Around Iceland
Iceland is where glaciers reach for the skies and deep blue mountain lakes fill steep valleys with sharp green peaks on all sides. This small group escorted itinerary provides a year round adventure including bouquet accommodation,
and activities. (if you prefer, you can self drive this itinerary).
Northern lights are visible during winter, August 25 and April 25.
from $2,859 per person*
10 days / 9 nights
includes coach airfare
Based on 2 travelers
* From $2,859 per person, extra tour options available see itinerary.
Day 1 – Depart US.
Day 2 – Arrive Reykjavík, Iceland – afternoon guided tour.
Day 3 – Golden Circle – Thingvellir is characterized by tectonic rift valley.
Day 4 – South Coast – Today drive the south coast of Iceland.
Day 5 – South Coast – National Park of Vatnajökull, with Skaftafell National Park situated near the largest glacier in Iceland and Europe, Vatnajökull.
Day 6 – Iceland East – Hengifoss waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland, located in a beautiful geological setting.
Day 7 – Iceland North – Námaskarð, often referred to Hverarönd is an active and ever changing field of thermal springs, mud pots and boiling mud.
Day 8 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula – venture into one of the most exciting and famous places in Iceland, Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Day 9 – Iceland West – Hraunfossar and Barnafossar waterfalls are located in the less visited Western part of Iceland, Borgarfjörður.
Day 10 – Departure – Transfer to Keflavík airport and depart for US.
Inquire about this trip
U.S. citizens may visit Iceland without a visa for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes. The US is listed under the Schengen visa-free countries, and as such, its citizens are exempt from the short-stay visa requirement.
There is only one case when US citizens do need a visa, and that is when a US passport holder has been denied entry to any of the Schengen members, for a particular reason.
Although the name Iceland suggests frigid, below-freezing temperatures, this country is not the tundra many people imagine. During the winter months (November – March), the temperature is typically between 25 – 40°F. In the summer (June – August), temperatures range between 45 – 65°F.
Iceland is a year-round destination. People visit in the winter to see the Northern Lights and enjoy the winter scenery and in the summer to experience the long days, warmer weather, and access to the highlands.
Iceland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. It is about the size of New York state, but Iceland has a population of only 350,000 compared to New York’s nearly 10 million. And though Iceland may be on the rise in popularity for travel, it is still an emerging tourist destination.
The weather in Iceland can change frequently, so it is important to be prepared for sudden shifts in temperatures, rain, and/or wind. Layers are always a good idea, so you can adjust to the weather throughout the day. Other essential items include:
- Waterproof hiking boots or shoes (not your running shoes)
- Warm socks
- Rain pants and rain jacket in the summer
- Warm winter jacket and waterproof pants in the winter
- Hiking pants
- Warm sweaters
- Gloves
- Warm hat
- Swimsuit (for the geothermal pools)
- Long underwear
- Casual clothes for Reykjavik and evenings
- Daypack
- Sunglasses
- Camera
A hire car cannot be driven in the Highlands area. In regards to gravel roads; technically you’re not recommended to take a hire car on gravel roads, but in Iceland you may not have a choice. Some guesthouses are located on gravel road. Consider getting extra car insurance with gravel protection if it is something that might worry you. Ask us about what car would suit you – as it depends on the time of year and where you want to go!
When driving in Iceland, plan that all your destinations are going to take longer to reach than planned. Most of the time it is because you are going to make unanticipated stops to check out a waterfall, a viewpoint, a museum, or a shop. Sometimes it is also that traffic is just slow, animals may be crossing the road, or there is bad weather. If you build some extra time into your day, you won’t have to be rushing around at the end of the day.
There are many foods to try, including:
- Seafood: Iceland is known for its wonderful, fresh seafood. Try the cod, arctic char, salmon, and the langoustine lobster.
- Lamb: The Icelandic lamb is free-range and delicious – it is a national dish. Smoked lamb is a traditional Christmas dish.
- Skyr: It is a traditional low fat, high protein dairy dish, sometimes called a super food.
- Pylsa: the Icelandic lamb hot dog
- Rugbraud: Dark Rye Bread. It is traditionally baked in a pot or steamed in special wooden casks which have been buried in the ground near a hot spring. It is crustless, dark brown, dense, and a tad sweet. It is great with butter, smoked salmon, smoked lamb, or pickled herring.
- Icelandic ice cream: Icelanders are obsessed with icecream year round!
- Kleina: the traditional Icelandic twisted doughnut
- Fermented shark: for those who dare!
- Brennivin: caraway flavored schnapps that is considered Iceland’s signature distilled beverage (sometimes referred to as Black Death)
- Fresh water from the tap: Icelandic drinking water is pure mountain spring water and is the best drinking water you can find!