Iceland Discovery - 5 Days with Gateways International
Photo: Iceland Discovery, Gateways International Tailor-made Tours, Snaefellsnes Peninsula waterfall, Iceland
Bursting with mountains, waterfalls, volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs, Iceland is truly a land of fire and ice. On this 5-day journey, explore this extraordinary island with several small-group tours including a walking tour of the capital of Reykjavík. The Golden Circle delights with world-famous geysirs; hike glaciers in the South Coast and discover volcanoes and lava fields. You won’t leave Iceland without a therapeutic dip in the world-famous Blue Lagoon, subject to availability.
Highlights:
- Small-group Walking tour of Reykjavík
- Small-group premium Golden Circle tour
- Glacier Hike including two waterfall visits
- Underworld lava caving tour
- Visit the therapeutic Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa
***NOTE:Blue Lagoon subject to availability at time of visit.***
Package Includes:
- Total 4 nights accommodation at Canopy by Hilton Reykajavik City Centre, Canopy Room or similar
- Guaranteed early check-in at hotel upon arrival.
- Transfers to and from airport and hotel.
- All tours and entrance fees as per itinerary.
- Continental breakfast daily.
- Hotel taxes and service charges.
Optional Add-on Tours:
- River rafting on the Hvítá river (May - Sept.)
- Descend into the dormant Thrihnukagigur Volcano (May - Oct.)
- Northern Lights Hunt (Sept. - April)
- 3-Day Westman Islands Extension (Year-round)
Not Included:
- International flights
- Tips to guides and drivers and other gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Items not mentioned above
- Visas required for entry into the country as necessary. Please discuss this with your travel agent to determine your requirements prior to departure.
Photo: Iceland Discovery, Gateways International Tailor-made Tours, Geysir on Golden Circle tour, Iceland
Day 1: Reykjavik
Early morning arrival in Reykjavík, the world’s most northern capital. Welcome by our local representative and transfer to your hotel with guaranteed early check in. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel if you wish. This afternoon, take a small-group walking tour; beginning at the Sun voyager sculpture; stop at Hallgrimskirkja Church. Go up the bell tower for an incredible view over the city with its multi-coloured rooftops, Faxafloi Bay with its islands, and the surrounding mountains and volcanoes. Visit the beautiful sculpture park of Einar Jonsson and learn about Norse mythology before strolling through the quaint streets of Thingholt neighbourhood towards the City Pond. See City Hall, then tour the heart of the city before visiting the Old Harbour. Visit the impressive Harpa Concert Hall before the final stop at the Volcano House.
Day 2: Golden Circle
Breakfast. Today, enjoy a small-group premium tour of The Golden Circle, covering about 300km looping from Reykjavík into central Iceland and back with an experienced guide. Retrace the footsteps of ancient Vikings by visiting Thingvellir National Park. Continue to Fridheimar, a family-run geothermally-powered tomato farm as well as a highly active horse breeding center offering daily horse shows. Visit the stable to learn more about Icelandic horses and their unique gaits. See the world-famous geysirs, where the ground trembles and steaming hot water spouts spectacularly into the air from Strokkur Geysir every few minutes. Next stop is the dramatic Gullfoss Waterfall, a breathtaking sight to behold. Last stop is Kerid, a striking crater-lake filled with milky blue-green water amid stark black and deep red slopes, now believed to be a collapsed magma chamber at the end of a volcanic eruption that occurred more than 6,000 years ago. Return to Reykjavík.
Day 3: Glacier Hike
After breakfast, begin your full-day glacier hike on Iceland’s South Coast. Stop at the frozen glacial tongue that is Sólheimajökull, a magnificent phenomenon, rugged and raw. After putting on the necessary crampons and learning how to use the basic ice equipment, take a rather easy walk on the glacier which will showcase the true magnitude of the nature surrounding you. Discover incredible ice formations, ridges and crevasses. Ice climbing is not included. Operation of the tour is dependent on the weather conditions on the glacier. On your way back to Reykjavík, stop at the picturesque waterfalls of visit of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss.
Day 4: Lava Caving
Breakfast. Iceland is known for its cross-country volcanic activity. Explore the Raufarholshellir lava tube cave, a fascinating subterranean landscape beneath lava fields. Raufarholshellir is one of the longest and best-known lava tubes in Iceland, where you can see the path of an ancient volcanic eruption. See an endless multitude of colours and jagged rock formations, inside a wondrous tunnel which stretches about 4,500 ft, 30m wide and up to 10m high. Step out of your comfort zone and discover something completely new. Return to Reykjavík.
Day 5: Blue Lagoon* - Home
After breakfast, check out of your hotel. On the way to the airport, stop at the Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s most popular attractions. This geothermal pool lies in the middle of a large and dramatic lava field. Stop for a swim in the inviting, rejuvenating and pleasantly warm mineral-rich water, reputed for its healing properties. An indoor pool and geothermal sauna are also on site. The Blue Lagoon’s warm water and natural active ingredients like mineral salts, silica and blue green algae are the key to ending your magnificent journey relaxed. After your visit, transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
Note*: Depending on your inbound and outbound flight times, a visit to the Blue Lagoon can alternatively be provided upon arrival in Reykjavík. Pricing at Blue Lagoon is dynamic and subject to change. Access to Blue Lagoon subject to availability.
Photo: Iceland Discovery, Gateways International Tailor-made Tours, iconic Blue Lagoon, Iceland
