Compare Iceland Adventure by Globus vs Natural Wonders of Iceland - Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 4,319 | $ 5,404 |
| Price Per Day | $ 540 | $ 540 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | Icelandic folklore maintains there are clans of elves and trolls living in the country’s extraordinary hills, rocky outcrops, and lava fields. Will you meet these “Huldufólk” or “Hidden People” said to dislike churches, daylight, and electricity? Hard to say. But here’s what you will see on this breathtaking tour of Iceland—active volcanoes, roaring waterfalls, jagged glaciers, floating icebergs, black-sand beaches, and brilliant-blue geothermal springs. Unique, local experiences await in the “Land of Fire and Ice,” including tasting piping hot bread baked by the heat from the hot springs, sipping Geysir schnapps served at freezing point, and standing in awe before the spectacular Lake Jökulsárlón, home to Europe’s largest glacier and the site of some of the most dramatic scenes from the James Bond movie Die Another Day. The gargantuan sights in the land of the elves will surely leave you stirred, not shaken. | Breathe in the fresh air of Iceland as you tour the scenic bay of Reykjavik, uncover volcanoes on the way to Vik and explore the geothermal hubbub of Lake Mývatn—near Akureyri. From the thunder of the two-tiered Gullfoss Waterfall and the geothermal floating pools of Egilsstaðir to the black lava fields of Búðir and the sea cliffs of Arnastapi, experience every imaginable landscape on this one week guided tour. Take an Insight Choice in Reykjavik between a dip in the mineral rich waters of the Blue Lagoon or a walking tour of the city’s premier sights—led by a Local Expert. In Hellisheidi, visit Iceland’s flagship geothermal heat and power station, and learn how this scientific wonder helped the country generate 70% of its power—from renewable energy sources. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
Welcome to Reykjavik! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
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Day 2: REYKJAVIK–HELLISHEIÐARVIRKJUN–GEYSIR–GULLFOSS–THINGVELLIR–BORGARNES
Incredible Iceland REYKJAVIK Orientation drive.HELLISHEIÐARVIRKJUN Visit the geothermal heat and electric power station.GEYSIR Stop at the hot springs and [LF] taste local specialties with a glass of Geysir Schnapps.GULLFOSS Take pictures at the Gullfoss waterfalls.THINGVELLIR [LF] Walk through the rift valley en route to Borgarnes.(Breakfast,Dinner) 180 mi / 290 km
LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Iceland is the only place in the world where separation between the North American and European geological rift (tectonic plates) are above sea level, and nowhere in the world are the edges of both plates as clearly visible than the rift valley in Thingvellir National Park. Here, you can stand on two continents at the same time!
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Day 3: BORGARNES–HAUGANES–AKUREYRI
Giant Love HAUGANES Take a [LF] whale-watching cruise before continuing to Akureyri. (Breakfast)217 mi / 350 km
LOCAL FAVORITE WILD & WONDERFUL Take a whale-watching cruise from Hauganes for the chance to spot humpback and minke whales and dolphins surfacing on the glassy waters of Eyjafjordur bay.
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Day 4: AKUREYRI–GOĐAFOSS–LAKE MÝVATN–DETTIFOSS–EGILSSTADIR
Heavenly Sights AKUREYRI Take an orientation walk that includes the botanical gardens.GOĐAFOSS Take pictures of the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Scenic drive to the lovely blue Lake Mývatn.LAKE MÝVATN Stop at lake Mývatn.DETTIFOSS Take photos of the most powerful waterfall in Europe (road conditions permitting) before continuing to Egilsstadir. (Breakfast,Dinner) 190 mi / 305 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Take the photographs of a lifetime with a stop at North Iceland’s historic and magnificent Goðafoss waterfall, stretching 90 feet across dramatic rock formations to deliver its spectacular cascades along the glacial-fed Skjálfandafljót River.
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Day 5: EGILSSTADIR–HÖFN AREA
Warm Friends on an Icelandic Fjord EGILSSTADIR Scenic drive en route to Höfn. (Breakfast,Dinner)159 mi / 256 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURE & TRADITION Hear about the Lagarfljótwurm, a snake-like animal that is supposed to guard a pot of gold located by Lake Lögurinn and take in the natural beauty of this fjord town where sheep farming, fishing, and music festivals are all part of the culture.
