Wonders of Iceland
An island of dramatic contrasts, Iceland is a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. Travel the "Golden Circle" where many natural scenic wonders are located, including Thingvellir National Park, before arriving in Vik, a small town with black sand beaches. The Icelandic people combine a reverence for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialized, progressive society. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey.
Reykjavik, Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Thingvellir National Park, Skaftafell National Park, Nature Cruise, Skogar Folk Museum, Icelandic Farm Your Icelandic adventure is complemented by intriguing talks that explore the natural history of this geologically "young" nation.
? Learn how Iceland hopes to become energy independent through its hydro and geothermal power plants from expert Maria Maack. Discover why this is an achievable goal that makes Iceland the envy of energy-import dependent countries.
? Acquaint yourself with the geologic energies at work in Iceland during a lecture by a geologist who explains the geothermal hotspots, volcanic rocks and glaciers that you observe throughout your journey.
Highlights
Collette Experience
? Learn how Iceland hopes to become energy independent through its hydro and geothermal power plants from expert Maria Maack. Discover why this is an achievable goal that makes Iceland the envy of energy-import dependent countries.
? Acquaint yourself with the geologic energies at work in Iceland during a lecture by a geologist who explains the geothermal hotspots, volcanic rocks and glaciers that you observe throughout your journey.
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 8/31/2010
- Duration
- 8 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Air 1 | Overnight Flight | Overnight Flight : An overnight flight brings you to Iceland - an island of dramatic contrasts, and a landscape forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and hot pools reflect its volcanic nature, while massive glaciers continue to sculpt the mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. The Icelandic people combine a reverence for their Viking heritage and ancient language with an industrialized, progressive society. Discover the spectacular landscapes and proud people of this small island nation during this fascinating journey. |
| Day 2 | Reykjavik | Reykjavik, Iceland : Your tour begins in Reykjavik, where you embark on a fascinating city tour that highlights such important sites as the 19th-century Parliament House, Austurvollur Square, the Hofoi House, and Tjornin Lake. Visit the National Museum of Iceland where new and dynamic exhibitions increase your knowledge of Icelandic cultural heritage, from the nation's earliest settlement through to the modern day. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Today dinner will be included. |
| Day 3 | Reykjavik | Reykjavik - Reykjanes Peninsula - Reykjavik : During a full-day excursion, explore the scenic landscape of the Reykjanes Peninsula, stopping at Bessastadir, an ancient Viking site that is now the official residence of the current president. Continue to Lake Kleifarvatn to see an amazing display of geothermal activity, including steaming fumaroles, hot springs and mud pots. Conclude your day at the famous Blue Lagoon, a natural geothermal pool in the middle of a large, dramatic lava field. Enjoy time to relax and/or take a swim in this pleasantly warm, mineral-rich water. Today breakfast will be included. |
| Day 4 | Bogarnes | Reykjavik - Bogarnes : This morning leave the city behind and enjoy a journey to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Here, enjoy a visit to the fishing town of Stykkisholmur, named after a small island in front of the harbor called Stykkio, meaning "the piece" in Icelandic. Enjoy views of Helgafell, known to be the burial place of Guorun Osvifursdottir, a heroine from the Icelandic sagas. You will also view the famous church known for its unique architecture and the convent that helped the village become a town. Next, visit the lighthouse, known for its orange and yellow colors. Enjoy some time to take in the scenery of the harbor before visiting the Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum. Learn more about volcanic activity in Iceland and elsewhere. You will find exhibits of works of art, artifacts and volcanic rock in this collection. Then, travel to the Borgarfjorour region which is the setting for many of Iceland's ancient sagas. Enjoy an overnight stay with a breathtaking backdrop of Mt. Hafnarfjall. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. |
| Day 5 | Reykjavik | Bogarnes - Reykjavik : This morning visit Hallmundarhraun, the largest lava field in this region. The lava came from a few craters in the northwestern slopes of the Langjokull glacier. See the beginning of vegetation which has started to grow close to where the eruption began. Return to the city of Reykjavik for an afternoon of leisure. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. |
| Day 6 | Reykajavik | Reykjavik - Golden Circle - Reykajavik : Travel to the "Golden Circle" which encompasses many of Iceland's most renowned natural scenic wonders. Thingvellir National Park is Iceland's most historic site and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD 930. The park also features the geologically significant Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the American and European tectonic plates meet. Today breakfast will be included. |
| Day 7 | Reykjavik | Reykjavik : Today is at leisure to explore the capital city of Iceland with its many art galleries and museums. You may choose to join an optional whale watching or "Super Jeep" glacier excursion. During the "Super Jeep" excursion you will travel on top of Iceland's Langjokull Glacier. Gather for a farewell dinner this evening. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. |
| Day 8 | Tour Concludes | Reykjavik - Tour Concludes : Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. Today breakfast will be included. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
Centerhotel Plaza, Reykjavik Hotel Hofdabrekka**, Vik Centerhotel Plaza, Reykjavik
- Disclaimer
- Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
