Iceland Explorer
Iceland Explorer
Iceland Explorer
10 Days Starting and ending in Reykjavik, Iceland
Visiting: Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Vik, Vatnajokull National Park, Egilsstadir, Lake Myvatn, Akureyri, Borgarnes, Snaefellsjokull National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IndTur794
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 25
Age range:
6-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Photography, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Iceland Explorer" tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Iceland. Begin your adventure in Reykjavik, exploring its vibrant dining scene and historical sites. Journey through the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, witness the awe-inspiring Gullfoss waterfall, and marvel at the geothermal wonders of the Geysir hot spring area. Discover the scenic beauty of Thjorsardalur valley, the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and the majestic Vatnajokull National Park, including the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Traverse the picturesque East Fjords, visit the Beljandi Microbrewery, and explore the natural splendor of the Lake Myvatn area. Learn about Icelandic history at the Herring-Era Museum and experience the unique Icelandic horse breed in Skagafjordur. Conclude your journey with the diverse landscapes of Snaefellsjokull National Park before returning to Reykjavik. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, daily breakfast, and local cuisine dinners, all while traveling in deluxe air-conditioned vehicles.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Reykjavik (Arrival)
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Welcome to Iceland! We recommend booking the easy and convenient Direct Airport transfers with us. If your flight lands early in the day, a great suggestion will be to explore Reykjavík, the largest municipality in Iceland. Check-in to your hotel (most hotels start check-in around 2:00 PM). Ingolfur Arnarson, the first settler in Iceland, built his farm on the peninsula where Reykjavík stands today. The town got its name “Smokey Bay” after the columns of steam rose from the hot springs in the area and made a deep impression on the first settlers. Reykjavik offers a multitude of restaurants and/or coffee-houses, making dinner a wonderful way to get better acquainted with Iceland's capital.
Overnight in Reykjavík
Day 2: Reykjavik – Thingvellir National Park - Geysir – Gullfoss (B/-/D)
Location: Thingvellir National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Hveragerdi area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide and start your Iceland adventure. After a quick introductory of our home city of Reykjavik, head to Lake Thingvallavatn, Icelands largest lake and Thingvellir National Park. This UNESCO heritage site is where the worlds oldest continuing parliamentary government was founded in the 10th century. It is also the place where the North American and European tectonic plates meet. You will have the unusual experience of walking between two continents. Next on your journey is Gullfoss, the “Golden Waterfall”, where various walking paths give you photo-worthy views of the beautiful double-ledged cascade. Youll also visit the nearby Geysir hot spring area to see the famous Geysir and Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. During the day youll get a glimpse into Icelandic local life. Visit an Icelandic family farm where tomatoes are grown using organic geothermal energy. Tour the greenhouse and sample some of the farms sweet Icelandic tomatoes. The day ends in Hveragerdi, a pretty town located in an active geothermal area. The locals have made clever use of underground hot springs to provide heat for homes, as well as greenhouses that grow flowers, fruits and vegetables.
Dinner and
Overnight in the Hveragerdi area
Day 3: Thjorsadalur Valley – Skogar – Dyrholaey – Vik (B/-/D)
Location: Vik
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Vik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at your hotel. Explore enchanting Thjorsardalur valley and its ever-changing landscapes of birch woods, sandy lava fields, rivers, and waterfalls. If the skies are clear, youll also see the impressive and beautiful Mt. Hekla volcano towering over the region. Visit Stong, where you can view a replica of a Viking-age longhouse that was buried by a volcanic eruption of Hekla. The area was a filming location for Game of Thrones Season 4. Drive along the scenic farmlands of Icelands South Shore. Stop to admire the scenic waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss. Each waterfall has its own charm. Continue to Dyrholaey* and the thundering waves of the Reynisfjara black sand beaches. End the day in Vik, Icelands southernmost town.Dinner and overnight in the Vik area.
*Please note that Dyrholaey is closed for the bird nesting season between mid-May and the 25th of June.
Dinner and
Overnight in Vik
Day 4: Vatnajokull National Park – Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon - Hofn (B/-/-)
Location: Vatnajokull National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Egilsstadir
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will be in a world of glaciers! Youll be visiting the southern area of Vatnajokull National Park, named after Europes largest glacier. The total park area covers almost 14% of Iceland, making it the largest national park in Western Europe. Drive through vast sand plains created by glacial outwashes as you head east. Visit the national parks famous Skaftafell area, a site of outstanding natural beauty. Enjoy the views of rich green landscapes and black sands dominated by several magnificent glaciers. Youll also see Svinafellsjokull, one of the most beautiful glacial “tongues” that are slowly creeping down from Vatnajokull. Visit Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon where youll enjoy the breath-taking sight of icebergs floating in the fantastic 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. You also have the option of enjoying a boat tour amid the ice bergs (must be booked in advance). Nearby is the dramatic beauty of the Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea. Your overnight is in Hofn, a fishing port in the shadow of Vatnajokull glacier. Dinner is on your own. Hofn has a nice selection of restaurants and cafes. The local specialty is langoustines (Norway lobsters).
