Day 1: September 24, 2022: Arrival in Iceland – Blue Lagoon
Welcome to Iceland! Once you’ve landed at Keflavík Airport, head through customs to the baggage carousels where you’ll collect your luggage. There is a duty- free shop located by the baggage carousels, which you can shop at on arrival, while waiting for your luggage to arrive. Many items such as candy, snacks and drinks are less expensive here than at local shops. After collecting your luggage, proceed into the arrivals hall where your tour guide will meet you – look for a sign with the Spears Travel / S&T logo. You will be escorted to our group’s private coach*
*(For group members arriving on an earlier date or on afternoon flights today, you will be responsible for your own transfer on your day of arrival and for any additional hotel nights that may be required. We can arrange these for you, at an extra cost.)
Transfer to local restaurant Vikingarheimar for a group, buffet breakfast.
Following breakfast, we’ll visit Gunnuhver Hot Springs and the Bridge Between the Continents before continuing to the world-famous Blue Lagoon spa.
Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit (and water shoes if you prefer not to go barefoot) in your carry-on luggage for easy access. A group admission, towel rental and a drink of your choice are included in your package. The Blue Lagoon is a man-made, unique wonder: a lagoon with pleasantly warm, electric blue, silica and mineral-rich geothermal water in the middle of a black lava field. Facilities include modern change rooms with lockers, hair dryers, showers, an indoor geothermal pool, a snack bar and restaurant, a gift shop and other services.
After we’ve enjoyed our time at the Blue Lagoon, we’ll rejoin our guide and tour bus and drive about an hour and a half to Hotel Grimsborgir, in the Selfoss area. We’ll check-in for a one-night stay. The rest of the afternoon is free to have a short rest, go for a walk in the fresh air and get ready for the group Welcome Dinner this evening. Included with our Welcome Dinner is a glass of wine or beer, a mixed bar drink or a soft drink.
Day 2: September 25, 2022: Golden Circle
After breakfast and check-out we’ll start the day of touring the Golden Circle. First, we’ll visit Þingvellir, a National Park and a remarkable geological area. The beautiful canyon running through the park is the meeting point of two of the Earth’s tectonic plates, giving you the chance to see the dividing line between North America and Europe. It is the site of the world’s oldest democratic parliament Alþingi, founded in 930AD. Located by Lake Þingvallavatn, the largest lake on the island, Þingvellir’s combination of natural phenomena and historical significance have made it a symbol of Iceland’s national identity.
Leaving Þingvellir, we’ll drive through some of the fertile farmlands of southern Iceland on our way to the famous Geysir, which has given its name to spouting hot springs all over the world. You will see one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur, shooting up to 30m/90ft. A group lunch will be provided in the Geysir area.
Only a few minutes’ drive from Geysir is Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. Here you will see thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down a double-tiered falls into a deep canyon
Leaving Þingvellir, we’ll drive through some of the fertile farmlands of southern Iceland on our way to the famous Geysir, which has given its name to spouting hot springs all over the world. You will see one of the most active geysers in the area, Strokkur, shooting up to 30m/90ft. A group lunch will be provided in the Geysir area.
Only a few minutes’ drive from Geysir is Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe. Here you will see thousands of tons of icy water thunder majestically down a double-tiered falls into a deep canyon.
After a day filled with amazing experiences, we’ll make our way towards the south coast and our accommodation at Hotel Ranga. We’ll be staying here for two nights. This evening we’ll enjoy a group dinner at the hotel followed by an astronomy lecture conducted by our S&T expert. (You don’t want to miss) Afterwards we’ll hope to spot the aurora from the hotel’s observatory. Wake-up calls for aurora appearances during the night can be arranged with reception.
Day 3: September 26, 2022: Westman Islands (Vestmanayaer)
Once we’ve had a good breakfast to start our day we’ll head to the south-coast port of Landeyjahöfn where we’ll board the ferry to cross over to the fascinating island of Heimaey, in the Westman Islands. Here we’ll have a tour of the island and learn about the various volcanic eruptions that formed it, including the Eldfell eruption of 1973, which partially buried the main town and nearly filled in the town’s harbour. A visit to the Eldheimar museum, dedicated to the eruption, is included. Following our group lunch on the island we’ll board the ferry to return to the mainland and back to Hotel Ranga. After we enjoy our group dinner at the hotel we’ll have use of the hotel’s observatory to scan the sky for northern lights. If the Northern Lights decide to make an appearance, all you have to do is step outside and marvel at Nature’s own lightshow!
