Glaciers and Waterfalls

An Active Journey to Iceland

TRIP DETAILS

9 days from $4,999

June 8–16, June 29–July 7, July 27–Aug. 4, Sept. 7–15, 2024

Maximum Travelers: 16

Highlights

• Reykjanes Peninsula: See a life-sized replica of a Viking ship and venture into the lava tube of Leiðarendi Cave.

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Encounter iconic Kirkjufell during a full day of discovering the geological wonders of this beautiful peninsula.

• Golden Circle: See the famous sites of Gulfoss, Geysir, and Thingvallir, and go beyond the tourist track on a hike to lesser-known waterfalls.

• South Iceland: Explore Skógafoss waterfall, the black-sand beach of Reynisfjara, and otherworldly Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.

• Vatnajökull and Jökusárlón: Trek atop the Europe’s largest glacier and float among icebergs on Jökusárlón Glacier Lagoon.

Itinerary

Days 1–2: Depart for Keflavík, Iceland/Borgarnes

Fly overnight to Keflavík and transfer to Viking World for a welcome breakfast. See a Viking ship replica that sailed to New York on the 1,000-year anniversary of Leif Ericsson’s voyage, and visit a Viking exhibition that was originally on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Next, venture into Leiðarendi Cave, a lava tube in the Blue Mountains. Travel north to Borgarnes and gather for a welcome briefing and dinner at the hotel.

(B,D) HotelBorgarnes

Day 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula

On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, hike around the conical peak of Kirkjufell, made famous by Game of Thrones, and see the Black Church of Budir. Explore narrow Raudfeldsgja Gorge, and hike along the wild coast from Arnarstapi to Hellnar. Return to Borgarnes for an evening at leisure. (B,L)

HotelBorgarnes

Day 4: Hiking the Golden Circle

Travel to Thingvellir National Park, home to Iceland’s ancient parliament. Walk between two continental plates around Oxararfoss waterfall, then sit down to lunch at a family-owned farm. Go off the tourist track on a hike to Bruarfoss waterfall, and experience

Geysir Strokkur and the two-tiered waterfall known as Gullfoss. (B,L) HotelÖrk

Day 5: South Iceland: Skógafoss and Vik

A scenic drive brings you to magical Skógafoss waterfall. Climb the stairs alongside the waterfall, and hike upstream along the Skógá River to a spectacular canyon. Travel to Sólheimajökull for a walk to the edge of the glacier. Enjoy free time in the fishing village of Vik. (B,L) Hotel Katla

Day 6: South Iceland: Reynisfjara Beach and Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Begin the day with a stroll on the black sands of Reynisfjara Beach, admiring its geological curiosities, from geometric basalt columns to sea stacks rich in lore. Walk to Dyrholaey Arch, or “door hole arch” before returning to Vik for lunch. Drive to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon for an afternoon hike along its surreal, twisting walls. Then follow the coast to Vatnajökull—Europe’s largest ice cap—and settle into your hotel at the foot of this World Heritage site. (B,L) FosshotelNupar

Day 7: Skaftafell and Jökusárlón Glacier Lagoon

From Skaftafell, follow a guide on an exhilarating glacier walk on Svínafellsjökull, a tongue of Vatnajökull. After a picnic lunch, drive to Jökusárlón glacier lagoon and cruise among icebergs aboard an amphibian boat, hearing from a local expert about the site’s unique geology. With luck, witness calving ice as you cruise near the glacier wall. Take a walk along the lagoon’s shores for a different perspective before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

(B,L) FosshotelGlacierLagoon

Day 8: Hella and Reykjavík

Return along the beautiful southern coast of Iceland, stopping in the riverside town of Hella for lunch and a walk. Continue to Reykjadalur Valley to hike through an active geothermal area with a hot spring river. Trek from one steaming hot spring to the next, discovering boiling mud pools and glacial waterfalls. If you wish, take a dip in the naturally warm river. Arrive in Reykjavík and check into your hotel in the city center. Gather tonight for a festive farewell dinner. (B,D) FosshotelReykjavík

Day 9: Keflavík/Return home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Keflavík for your flight home. Those who wish may join an optional excursion to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon en route to the airport (at additional cost). (B)

Activity Level: Moderate

This journey includes hiking options from 3–7 miles per day, sometimes over rocky and uneven terrain; as well as a short trek on a glacier and a Zodiac cruise.