Compare The extremes of the Arctic 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 | 16 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 7,585 | $ 3,575 |
| Price Per Day | $ 474 | $ 511 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
See three Arctic islands and one the of the least visited and largest national parks in the world. This expedition takes you to the biggest islands in the Arctic, Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland. This is an adventure that cannot be compared to anything else in this hemisphere. |
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: Oslo/Longyearbyen
Norway's capital Oslo is often referred to as "the blue, the green and the city in between". Forest, lakes, hills and a fjord surrounds this city. Downtown you will find a very varied architecture, a strong cafe and bar culture, top-notch restaurants, endless shopping possibilities, and a large and visible immigrant community who add their own colourful touch to the city. You leave Oslo in the evening, heading for the High Arctic - Spitsbergen.
Day 2: Longyearbyen
The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. In the midst of a mighty and wild nature you find the Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen. After an overnight stay in one of our hotels you can join a sightseeing tour of Longyearbyen before embarking the MS Fram.
Day 3: North West Spitsbergen National Park
The first national park we visit covers the northwest corner of Spitsbergen. The area is characterised by big inland glaciers and a typical alpine landscape contrasted by green areas and moraines. We continue into Kongsfjord and Magdalenefjord, offering spectacular scenery and interesting history. At 78º 55’ N we visit Ny-Ålesund, the starting point for numerous expeditions towards the North Pole in the old days. Today it is home to an advanced High Arctic research station.
Day 4: At sea
Spend a relaxing, but exciting day at sea. We will begin our lecture series and enjoy sights of wildlife from deck.
Day 5: North East Greenland National Park
As we arrive in the largest national park in the world, you will start dwelling upon the thought that we are quite alone in a far corner of the globe. Apart from some abandoned trapping stations, a weather station and the traditional Sirius sled patrol there are absolutely no signs of humans here.
Day 6: North East Greenland National Park
Within the borders of North East Greenland National Park there are only about 30 souls that overwinter. In the very short summer season, when the waters around are not frozen, 500 expedition cruise guests visit the park. Yellowstone has 1 visitor per hour of the year; North East Greenland National Park has 0,002!
Day 7: North East Greenland National Park
Once inside the fjords of North East Greenland your sense of distance, size and shape of landscapes will be challenged. These are the largest fjords in the world and the alpine landscape around, with hanging glaciers and vertical granite faces reaches as far as the eye can see.
Day 8: North East Greenland National Park
As well as terrestrial wildlife like musk oxen, arctic fox, hare and wolf, we may see a variety of sea birds. And remember, where there is ice there might be polar bears!
Day 9: North East Greenland National Park
The very isolated weather and research station, Danmarkshavn is one of the places we visit en route. Sailing into fjords like Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord or Alpefjord will give you an experience of a lifetime. The majority of our landings are performed as pure wilderness expeditions.
Day 10: North East Greenland National Park
We might meet the Sirius Patrol (The Danish Navy) that supervises the park using traditional methods, mushing dogs. Before the Danes acquired sovereignty of this area, the Norwegians claimed it. A natural place to attempt a landing is Myggbukta (Mosquito bay), where the legendary Governor of North East Greenland had his base.
Day 11: North East Greenland National Park
During this expedition you will have ample amount of time to get the feeling of being in one of the most isolated places on earth. Still you will feel totally safe aboard one of the most fitting expedition vessels. Our expert guides and lecturers will safely guide you on hikes and small boat trips in addition to briefings and lectures about the places we go.
Day 12: Ittoqqortoormiit (Scoresbysund)
In the most isolated town in Greenland, you can visit the museum, church and a photo exhibition, or walk around on your own.
Day 13: The Westfjords of Iceland
We set course towards the Westfjords of Iceland. The area has a feel of untouched nature with cliffs and valleys, high waterfalls and crystal-clear streams. Grundarfjörður is located at the Snæfellsnes peninsula, often called “Iceland in a nutshell”. Enjoy the sights of lava and rock formations, glaciers, volcanic activity, hot and cold springs as well as an abundance of bird life and picturesque landscapes.
Day 14: The Westfjords of Iceland
Flateyri has been a trading post since 1792 and was a base for shark hunting and whaling operations in the 1900s. Today Flateyri is dependent on tourism. There is a nice sandy beach on the other side of the fjord, and although the sea might be colder for bathing than most people prefer, the sand is great for building sand castles. We will offer optional excursions to explore the area.
Day 15: The Westfjords of Iceland
Ísafjörður is the capital of the Westfjords region. Take a stroll around this cosy town and enjoy its diverse architecture. You'll find the country's oldest dwelling here, along with fine examples of timber houses built by wealthy foreign traders in the 18th century. Our optional excursions offer a variety of experiences from hikes to tastings of local food.
Day 16: Reykjavik
Iceland's capital offers a lot to tempt the curiosity of its visitors. Relatively close to Reykjavik you find glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and mountains. Reykjavik has also a vast selection of restaurants, museums and shops. We will arrive in the morning hours, and here our voyage ends.
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.
