The Natural Splendours of Iceland Tour

Iceland is often referred to as the “Land of Fire and Ice,” and best known for its dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic activity, glaciers, and geothermal wonders. Join us on our exciting new tour to view some of Iceland's untouched natural beauty, from cascading waterfalls to glacier-capped volcanoes to floating icebergs in glacial lagoons. With a language that remains close to the Old Norse spoken in the Viking Age, and the world's oldest democratic parliament, join us to discover Iceland's rich history. Starting in the capital city of Reykjavik then heading south, we tour the famous Golden Circle and, if lucky enough, may even spot puffins colonies on the South Coast. Come and explore one of the world's most unique and stunning landscapes.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Reykjavik, city sightseeing tour
On arrival we are met and transferred to Reykjavík city for a short sightseeing tour of the northernmost capital in the world, including the old town and Hallgrímskirkja Church, whose steeple is a Reykjavík landmark. Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck at the Pearl, then transfer to the hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 2: Thingvellir - Geysir – Gullfoss National Park
Today’s Golden Circle tour includes the most famous natural wonders of Iceland. First discover Iceland‘s interesting geological history with a walk in Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Located in a rift valley where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, Thingvellir is also the site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament, founded in 930 A.D. Continue on with a visit to the famous Geysir geothermal area and its bubbling springs and hot mud pots. Only a few minutes’ drive from Geysir is Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. A light lunch is included at a local farm today.

Day 3: Iceland’s South Shore
Today we drive along the South Shore, one of the main farm regions of the country, with a chance to see puffins en route. If the skies are clear, you might see the area’s two most famous volcanoes, and Westman Islands archipelago off the coast of Iceland. Stop at the spectacular waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, and the Skogar Folk Museum which boasts an impressive collection of historical artefacts and objects of everyday life in Iceland, from colonization to the present day. Head on to the black sands of Reynisfjara beach, then to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Vatnajokull National Park and Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon
Today we enter the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europe’s largest glacier.  This national park is the largest in Western Europe, covering almost 14% of Iceland.  Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east to visit the 180 metre deep Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, where you can view the floating icebergs. After lunch we visit the national park’s famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty dominated by several magnificent glaciers. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Return to Reykjavik
Today we head back along the beautiful South Coast, with lunch en route to Reykjavik. Free time this afternoon to visit the Sky Lagoon Geothermal Spa (not included). 

Day 6: Departure
After breakfast we transfer to the hotel for return flight to London Heathrow. 

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour is graded as moderate. The itinerary is fairly active with walking round attractions and lots of standing for viewing. Some attractions will have uneven ground and steps with no handrails. Some floors and steps may be slippery with lots of steps. 

INCLUDED

• Return flights from London Heathrow to Reykjavik
• Two nights' bed and breakfast at Centrum Hotel, Reykjavik; two nights bed and breakfast at the Katla Hotel, Vik; one night bed and breakfast at the Grand Hotel, Reykjavik.
• Two dinners
• Three lunches
• All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
• Coach transfers and touring as per the itinerary
• Tour Manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement - from £533
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities
• Optional excursions

HOTELS

Centrum Hotel, Reykjavik (2 nights)
Four star centrally located hotel set on one of Reykjavik’s oldest streets. The hotel was built above the ruins of a Viking-era longhouse, and has an on-site exhibition on this historic feature. Offering a café bar, terrace, and restaurant, and comfortable bedrooms with modern ameniiies including TV, hairdryer, safe, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Centrum Hotel Website

Katla Hotel, Vik (2 nights)
Three star rustic hotel in Southern Iceland, 5 km from Vik i Myrdal, with fitness centre, sauna, WIFI, bar and restaurant. The comfortable bedrooms offer TV, hairdryer, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Hotel Katla Website

Grand Hotel, Reykjavik (1 night)
Four star hotel situated on the outskirts of Reykjavík, offering a fitness centre, WIFI, terrace and restaurant. The modern bedrooms feature a TV with satellite channels, fridge, toiletries, desk, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Grand Hotel Website