Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
Season: Summer
Departure: 02.07.2011,
16.07.2011, 06.08.2011,
20.08.2011 & 03.09.2011
Package Type: Guided tour
Product code: IE-10
Price from: €1925 * p.p.
 

Itinerary

The Tour in a Nutshell
Icelanders have always shared a deep bond with their rugged natural surroundings, so why not let a local show you around Iceland’s best natural wonders? This small group tour – led by a professional local guide – takes you on a classic route around Iceland, emphasizing the unique phenomena that no visitor should miss, including geysers, thunderous waterfalls, glaciers, lava deserts, and much more. Each day presents new, diverse landscapes and unforgettable scenery along with plenty of opportunities to make new friends and learn about Iceland’s fascinating history and culture.



Highlights:
Reykjavik, Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Vatnajökull Glacier, Vatnajökull National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Vík, Mt. Búlandstindur, Lake Mývatn, Ásbyrgi, Dettifoss, Goðafoss, Akureyri, Deildartunguhver, Hraunfossar, Reykholt.

Tour Outline

Day 1: Welcome to Reykjavik
Arrive at Keflavík Airport where you are greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in central Reykjavík. After settling in, you have free time to explore this exciting city as you wish. Later in the afternoon or early evening, there will be a short information meeting with your guide.

Day 2: The Golden Circle
The first day of our exciting journey is spent exploring “The Golden Circle”, a popular tourist route that includes stops at some of the country’s best-known natural attractions such as: Þingvellir National Park, site of the world’s oldest parliament and the continental divide; the geothermal hot spot of Geysir with its spouting hot springs; and the powerful Gullfoss waterfall. Spend the night in the vicinity of Hvolsvollur.

Day 3: The Scenic South Coast
Begin the day with a visit to Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss—two of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls. Next, we pay a visit to the nearby Skógar Folk Museum to get a feeling for what life was like in traditional turf houses. Finally, we continue east to Vík í Mýrdal for a stop at the volcanic black sand beach south of the village, from where you can view the dramatic rock formations of Reynisdrangar. Spend the night in the vicinity of Skaftafell.

Day 4: Glacial Wonders
Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Skaftafell area with its many interesting hiking trails – including one that leads to the Svartifoss (“Black Falls”) waterfall, which spills over a wall of remarkable, hexagon-shaped basalt columns. We then continue east on the Ring Road to reach our next destination: Jökulsárlón, a spectacular glacial lagoon at the edge of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Here you have the rare opportunity to enjoy a guided boat tour among the floating icebergs and curious seals. Spend the night in the vicinity of Djúpivogur, a village in Iceland’s south-east corner.

Day 5: Fjords and Lunar Landscapes
Enjoy the remarkable fjord scenery and charming fishing villages as we head to Egilsstaðir, the capital of East Iceland. Our route passes by many notable sights including the majestic Mt. Búlandstindur and the village of Stöðvafjörður. Once we’ve traversed the stunning East Fjords and surrounding moorlands, prepare to be amazed by the lunar landscapes of the Lake Mývatn area with such moonlike features as the Námaskarð Pass. Spend the night in the vicinity of Husavik. NOTE! Due to the winding roads of the fjords, this will be a longer-than-usual day of sightseeing.

Day 6: The Pearls of the North
We begin the day with a scenic drive through the awe-inspiring Jökulsárgljúfur National Park (part of Vatnajökull National Park), viewing such stunning sights as the mythical Ásbyrgi canyon and Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe. Spend the night in the vicinity of Húsavík.

Day 7: Akureyri – Capital of the North
Our first stop is at Goðafoss (“waterfall of the gods”) before continuing to Akureyri, the “Capital of the North”, a charming town overlooking a long fjord that is always bustling with activity in the summer. There, you can take a stroll through the town centre with its variety of interesting shops, museums, and cafes. Akureryri also boasts a lovely botanical garden, filled with a noteworthy collection of Icelandic and imported flora. Spend the night in the north-west part of Iceland.

Day 8: Wonderful West Iceland
Explore West Iceland with its diverse attractions such as Deildartunguhver, the most voluminous hot spring in Europe, and the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls. We also pay a visit to historic Reykholt where Snorri Sturluson wrote his famous Saga Heimskringla in the 13th century. Then it’s time to complete the journey and head back to Reykjavik, where you will spend the night.

