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Exploring Iceland

From $5,492
total price from Boston, New York, Wash, DC
$4,995 air & land inclusive plus $497 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
11 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

It’s a surprising, even astonishing land; one of massive glaciers and rumbling volcanoes, bubbling mud holes and powerful waterfalls; hugely abundant bird life and just 340,000 people; and where the sun never sets for six splendid weeks. It’s also perfect for exploring in a small group, as we discover traveling the breadth of the country and getting an up-close view of this natural “wonderland.”

Tour Details

Exploring Iceland

From $5,492

total price from Boston, New York, Wash, DC
$4,995 air & land inclusive plus $497 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
11 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
11 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

It’s a surprising, even astonishing land; one of massive glaciers and rumbling volcanoes, bubbling mud holes and powerful waterfalls; hugely abundant bird life and just 340,000 people; and where the sun never sets for six splendid weeks. It’s also perfect for exploring in a small group, as we discover traveling the breadth of the country and getting an up-close view of this natural “wonderland.”

Small Group Highlights

  • Accommodations in well-located, atmospheric small hotels
  • Stunning, unique natural scenery
  • Hellisheidi geothermal power plant
  • Popular Skogafoss waterfall
  • Lake Myvatn’s mud flats, lava fields, and volcanic craters
  • Dramatic bird-watching coastal cruise
  • Glacial River Canyon National Park
  • Dettifoss, Iceland’s “Niagara”
  • Godafoss, “waterfall of the gods”
  • Visit to Icelandic Breed horse farm
  • Touring the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula
  • Thingvellir National Park
  • European-accented Reykjavik

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Iceland’s Northern Lights

Although many factors, including local weather conditions, contribute to the chances of seeing this natural phenomenon, generally the best opportunities for witnessing the Northern Lights in Iceland occur between mid-September and mid-April. Our September and October tour dates offer a good combination of touring conditions (still warm enough for outdoor activities/excursions) and shorter daylight hours with darker nights (prime elements for the aurora borealis).

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland
Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland
2
Arrive Reykjavik/Selfoss
B
D
B
D
Arrive Reykjavik/Selfoss

Upon our early morning arrival in Iceland’s capital, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, have breakfast at a local restaurant then enjoy a scenic drive east. We stop to view the geothermal exhibit at the Hellisheidi Power Plant. Mid-afternoon, we reach pastoral Selfoss, and our hotel. Tonight: a briefing on the journey ahead followed by a welcome dinner.

Upon our early morning arrival in Iceland’s capital, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director, have breakfast at a local restaurant then enjoy a scenic drive east. We stop to view the geothermal exhibit at the Hellisheidi Power Plant. Mid-afternoon, we reach pastoral Selfoss, and our hotel. Tonight: a briefing on the journey ahead followed by a welcome dinner.

3
Selfoss/Vik
B
B
Selfoss/Vik

Our first stop today is at picturesque Seljalandsfoss, Iceland’s most visited waterfall, followed by nearby Skogafoss, another popular waterfall, known for its rainbows on sunny days. We continue on to lovely Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town, where we’re free to explore and shop for items of locally produced wool. This afternoon, we walk along the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, lined with columnar basalt-filled caves. En route to our hotel, we stop by the Solheimajokull “sliding” glacier.

Our first stop today is at picturesque Seljalandsfoss, Iceland’s most visited waterfall, followed by nearby Skogafoss, another popular waterfall, known for its rainbows on sunny days. We continue on to lovely Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town, where we’re free to explore and shop for items of locally produced wool. This afternoon, we walk along the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, lined with columnar basalt-filled caves. En route to our hotel, we stop by the Solheimajokull “sliding” glacier.

4
Selfoss/Reykjavik/Akureyri/Lake Myvatn
B
D
B
D
Selfoss/Reykjavik/Akureyri/Lake Myvatn

We transfer to Reykjavik this morning for the one-hour flight to Akureyri, Iceland’s “northern capital,” where, upon arrival, we travel to beautiful Lake Myvatn. One of the world’s natural wonders, Lake Myvatn and its environs of bubbling mud flats, lava fields, and lunar-like volcanic craters comprise a stunning national park. We stop to explore the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and also see the region’s unique “pseudo craters,” the boiling mud pots at Namaskard, the explosion crater at Viti, and the flat volcano system at Krafla.

