Compare Discover Iceland By Cruise by Indus Travels vs Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 10 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 4,199 | $ 4,095 |
| Price Per Day | $ 420 | $ 585 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included | Full Board Meal Plan Aboard Cruise | N/A |
| Description | Experience an unforgettable journey around Iceland aboard the Ocean Diamond. | 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. |
Welcome to Iceland! Enjoy leisure time in Reykjavik to discover the unique charm of the world’s northernmost capital. Make your own way (transfer not included) to the Old Reykjavik Harbor where you will find your vessel. The Ocean Diamond docks in Old Reykjavik Harbor in the heart of the city, a five-minute stroll from the main squares, shopping and dining. Check in and settle in your cabin before the ship departs this evening.
Overnight on board
Day 2: STYKKISHOLMUR(B/L/D)Stykkisholmur is the starting point of our adventures on the Snaefellnes Peninsula. Often called “Iceland in Miniature” because of its diverse landscapes, the area is home to bird-rich Breidafjordur Bay and Snaefellsjokull glacier, which sits atop a 700,000-year-old dormant volcano that was featured in the Jules Verne novel Journey to the “Center of the Earth”.
Overnight on board
Day 3: ISAFJRDUR(B/L/D)Today’s destination is Isafjordur, an idyllic town in the Westfjords region. This secluded peninsula is connected to the Icelandic mainland by only a narrow strip of land and includes many road less areas where cars have never been. The landscape includes jaw-dropping views of dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers, sheer table mountains that plunge into the sea and pristine North Atlantic vegetation.
Overnight on board
Day 4: SIGLUFJORDUR - GRIMSEY(B/L/D)By morning you will reach the fjord town of Siglufjordur, once the hub of the global herring industry and now enjoying a rebirth in popularity. Learn about the golden age of herring at the award-winning Herring Era Museum located on the vibrant harbour-front. In the early afternoon you will head to uninhabited Grimsey Island. Located about 25 miles (40 km) off the mainland on the Artic Circle, the island harbours a variety of bird species including puffins, guillemots and gulls. Later you will set sail for Akuyeri, Iceland’s lovable second largest city.
Overnight on board
Day 5: AKUREYRI(B/L/D)Ranging inland from Akureyri, visit the fascinating Lake Myvatn region, where the schizophrenic landscape looks as if “heaven and hell” have clashed. One side of the lake features rugged volcanic remnants, while the other side is blessed with lush vegetation and varied bird life.
Overnight on board
Day 6: HUSAVIK(B/L/D)In the early morning hours, steam into Skjalfandi Bay and Husavik. Often called the “Whale watching capital” of Iceland, the town’s offshore waters are home to 15 different whale species, as well as dolphins and 30 variety of bird. Watching these graceful ocean giants in their Arctic habitat is an unforgettable experience.
Overnight on board
Day 7: SEYDISFJORDUR(B/L/D)Iceland’s East Fjords are best explored from the impossibly picturesque port of Seydisfjordur, nestled between the sea and steep mountains. Activities include seal spotting, horseback riding and visit the beautiful nature reserve Skalanes.
Overnight on board
Day 8: DJUPIVOGUR (B/L/D)Today’s port of call is Djupivogur, fishing village in southeast Iceland, starting point for an optional excursion to the amazing glacier lagoon. Huge blocks of ice constantly break off the glacier, Breiðamerkurjökull, and large icebergs float on the lagoon. The lagoon is not very wide but it is up to 250 meters deep which makes it the deepest lake in Iceland.
Overnight on board
Day 9: WESTMAN ISLANDS(B/L/D)Located off Iceland’s south coast, the Westman Islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions around 10,000 years ago. Surtsey Island emerged from the sea in 1963 and is one the youngest land masses on earth. We go ashore on Heimaey, the only inhabited island, where half-buried houses remain from a violent 1973 eruption. During the shore landing, there is time for bird watching and you might even spot whales.
Overnight on board
Day 10: REYKJAVIK (DISEMBARKATION & DEPARTURE)(B)After breakfast, bid farewell to the Ocean Diamond as you sail back into Reykjavik. You can simply hang out in Reykjavik, a perfect city for those who want to refresh their spirit in a place that combines invigorating outdoor activities, great food and world-class entertainment. We recommend departing no later than 3 hours before your international flight.
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.
