Overview
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You will start your journey along the rugged coastline to Snæfellsnes peninsula to see the famed 700,000-year-old Snæfellsjökull glacier-covered volcano. You’ll also visit small fishing villages, including Djúpalónssandur – known for its legendary lifting stones to test the strength of fishermen.
The visit of Eiríksstaðir includes a replica of the sod-roofed home of Norwegian Viking, Erik the Red – also the birthplace of his son, legendary explorer Leif Erikson.
Travel through the renowned “Valley of Horses” – Iceland’s abundant agricultural region. You’ll stop at The Goðafoss – “Waterfall of the Gods” – and follow the shores of Mývatn Lake for stunning vistas of the volcano, wetlands, and wildlife.
You’ll see Dimmuborgir – the “Catacombs of Hell” – with its bubbling mud, volcanic caves, lava formations, and glow of subterranean lava. You’ll enjoy one of the local favorite activities soaking in the warm relaxing mineral waters of Mývatn Nature Baths.
Your affordable vacation in Iceland continues to the Deildartunguhver geothermal hot springs, and also takes you to Þingvellir National Park’s tremendous Gullfoss waterfall and erupting geysers.
Returning to Reykjavik, take the day trip to the South Shore to capture photographs of awe-inspiring waterfalls. You’ll also learn about Icelandic architectural and engineering history in the Skógar Folk Museum.
Your Iceland budget travel adventure concludes with a priceless visit to the black-basalt beaches of Vik, ranked as one of the 10 most beautiful on Earth. The magical beauty of Iceland’s geology, nature, and culture is certainly a trip for the ages.
During the winter months, it will be likely for you to experience the spectacular natural wonder of the northern lights, or “Aurora Borealis.” The spectacular phenomenon of a stunning spectrum of light and shapes dancing against the backdrop of the night sky is sure to create indelible memories.
Highlights
Scenic drive, see Snaefellsjokull Volcano
ARNSTAPI Walk around the harbor
EIRÍKSSTAÐIR Visit the homestead of Erik the Red
GOÐAFOSS Stop at the Waterfall of the Gods
SKÚTUSTAÐIR See the volcanic pseudo-craters
DIMMUBORGIR Visit the bubbling mud pools
MÝVATN Take a dip in the thermal Nature Baths
DEILDARTUNGUHVER See the geothermal hot springs
ÞINGVELLIR Visit the National Park
GULLFOSS See the famed waterfall
SOUTH SHORE Excursion including waterfalls, the Skogar Folk Museum, Vik and Eyrarbakki
2020 Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
ARRIVE IN REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
Day1
Welcome to Iceland! If you arrive early, leave your luggage at the hotel and go out exploring Reykjavik, as check in may not be possible until the afternoon. Use your CosmosGo app for inspiration on what to see and to find your bearings. You will meet your Tour Director in the evening.
REYKJAVÍK–SNÆFELLSNES–ARNARSTAPI–SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA.
Day2
Rich fertile farmland and rugged cliffs greet you on your morning drive along the beautiful coastal road to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. See the SNÆFELLSJÖKULL VOLCANO, which can be spotted from Reykjavík on clear days, as well as the glacier that covers its summit. More than 4,700 feet (1446 meters) in elevation, the mountain gained notoriety as setting for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth. Arrive in the small fishing village of Arnarstapi and walk around the harbor area to enjoy the fresh sea air and watch the antics of circling birds. Later, arrive at the dramatic black-pebble Djúpalónssandur beach, where four lifting stones ranging from 50 to 340 pounds were once used to qualify men for work on fishing boats. Spend the night in the quaint Snaefellsnes area.
Today’s Distance: 96 mi/ 155 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA–EIRÍKSSTAÐIR–AKUREYRI.
Day3
Iceland’s natural beauty unfolds as you drive through green pastures and meandering lava flows that have formed over the centuries. Via the colorful harbor town of Stykkishólmur, U.S. Marine landing site in the novel Red Storm Rising, reach the Haukadalur valley, home to some of the country’s most famous geothermal features. At Eiríksstaðir, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of ERIK THE RED’S FARM which is also the birthplace of Leif the Lucky, said to have discovered America. This afternoon, head into Skagafjörður, the renowned “Valley of Horses” and one of Iceland’s most prosperous agricultural regions. Overnight in Akureyri, the “Capital of North Iceland".
Today’s Distance: 241 mi/ 388 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
AKUREYRI. EXCURSION TO GOÐAFOSS & MÝVATN
Day4
First stop this morning is at GOÐAFOSS, the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Then, follow the shores of Mývatn Lake for vistas of the splendid volcano, peaceful wetlands, and abundant wildlife. Later, stop at Skútustaðir to see the intriguing volcanic pseudo-craters; DIMMUBORGIR, the “Catacombs of Hell,” with its bubbling mud pools, volcanic caves lava tubes and unusual rock formations; and the Krafla caldera with its ochre-colored glow of subterranean lava. Relax in the mineral-rich waters at the MÝVATN NATURE BATHS before returning to Akureyri for another overnight.