We transfer to Reykjavik this morning for the one-hour flight to Akureyri, Iceland’s “northern capital,” where, upon arrival, we travel to beautiful Lake Myvatn. One of the world’s natural wonders, Lake Myvatn and its environs of bubbling mud flats, lava fields, and lunar-like volcanic craters comprise a stunning national park. We stop to explore the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and also see the region’s unique “pseudo craters,” the boiling mud pots at Namaskard, the explosion crater at Viti, and the flat volcano system at Krafla.

5
Lake Myvatn/Husavik/Vatnajokull National Park
B
L
D
B
L
D
Lake Myvatn/Husavik/Vatnajokull National Park

This morning we travel to Husavik, where we embark on a bird-watching cruise to Puffin Island. Depending on the season, we may see thousands of seabirds here, including puffins, black guillemots, fulmars, and Arctic terns. On departures that visit after the puffins have migrated for the season (typically in August), we take a whale watch cruise out of Husavik. This afternoon, we visit Vatnajokull National Park, yet another of Iceland’s natural wonders. Here we see Asbyrgi, a huge canyon enveloped by towering walls; in the middle of the partially wooded canyon sits a hoof-shaped rock called “The Island.” Next, we visit Hljodaklettar Echo Cliffs, where we explore the labyrinth of “echoing rocks” created by the spiral basalt formations of the arches and canyons here. Our last stop: jaw-dropping Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland’s “Niagara.”

This morning we travel to Husavik, where we embark on a bird-watching cruise to Puffin Island. Depending on the season, we may see thousands of seabirds here, including puffins, black guillemots, fulmars, and Arctic terns. On departures that visit after the puffins have migrated for the season (typically in August), we take a whale watch cruise out of Husavik. This afternoon, we visit Vatnajokull National Park, yet another of Iceland’s natural wonders. Here we see Asbyrgi, a huge canyon enveloped by towering walls; in the middle of the partially wooded canyon sits a hoof-shaped rock called “The Island.” Next, we visit Hljodaklettar Echo Cliffs, where we explore the labyrinth of “echoing rocks” created by the spiral basalt formations of the arches and canyons here. Our last stop: jaw-dropping Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland’s “Niagara.”

6
Lake Myvatn/Akureyri/Siglufjordur
B
D
B
D
Lake Myvatn/Akureyri/Siglufjordur

This morning, we stop at Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods” named for the carvings of Norse gods discarded here when the country was declared Christian a thousand years ago. Mid-morning, we arrive in Akureyri, where we have free time to explore and for lunch on our own. We travel on to Siglufjordur, where we visit the unique Herring Era Museum then arrive at our hotel in time for dinner there tonight.

This morning, we stop at Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods” named for the carvings of Norse gods discarded here when the country was declared Christian a thousand years ago. Mid-morning, we arrive in Akureyri, where we have free time to explore and for lunch on our own. We travel on to Siglufjordur, where we visit the unique Herring Era Museum then arrive at our hotel in time for dinner there tonight.

7
Siglufjordur/Borgarbyggo
B
D
B
D
Siglufjordur/Borgarbyggo

We travel towards the southwest corner of Iceland today, passing through more incredible natural scenery. En route, we visit Glaumbaer, a folk museum featuring authentic turf houses. Later we stop at a Gauksmyri farm featuring famed Icelandic horses – small, hardy, and with long manes. We also enjoy scenic views at Grabrok Crater, and stop to view the thermal areas of Deildartunguhver and Hraunfossar Falls.

We travel towards the southwest corner of Iceland today, passing through more incredible natural scenery. En route, we visit Glaumbaer, a folk museum featuring authentic turf houses. Later we stop at a Gauksmyri farm featuring famed Icelandic horses – small, hardy, and with long manes. We also enjoy scenic views at Grabrok Crater, and stop to view the thermal areas of Deildartunguhver and Hraunfossar Falls.

8
Borgarbyggo/Snaefellsnes Peninsula
B
L
D
B
L
D
Borgarbyggo/Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Today we encounter the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We begin with a walk along the shell sand beach at the abandoned fishing village of Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. We also explore the caves and bizarre rock formations along the rugged shore at Arnarstapi, site of thousands of nesting cliff birds. After a lunch of a traditional fresh seafood soup at a rustic oceanfront restaurant, we see the haunting remains of abandoned coastal farms at Djupalonssandur.

