Compare Natural Wonders of Iceland - Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Land of Fire & Ice: Iceland with Your Family by Road Scholar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 10 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 7,123 | $ 3,349 |
| Price Per Day | $ 712 | $ 419 |
| 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 | N/A |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | No |
| Activities | N/A |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | 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. | Take a fantastic quest through the real-life magic of Iceland, where tales of Vikings combine with a wondrous landscape to make this the perfect adventure for you and your grandchild. |
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
Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight
Day 2 Arrival and Orientation Borgarnes
Walking from the airport terminal with luggage to the coach to driving 10 minutes to Viking World. Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 70 miles to the hotel, approximately 1 and a 1/2 hours.
After meeting our group at Viking World, we will depart via motorcoach at approximately 11 a.m. to start the journey to Borgarnes.
After lunch, we will depart for a field trip to the Settlement Center Museum. We will then board the motorcoach and after checking in to the hotel we'll have some time to unpack and settle in to our rooms before our Orientation meeting. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This is a Road Scholar Grandparent program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Minors are never to be left unsupervised. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
At leisure.
At Viking World. Upon arrival, you will be met with a transfer to the famed museum, located a short distance from the airport. The breakfast buffet offers choices such as cold cuts, cheeses, cereals, yogurt, fruit, breads, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water. If arriving independently, please arrive to the Viking World Museum no later than 10:00 a.m. to avoid missing any program content.
Buffet lunch at the Settlement Center.
At the hotel we'll have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Day 3 Langjokull Glacier, Husafell Swimming Pool Borgarnes
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 80 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking up to 2 miles.
Depart for Europe's second largest glacier, Langjokull. We travel by a special modified glacier vehicle to the top of the glacier and walk inside a unique man-made ice cave tunnel.
Visit the swimming pool in Husafell and the lava waterfalls Hraunfossar.
At Leisure.
Hotel buffet.
Husafell summer resort.
At a local restaurant.
Day 4 Nordurá Valley, Games and Horseback Riding Borgarnes
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.
Today we explore the Nordurá Valley, where scenic waterfalls, volcanic craters and lava fields await us. We will also visit the hidden people.
In the afternoon we enjoy games and merriment on the Hraunsnef playgrounds. Later we will visit Ölvaldsstadir farm for horseback riding on a trail down by Hvita river. You will be given a short demo on horseback riding beforehand.
Tonight we enjoy some evening entertainment.
Hotel plated meal.
At a local restaurant.
Hotel plated meal.
Day 5 Birds and Islands Adventure, Dairy Farm Borgarnes
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 160 miles, approximately 3 hours. Walking up to 2 miles; standing while on boat with opportunities to sit.
Birds and Islands Adventure. We take a 2-hour boat ride among the islands of Breidafjordur and study the multitude of seabirds nesting there.
We will visit Eiriksstadir, where Leif Eiriksson "the lucky," discoverer of America in the 11th century, was born. We will also visit Erpsstadir, a modern dairy farm with their own ice cream production.
At leisure.
Hotel buffet.
En route at Fosshotel Stykkisholmur.
At a local restaurant.
Day 6 Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir Reykjavik
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 180 miles, approximately 4 and a half hours. Walking up to 3 miles; uneven, hilly terrain.
Excursion to Thingvellir, site of the ancient parliament and now a national park. We continue to see Gullfoss (the Golden Waterfall) and Geysir, the geyser from which all others take their name. Next, we’ll ride to the Friðheimar tomato farm and learn about greenhouse horticulture.
Continue our morning excursion before arriving at our hotel.
At leisure.
Hotel buffet.
In the Friðheimar greenhouse restaurant, we’ll have a light lunch with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Day 7 Nauthólsvík, Whale Watching Reykjavik
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking up to 2 miles; standing while on boat with opportunities to sit.
We drive to Reykjavik for a short introduction of the capital by bus. Drive by the Hofdi House, where Reagan and Gorbachev met, visit downtown to see Lake Tjornin, Parliament and the City Hall, and make a stop at Perlan to see a view of the city.
After lunch, we will visit the Nauthólsvík geothermal pool where we can dip our toes into the warm waters produced by the nearby hot spring. We then head to our whale watching excursion at sea in a comfortable boat. We hope to see some big whales!
At leisure.
At a local restaurant.
At a local restaurant.
Day 8 Program Concludes, In Transit from Program In Flight
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.
Staggered transfers to Keflavík International Airport based on final flight times. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Hotel Buffet