Day 9: Home Sweet Home
Transportation to Keflavík Airport is provided via Fly bus in time for your departure flight. Travellers departing in the afternoon have the option of more sightseeing in the capital area or relaxing at the Blue Lagoon before heading to the airport.

Additional nights can be added in Reykjavík, upon request.
Contact us at iex@nordicvisitor.com

Prices & Details

Included
  • 8 nights’ accommodation in comfortable tourist-class hotels incl breakfast
  • 6 dinners (2-3 courses or buffet dinner) from day 2 – day 7
  • Meet and greet transfer from Keflavík airport
  • All transportation according to itinerary
  • Professional guidance according to itinerary
  • Boat tour on Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon
  • Entrance to Skógar folk museum
  • Keflavík Airport transfer by fly bus
  • Taxes and service fee
Not Included
  • Flight to and from Iceland
  • Lunches
  • Meals and drinks at restaurants (unless otherwise stated)
  • Personal travel insurance

TOUR PRICES
* The displayed "price from" is per person when booking for 2 adults

1 Adult 2 Adult
€2417 €1925

All prices are per person and in Euro (EUR).

Rooms
1 Person = Single room
2 Sharing = One twin/double room

Note: It's not possible to book triple rooms on this tour.

Seasons
Seasons: From 15 May through 1 August.

Departure:
15.05.2011 - 23.05.2011
12.06.2011 - 20.06.2011

Duration
9 days, 8 nights

Language:
English

Group size:
6-16 persons

Children
Children age 0 – 2: Not available
Children age 3-11: Not available
Children age 12+: Full price

Other
This tour is not recommended for families with young children.

Optional Activities
Myvatn Nature Baths
Whale watching from Húsavík
Blue Lagoon on departure or arrival
Horse riding tour

Booking
After you place your booking request you’ll receive an automatic reception confirmation. Once we’ve reviewed your booking request and confirm that we have availability on the tour in question, we will contact you via email. A month prior to your Iceland adventure you’ll receive a booking overview with information about all your service in Iceland by email.

Accommodation

Accommodation - Comfort
The Hotels and Guesthouses we offer are mostly in the 3 star range and the rooms are with private shower/WC. The hotels are a mixture of comfortable tourist class hotels, country hotels, farmhouses, and well appointed guesthouses All supply breakfast (included in price) and most have a restaurant.

Please note that although we have included specific hotels within our holiday packages, these may be subject to change. We reserve the right to substitute a named property in the same locality for one of a similar standard or higher, and will ensure that our clients are notified in advance of the departure date.

About the accommodation in this package

Hótel Reykjavík
Situated within minutes of Reykjavík’s main shopping street, Hótel Reykjavík caters to the needs of busy guests with friendly, attentive service and a calm atmosphere. This hotel features 79 comfortable rooms and suites, restaurant, bar, and other conveniences for a relaxing stay.


Hótel Hvolsvöllur
Hótel Hvolsvöllur, located in the small town of Hvolsvöllur in South Iceland, offers 54 rooms, restaurant, bar, Jacuzzi, and conference facilities. Guests can also take advantage of many recreational possibilities nearby at such places as the beautiful Þórsmörk valley or the Mýrdalsjökull glacier.


Hótel Laki
Hotel Laki, set in the beautiful countryside of South Iceland, offers guests the choice of 40 well-equipped rooms in the new hotel building or 15 cottages with cooking facilities, WC, and room for 4-5 people. The hotel also includes a dining hall, bar, and 9-hole golf course.


Hótel Framtíð
This charming hotel in the south-eastern village of Djúpivogur offers a comfortable stay in a scenic natural setting. Hótel Framtíð offers guests a variety of accommodation options in 46 rooms as well as a cellar bar and two restaurants specializing in fresh seafood from local fisherman.


Fosshótel Húsavík
Fosshótel Húsavík, located near the harbour in Húsavík—the “whale-watching capital of Europe”, is one of the world’s few whale-themed hotel, boasting a unique décor inspired by these marine mammals. The hotel offers 70 assorted rooms, conference facilities, restaurant, and the Moby Dick Pub.


Hótel Varmahlíð
Hótel Varmahlíð is a comfortable, small hotel, with 19 rooms. All the rooms have private facilities with a shower. They are also equipped with a TV, a hairdrier and a telephone. The hotel restaurant offers an a la carte menu from June through August, as well as a menu for groups. For lunch we offer light meals or a buffet.