Today we encounter the stunning Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We begin with a walk along the shell sand beach at the abandoned fishing village of Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. We also explore the caves and bizarre rock formations along the rugged shore at Arnarstapi, site of thousands of nesting cliff birds. After a lunch of a traditional fresh seafood soup at a rustic oceanfront restaurant, we see the haunting remains of abandoned coastal farms at Djupalonssandur.

9
Borgarbyggo/Reykjavik
B
L
B
L
Borgarbyggo/Reykjavik

En route to Reykjavik today, we visit Thingvellir National Park, known both for its historic import and as the place where the fissure between the geological plates of North America and Europe is most evident. It’s also a gem of nature, with canyons, caves, waterfalls, and ponds surrounded by snowcapped mountains. We learn about the historic parliament founded here in 930 CE, and walk along a gorge into the rift valley itself. Then we depart for famed Great Geysir and Gullfoss, Iceland’s immensely popular “golden” waterfall. We continue on to Reykjavik, arriving in time for dinner on our own in this stylish city.

En route to Reykjavik today, we visit Thingvellir National Park, known both for its historic import and as the place where the fissure between the geological plates of North America and Europe is most evident. It’s also a gem of nature, with canyons, caves, waterfalls, and ponds surrounded by snowcapped mountains. We learn about the historic parliament founded here in 930 CE, and walk along a gorge into the rift valley itself. Then we depart for famed Great Geysir and Gullfoss, Iceland’s immensely popular “golden” waterfall. We continue on to Reykjavik, arriving in time for dinner on our own in this stylish city.

10
Reykjavik
B
D
B
D
Reykjavik

This morning we embark on a tour of the Icelandic capital. Then the remainder of today is at leisure to explore and enjoy Reykjavik as we please; those who wish can join in an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon. Tonight, we celebrate our adventure over a farewell dinner.

This morning we embark on a tour of the Icelandic capital. Then the remainder of today is at leisure to explore and enjoy Reykjavik as we please; those who wish can join in an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon. Tonight, we celebrate our adventure over a farewell dinner.

11
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

Today we depart for the airport and our return flights to the U.S.

Today we depart for the airport and our return flights to the U.S.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; flight within itinerary
  • 9 nights’ accommodations in First Class hotels
  • 20 meals: 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all ­entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next ­Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Lake Myvatn 50 56 58 57 50 43 37
Reykjavik 50 54 57 56 52 47 37

Average Temperature (°F )

  May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Lake Myvatn 50 56 58 57 50 43 37
Reykjavik 50 54 57 56 52 47 37

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Reykjavik – On Your Own

3 days, 2 nights
From
$395
+ from $295 Single Supplement

Reykjavik – On Your Own

3 days, 2 nights
From
$395
+ from $295 Single Supplement

Make the most of the long days in Iceland’s colorful capital, at your own pace.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • 2 nights’ accommodations at Hotel Reykjavik Centrum (First Class)
  • 2 meals: 2 breakfasts
  • Transfer to Reykjavik airport

Pricing: $395 May, Oct 2024; $495 all other 2024 dates; $495 Apr, May, Oct 2025; $595 all other 2025 dates. Single Supplement: $295 in 2024; $345 in 2025

 

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Olafur (“Oli”) Magnusson

“‘Oli’ is the ‘best of the best’ tour leaders. He loves his country and shows it in as broad and balanced a spectrum as humanly possible. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and personable.”

Joanne & C. LeRoy Anderson
Missoula, MT

Hildur Ágústsdóttir

“Accomplished professional [who] connected personal stories to our destinations. She added context to our journey.”

Marni Shuman
Waycross, Ga

Óskar Guðlaugsson

“Oskar was … an outstanding tour director.  Not only was he superbly knowledgeable about all aspects of his home country, but he was personable, helpful, and just a charming person!”

Jessica Stanley
Goochland, VA

Guðný Margret Emilsdottir

“Guðný was an excellent guide and really enhanced our enjoyment of Iceland.  Bravo!!”

Andy Shaw & Mindy Van Meter
San Rafael, CA

Sigrun Sol Olafsdottir

“Sigrun was fantastic! She enhanced our trip with many personal stories that made the trip come to life. She’s a keeper!”

