight into the air about every ten minutes.
Gullfoss Waterfall Visit
Discover one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland, Gullfoss, and complete the circuit known as the Golden Circle. This massive waterfall cascades over three “steps” before spilling into a large crevice. Fed by a glacier lake, the water passing through the falls can be a dark grey depending on how much sediment gets pushed through the river.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Geothermal Farm Visit with Lunch
Visit Friðheimar farm and Tomato Cultivation centre where we tour the greenhouse and learn about the use of geothermal heating in Icelandic horticulture. Here we enjoy the famous Friðheimar tomato soup with fresh-baked bread, surrounded by fragrant gardens. Then, visit the farm stables for an introduction on Icelandic horses.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant Visit
Explore how Iceland is harnessing its turbulent landscapes at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. Here we gain a better understanding of how geothermal energy is used in Iceland and research into how it could be utilized globally, as a renewable and sustainable power source.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Selfoss/Vik
Discover the beauty of Iceland’s south shore, catching views of the infamous Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Visit the picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall and follow our CEO along a hidden path to the secret waterfall of Gljúfrabúi. Also explore the black sand beach at Reynisfjara and surrounding coast in search of birds and wildlife.
Depending on the season and nesting habits of birdlife, we may also visit Dyrhólaey Cape. As well, it is possible to see puffins at Reynisfjara beach, Dyrhólaey Cape or near Vík in the summer months (15 May - 15 August).
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall Visit
Seljalandsfoss is a 60m (196 ft) tall waterfall located along the popular ring road. Behind the flow of water is a path, allowing visitors to peek behind the curtain of water cascading over the rocks above.
Reynisfjara Beach
Visit Reynisfjara Beach, just outside of Vík. Its black sand and ominous rock formations offshore make for stunning photos. Take some time to watch the foaming white waves crash over the black sand (but don’t get too close, the waves here can be extremely powerful), explore the shallow cave if weather and time permits, and get a photo of the basalt sea stacks.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Vik/Skaftafell
Continue exploring the south shore, past sandy plains and moss-covered lava fields, stopping along the way at various historical and geological sites. Visit Crystal beach and Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, to view icebergs which get carried out to sea, often washing back ashore on the black sand beach. Later, visit the Thorbergur Cultural Heritage Museum and enjoy a traditional dinner. Opt for a boat ride on the lagoon (May-October).
We make various stops today along the South shore including; The Church Floor underground basalt columns, Dverghamrar "Dwarf Rocks" basalt columns, Eldhraun "Fire Lava" lava field (created in one of the greatest eruptions in recorded history in 1783-1784, affecting not only Icelanders but Europeans as well), Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Skeiðarábrú twisted bridge (the remains of the bridge destroyed in a massive flood, caused by an sub-glacier eruption, that brought huge icebergs - some as big as a house).
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Visit
Visit the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon with views of the ice cap. The lake is the lowest point in the country and filled with icebergs drifting towards the sea, often with seals lounging on top. The blocks of ice coming off the glacier are typically 30m high, in dramatic shades of white and bright blue. Stop by Diamond Beach, which gets its name from chunks of the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier that float down to the coast's black sand shores.
Total distance: 3km.
Thorbergur Cultural Heritage Museum and Local Meal
Þórbergssetur is a unique exhibition which takes you on a journey through the life and ideas of one of Iceland’s most original thinkers and writers, Þórbergur Þórðarson. Considered a ‘new generation’ of museums it offers a unique look into local history and culture. After enjoy dinner at the centres restaurant which features a selection of local foods.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Boat Ride
5700-9800ISK per personOpt to take a boat ride around the lagoon to get closer to the floating icebergs with their seal passengers. The lagoon can be appreciated from the shore, but joining an amphibian boat tour allows you to get up close to the beautiful and unusually coloured icebergs floating in the water.
This activity is offered from 1 May to 30 October, and is subject to availability.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Skaftafell
Embark on a scenic glacier hike in Skaftafell National Park with an expert guide. Take in the impressive icy formations and hike to a water fall to learn more about the Vatnajokull glacier and National Park.
Visit Skaftafell National Park for an incredibly scenic hike on the glacier, feeling the ancient ice under our feet. Above us rises the massive Vatnajökull glacier in all its magnificence. Walking on crampons (metal spikes for the soles of our shoes), we'll safely traverse the ice viewing ice formations, deep sink holes and rugged crevasses. On winter departures (November - March), depending on weather conditions we also will visit an ice cave on our hike. Our highly qualified glacier guides will educate you about the Vatnajökull Glacier and the rough outlet glaciers, such as Virkisjökull, which descend from the main hub, towards the ocean.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Skaftafell National Park Glacier Hike
Glacier Wonders is a superb glacier hiking tour from Skaftafell into the magnificent ice world of Falljökull glacier, a tongue of the mighty Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. Your certified glacier guide will show you astonishing crevasses which wind through the ice and incredible glistening ice formations. During this tour, you will learn how a living glacier moves and why this magical ice kingdom is constantly changing.
Total distance: 6km.
WHAT TO BRING
-Warm outdoor clothing
-Waterproof jacket & pants
-Headwear
-Gloves
-Good hiking boots are essential (rental boots available ISK 1000 extra)
Hike to Svartifoss waterfall
Enjoy a hike in Vatnajökull National Park to view Svartifoss waterfall. Also known as the black falls, the stunning site is surrounded by dark basaltic lava columns.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Skaftafell/Reykjavik
Travel back to Reykjavik stopping to visit the Skogarsafn Museum, and the famous Skogafoss waterfall. Opt to climb the 400 steps next to the falls and take in spectacular views.
In the summer months, keep your eyes open for Reindeer, who come down to the lowlands and can often be seen grazing with sheep and cows.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Skógafoss Waterfall Visit
Visit Skógafoss, one of the largest and most recognizable waterfalls in Iceland. The 60m (200 ft) high falls forms a constant mist that floats in the air, if viewed in the sunlight the mist can create rainbows. The sound and view of the thundering water cutting through the green hills make the falls a must-see on any trip to Iceland.
Skógasafn Museum
Skogar Museum, is a cultural heritage collection of 15,000 regional folk craft artifacts exhibited throughout 6 historical buildings.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Reykjavik
Depart at any time.