Compare Scenic Iceland & the Northern Lights - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations vs Iceland 2022 by Tauck

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.

Day 1 Arrive Reykjavik

Tour begins: 12:00 PM, Reykjavik. When you arrive in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, you'll be met at Keflavik International Airport and transferred to the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica or the Grand Hotel Reykjavik, where Tauck has reserved day rooms to accommodate those guests with early flight arrivals into Reykjavik today (on day 1 of the tour). Our welcome reception and luncheon will be memorable as you meet, mingle and dine at Kolabrautin Ristorante, on the fourth floor of Reykjavik's stunning waterfront Harpa Concert Hall. Following lunch, visit Old Town as well as the Perlan Museum and its Wonders of Iceland exhibit, spotlighting the forces of nature behind the country's amazing geological wonders; see, hear and feel the power of Iceland's volcanoes, earthquakes and geothermal energy. Then board in Hafnarjfördur to begin your Iceland cruise; enjoy dinner onboard this evening.

MEALS : L, D

PORTOFCALL : Reykjavík, Iceland

Day 2 Grundarfjordur & fishing villages

Begin the day with a relaxing morning at sea, where briefings set the stage for the week ahead – during which you'll encounter daily life in fishing villages hugging the craggy coast, traditions and legends that are so much a part of Icelandic culture, pristine wilderness and natural wonders. After lunch onboard, the ship docks in Grundarfjördur midday for a choice of afternoon sightseeing. Take a scenic drive along the coast en route to Djúpalónssandur; when you see the eerie rocks rising from the ocean here, you'll understand why local folks suspect that they belong to elves. These strange formations have become the basis for many of Iceland's time-honored sagas; learn more about the traditional stories that tell tales of the country's early settlers, trials and tribulations during your visit, including how these rocks were used in strength competitions between local fishermen. A walking tour in and around the fishing hamlet of Arnarstapi reveals both village life and the abundant bird life that thrives in the area. And discover a black-lava landscape at Budir, as well as one of the very few yellow-sand beaches in Iceland. Alternatively, you can choose to embark on a "Lava & Viking Adventure" that explores both the rugged nature of the area and the literature it has inspired, visiting sites that have been immortalized in Icelandic sagas – including a walk up the slope of Mt. Helgafell for spectacular views. Return to the ship in Grundarfjördur; set sail for Grímsey late afternoon. Please join us onboard this evening for the Captain's welcome dinner.

MEALS : B, L, D

Day 3 Life on Grímsey & the Arctic Circle

Your Tauck small ship calls at the small island of Grímsey today, located just off the northern coast of Iceland on the Arctic Circle. Approximately 100 hardy souls make their homes on this northernmost inhabited part of Iceland. Learn about what life is like here, the fascination that chess holds for residents – and perhaps you'll hear the local legend about the Arctic Circle crossing right down the middle of the local clergyman's bed! Although there are no trees on the island, the impressive sea cliffs and rich marshland, grass and moss are an ideal environment for birds – many, many birds. Go ashore to observe vast colonies of Arctic terns and comical puffins as well as other species. Crossing the Arctic Circle in a single step will be a favorite memory of your Iceland cruise.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Bellot

Day 4 Akureyri to the Godafoss

On the northern coast of Iceland cruise to the beautiful city of Akureyri, the second-largest city in the nation. Set amidst magnificent mountains, Akureyri is known as the "capital of North Iceland" and noted for its lively cultural life. First settled by Norse Vikings in the 9th century, the city was home to a Norwegian-British fighter squadron during World War II and today boasts the northernmost 18-hole golf course in the world. Your choices of activities today include: mineral bathing at the Myvatn Nature Baths in the geologically intriguing area around Lake Myvatn; visiting the historic fishing village of Siglufjördur and its significant ties to Iceland's 19th-century economy, with journeys "back in time" at the Folk Music Center and the Herring Era Museum; or leisurely exploration of Akureyri and environs – including a visit to the spectacular Godafoss waterfall to discover why it's locally known as "the falls of the gods,"and hear about the Kristni Saga recounting the arrival of Christianity in Iceland and the banishment of the old pagan gods in 1000 AD. After reboarding in Akureyri, enjoy dinner onboard as you continue cruising to Ísafjördur.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Le Bellot