Today’s Distance: 130 mi/ 210 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
AKUREYRI–REYKHOLT
Day5
Today features an introduction to the spectacular geothermal hot springs at DEILDARTUNGUHVER. Here, you’ll find clusters of emerald-green deer ferns growing, a plant that grows nowhere else in the country. Next up is the tiny hamlet of Reykholt, former home of medieval Icelandic poet, historian, and politician Snorri Sturluson. Then, see the fascinating series of waterfalls at Hraunfossar before enjoying a stroll along the riverbanks to the BARNAFOSS waterfall, where the glacial cascade has carved out rock formations.
Today’s Distance: 238 mi/ 383 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
REYKHOLT–ÞINGVELLIR–GEYSIR–GULLFOSS–REYKJAVÍK
Day6
Some of Iceland’s most spectacular sights are on the agenda today as you visit ÞINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK, a rift valley and boundary between the North American and Eurasian continental plates. See geysers as they erupt from the earth’s geothermal vents, and, later, see the famed GULLFOSS waterfall before heading back to Reykjavík.
Today’s Distance: 163 mi/ 263 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
REYKJAVÍK. EXCURSION TO THE SOUTH SHORE.
Day7
Explore the South Shore today, and have your cameras ready for the awe-inspiring SELJALANDSFOSS and SKÓGAFOSS waterfalls. Then, visit the tiny settlement of Skógar to admire turf farmhouses, a pioneer-era hydroelectric plant, and examples of many periods of Icelandic architectural history at the SKÓGAR FOLK MUSEUM. On to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, to see its black-basalt beach, counted as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches on Earth in Islands Magazine. The cliffs here are home to a large seabird population, including puffins. Finally, marvel at the Sólheimajökull glacier before enjoying a stop in the village of EYRARBAKKI.
Today’s Distance: 71 mi/ 114 km
Meals included:
- Breakfast
REYKJAVÍK.
Day8
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Hotels outside of Reykjavik may not always be of the standard usually expected. Porterage not provided.Departures from October to April include evening Northern Lights Hunt excursions on day 2 and day 5.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Fosshotel Baron
Superior Tourist-Class
Historical hotel standing prominently in the heart of Reykjavík, near the seafront, within walking distance from many popular shops and attractions. Enjoy a scenic walk by the seaside, visit the prestigious Harpa Concert Hall and try some of Reykjavík's great restaurants and cafés, all just a stone's throw from the hotel.
Location
Baronsstigur 2-4 , Reykjavik, Iceland
Hotel Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Parking/Valet
- Bar/Lounge
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Ice Machine
- Currency Exchange
Room Facilities
- Climate Control
- Wake-Up Calls
- Desk
- In-Room Safe
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Hair Dryer
- Coffee Maker
- Window Opens
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Television
- Internet Access
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Cable/Satellite
- Phone
Fosshotel Stykkisholmur
Superior Tourist-Class
Located by the sea in the beautiful town of Stykkisholmur with the harbour just a short walk away. The hotel restaurant has a warm atmosphere overlooking the Breidafjordur Bay and there is also a modern bar serving drinks. The 79 guest rooms have contemprary decor and all offer Free Wi-Fi access.
Location
Borgarbraut 8 , Stykkisholmur, Iceland
Hotel Facilities
- Currency Exchange
- Free WiFi
- Business Center
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Bar/Lounge
- ATM
Room Facilities
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Television
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Internet Access
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri
Superior Tourist-Class
The hotel is tastefully decorated with bright, sunny rooms that offer all modern facilities like hairdryer, flat screen TV, free wireless internet, telephone, and coffee and tea set. Guests can enjoy nearby natural wonders, skiing, and some cultural life in the capital of the North. There is a warm geothermal swimming pool across the street and the center of Akureyri is only a short walk away.
Location
Thingvallastraeti 23, Akureyri, Iceland
Hotel Facilities
- Bar/Lounge
- Free WiFi
- Dry Cleaning
- Luggage Storage
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Business Center
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Air Conditioning (Seasonal)
- Wake-Up Calls
- Air Conditioning
- Coffee Maker
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Desk
- Window Opens
- Climate Control
- Internet Access
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
Fosshotel Reykholt
Superior Tourist-Class
Fosshotel Reykholt is a romantic country hotel in the legendary setting of Reykholt in Borgarfjörður. Once the home of historian and poet Snorri Sturluson, Reykholt is one of Iceland's major historic sites. Bounteous in captivating scenery the area is full of lava fields, waterfalls, mountains, craters and caves.
Location
Reykholt, Reykholt, Iceland
Hotel Facilities
- Hot Tub
- Luggage Storage
- Parking/Valet
- Elevator
- Restaurant On-Site
- Free WiFi
- Bar/Lounge
Room Facilities
- Non-smoking Rooms
- Wake-Up Calls
- Television
- Cable/Satellite
- Complimentary Toiletries
- Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Window Opens
- Internet Access
- Disabled Access / Rooms
- Room Service
