Enchanting Iceland Tour

Iceland is known as the Land of Fire and Ice because of its dramatic natural beauty. On this enchanting Europe land tour, you can witness nature’s might in a country carved by glaciers, volcanoes, and slowly shifting tectonic plates.

The Golden Circle tour promises to be a key highlight of your Iceland trip. This day tour will take you to the legendary sites of Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser, and Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall that shines on sunny days. End your day with tours of Fridheimar geothermal greenhouse and horse farm, and watch a horse show.

Explore the Reykjanes peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark famous for its birds and unusual geological formations including volcanoes. The following day, visit the black sand beaches of the tiny village of Vik on The South Coast of Iceland. This day also includes a trip to the spectacular Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, two of the best-known waterfalls in the country.

You will also visit Europe’s largest hot spring, Deildartunguhve. This natural power source provides the hot water for homes and businesses within a 40-mile radius. Learn about Iceland’s more ancient history at the Settlements Center. Before your Iceland tour comes to an end, take an optional visit to the famous Blue Lagoon, then hunt for the Aurora Borealis on a late-night Northern Lights pursuit!

Unveil Europe’s cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes with our captivating land tours and cruises on European rivers, where history and beauty intertwine at every step.

Add-Ons

Wonder of the Ice Caves and Latrabjarg Museum with Dinner

Spend an evening at the top of Öskjuhlíð hill in Perlan, an experience center with interactive exhibits.

Blue Lagoon Day Trip with Comfort Package

Our Blue Lagoon Excursion features a stunning introduction to Iceland’s otherworldly landscape.

Tour Includes

1 Country

• Iceland

Sightseeing

• Reykjavík
• Thingvellir National Park
• Strokkur Geyser
• Gullfoss Waterfall
• Deildartunguhver
• Borgarnes
• Vík

Hotel Accommodations

• 6 Nights
• Moderate hotels based on twin/double occupancy

Meals

• Daily Breakfast, 3 Lunches, and 1 Dinner

Service

• A professionally trained English-speaking local tour director who is knowledgeable about the area will provide you with a wealth of information. Their friendly service will make your trip a memorable experience.

Baggage Handling

• To and from your hotel room throughout your land tour for one piece of Checked Baggage per person.

Enchanting Iceland Tour Itinerary

Tour Starts:

Reykjavík, Iceland

Tour Ends:

Reykjavík, Iceland

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Day 1

Depart for Iceland

Your journey begins on your overnight flight.

Day 2

Arrive in Reykjavík

Welcome to Reykjavík, one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. This tiny Nordic nation is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and near continuous summer daylight. Iceland has grown into one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world in recent years, and for good reason. Guests arriving at the hotel by noon will join the guided tour of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Join us for tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)

Centerhotel Laugavegur or similar

Day 3

Golden Circle Tour

Experience the rugged natural beauty of Iceland on its most popular day trip—the legendary Golden Circle tour. See Thingvellir National Park, where evidence of Iceland’s dramatic geological and cultural past is laid bare. Thingvellir is a rift valley, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates collide. It is also the meeting place of Iceland’s parliament, the first in the world, established by 10th century Viking settlers. Strokkur Geyser is the next stop, and one of the most active geysers in the world, where you can watch volcanically heated glacial water explode up to 130 feet in the air several times an hour. Finally, see Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall that shines a coppery brown on sunny days. Gullfoss is located in the canyon of the Hvítá river, and its dual stage, 105-foot drop, is an impressive conclusion to the Golden circle tour.
Take a tour of Fridheimar geothermal greenhouse and horse farm, where you will see how Icelandic farmers utilize technology and inventive techniques to grow food year-round. You will also have the chance to watch a horse show starring a team of Icelandic horses—petite yet lionhearted steeds that have been raised throughout Iceland since the tenth century. (B)

Centerhotel Laugavegur or similar

Day 4

Reykjanes Peninsula

Explore the Reykjanes peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark famous for its geothermal activity and unusual formations. These include different volcano types, open faults and fissures, hot springs and more. There is abundant bird life, and you might spot ravens, golden plowers and ptarmigans against the jagged backdrop of the volcanic rock which surrounds you. (B, L)

Centerhotel Laugavegur or similar

Day 5

South Coast and Seljalandsfoss

The South Coast of Iceland is full of outstanding scenery, much of which you’ll see today. Travel to Vík, a village located on the country’s very tip, dramatically
flanked between two mountains. With its tiny size, sparse development, and deep black sands, the stunning small town will unveil the less touristy side of Iceland. Today also includes a trip to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss, two of the best-known waterfalls. (B, L)

