Day 2
Keflavik, Iceland

Arrive at Keflavik Airport in the early morning. Clear customs then take a short drive to Viking World, a museum that features exhibitions about the times of the Vikings – Breakfast is served at the museum. Depart from the museum for the Hotel Berg the perfect place to rest after a long overnight journey. “Wecome to Iceland” dinner tonight in the hotels Fiskbarinn Restaurant. Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, located just 32 miles east from the airport. Once in Reykjavik head directly for Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest and largest church in Iceland. A statue of Leif Eiriksson is aligned directly in front of the church, a gift from the U.S. commemorating the 1,000 anniversary of the Icelandic parliament and a tacit acknowledgement that Leif beat Christopher Columbus to North America by almost 500 years.

Your tour will include the Parliament Building, the National Theater and the main seat of government. Visit the harbor area, where older buildings have been retrofitted as boutiques and restaurants.  Leave Reykjavik and travel along the main route through southern Iceland.  Pass green farmlands where the Icelandic horses will be grazing along the roadside.  Arrive in Thingborg and visit the Wool Center, a good source for the genuine Icelandic woolen products.    Continue on to the hamlet of Hella and check in to the Hotel Laekur your home for the next 3 days. “Welcome to Iceland” dinner this evening and get acquainted with your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Day 3
Keflavik – Reykjavik – Hroarslaekur Hella - Thorsmork - Gigjokull Glacier - Hella

Rise and shine-enjoy breakfast at Hotel Laekur.  Depart for  Eyjafjallajokull, the 6th largest glacier in Iceland, beneath its cap hides the volcano that erupted in 2010 and disrupted air traffic throughout the northern hemisphere.  Today you will visit Thorsmork, a hidden valley between three glaciers. You reach this verdant nature reserve by crossing lava fields and glacial rivers in a modified “Monster” truck – an exhilarating but safe experience, an adventure of a lifetime. Thorsmork  is a popular place for hikers, the “Ring of Basar” is an easy 1.5m walk.  Buffet lunch is served at Volcano Huts in Husadalur. On your return visit Gigjokull glacier with its giant icicle ravines – a good introduction to the “Land of Fire and Ice.” Dinner at Hotel Laekur. Enjoy the outside “hot pot” or the sauna. (B,L,D)

Day 4
Hella - Gullfoss - Geysir - Fridheimar Farm Hella

Depart the Hotel Laekur after breakfast for a full day’s excursion that includes some of the major natural attractions in Iceland. Gullfoss is the majestic waterfall that spans the Hvita River, known as one of the world’s most beautiful gorges.  A short drive will then take you to the next phenomenon, the “Geysir Geothermal Area”.  The Geysir is the first geyser ever mentioned in text;  the one for which all geysers are named.  Though it rarely erupts the nearby “Strokkur” keeps the show alive erupting every 4 to 8 minutes.

Drive on to Fridheimar Farm, an amazing greenhouse and horse breeding complex.  Tour the greenhouses to gain knowledge into the uses of geothermal heating in Iceland.  Savor a delicious lunch then enjoy a horse show that provides insight into the remarkable Icelandic horse breed. (B,L,D)

Day 5
Hella - Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls -Vik - Hali

Depart Hella after breakfast for southern Iceland.  Todays visit will include Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls and the Skogar Folk Museum.  Lunch break in Vik Myrdal, the southernmost village in Iceland.   Continue  driving east across the vast Myrdalssandur glacial plain where the immense Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe offers spectacular views.  Arrive at Country Hotel Hali, where you have a clear view of the glacier on the one side and the Atlantic ocean on the other. Dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Day 6
Hali - Jokulsarlon (Glacial Lagoon Cruise) - Reynisfjara - Vik I Myrdal

Breakfast at Hotel Hali then depart for Jokulsarlon. Board a amphibian boat on   Iceland’s deepest glacial lagoon for a 30 minute excursion.  The lagoon is 150 feet deep and has enormous icebergs with huge blocks of ice breaking off  the glacier.  Once back on land continue to a small village for  lunch at elegant Klaustur Restaurant.

Your next stop is Reynisfjara to see the fascinating black sand beaches with their crushing waves, basalt columns and huge cave.

Proceed to Vik for overnight at Hotel Katla. Buffet dinner in hotel restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 7
Vik - Westman Islands

Breakfast at hotel Katla then continue to Landeyjahofn and board the Herjolfur ferry to  Heimaey, the largest of the Westman Islands.  Check in at Hotel Vestmannaeyjar your home for the next two nights.

Dinner at Einsi Kaldi (Einar The Cool One). (B,L,D)

You have not been to Iceland if you have not been to the Westman Islands, a archipelago of 15 islands – off the beaten path of most tours.  The islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions 11,000 years ago.  The biggest island, Heimaey is the only permanently inhabited one and is the home to approximately 4300 people.  Visit the Volcano Museum and the lava fields.  Lunch is at “Gott Restaurant”. Continue after lunch to the Beluga Whale Sanctuary, the world’s first open water whale sanctuary, located in Klettsvik Bay.This is where two female Beluga Whales – “Little White” and “Little Grey” were moved from a entertainment park in China in June 2019.  Dinner at Einsi Kaldi (Einar The Cool One). (B,L,D) Dinner tonight at “Slippurinn Restaurant”.  (B,L,D)

Day 8
Westman Islands

Today take a exciting excursion by boat around Vestmannaeyjar.  With a excellent view from the ocean you can see the cliffs teeming with puffins and other birds.  Surtsey, a newly formed volcanic island with a rugged lava coastline and colorful caves will also be in your view. Return to dry land and visit the remarkable Sagnheimar Folk Museum. Lunch at Canton Chinese Restaurant.

After lunch you will hike (1.3 mile loop) to Eldfjall Volcano that erupted in 1973.
 
Dinner tonight at “Slippurinn Restaurant”.  (B,L,D)

Day 9
Hali-JODAYWestman Islands - Reykjavik - Free Day

Depart by ferry to the mainland and proceed to Midgard Restaurant located in Hvolsvollur for a great breakfast. Continue to Reykjavik by shortest route. Check in at the Hotel Plaza located in the heart of the city with restaurants, shopping and nightlife on your doorstep.  Remainder of day is free without a program. (B)

Day 10
Vik I Myrdal-Reykjavik

Breakfast at Hotel KATLA then checkout and drive by the shortest route to Reykjavik.
Arrive in downtown Reykjavik and check-in to Hotel Holt. Remainder of the day at your leisure. Lunch and dinner is on your own. (B)

Day 11
Reykjavik

Today is a free day in Reykjavik without regimentation to pursue your own interests. Reykjavik is a lively, colorful city with plenty to do. Optional Whale Watching excursion or for quilters participate in a quilting workshop. Farewell dinner at the “Gallery Restaurant.” (B,D)