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Day 6: HÖFN AREA–LAKE JÖKULSÁRLÓN–SKAFTAFELL NATIONAL PARK–VIK AREA
Icy Beauty LAKE JÖKULSÁRLÓN [LF] Take photos of the Vatnajökull Glacier (weather permitting). Scenic drive through Skaftafell National Park en route to Vik. (Breakfast,Dinner) 169 mi / 272 km
LOCAL FAVORITE PICTURE PERFECT Drive through the national park at Skaftafell and stop at Lake Jökulsárlón. Snap photos to capture the astonishingly beautiful glacier Vatnajökull (the Water Glacier) which flows into the lake for a spectacular sight to see at Iceland's largest ice cap.
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Day 7: VIK AREA–SELJALANDSFOSS–REYKJAVIK
Earthly Powers VIK AREA Scenic drive with views of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano. SELJALANDSFOSS Take photos of the waterfall.REYKJAVIK Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Dinner) 118 mi / 190 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Eyjafjallajökull is one of Iceland’s few stratovolcanoes (with an ice cap covering the caldera). When the volcano erupted in 2010, the glacier topping also broke, and the plume of ash rose over five miles into the sky – interrupting European air travel for almost a month!
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Day 8: REYKJAVIK
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
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Day 1: The Smoky Bay of Reykjavík
Welcome to Iceland. On arrival at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel on your complimentary Insight shuttle operated by Gray Line. Join your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:15 for a Welcome Drink served with canapés.
Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Day 2: Hot Springs, Waterfalls and Vík
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, heading east to visit Iceland’s newest geothermal and electric power station at Hellisheiðavirkjun. Later, travel on to the ancient bishopric of Skalholt and see the historic church, set in a remote location amid magnificent natural scenery. Continue to the hot springs at Geysir and the mighty Gullfosswaterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. In the afternoon, visit the majestic south coast waterfalls ofSeljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to your hotel in Vik.
Hótel Kría, Vik.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: By Glaciers and Icebergs to Höfn
Travel along the southern coast of Iceland, beside the black sand beaches and basalt rock formations.Continue through the National Park at Skaftafell and see the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull.Travel on to the luminous blue icebergs of Lake Jökulsárlón, the highlight of the day. This dramatic setting was featured in two James Bond films.Arrive in the small harbour town of Höfn, an active lobster fishing hub. From here, your Travel Director will lead a short orientation.Dine at your hotel's restaurant tonight and experience what the local produce has to offer.
Hótel Höfn.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Eastern Fjords to Egilsstaðir Relaxed Start
Explore yet another face of Iceland, as you drive through narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs and past small fishing villages. Catch a glimpse of Friar Island, once the home of Gaelic monks who settled here before the arrival of the Vikings. Continue to the lakeside town of Egilsstaðir.
Icelandair Hotel Herad, Egilsstadir.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: By Desert, Lakes and Divine Waterfalls to Akureyri
Continue on to the beautiful Lake Mývatn and explore a wide spectrum of geological formations and the concentrated geothermal activity produces mud pools and spectacular coloured deposits. This afternoon is a taste of the local rúgbrauð, a sweet and dense rye bread which is buried underground and baked by the heat from nearby hot springs.After an introduction how they use the Dimmuborgir lava fields for the cooking process enjoy a sample of the delicious bread served with butter. Continue to Akureyri where you have the evening to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps embark on an optional whale watching experience? (available during whale season)
Icelandair Hotel Akureyri.
Breakfast
Day 6: From the Capital of the North to Borgarnes Relaxed Start
Enjoy an orientation of Akureyri, the capital of northern Iceland, first established as a trading centre in 1602. Travel past mountains, waterfalls and green coastal regions. Later, continue on to the southwest coast of Borgarnes.
Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Exploring Snæfellsjökull National Park
Travel along the Snæfellsnes Peninsula to Snæfellsjökull National Park, known as the Jewel of West Iceland and home to the country’s most famous volcano. See the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier surrounded by unspoiled natural beauty. En route, admire the impressive landscapes of Búðir, offering a mixture of sandy hills, black lava fields and a yellow beach. Next, take a stroll along the sea cliffs of Arnastapi with its unique column rock formations and take in the beautiful scenery.
Icelandair Hotel Hamar, Borganes.
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Thingvellir, Blue Lagoon and on to Reykjavík
Journey south to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.Explore Reykjavik with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Alternatively, discover Reykjavik's top sights on a walking tour with your Local Expert and stop along the way to sample local specialties.This evening, delight in a delicious Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant where you round off your journey through one of the world's most naturally beautiful places.
Fosshotel Reykjavík.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 9: Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
Breakfast
