Your epic journey through lush lava fields and the windswept landscapes of Iceland begins in the quirky capital of Reykjavík. The northernmost capital of the world seems infused with vivid colour, from the bustling byway of Laugavegur to the enthusiasm of the city's friendly locals. Spend time exploring Iceland's Viking heritage, pay tribute to the sun and snap a selfie in front of The Sun Voyager or stroll around the lively Old Harbour, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers at 18:00 for a Welcome Reception to kick-start your love affair with Iceland. This evening, you’ll check into the Grand Hotel Reykjavík, our Stays With Stories accommodation, where nods to local mythology and nature provide the perfect introduction to a city that celebrates art around every turn. Admire the dramatic glass artwork by local artist Leifur Breiðfjörð, on proud display in the lobby as you check in for your first night in mystical Iceland.
Explore the small capital city of Reykjavík on a sightseeing tour with your Travel Director this morning. View all the city's major attractions including the Parliament, the Harpa Concert Hall, and the city's main landmark, the Hallgrímskirkja Church, perched at the top of a hill in the heart of the city. Leave the city behind and travel through the undersea tunnel Hvalfjörðr to Akranes, whose local Folk Museum you visit before enjoying views of the rugged coastline from the town’s lighthouse. View Deildartunguhver, Europe’s highest-flowing hot spring, followed by a visit to Reykholt, famously the former 13th-century home of one of Iceland’s most loved authors, Snorri Sturluson. Nature takes centre stage this afternoon, when you view Hraunfoss and nearby Barnafoss, both beautiful waterfalls in their own right and a soul-stirring way to end your day.
Bundle up warmly as you make your way to the wild, sea swept landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula this morning. You’ll soon discover why the Peninsula is fondly referred to as 'Iceland in miniature' for encompassing every one of Iceland’s most magnificent natural treasures - volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, waterfalls and more - in just 55 miles (90 km). Explore on your own or consider joining an Optional Experience on a cruise of Breiðafjörður Bay. Soak up the sights, sample Viking ‘sushi’ and marvel at the quaint fishing villages and black sand beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for the star of the show, the Snæfellsjökull glacier. The beautifully shaped stratovolcano is known as the location for Jules Verne's novel 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'. Return to your hotel in Borgarnes to enjoy an evening at leisure.
As you travel around Iceland’s 'Golden Circle’, Mother Nature’s magic touch can be seen around every turn. Visit the 'Golden Waterfall' of Gullfoss, saved at the turn of the last century by the tenacity of a farmer's daughter who threatened to throw herself into its depths if it was developed for hydroelectric power. Then, head to the world-famous hot spring area of Geysir and see Strokkur shoot a spectacular plume of water and steam high into the air. You’ll see first-hand how the movements of the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates have carved into the Earth's crust, in the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park. This evening, Connect With Locals with a local storyteller and her songwriter husband, and delve into their colourful family history, then join them for dinner at an exclusive Be My Guest experience. Continue to Selfoss later, where you'll stay overnight.
Start the day with a visit to Iceland's newest geothermal heat and electric power station in Hellisheiði, the second largest of its kind in the world. During this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience learn why Hellisheiðarvirkjun is a world leader in the utilisation of geothermal energy. You can almost feel the Earth simmering under the surface as you journey across Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark. This is the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level. View Strandarkikja and let some of its legendary powers bring you good luck. Then, watch as sulphurous steam emerges from the lunar landscapes surrounding Lake Kleifarvatn. Continue to Grindavík – its long-standing fishing heritage visible in the harbour. Dive Into Culture at the world-famous Blue Lagoon (please remember to pack your swimwear), whose steaming turquoise waters are said to have healing powers. For an extra special treat, rub some of the lagoon’s famous silica-mud on your skin and enjoy a sauna with lagoon views. This evening, we reminisce over the myths and legends we've encountered along the way, during a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends and your Travel Director.
For now, it's time to say a fond farewell to Iceland after an unforgettable trip. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Available on Day 3
We'll sail around Breiðafjörður's innumerable islands today to enjoy the fjord's fairytale-like scenery and varied birdlife, including puffins, black-legged kittiwakes, arctic terns, fulmars and eider duck. A definitive highlight of the cruise takes place when the boat raises its plow to bring up shellfish from the bottom of the ocean. Scallops, sea urchins, crabs, starfish and sea cucumbers are all possibilities and some of these can be eaten fresh from the sea!
Adult Price: € 75
Note: Weather Permitting
Available on Day 3
Based in one of the oldest houses in Borgarnes, we'll enjoy dinner tonight at The Settlement Centre restaurant; its light and contemporary decor, while honouring the past, provides a relaxed atmosphere for your evening and is home to an exhibition telling the story of The Settlement Era in Iceland.
Adult Price: € 75
Note: Please note: a set menu is offered and this optional is subject to minimum numbers.
Available on Day 5
Sailing away from the coastline of Reykjavik, we'll escape the lights of the city and begin our search for the northern lights. Seeing the aurora borealis, with a beautiful backdrop of mountains and city lights, is something you won't ever forget. In less than 30 minutes we'll be in a prime location, away from the city lights, perfect for viewing the auroras. This tour is subject to weather conditions.
Adult Price: € 99
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