Iceland is a unique destination that offers pristine nature, boasting geysers, geothermal pools, waterfalls and wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture deeply rooted in ancient heritage. Spend five nights in Iceland while exploring this amazing land of fire and ice.
Day
1 Depart the USA
Today depart the USA on your overnight flight to Keflavik, Iceland.
Day
2 Keflavik, Iceland
Iceland is a stunning mix of green plains, wild
volcanic scenery, beautiful coasts and lakes, spouting geysers,
hot springs, mud pools and sophisticated cities. Upon arrival,
you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours
and transferred to your hotel in the town of Hveragerdi or
Selfoss. Rooms will be available for check-in upon arrival. All
flights should arrive by 3:30 p.m. This evening, enjoy a welcome
dinner at the hotel.
Meal: D
Day
3 Iceland’s South Shore
After breakfast, your adventure
to the South Shore begins with a journey 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, which last erupted
in 2010.
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. Learn about the preservation of the
Southern Iceland cultural heritage on the visit to Skogar Folk
Museum.
Exploration continues to Dyrholaey, a magnificent
rocky headland with sheer cliffs, en route to the village of Vik.
Head to the seashore, flanked by steep bird cliffs rising high
above the beautiful black sand beach. In the sea, just outside
of Vik, see the Reynisdrangar Rocks which stand 216 feet
above sea level at their highest point.
Meal: B
Day
4 Reykjanes Peninsula & the Blue Lagoon
This morning, head for the rough tracks of Reykjanes, one of the most active
volcanic areas in Iceland. Visit the geothermal area of Krysuvik
and Lake Kleifarvatn with its hot springs and solfatares.
A remarkable life enriching experience is a visit to the Blue
Lagoon – a lake of warm, mineral-rich geothermal water,
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. You’ll have an opportunity to soak in the warm mineral-rich water.
Meal: B
Day
5 Reykjavik
Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city of 100,000
people, is unique in many ways. This capital 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 874 AD.
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. On the included panoramic city tour of the world’s most
northerly capital, see the old town center, Parliament,
cathedral, harbor, National Museum, ‘Pearl’ and Hofoi House
and Hallgrímskirkja Church whose steeple is a landmark of the city.
Enjoy free time for lunch on your own and shopping, then
prepare to ‘take off’ as you visit 'Fly Over Iceland'.
During this virtual flight, experience waterfalls, geysers, scenic landscapes,
and the spectacular natural wonders of Iceland like never
before! Return to the hotel late afternoon for an evening
at leisure.
Meal: B
Day
6 The Golden Circle
On the full-day tour of the Golden
Circle, enjoy scenic drives along with the geological and
historic sites of the island. Your excursion includes a drive to
the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park.
A remarkable geological site, it is one of the few spots in the
world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is seen above water. The
amazing canyon that runs through the park is a meeting point
of two of the earth’s tectonic plates. The park is situated by
Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake on the island. The park
is also the most historic site on the island as the world’s oldest
democratic parliament was founded here in 930 AD.
You’ll see outstanding natural wonders when you visit
Geysir, Iceland’s most famous area for thermal activity. View
‘Strokkur’, one of the most active geysers, and ‘Gullfoss’
(Golden Waterfall), Iceland’s most famous waterfall.
Before returning to the hotel, a visit to a local farm gives you the
chance to meet some of the native Icelandic horses, as well
as learn about the growing of healthy tomatoes using green
energy, pure water and organic pest controls. This evening,
join your travel companions for the farewell dinner.
Meals: B, D
Day
7 Return to USA
Following breakfast, transfer to Keflavik
Airport and bid a fond farewell to amazing Iceland, as you
return home with memorable life enriching experiences to
cherish.
Meal: B