Overnight in Egilsstadir
Day 5: Hofn – East Fjords - Egilsstadir (B/-/D)
Location: Egilsstadir
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Egilsstadir area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Breakfast at your hotel. Drive from Hofn through Almannaskard pass, stopping to admire the majestic coastline. Continue to the towering mountains plunging vertically into the sea that form the magnificent East Fjords. Were sure youll love the amazing views, so keep your camera ready. You will also pass villages, each with its own special history and charm. One of these is the tiny village of Breiddalsvik. Your group will visit the Beljandi Microbrewery and sample some of the wonderful beer. The local community came together in 2017 to transform a rustic warehouse into a charmingly quirky brewery. Youll meet one of the townsfolk and get a feel for life in a small Icelandic town, as well as see how great beer is made. The road brings you to Egilsstadir town, located near Icelands largest forest and a lake said to be home to a legendary (friendly) monster.
Dinner and overnight stay in the Egilsstadir area.
Day 6: Lake Myvatn Area (B/-/D)
Location: Lake Myvatn
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Myvatn Area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, explore the vast emptiness of the highland desert plateau of Modrudalsoraefi, as you make your way towards the Lake Myvatn area. On the way, stop in Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall. Continue onwards to the Namaskard pass with its boiling mud pools and vibrant colors. Discover the natural beauty of the Lake Myvatn area, including the pseudo craters in Skutustadir and the Laxa Salmon River. Other volcanic features of Myvatn include the multi-colored geothermal area of Namaskard, the Krafla Volcano, and the dark lave citadels of Dimmuborgir. One of Myvatn area's claims to fame is that it is home to more species of ducks than any other place on Earth, with very diverse birdlife in general. Arrive in your hotel in time for dinner.
Overnight in the Myvatn Area
Day 7: Lake Myvatn Area – Akureyri – Siglufjordur - Skagafjordur (B/-/-)
Location: Akureyri
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Skagafjordur
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel. Start your days adventure with a visit to magnificent Godafoss waterfall, one of North Icelands most important symbols. Afterwards, youll see Akureyri, the colorful northern “capital“ of Iceland. The town has charming buildings and a beautiful view of the Eyjafjordur fjord. After spending some free time in Akureyri, youll continue along the coastal roads and head along majestic mountains and narrow passes to your overnight in Skagafjordur, a scenic region full of historical sites and folk tales.
Overnight in Skagafjordur
Day 8: Skagafjordur – Borgarnes (B/-/D)
Location: Borgarnes
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Borgarnes Area
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning you will visit Siglufjordurs award-winning Herring-Era Museum. The museum recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century when Siglufjordur was transformed into a herring boom town, thanks to a large migration of herring. Afterwards, head along the majestic mountains and narrow passes leading to Skagafjordur, considered to be one of the finest places in Iceland for horse breeding. Enjoy an introduction to the unique Icelandic horse breed with its special fifth gait – the tolt. Continue your journey towards the village of Blonduos, built on both sides of the river Blanda. Hrutey Island, a protected nature reserve, sits within the centre of this popular Salmon River. Cross the Holtavorduheidi Plateau through Borgarfjordur to visit the beautiful town of Borgarnes. Head to your hotel in time for dinner.
Overnight in the Borgarnes Area
Day 9: Borgarfjordur – Snaefellsjokull National Park – Reykjavik (B/-/-)
Location: Snaefellsjokull National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Reykjavik
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast at your hotel. Today you will explore the amazing variety of natural landscapes in Snaefellsjokull National Park. The parks crown jewel is Snaefellsjokull glacier itself, which covers a dormant volcano that last erupted in 250 AD. In addition, youll also see Kirkjufell, one of the most photographed mountains in Iceland. Walk along the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. At the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi, you can observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations. One Icelandic Saga mentions that Snaefellsnes and its people are protected by a benevolent half troll who lives high on the glacier. You might even find a sense of magic and healing energy in this beautiful peninsula. At the end of the afternoon, your journey leads back to Reykjavik. Your guide will bid you farewell at your hotel.
