Iceland

Amazing! An unworldly place - the landscape is so unusual.

Margaret, May 2022 Reevoo

Reykjavik • The Black Beach • Golden Circle

Experience raw nature in breathtaking Iceland, where the power of this ancient land can be seen in its volcanoes, thermal springs, geysers and glaciers, and the icy seas teem with wildlife. We stay in charming Reykjavik, the perfect base for exploring Iceland’s fabled ‘Golden Circle’ of natural wonders.

Reykjavik

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Reykjavik

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Reykjavik from where you will be taken to your hotel.

DAY 2 – Spectacular Waterfalls & The Black Beach

Today we explore Iceland’s wonderfully diverse southwestern shoreline. We ascend into a remarkable lunar-like landscape of multicoloured lava plateaus, travel through the Threngsli Pass and then descend to the sparkling Olfusa River, famous for its excellent salmon. Some of Iceland’s prettiest landscapes now lie before us as we pass farms and charming villages set among pleasant pastures – keep an eye out for the hardy Icelandic horses. To the north you can see the Myrdalsjokull and Eyjafjallajokull glaciers, the latter famous for its active volcano below, which famously disrupted Europe’s air traffic following an eruption in 2010. We head to two of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls: majestic Seljalandsfoss, which tumbles ribbonlike over a huge overhanging lava cliff, and Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, which plunges almost 200 feet in an impressive shower of shimmering spray. The wonders continue as we approach the imposing wall of ice at the head of the immense five-milelong Solheimajokull glacier. Next we

Depending on your UK departure date, you'll stay at one of two hand-picked hotels in the centre of Reykjavik for four nights.

Centrum, Reykjavik HHHH Fosshotel Reykjavik HHHH

travel to Reynisfjara, close to Iceland’s southern most point, to see the famous Black Beach, where you may be lucky and spot the renowned puffin colonies. (B) + Included Experience – See the Threngsli Pass, Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, and the Solheimajokull glacier. Visit Reynisfjara black sand beach

DAY 3 – Reykjavik Tour & WhaleWatching or Blue Lagoon

Late morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Reykjavik situated around its natural harbour on a fjord. You then have a choice of two completely different yet very special experiences: a boat trip in search of whales and dolphins, or a visit to the Blue Lagoon. We take a boat out in search of two of the planet’s most graceful creatures. Depending on conditions and with a little luck, we may see some of the many species of whales living in Icelandic waters, such as humpbacks and killer whales, though more common are minkes as well as dolphins. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Iceland’s celebrated Blue Lagoon, where there’s the opportunity for a unique bathing experience. Against a stunning volcanic backdrop, you can enjoy a restorative dip in the lagoon’s mineral-rich waters, which are geothermally heated to a constant 38 degrees Celsius. (B) + Included Experience – Guided tour of Reykjavik and choose between a spellbinding Whale and Dolphin cruise or taking a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon.

DAY 4 – Golden Circle

No visit to Iceland would be complete without a trip to its renowned ‘Golden Circle’. This southern region serves up

KEY

Arrive Depart Centrum Hotel

a dramatic cocktail of breathtaking scenery, fascinating geology and an ancient heritage that makes an unforgettable full-day tour. We arrive at the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park, which is situated on the northern shore of Iceland’s largest lake. Iceland was formed from volcanic activity after the North American and Eurasian continental plates split, and the park is located in a rift valley between the two plates. One side marks the edge of the American continent, while the other is part of the Eurasian plate. Thingvellir has further historical interest, as it’s the original location for Iceland’s parliament, the Althing, which first met here in the year 930. Continuing to the Hvita River, we travel upstream to a layer of tiered rock ‘pavements’ and a smokelike column of spray rising above the lava fields. The natural wonder before you is Gullfoss, or ‘Golden Waterfall’, a beautiful two-level cascade that drops spectacularly from more than 100 feet above. We then head to another astounding phenomenon – Haukadalur, one of the most active geothermal areas on our planet. In the steaming volcanic landscape you’ll experience the amazing Strokkur geyser, a gurgling pool of boiling water that simmers away before firing a jet of steam and water up to 100 feet high about every 10 minutes. The whole area of Haukadalur has an otherworldly feel, with few signs of habitation in the rocky, treeless terrain of hot springs and moss-covered lava formations. (B) + Included Experience – Visit Thingvellir National Park, see the Gullfoss waterfall and Strokkur geyser

DAY 5 – Return flight

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)

ICELAND

REYKJAVIK Thingvellir

Blue Lagoon

Black Beach

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2023

Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports with hotel transfers • Four nights in a choice of centrally located, four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

(B) Daily Breakfast Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • Guided tour of Reykjavik • 2 visits includingThingvellir

National Park and Reynisfjara’s black-sand beach • See Gullfoss, Iceland’s iconic waterfall, Solheimajokull glacier, the Eyjafjallajokull volcano and the Strokkur geyser • Choose between a whale and dolphin spotting cruise or taking a dip in the

Blue Lagoon

Your options

You’re free to choose

On day 3, take an exciting boat trip to spot whales and dolphins. Depending on conditions and with a little luck, we may see some of the many species of whales living in Icelandic waters, such as humpbacks and killer whales, though more common are minkes as well as dolphins. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Iceland’s celebrated Blue Lagoon, where there’s the opportunity for a unique bathing experience.

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