Mountains and Fjords Combo
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Mountains and Fjords Combo: On this trip to Iceland, you will have the opportunity to explore icebergs, hot springs, and volcanoes as they are plentiful in Iceland and are the main focus of this escorted Iceland tour. Join our group and discover how Nature’s forces are shaping the world in its most primal state. Lava fields, volcanoes, and the history of Icelandic eruptions will surprise you while accompanying you on your holiday through this magical country. Combine two of our most popular guided tours to create a 12 day journey through Iceland’s most spectacular scenery.
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Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 1: Arrival
Overnight stay in Reykjavík (airport transfer not included).Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 2: Skogar – Vik
Restless Volcanoes – Folk Museum
From Reykjavik we will travel south through the greenhouse town of Hveragerdi and the surrounding fertile farmlands, noting the numerous glacial rivers on route to Skogar and Skogafoss waterfall. We visit with the farmers of Thorvaldseyri Farm located at the foot of the world famous Eyjafjallajokull volcano that last erupted in the spring of 2010. A visitor’s center/family run exhibit was opened in spring 2011 where guests can view a 20 minute film about the spectacular natural event. Our next stop will be at the Skogar Folk Museum before continuing on, passing Solheimajokull Glacier to the black Reynisfjara beach.
Dinner and overnight stay in Vik area for the next 2 nights.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 3: Kirkjubaejarklaustur – Skaftafell – Jokulsarlon
Europe’s Largest National Park and Glacier – Glacial Lagoon with Icebergs
We cross Eldhraun, the largest mass of lava ever to flow on the face of the Earth before reaching the small town Kirkjubaejarklaustur, a former site of a 12th-century Catholic convent. Onwards to Skaftafell National Park, one of Iceland’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty. We continue to the stunning Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon to see floating icebergs and possibly curious seals. Throughout the day we are afforded magnificent views of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier. Back to Vík.
Dinner and overnight in Vik/Kirkjubaejarklaustur areaMountains and Fjords Combo: Day 4: Westman Islands
Lava Fields – Puffin Island – Magnificent lava fields
We travel along the south coast to Landeyjahofn harbor. After arriving at the pier at Bakkafjara we take a 30 minute ferry ride to the Westman Islands. Once there, we will explore Heimaey, the largest island in the Westman Islands archipelago. Other adventures of the day include: a visit to the puffins in Storhofdi, a walk up to the crater of a volcano that erupted only three decades ago, and exploring flora of the new lava field. Afternoon at leisure to explore the island on your own.
Note: If the route to the Westman Islands is closed due to weather conditions the tour will then continue through lava fields and outwash sands formed by floods from the volcano Katla.
Dinner and overnight in Laugarvatn or in Hveragerdi area, depending on season.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 5: Gullfoss – Geysir – Thingvellir – Reykjavik
Exploding Geysers – The beautiful Golden Falls – National Park with Geological Wonders (UNESCO)
We head for the Geysir hot spring area to see the famous great Geysir as well as Strokkur, a hot spring that spouts every few minutes. Onwards we travel to Gullfoss one of Iceland’s most impressive waterfalls. Our next stop is Thingvellir National Park, where the ancient parliament met for centuries on the shores of Iceland’s largest lake, before heading back to Reykjavik.
Overnight stay in Reykjavík.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 6: Borgarfjordur – Stykkisholmur – Flokalundur
Unique Waterfalls – Europe’s Most Powerful Hot Spring – Ferry Ride among 3,000 Islands
We drive along the scenic coastline of Hvalfjordur Fjord (Whale Fjord), one of the longest and deepest fjords in Iceland. In West Iceland we explore Hraunfoss (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children’s Falls) known for their exceptionally beauty and unusual natural phenomena. We stop at Deildartunguhver hot spring, which bubbles out of algae covered boulders at a steamy 97°C (200°F).
In the afternoon we reach Stykkisholmur village and take a lovely ferry ride across the spectacular seascape of Breidafjordur Bay dotted with 3,000 tiny islands. Encircled by mountains and the Snaefellsjökull volcano, the dramatic bay is home to 50 bird species, the rare white-tailed eagle, and gray seals who enjoy lounging about on the small islets.
Overnight stay in Flokalundur area.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 7: Raudisandur – Breidavik/Patreksfjordur
Remote Westfjords – Red Sand Beach – Quirky Folk Museum
Today we discover unique sights in one of the least visited places in Iceland. The highlight of the day is a stroll along Raudisandur beach, a 10 km (6.5 mi) cinnamon-colored sculpture of sand and shell that is unlike anything else in Iceland.
