Compare All about Iceland by Hurtigruten vs Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Classic Group, Winter 2021 2022 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Classic Group, Winter 2021 2022 Classic Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 5,291 | $ 3,575 |
| Price Per Day | $ 481 | $ 511 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Mythical Iceland is the land of ice and fire, with glaciers and volcanoes side by side. The unspoiled nature offers stunning landscapes, geysers and impressive waterfalls. You will see a variety of islands, towns and settlements, spectacular views and interesting sites, always accompanied by our knowledgeable Expedition Team. Discovering the wilderness, wildlife, history and settlements During this 11 day expedition cruise where you circumnavigate Iceland, you will enjoy hikes through lava fields, breathe the fresh Icelandic air, swim in natural hot spas, visit one of the many museums or simply walk around on your own and chat with the locals. To enhance the experience you can participate in our wide range of excursions – taking you even closer to it all. |
Experience the iconic sights of Iceland as you gasp in awe at the exploding hot springs in Geysir and lose yourself in the Northern Lights dancing overhead in Reykjavik. From the thundering waterfalls of Skógafoss and the majesty of the Hekla volcano, to the allure of the Golden Circle and the earth shaking Mid-Atlantic Ridge, this one-week tour has it all. Uncover Iceland’s volcanic history at the Lava Centre en route to Vik, visit a geothermal bakery in Fontana where fresh bread is dug out of the hot ground before your very eyes and hone your horticulture skills at the massive greenhouse tomato farms in Friðheimar. Discover how Iceland was settled at a fascinating exhibit in Borgarnes and conclude your tour with a Local Expert in Old Reykjavik, as they guide you through the capital. |
Day 1: Reykjavik
A lot of visitors are puzzled when landing in Iceland, because the airport is located in a part of the country that looks like an arctic desert with lava rocks, moss and mountains. 45 minutes later you find yourself in Reykjavik, a charming and vibrant town with lots of restaurants, museums and shops on narrow streets.
Embarkation from 16:00 hours.
Day 2: Circumnavigation Iceland
The West region of Iceland is often named “The Sagaland”. Here you can enjoy Stykkishólmur and Grundarfjörður‘s diversity with lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, hot and cold springs. Snæfellsnes shelters tiny fishing harbours with dark cliffs of columnar basalt protecting them. All the colours of the northern summer seem to be caught between the ocean and the pristine slopes of the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Our wide range of excursions will surely enhance the experience of being here.
Stykkishólmur
Stykkishólmur has beautiful and well-preserved old houses in the town centre. Here you can find various interesting museums, as well as Iceland’s oldest meteorological station, dating back to 1845. The church in Stykkishólmur makes a beautiful landmark both from land and sea. The view from the church over Breidarfjordur is spectacular. When we land in Stykkisholmur we have several optional excursions, like boat tour with stunning views, or if you wish to be more active both kayaking, hiking and horseback riding is available.
Bjargtanger/Latrabjarg bird cliff
Látrabjarg, is a promontory and the westernmost point in Iceland. The cliffs are home to millions of birds, including puffins, northern gannets, guillemots and razorbills. It is vital for their survival as it hosts up to 40% of the world population for some species e.g. the Razorbill. It is Europe's largest bird cliff, 14km long and up to 440m high.
Day 3: Circumnavigation Iceland
One of Iceland’s best-kept secrets is the Westfjords. Ísafjörður is the largest town, with a centuries-old history as a major centre of commerce and trading, all based on fish. We invite you to take a stroll around to see its architecture or join our wide range of optional excursions.
Day 4: Circumnavigation Iceland
The Hornbjarg cliff is one of the greatest seafowl habitats, and we will take a closer look, and hopefully make a landing.
Day 5: Circumnavigation Iceland
Siglufjörður offers facilities for both recreation and sightseeing. A few hours in the rugged landscape give you the chance to savour the peace and tranquillity. Grímsey is where the Arctic Circle touches Iceland, and we will use our Polarcirkel boats to reach this island.
Day 6: Circumnavigation Iceland
Akureyri is a lively and energetic town. It is the most populated community outside the Reykjavík area and the centre of trade, culture and services for the north of Iceland. Akureyri is close to many of Iceland’s most renowned natural beauty spots and the town itself is a popular destination. Enjoy an optional hike or join an excursion to the impressive Goðafoss waterfall.
Day 7: Circumnavigation Iceland
Today we visit Husavik, and sail by the Langanes peninsula in the evening. Húsavík is the oldest settlement in Iceland. The Museum House at Húsavík houses a maritime museum, natural history museum, folk museum, district archives, photograph archives, and an art gallery. And of course Húsavík is also home to the Whale Museum. Cultural life is flourishing, the active and enthusiastic drama society being among the best amateur theatre groups in Iceland. Husavik has many optional tours to offer for those interested in a deeper understanding of the area.
Day 8: Circumnavigation Iceland
Bakkagerdi is the main settlement in Borgarfjörður. This area is known for its natural beauty and is “the land of the elves”. There are a lot of puffin colonies in the fjord, so it is a popular place for bird watching. Bakkagerdi is off the typical tourist track, and offers peace, quiet and nice views. If you prefer more action, you can join us for an optional tour to the natural forest of Hallormstadur. Seyðisfjörður is distinguished by its Norwegian heritage. The colourful Norwegian-style wooden houses date from the early 20th century and render this village unique in Iceland. Explore the town, join a hike or take an optional excursion out to Skálanes.
Day 9: Circumnavigation Iceland
On the east coast you will find pine forests, lush farmlands and a variety of colourful fishing villages and vibrant seaside communities. The Vatnajökull glacier is the largest glacier of Europe and a spectacular sight. From Djúpivogur you can join our optional excursion to Vatnajökull lagoon, or stay and hike in the beautiful surroundings of town.
Day 10: Circumnavigation Iceland
Surtsey is a volcanic island, formed by an eruption starting 130 meters below sea level and reaching the surface in 1963. Heimaey is the largest of the Westman Islands and is dominated by magnificent bird cliffs. The Vestmannaeyjar is located off Iceland’s south coast. Most of the islands have steep sea cliffs and is a habitat for extreme amounts of birds, including puffin. This is also a great place for spotting whales.
Day 11: Reykjavik
Our voyage of discovery and adventure ends in Reykjavik. If you have the time, join our exciting post programme Golden Circle and Blue Lagoon.
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 travelling 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 a light buffet. 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 colour.Please note the northern lights are a natural phenomenon and therefore sightings cannot be guaranteed.
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. See the magnificent Hekla and Eyjafjallajökull volcanoes and visit the Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur, dedicated to Iceland's history of volcanic activity and earthquakes. Arrive in the welcoming community of Vík. Later, perhaps enjoy another chance to go in search of the mystical northern lights?
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 exploding hot springs at Geysir before continuing on to the mighty Gullfoss waterfalls, the Icelandic equivalent of Niagara Falls. 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 flavour of their lovingly grown crop. Continue on to your hotel in Flúðir for another chance to catch nature's theatre unfolding in the night sky.
Day 4: Thingvellir, Borgarnes and Húsafell Relaxed Start
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Fontana on a visit to a geothermal bakery. Here, sample delicious rye bread, dug out from the steaming hot ground and served with butter. Continue to Thingvellir. This remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site lies on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge line, 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 and stop at Reykholt for an orientation with your Travel Director. In Borgarnes, learn about Iceland's history with a fascinating visit to the Icelandic Settlement Centre. Enjoy views of the Hraunfossar and Barnafoss waterfalls as you drive through glorious landscapes. Your travels continue to Deildartunguhver, Europe's most powerful hot spring.
Day 5: Reykjavík sightseeing Relaxed Start
Journey back to the Icelandic captial, where a Local Expert will show you 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 colourful harbour and the Hallgrímskirkja, a modern church and landmark that can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 6: Choice in Reykjavik 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, relax in the Blue Lagoon. Surrounded by lava fields and snowcapped 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 a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Farewell Reykjavík
Your Icelandic adventure comes to an end, with a transfer to Reykjavík's Keflavík Airport.
