DAY 1: Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland.
DAY 2: Arrive in the morning and enjoy a scenic drive to Stykkisholmur, an important fishing and trading center thanks to its well-sheltered harbor. Stop for breakfast before reaching the hotel in Stykkisholmur. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner together. (B,D)
DAY 3: Encounter the stupendous scenery of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, beginning on the south shore where we walk along the shell sand beach at Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. Explore the rugged shore at Arnarstapi, site of thousands of nesting cliff birds. This afternoon taste shark at the home of a local farmer who processes this former Viking delicacy. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Travel toward the northeast countryside to the volcanic region surrounding Lake Myvatn. Along the way visit the 17th century Vidimyri Church, constructed of sod and still in operation. This afternoon tour Akureyri by coach and on foot, visiting the botanical garden and Akureyrarkirkja church, with its unusual interior. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. (B)
DAY 5: Visit the Glacial River Canyon National Park and walk to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland’s “Niagara.” Enjoy a picnic lunch in the national park then walk around Hljodaklettar, the labyrinth of “echoing rocks.” Drive to incredible Asbyrgi, a huge canyon enveloped by towering walls. Next visit the picturesque fishing and whale-watching village of Husavik. (B,L)
DAY 6: Travel to beautiful Lake Myvatn. Explore Godafoss, the stunning “waterfalls of the gods” named for the carvings of Norse gods, which were tossed into the water when the country was declared Christian a thousand years ago. Visit the active volcano areas of the lake, including the boiling mud pots at Namaskard, the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the explosion crater at Viti and the flat volcano system at Krafla. This is also a popular area for bird watching. (B)
DAY 7: Following a free morning, fly to Reykjavik. Drive to Thingvellir National Park, where Iceland’s Althing, or national assembly, met in open-air sessions from A.D. 930 to 1798. Learn about Iceland’s historic parliament (the world’s oldest), and walk along a gorge into the rift valley. After lunch depart for Great Geysir, the most famous of Iceland’s geysers; then continue on to Gullfoss, Iceland’s immensely popular “golden” waterfall with its spectacular two-tiered cataract. From Thingvellir drive to the southern coast to Hella. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: Take a boat ride to better view the rich bird life on the dramatic ocean cliffs. Continue to the lovely town of Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village surrounded by green hills, a massive icecap, the sea and Katla, a notorious volcano. Enjoy lunch on your own and time to shop for items of locally produced wool before touring resumes at Solheimajokull glacier. Travel to Skogar to visit the country museum and learn about early life in Iceland. After a brief walk to the nearby Skogafoss waterfall, return to the hotel. (B,D)
DAY 9: Travel to Reykjavik to visit Seljalandsfoss, Iceland’s most photographed waterfall. Continue through “saga” country, the setting of one of the country’s famous medieval stories. After lunch of traditional lobster soup, arrive in Reykjavik and embark on a city tour. Sites include Hallgrimskirkja, the country’s largest church, featuring a sculpture garden and a tower with excellent views of the city; Parliament House, the town’s oldest street and the harbor. After checking in at the hotel, the evening is at leisure. (B,L)
DAY 10: Today is at leisure to explore and enjoy Reykjavik as we wish. It is a sophisticated European urban center, with museums and galleries; theater, symphony and dance; boutiques and restaurants. Tonight we gather together for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
DAY 11: The morning is at leisure. An optional tour to the Blue Lagoon for a soothing thermal bath is available. Depart early afternoon for the airport and for your return flight to the U.S. (B)
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