Peter & Debra Johnson
New Berlin, WI

Sigridur Guomundsdottir

“Our Tour Director, Sigrid, was outstanding, knowledgeable, helpful, and great fun. Her extensive knowledge made every place we visited come alive. One of our best Tour Directors, ever!”

Alan & Denise Federoff
Tustin, CA

Margret Einarsdottir

“A wonderful tour director who is so proud of her country. She is very articulate, knowledgeable and has a fantastic sense of humor.”

Audrey Brady
Huntington Beach, CA

Maria Manda Ívarsdótttir

"Mandy was an extraordinary tour guide!…She is extremely knowledgeable, articulate, witty, and patient. We would be delighted to take another tour with her!"

Karen Johnson
Unionville, IN

Arngunnur Ýr Gylfadóttir

“Outstanding tour director!! Best we’ve had.”

Corinne Kiriluk
Inverness, IL

Steingrímur Gunnarsson

“ ‘Steine’ was a superb guide – at the very top of all the guides we’ve had in some 15 overseas tours. A really delightful man, a font of information … Absolutely the best!”

Janet Bedell & George Nelson
Adams, MA

Tour Directors

Maria Manda Ívarsdótttir

"Mandy was an extraordinary tour guide!…She is extremely knowledgeable, articulate, witty, and patient. We would be delighted to take another tour with her!"

Karen Johnson
Unionville, IN

Sigridur Guomundsdottir

“Our Tour Director, Sigrid, was outstanding, knowledgeable, helpful, and great fun. Her extensive knowledge made every place we visited come alive. One of our best Tour Directors, ever!”

Alan & Denise Federoff
Tustin, CA

Margret Einarsdottir

“A wonderful tour director who is so proud of her country. She is very articulate, knowledgeable and has a fantastic sense of humor.”

Audrey Brady
Huntington Beach, CA

Arngunnur Ýr Gylfadóttir

“Outstanding tour director!! Best we’ve had.”

Corinne Kiriluk
Inverness, IL

Sigrun Sol Olafsdottir

“Sigrun was fantastic! She enhanced our trip with many personal stories that made the trip come to life. She’s a keeper!”

Peter & Debra Johnson
New Berlin, WI

Óskar Guðlaugsson

“Oskar was … an outstanding tour director.  Not only was he superbly knowledgeable about all aspects of his home country, but he was personable, helpful, and just a charming person!”

Jessica Stanley
Goochland, VA

Olafur (“Oli”) Magnusson

“‘Oli’ is the ‘best of the best’ tour leaders. He loves his country and shows it in as broad and balanced a spectrum as humanly possible. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and personable.”

Joanne & C. LeRoy Anderson
Missoula, MT

Hildur Ágústsdóttir

“Accomplished professional [who] connected personal stories to our destinations. She added context to our journey.”

Marni Shuman
Waycross, Ga

Guðný Margret Emilsdottir

“Guðný was an excellent guide and really enhanced our enjoyment of Iceland.  Bravo!!”

Andy Shaw & Mindy Van Meter
San Rafael, CA

Steingrímur Gunnarsson

“ ‘Steine’ was a superb guide – at the very top of all the guides we’ve had in some 15 overseas tours. A really delightful man, a font of information … Absolutely the best!”

Janet Bedell & George Nelson
Adams, MA

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

For anyone who loves travel and experiencing diverse cultures, Iceland should not be missed. Odysseys thought of everything.
Kim Newman
Clifton, NJ
The tour was well planned, extensive in its scope, and well executed. The tour guide and drivers were amazing. The hotels were fantastic. Iceland itself is extraordinary!
Dr. Yael Myers
Miami , FL
The trip exceeded our expectations, and we have high standards. We highly recommend the Iceland tour.
Danny & Cheryl Wenzinger
Grand Junction, CO
For anyone who loves travel and experiencing diverse cultures, Iceland should not be missed. Odysseys thought of everything.
Kim Newman
Clifton, NJ
The tour was well planned, extensive in its scope, and well executed. The tour guide and drivers were amazing. The hotels were fantastic. Iceland itself is extraordinary!
Dr. Yael Myers
Miami , FL
The trip exceeded our expectations, and we have high standards. We highly recommend the Iceland tour.
Danny & Cheryl Wenzinger
Grand Junction, CO
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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