PORTOFCALL : Akureyri, Iceland

Day 5 Isafjordur, Vigur & island life

The allure of the Westfjords that you'll explore on your Iceland cruise today includes spectacular scenery, history and encounters with the daily lifestyles of the people who live here. Dock at the fishing town of Isafjordur, which despite its isolation from the rest of Iceland is known for its rather urban atmosphere, flourishing cultural life and rich heritage of music and art. It also boasts some of the oldest houses in Iceland, dating from the 18th century. Your choices today include: a drive through Ísafjördur for a look at the region's life and culture, including stops at the quaint church of the village of Bolungarvik, a restored Osvor fisherman's hut showcasing what life was like here for Icelandic fishermen before the 20th century, and the Maritime Museum; a hike and visit to the Arctic Fox Center in Sudavik, focusing on the biology and natural history of Iceland's only native mammal; or a short ferry trip to Vigur Island, inhabited only by three generations of the same family whose home it has been since 1884... and what seems like millions of birds, especially the Arctic tern. See Iceland's only windmill and enjoy traditional Icelandic cakes served by the family in the restored Viktoria House, built in 1862. Return to the ship this afternoon and sail on to the Westman Islands.

MEALS : B, L, D

Day 6 Heimaey & the "Islands of the western men"

There are places on Earth that simply must be experienced and the geological children, Heimaey and Surtsey islands in the area of Iceland called Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands), are among them. Named "islands of the western men" for a group of rebellious slaves whose daring exploits are the stuff of Icelandic legend, this remote part of Iceland – far off the beaten track, with its scenic beauty, huge seabird colonies and intriguing human saga – has an aura of adventure and magic. In 1973, a volcanic eruption on Heimaey, the only populated island, destroyed the small town and changed the island's landscape forever. Come ashore on Heimaey for a day of exploration that includes a visit to Sprangan cliff, where young islanders are taught the sport of rope-swinging and cliff-side egg-collecting; a stop at Storhöfdi, home to the island's largest colony of puffins and an incredible vantage point for breathtaking views of the island and the massive glaciers of the mainland (weather permitting); and a walk up the youngest mountain in the world – which was born when Mt. Eldfell spewed lava over the island, creating the new "Pompeii" of the north. You won't have to look too hard to see puffins, Arctic terns, and other birds that inhabit the cliffs and coves. Return to the ship for a special farewell dinner and another day of discovery.

MEALS : B, L, D

Day 7 Iceland's "Golden Circle", The Althing & the Blue Lagoon

After you arrive in Hafnarfjördur this morning, take in the "Big Three" – Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot spring area and Thingvellir National Park – as well as many of Iceland's most famous landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Thingvellir is significant both for its dramatic scenery and as the ultimate symbol of Iceland's independence and national unity. The Althing (or Alping), the world's oldest legislative parliament, first convened in this natural amphitheater in 930 AD and was Iceland's legislature and highest court during the Old Commonwealth (930 – 1262/1264) era; discover the Law Speaker's rock, from which laws were spoken aloud and Christianity was adopted around 1000 AD, and the remains of ancient turf shelters that housed the delegates. At Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall," the Hvíta River drops 96 feet in two falls creating Iceland's most famous and spectacular cascade. Geothermal activity surrounds you in the geyser area of Geysir, with its colorful mud formations rich in minerals and steaming vents. This afternoon you have an opportunity, if you wish, to go to the Blue Lagoon – an aqua-blue pool of mineral-rich geothermal seawater with a temperature between 98 and 102 degrees F. Return to the ship for a final evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

Day 8 Journey Home

Your Iceland cruise ends this morning in the town of Hafnarfjördur as you bid farewell to the captain and crew. Tour ends: 8:00 AM with a transfer to Reykjavik's Keflavik International Airport. Please allow 3 hours for airport check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Reykjavík, Iceland