Iceland | July 15 – 24

JULY 15 – US DEPARTURE

Today board your overnight flight to Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.

JULY 16 – REYKJAVIK|VIKING MUSEUM | CITY TOUR

Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide at the airport. Your first Iceland experience will be at the Viking World Museum. A snack and refreshing drink are included at the museum’s cafeteria before you start your panoramic city tour of Reykjavik. Early this afternoon you will check into your hotel. Tonight a welcome to Iceland dinner is included.

Overnight: Reykjavik          (B,D)

JULY 17 – LANGJOKULL | INTO THE GLACIER TOUR

Today you travel to Husafell, home of Iceland’s second-largest glacier. After lunch, an opportunity of a lifetime awaits as you board a super truck – a glacier vehicle,  specially made to explore the glacier environment. Soak in the view as you journey up the white slopes. Upon arrival enter the man-made ice tunnel and your guide will lead you deep into the blue heart of Langjokull     Glacier. While on the tour learn the basics of glacier knowledge and admire the different shades of blue.  Later in the afternoon return to the base of the glacier and check into your hotel. Tonight’s dinner is served in the hotel’s dining room.

Overnight: Husafell area                    (B,L,D)

JULY 18 – THE MOUNTAINS OF THE NW | GODAFOSS

This morning board your motorcoach and travel north, passing through the Valley of the Horses. The Valley is known as the Mecca of horsemanship thanks to its abundance of Icelandic horses. This afternoon stop at Goðafoss Waterfall, known locally as the Waterfall of the Gods for its godlike beauty and one of the most spectacular falls in Iceland. Later arrive in the Mytvatn area and check into your hotel for the next two nights. Dinner tonight is included.

Overnight: Mytvatn area                         (B,L,D)

JULY 19 – BLUE LAGOON | CRATERS|LAKE MYTVATN

After breakfast your first stop this morning is at Mytvatn Nature Baths, also known as the Blue Lagoon of the North. Start this natural experience with a relaxing dip in clouds of steam rising from a fissure deep in the earth’s surface, followed by a swim in a pool of geothermal water that is drawn from depths of up to 6000 ft. After an included lunch you will explore the Lake Mytvatn area, located in the heart of north-east Iceland and about 65 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The Lake and its surroundings are some of Europe’s greatest natural treasures. Set in a dramatic landscape, the shallow lake is dominated by volcanic landforms such as pseudo-craters and lava pillars. Return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure.

Overnight: Overnight: Mytvatn area                  (B,L)

JULY 20 – HVERIR | DETTIFOSS | EASTFJORDS

This morning you leave Mytvatn and travel east. Your first stop will be Hverir, a large geothermal field of bubbling mud pools, hissing fumaroles, and sticky red soil. You’ll soon realize why Iceland is named the Land of Fire and Ice. It’s also the closest you’ll ever get to Mars on Earth! Journey onto Dettifoss Waterfall, the most powerful waterfall in Europe, and the most voluminous in Iceland. Measuring 144 ft. high and 328 ft. wide, Dettifoss is referred to as “The Beast” and is known for its power rather than its appearance. That said, the waterfall is stunning and extremely large, and the mist from the falls is visible from several miles away. Next, travel through the highland plateau towards the sparsely populated and very beautiful Eastfjords with its small fishing villages and magnificent mountains. Enjoy dinner in the hotel’s dining room.

Overnight: Eastfjords area                      (B,L,D)

JULY 21 – FJORDS | GLACIER LAGOON BOAT CRUSIE

Today your journey continues along the east coast with its many fjords and dramatic coastline. Later today you arrive at the magnificent Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon, the largest ice lagoon in Iceland! Take a boat cruise and see with your own eyes giant, incredibly shaped icebergs, transparent and opaque ice, and even deep jewel blue ice. The atmospheric gray streaks showing within some of the icebergs will remind you Iceland is a volcanic land with a great fiery heart. Tonight’s dinner is served at the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight: Vatnajökull area                 (B,L,D)

JULY 22 – LAVA FIELDS| BLACK BEACHES| WATERFALLS

After a leisurely breakfast, you are on your way to see more of Iceland. Travel along Skaftafell National Park, an enchanting green oasis flourishing between many surrounding glaciers, and cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava to have ever flowed on the face of the earth, to the famous black beach of Reynisfjara. This is a place of wild and dramatic beauty where the roaring waves of the Atlantic Ocean power ashore with tremendous force. It is said that to stand on Reynisfjara Beach is equivalent to being in a natural amphitheater where the white water of the Atlantic waves provides drama. This area is also known for the puffin colonies that are nesting here. Later, visit the Lava Centre and learn about Iceland’s birth story and the forces of volcanic activity. On your journey southbound, stop at Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls before checking into your hotel in Selfoss. Tonight’s dinner is included.

Overnight: Selfoss area                     (B,L,D)

JULY 23 – GOLDEN CIRCLE|REYKJAVIK

Today travel on the “Golden Circle Route”. The Circle has been very popular among visitors to Iceland for a good reason; it includes the most popular natural wonders of South Iceland. Enjoy a stop at Geysir and Strokkur Geysers. The first spring, Great Geysir, is the most spectacular. It can spout boiling water up to 230 ft. It’s also famous for the fact that it gave its name to all other geysers in the world. Its only fault is that it erupts only 4 to 5 times a day. The nearby Strokkur geyser shoots over 100 ft. every 10 minutes. Have your camera ready to capture amazing pictures right before the eruption, when the water is formed in the shape of a blue egg. Visit Gullfoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall and the majestic Pingvellir National Park. Early this afternoon check into your hotel. Tonight indulge in an authentic farewell dinner!

Overnight: Reykjavik        (B,L,D)

JULY 24 – DEPARTURE BACK HOME

This morning check-in for your flight home. Fond memories of the Land of Fire and Ice will remain forever!            (B)

INCLUSIONS: 

* Roundtrip transfer to the Chicago airport

* Roundtrip air from ORD to Reykjavik

* Full-size luxury motor coach

* Eight nights hotel accommodations

* Daily breakfast, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

* Admission and inclusions as per itinerary

* Luggage handling for one bag per person  (excludes airline baggage fees)

* All resort, service, and government fees

* Service of a tour director throughout the itinerary

* All gratuities for drivers, guides & step-on guides

$1000.00 deposit due to confirm the reservation

Final payment due Jan 7, 2024 No penalties until Jan 12, 2024

50% non-refundable Jan 13, 2024

100% non-refundable Mar 13, 2024