Despite its misleading name, Iceland lays claim to a spectacular natural environment of green forests, volcanic peaks and cascading waterfalls and understandably lures travelers back year after year. Using the capital city, Reykjavik, as home-base, we travel to 'The Golden Circle', one of Iceland's most popular expeditions, we explore the country's southernmost town and enjoy glacier sceneries off the coast. From here, it's on to Greenland, a land whose incredible and unique landscapes can incur a profound impact on the visitor. Marvel at untamed, unconquered nature in all its glory in this inhospitably barren, yet bewitchingly beautiful, winter wonderland and experience a different sort of holiday.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik
Arrival in Reykjavik, Iceland. Rekjavik is a compact capital. In the greater Rekjavik area there are approximately 170,000 of Iceland's total population of some 280,000. Overnight Reykjavik. Dinner if required.
Day 2: Rejkjavik
In the morning a city sightseeing of Reykjavik including the town of Hafnarfiordur where we briefly visit the Fish Market, the Open-Air Museum Arbaer, one of the open air swimming pools and the towering Hallgrim's Church. We also pass through the old town, the harbor, the summit-meeting house Hofdi and the House of Parliament. The rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore the capital on your own. Overnight in Rejkjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Reykjavik -'the Golden Circle' – Reykjavik
Today's excursion is one of the most popular excursions in Iceland: The 'Golden Circle.' We visit Geysir, the famous thermal area with hot springs that have been erupting since the fourteenth century. After our visit we travel to Gullfoss, the golden waterfalls, to view the picturesque cascade. Here, the river Hvita drops a total of 32 m (105 feet) into two falls. The canyon above and below is 70 m (230 feet) deep and 2.5 km (1.5 miles) long. Rainbows often form in the spray of the falls. We also visit the National Park of Thingvellir and the greenhouse village of Hveragerdi before returning to Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Reykjavik - Vik – Reykjavík
Today we have an extensive look at Iceland's south coast, from Reykjavik to Vik, the country's southernmost town. On this tour we travel through the scene of the Saga of Njall, visit waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, have a view of Myrdalsjokull Glacier, the home of of sub glacial volcano Katla, and a visit to the glacier's edge at one of its tongues. We have a lunch stop at the village of Vik followed by a walk on the black sands and view of the awe inspiring Dyrholaey sea arch, places famous for their bird colonies (arctic terns, puffins, guillemots). The full name of Vik means "bay of the marshy valley". Overnight in Reykjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Rejkjavik - Lake Myvatn
This unforgettable highland adventure to a rarely visited part of Iceland takes us across the heart of this volcanic island. We start in the capital of Reykjavik and then drive to Thorsar Valley and Sprengissandur, before civilization is left behind for hundreds of kilometres through lava rock deserts and unspoiled nature of central Iceland. To enjoy all of this, we make stops to take a look at the impressive surroundings, glaciers, gravel and sand deserts, lakes and lava fields. A lunch break allows us to roam in the wilderness and experience the feeling of solitude in the vast expanses of the interior before we continue to Lake Myvatn. Overnight near Lake Myvatn. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Lake Myvatn – Akureyri
Full day excursion around famous Lake Myvatn visiting the Namaskard Solfatra field with it's bubbling mud craters. Myvatin lies directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and is surrounded by volcanic and geothermal topographic features. The lake itself is a result of an ice cap 10,000 years ago, allied with lava flows forming a natural dam. Viti crater and Krafla, a volcanic fissure, is the scene of recent and frequent eruptions. We then see Dimmuborgir with its eerie rock formations. We have time to enjoy the bird life before continuing to Akureyri. Overnight in Akureyri. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Akureyri - Skagafjordur Valley
We take a sightseeing journey around Akureyri in the morning. In Siglufjordar, on a headland overlooking the Greenland Sea not far south of the Arctic Circle, we visit the fascinating Herring Museum. We then head for the fishing town of Dalvik and onwards along the fjord to Olafsfjordur town, between towering mountains and the wide ocean. We then proceed over Lagheidi Mountain road to Saudarkrokur in Skagafjordur Valley. Overnight in Skagafjordur Valley. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Skagafjordur Valley - Hellissandur - Snaefellnes area
We drive to Hellissandur. Overnight in the Snaefellnes area. Overnight in Snaefellnes area. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Snaefellsnes Peninsula – Reykjavik
This morning we explore the wonder of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, driving along the north shore, passing the Berserkjahraun lava field and viewing the towering and majestic Glacier Snaefellsjokull (1442 m / 4,730 feet). We visit Arnarstapi, with its fascinating rock formation, (including arches, caves, basalt cliffs, and blow holes), and bird cliffs. In Reykholt we see the cemetery where Snorri and his family are buried and visit the new interpretive center the is devoted to his life and to the literature he penned. We drive through the charming Husafell woods and to Hraunfossar, a multitude of picturesque waterfalls. Continuing on, we go through the desolate, but fascinating Kaldidalur. Kaldidalur is a valley with magnificent ice caps on both sides. Finally, we travel over the Mossfellsheidi Plateau to Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Reykjavik, Iceland - Narsarsuaq, Greenland
This morning we say farewell to Iceland and our Iceland Tour Leader and fly to Narsarsuaq in South Greenland. Historic sites from the Viking Age, the Inland Ice Cap, fertile hills with sheep farms, deep blue fjords with multi-colored icebergs, calving glaciers - everything within short range from our hotel. This is the area which Eric the Red found to be the best place to settle and where he found inspiration to name the new land: Greenland.