The mesmerizingly beautiful beach shifts in color from golden to orange and red depending on the light of day. In a setting of black cliffs, Raudisandur shelters a large lagoon where curious seals and Arctic skuas are regular visitors. Afterwards we peruse unusual treasures at the quirky folk museum in Hnjotur.
Overnight stay in Breiðavik/Patreksfjörður area for the next 2 nights.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 8: Bildudalur – Isafjordur
Capital of the Westfjords – Thundering Waterfall – Outdoor Nature Spa
Traveling along the winding coastline of magnificent fjords we head towards the colorful fishing village of Isafjordur where we spend the next two nights. As the honorary capital of the Westfjords, Isafjordur boasts a lovely old town center with beautifully restored timber buildings, a thriving harbor, and stylish cafes.
En route we stop at the spectacular Dynjandi Waterfall (The Thunderer) which is a collection of seven cascades resembling a tiered wedding cake. Later we have the opportunity to take a dip in an outdoor thermal hot spring with gorgeous vistas.
Overnight stay in Isafjordur for the next 2 nights.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 9: Isafjordur
Fjord Sailing – Abandoned Settlement – Arctic Fox
With an early morning boat ride we cross Isafjardardjup, the largest fjord in the Westfjords where steep mountains descend directly into the sea. We go ashore in one of the most remote corners of Europe for a full-day outing in the breathtakingly lush nature.
Situated on a beautiful sandy beach, Hesteyri is an abandoned settlement where the elusive Arctic Fox roams among the colorful wildflowers that grow knee-high. In the evening, our sail home reveals panoramic views of Drangjokull glacier.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 10: Holmavik – Laugar Saelingsdal
Witchcraft Museum – Saga Folklore – Thermal Bathing
From Isafjordur town the route provides coastal views of the scenic fjords en route to Holmavik village where we stop to enjoy a local favorite, freshly baked waffles in a small café. In the 1600s this area was renowned for wizards and witch hunts, and we visit a gleefully morbid exhibit at the peculiar Museum of Sorcery and Witchcraft.
We drive through fertile green valleys to Laugar in Saelingsdal, an area rich in ancient Saga folklore and history. Here we have the opportunity to soak outside in one of the many thermal pools hidden in nature.
Overnight stay in Saelingsdalur area.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 11: Budardalur – Borgarfjordur – Reykjavik
Birthplace of Leif Eiriksson – Volcano Hike – Dairy Farm Delights
We drive along Iceland’s West Coast to the Viking Age house at Eiriksstadir, the original home of Erik the Red and birthplace of his son Leif Eiriksson who discovered North America. In a turf-covered longhouse we meet modern day Vikings who demonstrate the lifestyle from 1,000 years ago.
We make a tasty stop at the local Erpsstadir dairy for an introduction to Icelandic farming life and sample freshly made ice cream. In Borgarfjordur we hike along moss-covered lava to the 3,500 year-old Grabrok volcano cone with incredible views of the Glanni waterfall, a suspected home of elves and trolls.
Return to Reykjavik in the late afternoon. Overnight stay in Reykjavik.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Day 12: Departure
Transfer to the airport not included.
If you did not visit the Blue Lagoon on your arrival day, you might use the opportunity to stop there now on your way to the airport.Mountains and Fjords Combo: Tours depart throughout June to August each year.
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Mountains and Fjords Combo: Pricing due to currency fluctuations and seasonal changes please inquire for the best possible price.
Mountains and Fjords Combo: What’s Included:
10 day guided tour as per itinerary from/to Reykjavik
Accommodation 3 nights w/breakfast and w/facilities in Reykjavik
Accommodation 8 nights w/breakfast and w/facilities in countryside
7 dinners in the countryside (dinner in Isafjordur on day 10 not included)
Lunchbox on day 9
Entrance to Skogar folk museum (day 2)
Entrance to Eyjafjallajokull Visitor Center (day 2)
Jokulsarlon boat tour (day 3)
Roundtrip ferry fare to Westman Islands (day 4)
Ferry from Stykkisholmur to Brjanslaekur
Entranceto Hnjotur museum (day 7)
Boat tour to Hesteyri
Entrance to the Arctic Foz Center (day 10)
Entrance to Eirikisstadir Museum
Tasting of Icelandic specialities (day 8, 10, 11)Mountains and Fjords Combo: What’s NOT included:
Transfer to the airport not included.
International flights
Any extra local transport (subways, taxis, buses) unless covered by the included passes
Any entrance fees unless otherwise specified
Baggage handling & luggage forwarding
Optional (at extra cost):
Non guided transfer via Blue Lagoon on arrival
Boat tour on the Glacial Lagoon
Ribsafari tour in the Westman Islands
Visit to Eldheimar Volcano MuseumMountains and Fjords Combo: Accommodation changes and upgrade are available for all our Iceland Tour, make an inquiry now