
Iceland is an island of contrasts, where extraordinary grassland and desert sand lie side by side amidst a backdrop of glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, hot pools and lava. Join us to discover the geothermal dynamics of Iceland's interior, witness her volcanic landscape, and encounter the vibrant creatures which inhabit the island's North Atlantic coastline.
In addition to diverse geological wonders, Iceland boasts a rich human legacy. According to historical accounts, the ancient Norse journeyed from their Scandinavian homeland in search of furs, ivory, and new territories. Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, was settled by seafaring Norse in 874; and it is here that we begin our search for Iceland's treasures, before venturing into a fiery landscape of lava fields, steam vents, bubbling mud pools, thermal springs, and fumaroles.
Explore Myvatn ("Midge Lake") basin, known for its magnificent scenery, unique terrain configuration, an ever-present spectacle of geothermal and volcanic activity. Mountains, lava fields, solfatara fields, pseudocraters, and glacial moraines dominate the landscape, while the vast variety of bird life, including whooper swans and Barrow's golden eye, find safe haven.
Led by experts who will discuss the region's rich variety of flora and
fauna, this intriguing program will undoubtedly capture the imagination of today's modern explorers.
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
• Ten-day/eight-night program
• Round-trip economy-class air from the United States to Keflavík Airport in Reykjavík
Reykjavík
• Two-nights at the Hótel Grand Reykjavik
• Visit to the old town center, including the Parliament, cathedral, harbor, Höfdi house, and Árbæjarsafn Outdoor Folk Museum
• Opportunity to swim in the Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water
Selfoss
• One-night at the Hotel Oerk
• View Gullfoss waterfall, the gushing hot springs at Geysir, Strokkur hot spring and other geological phenomena
• Visit the village of Hveragerdi and greenhouses warmed by geothermal water
Skaga Fjörd
• One-night at the Hotel Varmahlid in Saudárkrókur
• Visit historic Thingvellir on Lake Thingvallavatn and its geologically fascinating surroundings
• Deildartunguhver, Europe's most productive spring
• Regional History Museum
• Introduction to Icelandic horses
Myvatn
• One-night at the Sel-Hótel Myvatn
• Exploration of Lake Myvatn area, it's strange rock formations, abundant bird life, Laxa Salmon River and Godafoss waterfall
• Drive through Mödrudalur desert plateau and see the sulphur slopes, boiling mud pools, flashing colors of Námaskard Pass and the lava flows from the Krafla volcano
Egilsstadir
• One-night at the Hótel Edda ME
• View Petra's stone collection
• Drive through mountainous wilderness ringed by extinct volcanoes
• Admire the magnificence of the country's Eastern Fjords
Höfn
• One-night at the Hotel Höfn
• Cruise Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon dotted with huge icebergs
• Walk the Skaftafell National Park
• View Eldraun gigantic lava mass and the vast black sandy desert
Vík
• One-night at the Hótel Vík í Myrdal
• Discover Dyrhólaey natural reserve and its abundant bird life
• See Skógarfoss and Seljalandsfoss, magnifenct waterfalls
EXCEPTIONAL VALUES:
• Resident Tour Director/Guide throughout
• Daily buffet breakfast and eight table d’hôte dinners
• In-depth cultural study tour
• Excellent opportunities for bird-watching
• Deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach transportation
• All transfers and handling of one piece of luggage per person
• All entrance fees, taxes, and service charges
• Most gratuities
• Extensive pre-departure assistance; practical and cultural guide
• Travel bag, passport wallet, name badge, and luggage tags
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