Itinerary Details
Insight Vacations: Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter
Day 1 - The Viking City of Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland. At Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Join your Travel Director and traveling companions at 18:15 for your Welcome Reception and enjoy the opportunity to get to know each other, over a pleasant evening of wine and canapés. Afterwards, search for the most spectacular show on Earth— the northern lights. See the breathtaking night sky filled with the aurora borealis and its vast spectrum of color. Please note the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Accommodations: Fosshotel Reykjavík
Day 2 - South Shore Adventure to Vík Relaxed Start
Take a journey through the stunning landscape of Iceland's south coast and through the land of Njál‘s Saga–a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun Your journey continues, as you witness the majesty of Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. Stand awestruck by the beauty of these thundering waterfalls, before venturing on to view more spectacular phenomena. See the magnificent Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes. Arrive in the welcoming community of Vík. Later, perhaps enjoy another chance to go in search of the mystical northern lights?
Accommodations: Kría, Vik
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - The Golden Circle to Flúðir
Embark on a day of discovery around Iceland's Golden Circle, taking in some of the famous landmarks this magical country has to offer. Experience the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls - the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls, before continuing on to the exploding hot springs at Geysir. Next stop is Friðheimar, to learn about Icelandic greenhouse horticulture. Visit a family-run vegetable farm, specialising in tomatoes. Explore their greenhouses and sample the sweet, unique flavor of their lovingly grown crop. Our final stop today offers the perfect opportunity to unwind at the Secret Lagoon, or Gamla Laugin as it's locally known, in an optional experience of pure relaxation. Established in 1891, this historic pool is Iceland’s oldest, inviting you to soak in its warm, natural waters.
Accommodations: The Hill, Flúðir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Thingvellir, Borgarnes and Húsafell Relaxed Start
Your first visit today will be to Thingvellir National Park, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. The first meeting of the Icelandic parliament was held here in A.D. 930. Journey along the trail of Viking warrior and poet Egill Skallagrímsson. In Borgarnes, learn about Iceland's history with a fascinating visit to the Icelandic Settlement Center. Enjoy the views of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls, and Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring, as you traverse glorious landscapes before stopping at Sturlureykir Horse Farm, a local family-run breeding farm.The farm also features a natural hot spring, where geothermal water is used to bake rye bread underground. Savor the taste of this freshly baked rye bread, a family recipe for over 100 years.
Accommodations: Húsafell
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Reykjavík sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey back to the Icelandic capital and see Old Reykjavík, the 19th-century parliament building and Höfði House. In 1986, US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev met here for the famous Reykjavík Summit. Later, visit the colorful harbor and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja, the largest modern church in Iceland, standing 74.5 meters tall and visible from almost anywhere in the city. The afternoon is at your leisure.
Accommodations: Fosshotel Reykjavík
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Reykjavik Your Way Relaxed Start
Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to experience the magic of Iceland on an exhilarating flight-ride at FlyOver to see incredible scenery from sweeping glaciers to stunning fjords. Alternatively, visit the Perlan Museum with the Wonders of Iceland, one of a kind exhibition to experience Iceland´s natural beauty. This afternoon, you may choose to unwind in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon (or a comparable location) on our optional experience, subject to seasonal availability. Surrounded by lava fields and snow-capped mountains, the lagoon is a wonder of nature and offers a unique experience for both body and soul. With your newfound friends, toast to the culmination of your fascinating journey of discovery during dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations: Fosshotel Reykjavík
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
Meals: Breakfast