Centerhotel Laugavegur or similar

Day 6

Icelandic Saga History and Europe’s Largest Hot Spring

Today you will witness Europe’s largest and most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. It sits on farmland and has long been a vital resource for neighboring towns—providing enough hot water for homes and businesses within a 40- mile radius. Its scalding water bubbles out of a rough, algae covered outcrop of rocks, creating a steamy source of power whose might you can see and hear. You’ll also visit the spectacular 0.5-mile wide Hraunfossar waterfall, and tragic Barnafoss. During your stop at the Settlements Center, learn about Iceland’s early history, or learn the story of Egil, the Icelandic poet, farmer, and legendary fighter who has become one of Iceland’s most famous “tall tales.” (B, L)

Centerhotel Laugavegur or similar

Day 7

Leisure Day With Northern Lights Pursuit

Your last full day in Iceland will give you a perfect chance to relax and take in the splendor of Reykjavík or to participate in an exciting optional day trip (at an additional cost). But before your tour ends, you’ll enjoy one final highlight — the included Northern Lights pursuit! (B)

Centerhotel Laugavegur or similar

Note: Northern Lights pursuit may be moved to another day, if conditions are better for optimal viewing. Seeing this natural phenomenon cannot be guaranteed. The bus will depart after 8:00 PM and return after midnight

Add-On: Blue Lagoon Day Trip With Comfort Package

Add-On: Wonder of Ice Caves & Latrabjarg Museum

Day 8

Depart for Home (B)

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Hotels may differ depending on date. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights. Please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

YMT Vacations itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.

FAQs

Add-Ons

Make your vacation extra special by adding optional excursions to your tour. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your trip, these experiences slot seamlessly into your package, and we’ll take care of all the logistics for you. Call us for pricing, and remember that adding an optional experience might increase the overall activity level of the tour, so always keep that in mind when planning your trip.

Here are the pricing guidelines for reference:
$ – Less than $100 USD
$$ – Between $100 and $200 USD
$$$ – More than $200 USD

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Wonder of the Ice Caves and Latrabjarg Museum with Dinner

Spend an evening at the top of Öskjuhlíð hill in Perlan, an experience center that boasts some of the city’s best views and interactive exhibits. First, explore Wonders of Iceland, an exhibit devoted to Iceland’s dramatic natural history. Start at the Látrabjarg Cliff, a large-scale replica of one of northwestern Iceland’s most fertile bird breeding grounds.

Enjoy augmented reality views of native plants, puffins, and more. Next, visit the indoor Ice Cave—the first of its kind in the world. Travel the length of a football field through 350 tons of snow and ice, as you experience the sub-freezing temperatures (14°F) of Iceland’s glaciers and ice caves. Finally, head to Perlan’s top floor for a three-course dinner at Út í Bláinn restaurant, below the building’s iconic glass dome with sweeping views of the city. Indulge in fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared in dishes fusing classic European and traditional Icelandic recipes.

Inclusions

• Transportation to and from Perlan
• Admission to Wonders of Iceland Exhibit

Duration: Approx. 4 hours (evening)

Activity Level: Easy

Price: $$

Blue Lagoon Day Trip with Comfort Package

The Blue Lagoon Excursion is a stunning introduction to Iceland’s otherworldly landscape. Take a scenic drive from Reykjavík to the vibrant Blue Lagoon, which owes its existence to the nearby geothermal power plant. Spend two hours soaking in the reviving, mineral rich waters. The temperature of the water stays between 99°F and 102°F, and it is renowned for its healing properties. Breathe in the restorative steam and enjoy the privacy afforded by the 12-foot high lava wall surrounding the Lagoon.

Inclusions

• Admission to the Blue Lagoon
• Towel, mud mask, and one drink of your choice
• Sightseeing in Reykjavík)

Note: This tour runs with English-speaking guides only. For hygiene purposes and in line with local customs, guests must take a shower without swimwear before entering the lagoon. Dressing rooms and showers for men and women are separated. High water temperatures may pose a risk to those with certain health issues; please consult your doctor. The lagoon’s bottom is rocky and may pose a challenge to those with mobility concerns. Wheelchair users must be accompanied by a paying helper to provide assistance with getting on and off the coach; wheelchairs must be collapsible/foldable since the coach has neither a ramp nor a lift. Wheelchair users wishing to take part in this are requested to contact the Shore Excursions’ Desk promptly once they are on board so that arrangements can be made.

Duration: approx. 5 hours (afternoon)

Activity level: Easy

Price: $$