Compare Iceland North East Triangle 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 | 7 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,610 | $ 5,404 |
| Price Per Day | $ 373 | $ 540 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | 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 |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Take a triangular route capturing the sparkling colours and historical gems of Iceland´s wondrous East and North. Discover dramatic hues found in the reindeer-filled eastern wilderness highlands, the majestic glacial and volcanic creations of the Diamond Circle, steep fjords plunging sharply into the seas …and more. Tucked away in these amazing areas you´ll also discover cultural treasures bringing you closer to the fascinating heritage of this intriguing part of Iceland. Add in some tasty local treats and a few beloved West Iceland wonders, and you will experience a complete Icelandic spectrum. |
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: Welcome to Iceland
On your own transfer to Reykjavik, which we can make arrangements and book for you. Depending on your arrival time you may want to visit The Blue Lagoon, which is on your way to your hotel (reservation is required/admission not included). Ask us to add this amazing stop to your trip.
Once you check into your hotel (most hotels begin check-in at 2pm), you are free to enjoy Reykjavik and dine on your own.
Day 2: Egilsstadir - East Iceland Mountains and Moors - Wilderness Center of Iceland
Legendary Lake - Secret Waterfall - Turf roofed mansion - Highland Wilderness Gateway
Breakfast at your hotel. In the early morning, your guide will pick you up at your hotel to check in at the domestic airport in Reykjavik. Catch a one-hour flight to Egilsstadir, the capital of the East. If the skies are clear, then you will have amazing views during your flight of the dramatic mountains and glaciers of the highland interior.
Upon arrival at Egilsstadir, you will drive to Fljotsdalur Valley, which rich green forest boardering the legendary Lagarfljót lake. According to local folklore, the lake is home to a sea monster similar to the one in Loch Ness, Scotland, but with its own unique story.
Visit Hengifoss, a little-glimpsed silvery waterfall dropping down a multicolored cliff. then discover local heritage at skriduklaustur, the turf roofed black and brown stone mansion of renowned Icelandic poet gunnar Gunnarsson. This are was also the site of a medieval monastery that helped perserve Old Norse history and lore, and you can discover a few written treasures here.
Then it is time to head to the edge of the eastern highland wilderness a stunning area of vast green heaths, black mountains and rushing glacial rivers. The Icelandic highlands are Northern Europe's largest wilderness area. the new Wilderness Center is the gateway to the highlands, and it is also am experience of history. Walk over a wooden bridge and into the past as you discover beautifully restored farm buildings from various periods in Iceland's highland history, including a turf roofed smoke house. An interactive exhibit tells you the story of the highlands nature and the independent people who settled here.
As part of your experience, you will also enjoy coffee and home baked Icelandic refreshments in an old farmhouse kitchen along with a chance to chat with the area locals. With luck, you may also catch a glimpse of reindeer, the symbol of East Iceland, as they wander in the mountains surrounding the Wilderness Center.
Dinner and Overnight in Egilsstadir
Day 3: Lake Myvatn Area
Highland desert - Lava Formations - Pseudo Craters - Colorful Geothermal Area
Breakfast at your hotel. Cross the vast black sand deserts of the Modrudalsoraefi highland wilderness, before heading to the Lake Myvatn area. Today we explore the natural beauty of this world renowned volcanic area, including the mysterious black lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the Jade green and umber pseudo craters at skutustadir and the intense colors of Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and fumaroles. One of the Myvatn area's claims to fame is that it is home to more species of ducks than any other place on earth, with a very diverse birdlife in general.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area for the next 2 nights
Day 4: The Diamond Circle, Dettifoss - Asbyrgi - Husavik
Europe's Mightiest Waterfall - Horseshoe Shaped Canyon - Charming Fishing Village
Breakfast at your hotel, Myvatn makes up part of the magnigicent Diamond Circle route. Today you will see other nature wonders on this route. Cross a bridge over a powerful glacial river that flows through Jokulsargljufur, Iceland's longest river canyon the Viking settlers believed to be created be the legendary 8 legged horse Sleipnie. The next stop will be in Husavik, Iceland's main whale watching town. Enjoy a walk through the busy harbor area in town and admire the bright hued and charming buildings
Dinner and overnight stay in the Myvatn area
Day 5: The Troll Peninsula - Akureyri - Siglufjordur
Waterfall of the Gods - Capital of the North - Fishing Villages
Breakfast at your hotel. Travel west towards the bustling northern port of Akureyri, making a stop at the magnificent Godafoss, the waterfall of the Gods. Akureyri, the capital of North Iceland, which was voted #1 in the Lonely Planet's Best Destinations 2015. The town has some of the finest timber buildings in the country, beautifully restored to their original glory. it sits in an amazing setting of glacier capped mountains and the blue waters of Eyafjordur.
Continue along Eyjafjordur with its magnificent views. Take a tour of Ektafiskur, a family owned fish processing company that makes gourmet quality bacalao. Continue through the fjords where black steep mountains drop into the vast blue seas. Pass through the small fishing villages Dalvik and Olafsfjordur and onwards to Siglufjprdur, a very pretty town in a haunting fjord setting. Visit Segull 67, a family owned microbrewery.
Overnight stay at the new Hotel Siglo in Siglufjordur. Dinner is on your own and there are several delightful restaurants to chose from.
Day 6: Siglufjordur - Deildartunguhver - Hraunfossar - Reykjavik
Award Winning Herring Era Museum - Europe's Most Powerful Hot Spring - Lava Waterfalls
Breakfast at your hotel.. In the morning, explore Siglufjordur and visit the award winning Herring Era Museum, where a 1950s harbor atmosphere has been brought to life and taste herring as a part of the visit.
In the afternoon, drive through Skagafjordur, an area central to Icelandic history and culture. It is also Iceland's main horse breeding area. You will pass fields with horses of many colors grazing on the wild grasses. Cross Holtavorduheidi plateau, the gateway between North and South, on your way to the West of Iceland, which is characterized by fjords, valleys, volcanos and craters. Lonely Planet chose West Iceland as one of their Top Places to Visit in 2016.
In the West, water flows fir the earth in every form, from rivers of sparkling cool mineral water to Europe's most voluminous hot spring, Deildartungahver. Stop to admire the beautiful Hraunfossar waterfalls seeping through black lava rock, before the last stop of the day in Borgarnes at the Farmers Market, Ljómalind. The non profit market offers seasonal and regional produce and is run on a volunteer basis by local ladies. Continue via Hvalfjordur tunnel back to Reykjavik.
Dinner in Reykjavik is on your own.
Day 7: Departure
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the airport is not included. We advise departing your hotel no later than 3 hours before your international flight.
If you did not visit The Blue Lagoon (Reservation required) on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on the way to the airport.
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
