Incredible Iceland

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Fun Facts: Iceland has the most active volcano area in the world, the largest waterfall and glacier in Europe, and the cleanest capital in the world. Soccer is Iceland’s favorite team game and in the phone book everyone is listed by their first name. 

Days 1 & 2 – USA to Reykjavik, Iceland 

Depart Minnesota with an R&J Tour Director and take an overnight flight to arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland in the early morning. We’ll start our day with breakfast in Keflavik, then we’ll take a short sightseeing drive around Reykjanes Peninsula before heading to the famous Blue Lagoon where we can bathe in its rejuvenating waters. Maybe a little quiet time after we check into our hotel and before we gather once more for a welcome dinner with our travel companions. 

Hotel: Icelandair Hotel Natura (2 Nights) 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 3 – Reykjavik area 

Today we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Reykjavik. We will see the presidential residence at Bessastadir as well as Hafnarfjorour, where we visit the old fishing harbor. Lunch is at the unique restaurant Perlan, built on water tanks that hold the city’s hot water supplies. Take advantage of the spectacular views of the city and surrounding area as you dine. Later we’ll stop at the Hofoi Building where the all-important summit between President Ronald Reagan and Secretary General Mikhail Gorbachev took place in 1986. See the University, the old town center where the Icelandic parliament Albingi is situated, the town hall, the pond Tjornin, and Hallgrimskirkja Church. This afternoon you’ll have some free time to explore at Reykjavik Center or relax at the hotel. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 4 – Golden Circle 

After breakfast, we embark on the famous Golden Circle tour. Our first stop is at the National Park Thingvellir, where we can see the continental plates drifting apart. Then we’ll visit the breathtaking waterfall Gullfoss and the famous Geysir area. This evening we unpack for a relaxing three night stay in Borgarnes. 

Hotel: Icelandair Hotel Hamar (3 Nights) 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 5 – Borgarfjordur & Grabrok Crater 

Today we’ll visit Grabrok Crater and the Borgarfjordur area. The crater erupted over 3,000 years ago and is surrounded by lava covered in moss, birch and willow. We have the opportunity to take an easy walk up to the crater to experience magnificent sweeping scenery. Continue to Borgarnes for a visit to the Settlement Exhibition to discover how Iceland was discovered, and how the Viking sailors conquered the open ocean and why they left their homelands in Norway. We’ll then continue to Deildartunguhver, a hot spring with the strongest water flow in all of Europe. Next we visit Hraunfossar, a gorgeous & serene series of waterfalls that cascade into the Hvita River over ledges of lava rock. Within walking distance is the rapid Barnafoss waterfall, which cuts through the narrow canyon. We’ll return to our hotel for a relaxing evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 6 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula 

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland is almost like a miniature of the whole country. There are white and black beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains, volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes, salmon rivers, lush valleys, unique harbors in charming fishing villages, and a world-renowned glacier. We’ll look at stunning rock formations and teeming bird life in the lovely towns of Arnarstapi and Hellnar. At the foot of the peninsula, we’ll find Djúpalónssandur, a gorgeous, sandy beach with spectacular views and rich history as it used to be home to one of the most prolific fishing villages on the peninsula. Experience all the beauty with the serene and majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier serving as stunning backdrop. We’ll also visit the Bjarnarhofn Shark Museum, where we’ll get the opportunity to taste rotted shark, considered a delicacy in Iceland! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 7 – South Shore Adventure 

After breakfast, we will walk up to Skogafoss waterfall and admire its impressive 203 ft drop. Later we make our way towards Seljalandsfoss waterfall where we’ll have the opportunity to stand behind the plummeting falls! This evening we settle into our hotel for a two night stay. 

Hotel: Hotel Vik (2 Nights) 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 8 – Skaftafell and Jokulsarlon Glacier 

Today we drive east to explore the Skaftafell National Park. We’ll take a walk up to Svartifoss waterfall, and have time to wander around this picturesque national park. Then we continue on to the breathtaking Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon for a boat ride sailing amongst icebergs of all shapes and sizes! This thrilling environment is constantly changing as the massive glacier tongue retreats further. Arrive back in Vik to enjoy dinner together. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 9 – South Shore with Farm Visit 

A special treat will be in Frioheimar, where we will explore a local farm growing tomatoes and other delicacies, along with a “meeting with an Icelandic Horse.” Then we drive through the small town of Hveragerdi, best known for its green houses, before arriving at our hotel. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner together. 

Hotel: Icelandair Hotel Natura 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Day 10 – Reykjavik to Home 

After breakfast, we’ll check out and head to the airport for our departure flight. As we fly home, take time to reminisce about our Incredible Iceland adventure! 

Included Meals: Breakfast