Extensions - Iceland: The Land of Fire & Ice

Iceland is a land of constant contrast and change. You'll discover a world that nature is still creating, vibrant city life and people who live and thrive in a challenging and natural environment. It's a land of fjords, vast uninhabited spaces, glaciers, volcanic mountain scapes, waterfalls and bubbling hot springs that will take your breath away.

Iceland Complete Escorted (9 days)

From $2,398pp twin share
Includes: Rooms with private facilities, meals as per itinerary, sightseeing as per itinerary, entrance to Petra’s stone collection, Sigurgeir’s Bird collection and Laufas folk museum, Skagafjorour Horse show 

Day 1 – Reykjavik
Tour commences with individual check-in at accommodation. Remainder of day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Gullfoss – Geysir – Vik
Start the day with a short city sightseeing of Reykjavík.  From Reykjavík head through the village of Hverageroi to explore Gullfoss, the ‘Golden Waterfall’, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, and numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools.  Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss before continuing to Dyrholaey nature reserve (closed during nesting season May-23 June).  Continue to the village of Vík. (B, D)

Day 3 - Skaftafell – Jokulsarlon – Hofn
Cross Eldhraun, the world’s largest lava mass, to Kirkjubaejarklaustur. Over Skeioararsandur sands to Skaftafell National Park and Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon the birthplace of icebergs. (B, D)

Day 4 - East Fjords – Egilsstadir
Drive from Hofn through Almannaskaro pass, stop and admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords.  Explore Petra’s renowned stone collection. (B, D)

Day 5 - Lake Myvatn Area
Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, heading to the Lake Mývatn area. Visit Námaskarð pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area, including the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and Laxá salmon river. One of Mývatn area’s claims to fame is that it is home to more species of ducks than any other place on Earth, with very diverse birdlife in general.

Day 6 - Lake Myvatn – Akureyri
Travel towards the bustling northern port of Akureyri stopping at the magnificent Godafoss waterfall and Laufas turf farm.  Akureyri has buildings beautifully restored to their original glory. (B)

Day 7 - Skagafjordur – Borgarnes
Majestic mountains and narrow passes lead to Skagafjorour for an introduction of the unique Icelandic horse that has a special fifth gait – the tolt. Towards the village of Blonduos built on both sides of the river Blanda with Hrutey Island a protected nature reserve located in this popular salmon river. Cross the Holtavorouheioi plateau through Borgarfjorour to beautiful Borgarnes. (B, D)

Day 8 - Thingvellir – Reykjavik
Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in the world.  A stop will be made to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls, before continuing over the breathtaking Kaldidalur mountain pass.  The journey continues to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland’s largest lake and Thingvellir National Park, the ancient site of the world’s first parliament held outdoors. (B)

Day 9 – Reykjavik
Tour concludes after breakfast. (B)

Optional Excursions: boat tour on the Glacial Lagoon; super jeep tour on Vatnajokull Glacier; Myvatn Nature Baths; horse riding; non-guided tour to the Blue Lagoon on arrival/departure.

Saga Sites Self Drive (5 days)

Includes: Rooms with private or shared facilities, meals as per itinerary, 3 days compact 2WD car rental with unlimited mileage incl. VAT and taxes, road map and further travel documentation

Day 1 – Reykjavik
Check into hotel in Reykjavik.

Day 2 - Skogafoss – Vik
Collect rental car, drive to Skogafoss waterfall, Myrdalsjokull glacier and the rocky headland Dyrholaey (puffin nesting during summer) to Vik. (B)

Day 3 - Vik – Selfoss
Explore Thjorsardalur valley, sandy lava fields, rivers and waterfalls, impressive volcano Hekla. Visit Gullfoss waterfall and Geysir hot springs. (B)

Day 4 - Thingvellir – Reykjavik
Visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the ancient Icelandic parliament, through Hvalfjorour fjord or Kaldidalur highland track (4WD needed). On to beautiful Borgarfjorour region and Reykholt. Return rental car in Reykjavik. (B)

Day 5 – Reykjavik
Tour ends. (B)