Tailor Made Iceland: Winter Landscapes

Reykjavik, Iceland

Upon arrival at Keflavík International Airport, you are met by an A&K representative and transferred to the Blue Lagoon for a relaxing visit prior to checking in to your accommodations in Reykjavik. Kick off your journey with a dip in the legendary Blue Lagoon hot springs. Flowing from deep within the earth’s crust, the waters are rich in salts and other minerals. Take in the dazzlingly azure kaleidoscope of the pool’s surface as you let the relaxing, hot mineral water massage your muscles.

Accommodations:  Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel

Reykjavik

Get the lay of the land with a tour of Reykjavik’s old town center, parliament, harbor and distinctive landmarks. Stop by the National Museum of Iceland to peruse historical exhibits spanning the settlement era to the present day. Next, visit the Wonders of Iceland to walk through a man-made glacier cave within the museum before a guaranteed sighting of the Northern Lights in the planetarium show. This evening, venture away from the city in search of the northern lights, a rare celestial phenomenon that bathes the night sky in an ethereal, spectacular glow. These northern latitudes afford ideal viewing conditions when the skies are clear.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel

Reykjavik

Today, head north to encounter Iceland’s steaming hot springs, misty waterfalls and opalescent glaciers. First, take in the bubbling, geothermal might of Deildartunguhver hot springs, continuing on to witness the cascading majesty of Hraunfossar (Lava Falls) and Barnafoss (Children’s Falls). Next, climb aboard a rugged eight-wheel truck to explore the colossal Langjokull, Europe’s second-largest glacier. Finally, delve into the heart of the glacier itself. This tour traverses spectacular man-made tunnels, venturing deep into the magnificent blue ice that lies hidden beneath the surface.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel

Southern Iceland

This morning, head northwest from Reykjavik to visit Thingvellir National Park, site of the Vikings’ historic inaugural parliament session. Nearby, step into caves that are formerly paths for lava flows, since cooled, that left behind caverns worth exploring. Take in the park’s natural beauty before continuing to Fridheimer and enjoying a lunch prepared with tomatoes from the on-site greenhouse. Then, drive to the Strokkur geyser. Train your camera’s lens to capture its dramatic eruption. Don’t lose heart if you don’t get a photo on the first try — the geyser erupts every five minutes. Finally, visit Gullfoss, a powerful, glacially fed waterfall and Icelandic icon.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Torfhus Retreat

Southern Iceland

This morning, set out to explore the dramatic mountain ridge of Thorsmork (the woods of Thor). Take a seat aboard a purpose-built Super Jeep, fording streams as glaciers tumble and crawl down into the rugged gullies and spectacular glacial lagoons. Take in the beauty of this tranquil place over an open-air barbecue lunch surrounded by volcanoes, glaciers and humming brooks.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Torfhus Retreat

Southern Iceland

Today, discover the unique landscapes that make Southern Iceland a world unto itself. First, venture through a misty pathway behind a cascading waterfall. Next, compose the perfect Icelandic landscape as you photograph black sand beaches, curious lava-sculpted outcroppings, sheer mountain cliffsides, and hulking glaciers such as Solheimajokull and Myrdalsjokull. Continue on to survey Eyjafjallajokull, an active volcano whose 2010 eruption brought Atlantic air travel to a standstill. Finally, gain a greater appreciation for nature’s power at the LAVA Centre.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel

Reykjavik

This morning after breakfast, privately transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.