Best of Iceland

You’re on your way to Iceland, a land forged by fire and ice, where adventurous landscapes give way to a rich cultural heritage. Discover the dramatic contrasts: from ethereal lava fields and thundering waterfalls to charming coastal villages.

Discover culture and history in Reykjavík – Iceland’s capital. Explore the old section on a walking tour featuring the Parliament, harbor, city hall, and the city’s oldest building. Gaze up at the famous glass façade of the Harpa Concert Hall, a true marvel of modern architecture. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers and experience the freshness of Icelandic food at a local restaurant.

Travel the Golden Circle to see Iceland's most iconic natural wonders, including the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in Thingvellir National Park where you can walk between two continents. Learn how locals use Iceland’s geothermal energy to cook food and taste “lava bread,” which is submerged into the earth and cooked for 24 hours. Continue along the Golden Circle and take in the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) double-cascade waterfall before visiting the explosive Strokkur fountain geyser. Return to Reykjavík for an evening on your own.

This morning, fly* to Akureyri and take in the unique volcanic landscape that surrounds Lake Mývatn. You will have a chance to explore the Hverir geothermal area, where bubbling mud pools resemble a Martian terrain. Next, it’s your choice! Dip into the warm water and steam of the Lake Mývatn Nature Baths, frequented by Icelanders and visitors alike -OR- hike through Dimmuborgir and pass by irregular lava formations and mystical caves that inspire your imagination. End your day in Husavik, one of the first settlements on the island.

Gear up in thermal wear to join expert whale watchers on a cruise on Skjálfandi Bay. Aboard specialized Zodiacs, you’ll get as close as you can to whales in northern Iceland. You may see humpback, minke, fin or harbor porpoise, and possibly the orca or giant blue whales that frequent these waters. After free time for lunch, travel to Grenjaðarstaður where you will visit and learn about the traditional Icelandic turf settlement homes. Return to Húsavík in the late afternoon, where the remainder of the day is yours, or perhaps, join your Tour Manager for an evening walk.

En route to Akureyri, stop at one of Iceland's most historic waterfalls, Goðafoss, where Iceland was converted to Christianity in A.D. 1000. Enjoy time at leisure in Akureyri to explore Iceland’s second largest city. Perhaps you’ll peruse its botanical garden, a public park positioned just 30 miles south of the Arctic Circle and dedicated to finding and testing foreign plants to grow in Iceland. Next, head to the scenic Norðurland Vestra region, famous for its horse breeding. On a family-owned farm, grab your camera for a photo tour of the stables and interact with these friendly animals and their care takers. Later this afternoon, travel to the village of Laugarbakki for an overnight stay.

This morning, journey inland to Húsafell and look out at the misty waterfalls cascading over lava rocks. Then, experience an Impact Moment with a visit to Jóhanna’s goat farm. Here, she has helped to bring this unique breed, dating back to the time of Iceland’s settlement, back from the brink of extinction. After visiting with the friendly goats, enjoy a simple meal of homemade specialties from the farm. Then, bundle up and ascend Langjökull glacier** via mountain truck and go “Into the Glacier” to experience the purest blue ice color in this man-made tunnel, the world’s largest.*** End the day in Borgarnes, your home for the next 2 nights.

This morning, journey to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, with its camera-ready black sand beaches, mountain peaks, volcanic craters, rocky coastlines, and tiny fishing villages. Connect with the local culture during a visit to Iceland’s only museum dedicated to the century-old tradition of catching and preserving the Greenland shark. See the exhibits on its history, along with the family’s fishing boats and processing tools, including an astounding array of shark fishing equipment. You’ll also have the chance to taste hákarl – cured shark meat, as well as enjoy a lunch spread at a local bistro.

Visit the Settlement Museum and dive into the origins of Icelandic heritage, including the works of the famous Viking poet Egill Skallagrímsson. Drive to the Reykjanes Peninsula, home to scenic geothermal Sky Lagoon.**** Experience the Icelandic culture with the tradition of geothermal bathing. Take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters and enjoy sweeping ocean views. Come together this evening for a farewell dinner at a restaurant featuring Icelandic cuisine.

Head home having uncovered Iceland’s adventurous side.