| Welcome
to Iceland – Where Mother Nature Lives
Iceland is full of surprises – for
one, it isn’t covered in ice! It’s
a stunning mix of green plains, wild volcanic
scenery, beautiful coasts and lakes, spouting
geysers, hot springs, mud pools and sophisticated
cities. Topped off by clean, fresh air,
you’ll find yourself in a trance surrounded
by unique natural beauty throughout the
country.
Reykjavik - Cultural City on Top of the
World
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city
of 100,000 people, is unique in many ways.
The most northerly capital city, it is a
modern city with a variety of restaurants,
museums, galleries and theaters. Heated
entirely by geothermal water, it is home
to the "smoking bay", so named
for the rising steam that greeted the city’s
Viking founder, Angolfr Arnarsson, as he
sailed into the bay here in AD 874.
The city center is the heart of Reykjavik
and home to many charming historic buildings
of stone and timber contrasting with imaginative
modern architecture. It has the features
of a modern society complemented by a close
connection to natural wonders right on the
city’s doorstep. Hot springs, glaciers,
lava fields, midnight sun, waterfalls, northern
lights, volcanoes and bizarre landscapes
– the city has them all! On an included
city tour of the world’s most northerly
capital you’ll see the old town center,
Parliament, cathedral, harbor, National
Museum, Pearl and Hofoi House (site of the
Iceland summit of 1986), and Hallgrímskirkja
Church whose steeple is a landmark of the
city.
Iceland’s South Shore
An adventure to the South Shore begins with
a drive over the mountain pass Hellisheidi
where magnificent views of the wide plains
formed by glacial rivers unfold before you.
You’ll enjoy a visit to Hveragerdi
Geothermal Park and a walk around the greenhouse
and hotsprings. The adventure continues
through small villages and farmlands to
the majestic mountains with views including
Mt. Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland,
and the towering, ice-capped strato volcano
Eyjafjallajokull.
Iceland is also famous for its waterfalls
and you’ll see two of the most magnificent—the
Seljalandsfoss which tumbles over high rock
escarpments allowing you to walk behind
the waterfall and Skogafoss. You’ll
learn more of the preservation of the Southern
Iceland cultural heritage on your visit
to the Skogar Folk Museum.
Your exploration continues to Dyrholaey,
a magnificent rocky headland with sheer
cliffs en-route to the beautiful village
of Vik. In the sea, just outside of Vik,
you’ll see the Reynisdrangar Rocks.
According to legend, the Reynisdrangar were
formed when two trolls were trying to drag
a three-masted ship to land. When daylight
broke, the trolls were turned to stone.
The Blue Lagoon
A lake of warm-mineral rich geothermal water,
the Blue Lagoon is internationally renowned
for its healing prowess. Located in the
middle of a lava field in the pure and beautiful
Icelandic wilderness, water is heated by
underground volcanic activity at a depth
of 5,400 feet and is pumped to the surface
to form this man-made wonder. The Blue Lagoon
is known for its special properties and
its beneficial effect on the skin. Visitors
from all over the world come here in search
of health, relaxation and an exotic experience.
You’ll have an opportunity for a swim
or bath in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich
water.
The Golden Circle
On the full day tour of the Golden Circle,
enjoy scenic drives, geological and historic
sites of the island.
Your excursion begins with a drive to Thingvellir,
a remarkable geological site. It is also
the most historic site on the island as
the world’s oldest democratic parliament
was founded here in 930 AD. Thingvellir,
situated by lake Thingvallavatn, is the
largest lake on the island and a National
Park named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 2004. The amazing canyon that runs through
the park is a meeting point of two of the
earth’s tectonic plates.
You’ll see outstanding natural wonders
when you visit Geysir, Iceland’s most
famous area for thermal activity. You’ll
view ‘Strokkur’, one of the
most active geysers, and ‘Gullfoss’
(Golden Waterfall), Iceland’s most
famous waterfall. You’ll also visit
Thingvellir National Park, one of the few
spots in the world where the Mid-Atlantic
Ridge comes above water. And, you’ll
have a chance for a photo with a stop at
Kerid Volcanic Crater. |