Day 4: September 27, 2022: Seljalandsfoss – Reynisfjara – LAVA show – Dyrhólaey
After breakfast we head along the south coast and explore the land of Njal’s Saga — a region of breathtaking scenery and legendary stories. During our drive today we’ll encounter the wonderful variety of the south, from the wide alluvial plains formed by glacial rivers, sea inlets with views of volcanic mountains and moss-covered lava fields to the sheer sea cliffs of Dyrhólaey, the spectacular waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Reynisfjara, a wide black-sand beach on the South Coast of Iceland, beside the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. A group lunch will be served in Vik.
From Vik we’ll continue east to the Kirkjubaejarklaustur (Kirk for short!) area where we’ll make a stop to have a look around the town, stretch our legs and maybe do a bit of shopping. From there we’ll keep going east on the main highway to Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon, where we’ll be staying for the next two nights. There will be some time to settle in and relax before our group dinner which is served at the hotel. If the Northern Lights decide to make an appearance, all we will have to do is step outside and marvel at Nature’s own lightshow! Wake-up calls for aurora appearances during the night can be arranged with reception.
Day 5: September 28, 2022: Skaftafell National Park – Jokulsarlon – Diamond Beach
After a leisurely breakfast this morning we’ll head to the stunning Skaftafell area located in Vatnajökull National Park. At Skaftafell we can get up close to the glacial tongue of ice pushing down the valley from Vatnajökull glacier. We’ll have a group lunch and then go to the stunning glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon, where icebergs float in a lagoon of icy, azure-blue water, runoff from a huge glacier. Sometimes seals can be seen sunning themselves on the icebergs or at the edge of the glacier.
We’ll enjoy a boat ride on the lagoon, floating amongst the icebergs.
After our boat ride we’ll go to nearby Diamond Beach, where pieces of glacial ice, stranded on the beach, glint in the light against the background of the black sand.
After this we’ll return to the hotel, with some time to relax before our group dinner. This evening we can relax at the hotel or go for a walk and hope to see dazzling aurora overhead.
Day 6: September 29, 2022: Fjaðrárgljúfur – Skógafoss – Skógar folk museum
Following breakfast, we’ll check out of the hotel and enjoy the countryside scenery on the drive to the capital city of Reykjavík.
We’ll stop at the stunning serpentine canyon of Fjaðrárgljúfur ("feather river canyon"). The Fjaðrá River flows through the canyon. It has steep walls of up to 100m/330 ft) and is about 2k/1.2 miles long.
Continuing west, a rest stop will be made in Vik for a light group lunch and perhaps a visit (time permitting) to the shop Icewear/Vik Wool, where woolen items and jewelry featuring Icelandic lava are at better prices than you’ll find in Reykjavik
After our lunch stop, we will continue on to Skógafoss which is just a short walk from the parking lot. We’ll also pay a visit to the Skógar Folk Museum, a complex of 3 sites exploring early Icelandic history with folk relics and a model turf-house village.
Westward bound again to the capital city of Reykjavik. We’ll arrive to the art deco Hotel Borg late afternoon, our home for the next two nights. After check-in there will be time to take a walk around the city center and have dinner (on own account).
After dinner meet up with the tour guide and group at the designated time and place to go on our evening Northern Lights Tour. We will head out into the countryside, far away from the light pollution of the city, watching the night sky and hoping the aurora will dance for us. Tours are weather dependent.
Day 7: September 30, 2022: Reykjavik
After breakfast at the hotel. we’ll set out on a Reykjavík city tour (approx. 3-4 hours) with stops at Hallgrimskirkja, Perlan with admission to the observation deck, and the National Museum (with admission and guided tour). Information about the main stops is shown below.
Here are a few suggestions for places to see on your free time:
Hallgrimskirkja (Hallgrim’s Church) is Reykjavík’s signature landmark, and its tower can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. The 1937 design was inspired by the shapes and forms created when lava cools into basalt rock. Construction took place from 1945 to 1986, with the tower being completed long before the main building. A singular feature is a gargantuan, German-built pipe organ, finished in 1992, whose powerful notes are capable of filling the huge interior space with a range of uplifting tones.
