Icelandic Highlights

8 days - from $2540

Discover the dramatic scenery of the 'Land of Ice and Fire'
Southwest Iceland holds some prime examples of the island's famous volcanic scenery, and in one week it is possible to visit a variety of stunning locations and experience true Icelandic hospitality. The tour ticks off many of the must-see highlights of the region, including the Gullfoss falls, Eldborg volcanic crater and Geysir thermal waterspouts, as well as taking us to more wild and remote national parks and coastal villages. This itinerary offers just the right combination of remote coastline, classic waterfalls, craters and geysers, hot springs and wild mountainous landscapes, giving the perfect introduction to this dramatic country.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Keflavik Airport; transfer to city centre via Blue Lagoon thermal complex. 2 North to extinct volcanic crater of Eldborg; continue to remote and mountainous Snaefellsnes Peninsula. 3 Full day to explore the national park including Snaefellsjokull Icecap; fishing villages, old lava flows and abundant bird life. 4 To the port town of Stykkisholmur, optional boat trip to Breidafjordur archipelago, marine conservation area; on to Eiriksstadir, visit reconstructed Viking house of Erik the Red. 5 To some of Iceland's most famous sites; the rift valley, a volcanic fault and lake at Thingvellir, huge waterfalls at Gulfoss and geothermal waterspouts at Geysir, on to Skogar. 6 To Dyrholaey to visit a nesting area to thousands of puffins, plus the 120m rock arch that is the southernmost point of Iceland; on to see the basalt columns at Reynisfjara, vist Vik and return via Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. 7 Free day in Reykjavik, with options for whale watching, sea-kayaking, horse riding and lava-tube caving. 8 End Reykjavik.

Mode of travel: Each day involves some driving on rough, dusty gravel roads and occasional fording of rivers. Several easy walks (max 2 hours).
Group size: Normally 10 to 20, plus leader.
Accommodation: 7 nights in farms, guesthouses and hostels.
Food: All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 4 dinners included.
Optional Single Supplement: from $306.25
Trip Reference: AVP
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an 'R' in the dates and prices table below.
Trip Reference: AVP