ICELAND - A LAND OF FIRE & ICE | Iceland

Description

Join us on our tour to Iceland, a land of geysers, glaciers, volcanoes, epic sagas, heroic legends, and rich history. Iceland is an otherworldly place where forces of nature have created a landscape that allows you to swim in geothermal heated pools, trek across a mossy lava field, or drive over an icy glacier all in one day. You will be enchanted by the striking and raw beauty of this extraordinary and geologically young island. The local cultural life is equally rich, from medieval sagas to contemporary novels. The effortless style of the local people is simply mesmerizing, as is their friendly and self-reliant spirit.

Highlights

Explore Reykjavik, a sophisticated European city with museums, galleries, theater, symphony, boutiques and restaurants
Visit Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Vikings established the world's first democratic parliament in AD 930
View the geothermal pools at Geysir, and marvel at Iceland's most famous waterfall, Gullfoss
Visit a geothermal power plant and witness geology in action
Visit a geothermal bakery

Savor delicious tomato soup at a local farm
Take a dip in the healing geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon
Explore Copenhagen, the bustling maritime city
Marvel at the wharf-side homes and stores in the beautifully preserved Nyhavn district and much much more...

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Depart USA

Today you begin a wondrous adventure as we depart the USA for your overnight flight to Reykjavik, Iceland. Meals and refreshments served on board.

Day 2 | Arrive Reykjavik, Iceland - Viking World Museum - City Tour

Welcome to Iceland! Iceland is an amazing country filled with beautiful nature, wonderful food, and inspiring art and culture. Start your day with a traditional breakfast at Viking World Cafe. Afterwards, view the Viking World Museum and then continue for our city sightseeing tour. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. Tonight, join us for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Reykjavik. (B,D)

Day 3 | Reykjavik - Golden Circle Tour/Vik

Check-out of your hotel and depart for a full day excursion of the Golden Circle. Visit the Thingvellir National Park and then stop in Fontana to partake in one of our Cultural Discovery Series- visit a fascinating geothermal bakery and sample delicious rye bread. After lunch, depart for Great Geysir and Gullfoss. Continue to the southern coast and enjoy the scenery of this beautiful agricultural region. Arrive in Vik and check-in to your hotel. Evening is at leisure (venture out in search for the Northern Lights*). Overnight in Vik. (B,L)

Day 4 | Vik - South Coast Tour/Reykjavik

Check-out of your hotel and depart for a full day excursion to the South Coast. Take a morning walk along the black sand beach at Reynisfjara lined with columnar basaltfilled caves. Visit Seljalanfoss and Skogafoss, Iceland's most visited waterfalls. Visit the Skogar Folk Museum depicting traditional life of Iceland. Independent lunch at the local restaurant. Continue the journey through the stunning landscape and view Hekla and Eyjafjallajokull volcanoes. Visit the newest geothermal heat and electric power station in Hellisheidavirkjun – Cultural Discovery Series. Arrive in Reykjavik and check-in to your hotel. Overnight in Reykjavik. (B)

Day 5 | Reykjavik - Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa

This morning travel to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa, and get ready for an invigorating and energizing swim in this natural and unique wonder of Iceland. Relax and rejuvenate as you swim and soak-in the thermal waters of this natural phenomenon. In the afternoon, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Reykjavik. (B)

Day 6 | Reykjavik

Today enjoy a free day to experience Reykjavik’s colorful buildings, wander off the beaten track to shop and dip into the capital's rich culture, galleries, and cafés. This evening a Farewell Dinner will be served at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 7 | Reykjavik to USA or extend your stay with an optional Copenhagen extension

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home with great memories to share of your unforgettable Iceland adventure or continue on your 2-day extension tour to Copenhagen, Denmark. (B)

COPENHAGEN EXTENSION

Day 7 | Reykjavik/Copenhagen - City Tour

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Copenhagen where your optional extension vacation continues for the next two nights in “Wonderful Copenhagen.” Not only is Copenhagen the trendiest city of Scandinavia, but also gets constantly ranked as the happiest city in the world. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport by your Tour Director and head out on a panoramic guided tour of Copenhagen. Enjoy the famed charms from the past and present, including the famous Little Mermaid statue, the city hall, and the Amalienborg Castle, home to the Danish royal family. View also the home of the famous writer Hans Christian Andersen, and walk around Nyhavn, originally a busy commercial port, but nowadays a vibrant hub of city life and shopping. Later in the afternoon check-in at your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

Day 8 | Copenhagen - Canal Tour

This morning, following breakfast, get familiar with Denmark's wonderful capital from the water on a Copenhagen boat tour. Glide along the city’s pretty canals and harbor waters and soak up stunning views of Copenhagen charm and grandeur. Pass landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the Copenhagen Opera House, a stunning contemporary building that stands imperiously on the harbor side. Cruise around the pretty canals of Christianshavn with its cobbled streets and pastel-colored houses. As you cruise, learn about Copenhagen’s rich history from the onboard guide, who will share illuminating facts and background of this amazing city. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Copenhagen at your own pace. You may opt to visit Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park and quintessential Copenhagen adventure which has been a tradition since 1843, or simply relax and join in the locals for an afternoon stroll along the Stroget. (B)

Day 9 | Copenhagen to USA

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to Copenhagen International Airport for your homeward flight. (B)

(B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner

Hotel and itinerary are subject to change.

Photo Gallery

waterfall in Seljalandsfoss

Northern Lights in Iceland

Skogafoss waterfall

Blue lagoon on Iceland

Thingvellir National Park

The Godafoss is a famous waterfall in Iceland

The village church of Vik

Nyhavn embankment, Copenhage

waterfall in Seljalandsfoss Northern Lights in Iceland Skogafoss waterfall Blue lagoon on Iceland Thingvellir National Park The Godafoss is a famous waterfall in Iceland The village church of Vik Nyhavn embankment, Copenhage

Includes

ROUND TRIP AIR TRANSPORTATION - Air transportation from New York
QUALITY ACCOMMODATIONS - Hotel accommodations for 5 nights
SUPERB CUISINE - 9 included meals consisting of 6 buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
SIGHTSEEING TOUR PROGRAM - Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: City Tour of Reykjavik, Viking World Museum, Golden Circle Tour including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss “Golden” Waterfall and Great Geysir Geothermal Area, South Coast Tour including Seljalanfoss and Skogafoss Waterfalls, and Thermal Pools of the Blue Lagoon
CULTURAL DISCOVERY SERIES - Our program encompasses cultural connections, in-depth learning on the local economy and social systems, and interaction with locals such as visits to a geothermal bakery to sample delicious local bread and to the latest geothermal heat and electric power plant
PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR - Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour upon arrival in Reykjavik
DELUXE MOTORCOACHES - Touring by private deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS - Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport

Optional Extension Includes

AIR TRANSPORTATION - Air transportation from Reykjavik to Copenhagen
FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS - Hotel accommodations for 2 nights
SUPERB CUISINE - 2 included meals consisting of 2 buffet breakfasts
SIGHTSEEING TOUR PROGRAMS - Sightseeing, including local guide and all entrance fees as follows: City tour of Copenhagen and Canal cruise
PROFESSIONAL TOUR DIRECTOR - Assistance of a professional Tour Director for the entire length of the tour
BAGGAGE HANDLING AND TRANSFERS - Baggage handling for one piece of checked luggage outside of the airport