Itinerary:

 

DAY 1: Reykjavik

Welcome! Your expert guide awaits you with a transfer from Iceland’s International Airport to your hotel for a confirmed early check-in and breakfast.

 

In the afternoon, you will tour the city and visit The Settlement Exhibition. The lively atmosphere generated by the activity in Reykjavík’s old harbor area is a new major attraction and the area makes for a pleasant stroll, as do any of the city’s many historic trails.

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You will receive an informative lecture about Iceland’s financial history as your guide walks you through the causes and consequences of the collapse of the banking system in 2008. Your guide, an economic historian and expert in Icelandic financial history, will take you on a journey through some of the sights of the “financial miracle” of Iceland and the bank crash of 2008-09. Learn how and why Reykjavík aspired to become a global financial center, why the banks collapsed, and why Iceland put bankers behind bars!

 

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a festive Welcome Dinner!

 

Overnight in Reykjavik: Canopy by Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAYS 2 & 3: Reykjavik / Stórarjóður

Your guide will take you on a 1hr drive to your first stop of the day, the town of Borgarnes. Here you will visit the Settlement Center. From Borganes, you’ll head to Eiríksstaðir; birthplace of Leif the Lucky! On the way, you’ll have the option to stop at Grábrók Crater, a well preserved volcanic crater for a scenic hike.

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In the afternoon, you’ll stop at Eiríksstaðir, one of most historic sides of Iceland. Step back to the Viking Era and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of Erik the Red's farm and homestead where modern day Vikings demonstrate the lifestyle of 1000 years ago, sharing their crafts and knowledge.

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The following day, you will depart for a unique glacier excursion. You’ll explore the inner-workings of an Icelandic glacier located in a remote location on one of Iceland’s largest glaciers, Langjokull. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you will be guided through this beautiful hidden ice.

 

Then, you’ll visit 2 waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafossar. The waterfalls of Hraunfossar are a real treasure. This spectacular area best described as a collection of countless creeks and cascades small and big streaming out of the lava over a distance of 900 meters.

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Afterwards, you’ll head to Reykholt. This town is most famous for being the home of Iceland's best-known author Snorri Sturluson during the years 1206-1241. You will hear a lecture about Snorri and the history of Reykholt.

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Overnights in Borgarfjordur: Húsafell Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner(Day 2)

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DAY 4: Stórarjóður / Reykjavik

You’ll begin your day by  driving to  Þingvellir, a remarkable geological site and the most historic site on the island.  Þingvellir, located by Lake Þingvallavatn, the largest lake on the island, is now a national park and has  been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of  two of the earth’s  tectonic  plates.  The area’s combination of natural phenomena and historical significance make it inseparable from the fabric of Icelandic national life.

 

This excursion continues to the infamous Geysir Center where you will discover the famous geyser which has given its name to hot springs all over the world.  You will see one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur, spouting up to 30 meters in the air, every 5 to 7 minutes! Only a few minutes’ drive away is Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. Here you will see thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down into a deep gorge.

 

You’ll end the day with a special stop at a small pool that was a secret for many years and is the oldest swimming pool in Iceland. Through the ages, it has been a tradition to take a bath in the warm water from the hot springs in the area. The Secret Lagoon is a geothermal natural hot spring located in the small village called Fludir.

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Overnight in Reykjavik: Canopy by Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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DAYS 5 & 6: Reykjavik / Reykjanes Peninsula

Today, you’ll experience the dramatic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula that features volcanic craters, lava fields and geothermal waters. Your first stop is by Lake Kleifarvatn, the largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula. The lake is quite picturesque with its black sandy beaches, steep rocks, cliffs and small caves. The soft green moss in between gives the lunar landscape some softness and color. According to legend, the lake is said to be inhabited by a monster.

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Your next stop is at Seltún, a geothermal field with sulfatases, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs. The soil there is bright yellow, red and green, steamy and burning hot. Next, you’ll head to Eldborg Craters, where it is possible to hike up to Stóra- Eldborg. From there you’ll continue to Litla-Eldborg where you can look straight down into the crater. 

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In the afternoon, you’ll journey into Raufarhólshellir, a unique experience and a great opportunity to witness the inner workings of a volcanic eruption as one walks in the path of lava that flowed during the Leitahraun eruption, which occurred east of the Bláfjöll mountains about 5200 years ago.

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Afterwards, you’ll visit the Hellisheiði Power Plant which offers a geothermal exhibition. Here you will explore the utilization of geothermal energy in Iceland. At the end of a great day, you arrive at the Blue Lagoon, beautifully located in its extraordinary lava surroundings. You will enjoy the swimming experience of a lifetime. 

 

The following day, your guide will take a short trip to Eyrarbakki, Iceland’s main commercial port and trading center for centuries. You will enjoy music, storytelling, good conversation, and a walk by the seaside in unspoiled surroundings at Bakkastofa Culture Center. The music of this area tells a gripping story of people who sailed to Iceland in the 9th Century in search of a more peaceful life, and a safer future and fate for their families. 

 

In the evening, you’ll cheers to your experience with a festive farewell dinner!

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Overnights in Reykjavik: Canopy by Hilton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch(Day 5), Dinner(Day 6)

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DAY 7: Reykjavik / Home

Your transfer to Iceland’s International Airport for your return flight home will be ready to depart the hotel about 3 hours before your scheduled departure.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast