Compare Hornvik Height & Sights by Borea Adventures vs Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 2 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 1,744 | $ 4,095 |
| Price Per Day | $ 872 | $ 585 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Hike the heart of Hornstrandir, taking in all its beauty, Hornbjarg bird cliffs and history in a short time. We have departures every Friday from 10. June until 26. August. When limited to only a couple days in Hornstrandir, the toughest part can be deciding where to go. Hornvík Bay is a clear favorite for many travelers and is our recommendation for the “I only have a couple days where should I go?” traveler. We totally recommend doing more than a day trip to the nature reserve since in the evenings the nature takes on a different shape. The Arctic foxes come out from the dens searching for food, the midnight sun shines straight into Hornvík bay and it's so cozy to sit around the table in our basecamp enjoying a nice cup of tea talking to your fellow travellers. The wildlife in Hornvík is amazing with over 6 million birds nesting in the cliffs, Arctic foxes that are so relaxed that you can enjoy their company from a short distance and many species of waders that call the bay their home. The nature is pristine and breathtaking. You will return from this trip a different person. |
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
We start with a morning boat ride (9:00 AM) straight to the fjord of Veiðileysufjörður, where we walk up the valley floor to Hafnarskrað Pass where the view opens up over the bay of Hornvík. The hike takes us up to 500 meters and is on path most of the way. The last part up to the pass is usually on snow and is a little steep. We descend down to the bay and make our way to our basecamp in Hornvík and have a true Icelandic roasted lamb for dinner. Options for vegetarians also! The night will be spent in comfortable tents and we supply the tents, mattresses and sleeping bags.
Day 2
We will wake up early and have a hearty breakfast, before circumnavigating the edge of the magnificent Hornbjarg bird cliffs. During the trek you will experience looking down the 400 meter cliffs (if you dare) seeing kittiwakes taking a bath in the lake under the cliffs, thousands of birds soaring the edge, arctic foxes searching for food on the beach or in the mountains and enjoy the magnificent view over this isolated and pristine place. We then make our way down to the beach for a boat pickup around 1:00 PM. Then we start a 2-3 hour boat journey where we can see the whole coastline of the nature reserve from a different angle. Arriving in Ísafjörður we walk up to our café for a farewell.
Guests can catch the flight out of Ísafjörður to Reykjavik the same day (Saturday at 8:25 PM).
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.