Upon arrival we meet our Greenland Tour Leader / Guide. Shortly thereafter we have a guided walk through Narsarsuaq where out local guide points out location of the different service facilities, explains daily life and the exciting history of the airport. We also visit the local museum. Narsarsuaq with its international airport is the gateway to South Greenland. It is situated at the end of Eric's Fiord next to the original settlement of Eric the Red and the beautiful Qooroq Glacier.
Please note: On some of our days in Greenland we will be departing from our regular meal plan of breakfast and dinner every day. As noted below, on some full day excursions we will be including lunch and leaving dinner to your own account. We do not have full control of the itinerary for our visit to Greenland, as this portion of the tour is operated by a local sub-contractor who reserves the right to alter the itinerary without notice. Overnight in Narsarsuaq. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Narsarsuaq - Qassiarsuk - Tasiussaq – Narsarsuaq
We cross Eric's Fiord by boat and go ashore at the sheep breeding settlement Qassiarsuk, situated on the very spot where Eric the Red in year 985 settled and named his farm "Brattahlid". We visit the ruins of Eric's Farm and some nearby Eskimo ruins. After the stay in Qassiarsuk we drive 8 km along the mountain track to Tasiussaq - one of the most beautifully situated farms in South Greenland. We enjoy our lunch box and visit the sheep breeder family Frederiksen to learn about "farming at the end of the world". Return to Narsarsuaq. Overnight in Narsarsuaq. Breakfast and lunch.
Day 12: Narsarsuaq - Igaliku – Narsarsuaq
Today's full day excursion takes us through the ice filled Eric's Fiord to Itilleq where we go ashore next to some of the biggest agricultural fields in South Greenland. Our transport takes us to Igaliku - a beautiful village where the ruins of the Vikings' Cathedral and the Bishop's Farm are situated. After lunch in a small cafeteria we walk through the village back to Itilleq and by boat back to Narsarsuaq. Overnight in Narsarsuaq. Breakfast and lunch.
Day 13: Narsarsuaq - Qooroq Ice Fiord – Narsarsuaq
The Greenland Ice Cap is "producing" 250 million tons of icebergs every summer and their last journey begin when they break off the glaciers. One of these glaciers is the Qooroq Glacier. We cruise between the icebergs towards the glacier and at location by the choice of the captain we stop the engine and let the boat silently drift in these amazing surroundings. This afternoon is free back in Narsarsuaq. You might consider participating in an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion: "We cross the Johan Dahls Land by helicopter to Lake Nordbo.
A ground stop makes it possible to leave the helicopter and enjoy the fantastic scenery. The beautiful Lake Nordbo surrounded by mountains and a huge glacier wall on one side. Rising up from the glacier is the Ice Cap. Alternative routing depending on the weather. Please note: This excursion is only operated on ad hoc basis: When helicopter capacity is available and when minimum 15 participants. Duration: 1 hour (approx.) Price: TBA (ask your Tour Leader), payable locally. Your local guide / Tour Leader will make these reservations for you on arrival in Greenland." Overnight in Narsarsuaq. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 14: Narsarsuaq, Greenland - Rejkjavik, Iceland
Today we fly to Rejkjavik. Overnight in Rejkjavik. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 15: Departure from Reykjavik. Breakfast. Goaa Fero !!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner (local restaurants & hotels) daily; lunches in Greenland
- All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for driver, restaurant staff, porters (if available)
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches in Iceland, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international air taxes (if applicable), any excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Iceland
Greenland
Ecotourism
Cultural Journey
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