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Day 1/ Departure from the US
Day 2/ Arrival in Reykjavik, Iceland (D)
Transfer by airport bus to your hotel. Overnight in Reykjavík
Taste-sational Culinary Highlights:
Deep Sea Fishing Adventure (optional)
Suitable for first timers and experienced fishermen alike, expert anglers guide you the best spots. Afterwards your catch is prepared and served at a gala welcome dinner. Fish simply doesn't get any fresher than this!
Catch of the Day! (included)
Our welcome dinner takes place in the warm and intimate surroundings of the 8th floor Grillid restaurant, where our catch of the day, or chef's choice of fresh fish, is served against the breathtaking backdrop of a panoramic view of the city.
Day 3/ Natural Wonders and History B D
Start the day with a short city sightseeing around Reykjavik. On to Thingvellir National Park, a geologically fascinating area and the ancient site of the World's first parliament. A walk through the stunning natural beauty of this historic site. Enjoy great photo opportunities in the world-famous hot spring area of Geysir, with boiling mud pools and erupting hot springs. Wait a few minutes for Strokkur to spout a magnificent water and steam column high into the air. Head to the Gullfoss waterfall, considered by many to be Iceland's most impressive waterfall, and feel its enormous power. Overnight in Selfoss
Taste-sational Culinary Highlights:
A truly unique culinary experience occurs in the geothermal fields of Geysir, where we sample rye bread, baked underground by hot springs. Our last stop is a geothermal greenhouse where we sample organically grown vegetables and cucumber schnapps. In the evening, on the banks of the Olfusa River we enjoy a special dinner at Riverside restaurant at Hotel Selfoss with grilled Icelandic mountain lamb prepared with locally grown herbs.
Day 4/ Meadows and Waterfalls B (L) D
Drive through the historic countryside of South Iceland and the main agricultural area of the country. View the rich farmlands, the towering mountains and even on a clear day spot the famous, still active, volcano of Hekla, which last erupted in the year 2000. The road then leads to the waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss displaying seductive scenery and giving us the chance of getting close to the forces of nature. Onwards to Vik and Reynisfjara for a view of striking rock formation and the endless black sand beach. Overnight in Selfoss
Taste-sational Culinary Highlights:
We break for lunch at Skogar where we recommend their special recipe for traditional meat soup, a dish that has been a staple in Icelandic kitchens for centuries. Onwards to Vik to view striking rock formations and stop for a seaside picnic on the black sand beaches to enjoy home-baked kleinur - Iceland's twist on the donut. For dinner a lobster feast awaits us at Vid Fjorubordid in the charming fishing village of Stokkseyri. This cozy restaurant specializes in lobster caught fresh from the ocean at their very doorstep.
Day 5/ Viking Trails B D
Drive in the morning to the fertile Borgarfjordur area, to Hraunfossar waterfall and Deildartunguhver, the most powerful hot spring in the world. In the village Borgarnes you will visit the "Settlement Centre" to discover how Iceland was settled. Drive on through the moors and lava fields of the Myrar district and past the regularly shaped extinct volcanic crater Eldborg. Overnight in Stykkisholmur
Taste-sational Culinary Highlights:
After Borgarnes we travel to Eiriksstadir, the original home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson. In a living history museum replica of their home we hear the saga of their journey to the New World as told by a modern day Viking and experience a taste of traditional Viking fare. A short drive down the road to Leifssafn Museum we see the scientifically verified tools from the Viking Age and enjoy a sampling of cheese and ice cream from a local dairy farm.
Day 6/ Taste of Iceland B (L) D
Start the day by a visit to Bjarnarhofn for a taste of shark, a unique taste of the Icelandic food culture. Go on a cruise excursion of Breidafjordur bay.The bay is famous for its countless islands and bird life. The highlight of the tour is when a net-plough is cast overboard and shellfish delicacies brought onboard for everyone to taste straight from the sea. Afterwards you can relax and explore the town of Stykkisholmur on your own. Overnight in Stykkisholmur
Taste-sational Culinary Highlights:
After lunch we make a stop to learn how traditional Icelandic hardfisk is made. Essentially fish-jerky, this delicious treat made from dried fish is low in fat, high in protein and has been enjoyed by natives throughout the centuries.
Day 7/ Glacier and Mystical Healing Power B (L) D
Circle the legendary Snaefellsjokull glacier which covers a powerful central volcano and is unquestionably the crowning jewel of the peninsula. Continue along the northern shores of the peninsula driving through the tiny picturesque fishing villages. Take a walk along the magnificent columnar basalt formations of Arnarstapi before stopping at the fair sandy beach at Budir. Onwards to the Blue Lagoon, for a refreshing bath or swim in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, known for its healing properties. Overnight in Northern Lights Inn by the Blue Lagoon
Taste-sational Culinary Highlights:
Our lunch stop is at Fjoruhusid, a tiny cafe on the southern edge of Snaefellsnes peninsula, located on the water's edge in Hellnar. Their signature dish is a creamy soup brimming with fresh local seafood. At the Blue Lagoon we enjoy a specialty cocktail served lagoon-side. Our farewell dinner in Iceland takes place at the charming Northern Lights Inn.
Day 8/ Departure from Reykjavik B
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the US - or extend your stay in Iceland!
Taste-sational Culinary Highlights:
Northern Lights Inn Excursion to Grindavik (optional)
Those interested in exploring Grindavik before their departure can be transferred to the town center to enjoy this quaint fishing village, harbor and visit the Icelandic Saltfish Museum. Life in Grindavik has evolved around fishing since the time of its settlement around 934 AD. Grindavik alone provides more than 40% of Iceland's salt fish production with one of the most active harbors in the country.
PRICE INCLUDES:
• Transatlantic air from the East Coast (other US cities available) *air taxes and fuel surcharges are additional
• 5-day guided tour from/to Reykjavík
• Airport bus transfer from airport to hotel
• 1 night accommodation with breakfast and facilities in Reykjavík
• 5 nights accommodation with breakfast and facilities in countryside
• 5 dinners in the countryside
• Entrance to The Settlement Center
• Visit to Bjarnarhofn for a taste of shark
• Cruise excursion of Breidafjordur bay (2 hrs,15 min)
• Departure transfer provided by Northern Lights Inn
• Included "Taste-sational" culinary highlights and meals on select departures as specified
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS (at extra cost):
• Entrance to Skogar museum
• Entrance to Library of Water in Stykkisholmur
• Entrance to the Blue Lagoon
• Optional "Taste-sational" culinary highlights on select departures as specified
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