Overnight in Reykjavík
Day 10: Reykjavik (B/-/-)
Location: Reykjavik
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before you make your own way (transfer not included) to the airport to board your flight back home. We recommend departing your hotel no later than 3 hours before your international flight. If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your arrival day, you might use this opportunity to stop there on your way to the airport with the transfer we offer.
What's Included
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09 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
Enjoy comfortable stays with 09 nights of accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar.
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Daily breakfast
Start your day with a daily breakfast included in the package.
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5 two-course local-cuisine dinners in the countryside with coffee/tea
Savor 5 two-course local-cuisine dinners in the countryside, complete with coffee or tea.
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Transportation as per the itinerary in deluxe AC vehicles
Travel comfortably with transportation provided as per the itinerary in deluxe air-conditioned vehicles.
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Welcome and information meeting at the hotel upon arrival
Receive a warm welcome and attend an information meeting at the hotel upon arrival.
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Sightseeing as per the itinerary
Enjoy sightseeing tours as outlined in the itinerary.
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Entrance fees as per the itinerary
All entrance fees as per the itinerary are included.
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Entry to the Herring Museum
Gain entry to the Herring Museum and explore its exhibits.
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Horse Show in Skagafjordur
Experience a captivating horse show in Skagafjordur.
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Visit to Fridheimar Geothermal Greenhouse
Visit the Fridheimar Geothermal Greenhouse and learn about its unique operations.
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips & gratuities
Expenses of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Arrival and departure transfers
Transfers for arrival and departure are not included in the package.
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Items not mentioned as included
Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the package are excluded.
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Tour not recommended for children under 6 years old
This tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
Mode of Transport
Travel in deluxe air-conditioned vehicles as per the itinerary, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey throughout your Iceland adventure.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, with daily breakfast and 5 two-course local-cuisine dinners in the countryside.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel is provided in deluxe air-conditioned vehicles as per the itinerary, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey throughout your Iceland adventure.
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What type of accommodation is included in the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights of comfortable accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, with daily breakfast and 5 two-course local-cuisine dinners in the countryside.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes daily breakfast and 5 two-course local-cuisine dinners in the countryside, complete with coffee or tea.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, an expert local English-speaking guide will be with you from day 3 to day 8 of the tour.
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What kind of activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes various activities such as sightseeing tours, entrance to the Herring Museum, a horse show in Skagafjordur, a visit to the Fridheimar Geothermal Greenhouse, and exploring the Strong Viking longhouse.
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Is there any emergency assistance available during the tour?
Yes, 24-hour Iceland travel emergency line assistance is available for any urgent needs during the tour.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, all entrance fees as per the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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Is the tour suitable for young children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 6 years old.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland. If your flight lands early, you can explore Reykjavik, the largest municipality in Iceland. You will check into your hotel and have the opportunity to dine at one of the many restaurants or coffee houses in the city.
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What can I expect to see at Thingvellir National Park?
At Thingvellir National Park, you will see where the North American and European tectonic plates meet and have the unique experience of walking between two continents. The park is also a UNESCO heritage site and the location of the world's oldest continuing parliamentary government founded in the 10th century.
-
What is special about the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon?
The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is known for its breathtaking sight of icebergs floating in the 180m (591 ft.) deep glacial lagoon. Nearby, you can also visit the dramatic Diamond Beach, named for the shrinking icebergs that settle on the black sands before drifting out to sea.
-
What kind of experience can I expect at the Beljandi Microbrewery?
At the Beljandi Microbrewery in the village of Breiddalsvik, you will sample some wonderful beer and meet one of the townsfolk to get a feel for life in a small Icelandic town. The brewery is a charmingly quirky place transformed from a rustic warehouse by the local community.
-
What natural features can I explore in the Lake Myvatn area?
In the Lake Myvatn area, you can explore the pseudo craters in Skutustadir, the Laxa Salmon River, the multi-colored geothermal area of Namaskard, the Krafla Volcano, and the dark lava citadels of Dimmuborgir. The area is also home to a diverse birdlife, including more species of ducks than any other place on Earth.
-
What is unique about the Icelandic horse breed?
The Icelandic horse breed is unique for its special fifth gait called the 'tolt.' You will have the opportunity to learn about this breed and see a horse show in Skagafjordur.
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What can I expect to see in Snaefellsjokull National Park?
In Snaefellsjokull National Park, you will see the Snaefellsjokull glacier, which covers a dormant volcano, Kirkjufell mountain, and the uniquely pebbled seascape of Djupalonssandur beach. You can also observe magnificent basalt rocks in stacked formations at the picturesque harbor village of Arnarstapi.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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