Compare Iceland Classical Circle by Nordika Travel 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 | 9 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,911 | $ 5,404 |
| Price Per Day | $ 212 | $ 540 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
8 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners |
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| Description |
A comprehensive guided coach tour around Iceland. Visit all of the main Iceland attractions along the Ring Road, escorted by a professional local guide. With so much to discover and explore in Iceland, this comprehensive tour highlights the natural wonders, the majestic landscapes and the unique character of this incredible Arctic Island. |
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: Arrival
Accommodation: Reykjavík
Welcome to the Land of Fire and Ice! On your own, transfer to Reykjavik. We recommend the easy and convenient FlyBus Plus transfers, not included. If your flight lands early in the day, a great suggestion is to explore Reykjavík, the largest municipality in Iceland or stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way from the airport to the city (reservation required/not included)
Dinner is on your own. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a great way to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.
Day 2: Geysir – Gullfoss – Skógar – Dyrhólaey – Vík
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Vik area
Highlights: Exploding Geysers - Waterfalls - Puffin Colony - Black Sand Beaches of the South Shore
Start the day with a short city sightseeing of Reykjavík. From Reykjavík head through the village of Hveragerði to explore Gullfoss, the ‘Golden Waterfall’, and the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, and numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. Continue along the south shore and stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss before continuing to Dyrhólaey nature reserve. Continue to the village of Vík.
*Please note that the Dyrholaey is closed during the spring nesting season from mid may until June 25th.
Day 3: Vík - Skaftafell National Park - Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon – Höfn
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Höfn area
Highlights: Lava Fields - Europe’s Largest National Park - Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs - Europe’s Largest Glacier
Cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the earth, before reaching the small town Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. The tour continues over Skeiðarársandur sands to Skaftafell National Park. Continue to the stunning Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon to see the birthplace of icebergs. Throughout the day we are afforded magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier.
Day 4: Höfn - East Fjords – Egilsstaðir
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Egilsstadir area
Highlights: Narrow Fjords - Steep Mountains - Picturesque Coastline - Mineral Collection
Drive from Höfn through Almannaskarð pass, stop and admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Explore Petra's renowned collection of local stones and minerals.
Day 5: Lake Mývatn Area
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Mývatn area
Highlights: Highland Desert - Bizarre Lava Formations - Geothermal & Volcanic Activity - Rich Birdlife - Protected Salmon River
Explore the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau Möðrudalsöræfi, heading to the Lake Mývatn area. Visit Námaskarð pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. Explore the natural beauty of the Lake Mývatn area, including the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the pseudo craters at Skútustaðir and Laxá Salmon river. One of Mývatn area’s claims to fame is that it is home to more species of ducks than any other place on Earth, with very diverse birdlife in general.
Day 6: Lake Mývatn Area - Akureyri – Siglufjordur
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Siglufjörður
Highlights: Waterfall “Of the Gods”- Folk Museum – Iceland’s Second Largest City
Start the day by exploring the peculiar lava formations at Dimmuborgir. Visit the magnificent Godafoss waterfall and the old turf farm Laufas. Afterwards, visit Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital“of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur Fjord. After spending some time in Akureyri, continue along the coastal roads of Eyjafjordur and the Troll Peninsula. This is a beautiful drive along steep mountains with amazing views over the Arctic Sea and black sand coastline. The destination is Siglufjordur, set in a beautiful fjord of the same name. This town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. The evening and dinner is on your own at one of the town´s restaurants. Siglufjordur is a very enjoyable and friendly town for an evening stroll.
Dinner is on own.
Day 7: Skagafjörður – Borgarnes
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Borgarnes area
Highlights: Fertile Farmlands - Glacial Rivers - Unique Viking Horse with Demonstration
This morning visit Siglufjordur‘s award-winning Herring-Era Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century, when Siglufjordur was transformed into a herring boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. Afterwards, head along majestic mountains and narrow passes lead to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait - the tolt. Continue towards the village of Blonduos built on both sides of the river Blanda. Hrutey Island, a protected nature reserve, sits within the center of this popular Salmon River. Cross the Holtavorduheidi plateau through Borgarfjordur to the beautiful town of Borgarnes.
Day 8: Borgarfjörður - Þingvellir – Reykjavík
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Reykjavík
Highlights: Europe’s Largest Hot Spring - Picturesque Waterfalls - National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO).
Drive to Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in the world. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls before continuing via Hvalfjordur fjord to Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland's largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the world‘s oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet.
Dinner is on your own.
Day 9: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport not included, but we would be happy to book it for you. We advise departing your hotel no later than three hours before your international flight.
Suggestion - If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on your way to the airport. Reservation required / not included
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