Standing directly in front of the church is a fine statue of Leifur Eiriksson (c. 970-1020), the first European to land on the shores of the New World in what is now North America in the year 1000 A.D. (about 500 years before Columbus).
Perlan or The Pearl was built in 1988 and is a remarkable building, unique in Iceland and probably the whole world. It consists of a glass dome constructed atop huge tanks in which natural hot water is stored for heating the city. The Pearl offers the visitor great scenic views of the capital area and beyond.
The National Museum showcases objects that provide insight into Icelandic cultural history - displays that encourage visitors to dwell on the past, present, and future. Reopened after extensive refurbishment, the museum houses new, dynamic exhibitions that fulfill all the modern standards required of such an establishment housing the nation’s treasures.
After the conclusion of the guided tour, you may choose to stay at the National Museum to have a better look at the items there or be dropped off at the Settlement Exhibition at the Reykjavik City Museum (about 200m from Hotel Borg). An open ticket will be provided for you to visit the Settlement Exhibition at a time of your choosing.
Lunch is on your own followed by a free afternoon to explore Reykjavik. Reykjavík has a wide range of restaurants to choose from, with various types of cuisine and price points.
Here are a few suggestions for places to see on your free time:
Art & Culture. Reykjavík Art Museum also known as Hafnarhús (translating as Harbor House) which serves as the institute of contemporary art. Current developments in art are explored through diverse exhibitions of Icelandic and international artists. An exhibition of paintings by the Pop artist Erró is a permanent feature.
Shopping. Reykjavík has become known for cutting edge design, international and design jewelry, hip fashion, art galleries, and a vibrant music scene. The trendy 101 quarter in the city center around the main shopping street of Laugavegur and the nearby Skólavörðustígur offers fabulous shopping at very affordable prices. On the flip side of the cutting edge designs are the traditional Icelandic woolen goods with patterns carried on through the centuries.
For the taste buds. Stop by at a local hot-dog stand and try the famous Icelandic hot-dogs or pylsur with all the special trimmings. This is very popular amongst the local people, and you may see the long queue, especially on weekends.
Day 8: October 1, 2022: End of Main Tour and Departure
All good things must come to an end, including your visit to Iceland. After breakfast and check out you will be transferred from Hotel Borg to Keflavík airport for your departure flight. We will schedule your airport transfer to be approx. 4 hours before the flight departure, giving you about 3 hours for check-in and security clearance. Should you be on a very early morning flight it is possible you won’t be able to have breakfast at the hotel.
Optional Extension:
Day 8: October 1, 2022: Snaefellsnes Peninsula Day Tour
After an early breakfast at the hotel our guide will collect us and we’ll board our coach for our day trip north of the capital city, along the west coast. We’ll explore the stunning scenery and landscapes of the Snaefelsness Peninsula, a “must see” for nature lovers. The Snæfellsnes peninsula in the west of Iceland is almost like a miniature version of the whole country. You’ll see the emblematic Snæfellsjökull glacier, white and black sand beaches, bird cliffs, spectacular mountains and volcanic craters, incredibly rich trout lakes and salmon rivers, lush valleys, and unique harbours in charming fishing villages. The stunning landscapes of the peninsula have captured the imagination of people all over the world ever since Jules Verne wrote the famous science fiction novel “Journey to the Centre of the Earth” in which the amazing Snæfellsjökull glacier is where the journey begins. Recently Ben Stiller filmed parts of his critically acclaimed blockbuster “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” here, notably in the charming village of Stykkishólmur. A group lunch and group dinner will be provided during your tour today. Return to Hotel Borg at approximately 10:00pm.
Day 9: October 2, 2022: End of Extended Tour and Departure
All good things must come to an end, including your visit to Iceland. After breakfast and check-out our driver will pick you up at the bus stop by Hotel Borg and take you to Keflavík airport for your departure flight. We schedule your airport transfer to be 2.5–3 hours before the earliest flight departure of the group members.
Should you be leaving substantially earlier or later than the main group, individual transfers can be arranged for you at a small extra fee.
We wish you a great trip home and hope you will bring back many great memories of Iceland. We look forward to seeing you in the Land of Fire and Ice again!
Góð ferð! BOOK NOW