Fly from the US to Reykjavik, Iceland

Upon arrival in Iceland, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Reykjavik city center. Guests arriving early today can opted for an optional visit to the Blue Lagoon. In the afternoon, you will meet the rest of your group and tour leader for a welcome talk and dinner. Overnight in Reykjavik

This morning we will explore the thriving capital city of Reykjavik where we will start our acclimation of Icelandic culture, history and traditions. After a lunch of local specialties, we will visit to the Lava Tubes near to Reykjavik. Overnight in Reykjavik.

Today we will depart from Reykjavik to begin our exploration of some of the wild interior lakes of Iceland. We will start with a scenic drive that will take us to thelargest natural lake in Iceland, Þingvallavatn. We will have time for a walk along the lake shores and absorb the majestic views of this area. We will continue on to Laugarvatn and its namesake town where we will visit to this smaller lake. Overnight in Laugarvatn.

Today we will visit Gullfoss or “golden falls”, a powerful, 100-foot double cascade. Afterwards, we will visit the geothermal area of Geysir, a sulfourous landscape of mud pots, mineral formations and the spouting Strokkur geyser. There is a natural thermal spa in Laugarvatn for those interested after our visits today. Overnight in Laugarvatn.

Today we will drive along Iceland’s scenic southern coast towards the Eyjafjallajökull volcano whose 2010 eruption sent clouds of ash into the atmosphere of the North Atlantic. We will stop at the Seljalandfoss at the foothills of the volcano before visiting the beautiful Skogafoss cascades. After reaching Vik, we will visit the nearby black sand beach of Reynisfjara. Overnight in Vik

Today we will head inland again to explore the Vatnajokull National Park, Europe’s largest national park, where we will learn about its unique creation. Those looking for an adventure can choose to take an optional hike across the glacier (2.5 hours, moderate difficulty) while the rest of the group explores other parts of the park. Overnight near Hof.

Today we will explore the spectacular Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. After a walk along the shores, we will take a memorable boat ride among the lagoons floating icebergs carved off from the glacier’s edge. Overnight near Hof.

Today will be the longest drive of the trip (8 driving hours in bus) in order to reach the North part of the island. We will break up the day by stopping in the quaint village of Djupivogur for lunch break and to enjoy views of the stunning Bulandstindur mountain. Time permitting, we will visit a few of the sites in town such as the Eggin I gledivik natural art installation. Later in the day, we will take in the both amazing and formidable waterfalls of Dettifoss, one of the most powerful waterfalls in all of Europe. We will arrive in Husavik in the evening in time for a delicious seafood dinner at a charming local restaurant. Overnight in Husavik

This morning we will walk to the harbor to board our whale watching tour through the scenic Skjalfandi bay, home to whales, dolphins and a variety of sea birds. In the afternoon, we will visit the unique and historic Icelandic turf houses in Laufas to learn more how Icelanders used to survive the harsh winters. Overnight in Husavik.

Today we will visit Iceland’s most geologically active areas at Lake Myvatn. This area is rich with lava fields, pillars, volcanic cones and bubbling mud pits. You will enjoy seeing the many birds and ducks hosted in this area. On our return to Husavik, we will take in a scenic view of the Goddafoss waterfalls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Overnight in Husavik

This morning we will catch a local flight from Akureyi to Reykjavik where you will have a transfer to the international airport in time to catch afternoon flights back to the US. Please do not schedule your flight before 2pm today (late afternoon and evening flights are available to return to the US).