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Itinerary

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland

 

Day 2: Arrive Reykjavik/Borgarnes Upon our early morning arrival in Iceland’s capital, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited tour director and enjoy a scenic drive to our hotel in Borgarnes, stopping for breakfast along the way. After some free time to rest, we take an afternoon excursion to the thermal areas of Deildartunguhver and also to Hraunfossar Falls. Then we visit the Reyholt Cultural Centre, a historic site based on the life and residence of saga writer Snorri Sturluson who lived here between 1206 and 1241. Tonight we gather at our hotel for a briefing on the journey ahead followed by a welcome dinner. B,D

Day 3: Borgarnes/Snaefellsnes Peninsula Today we encounter the stupendous scenery of the 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 stopping for lunch – a traditional fresh seafood soup – at a rustic oceanfront restaurant, we visit Djupalonssandur where we see the haunting remains of abandoned coastal farms. B,L,D

Day 4: Borgarnes/Akureyri We travel towards the northeast corner of Iceland today, and to the fjords of Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital. Along the way we visit Grasbrok Crater for scenic views, and the still-operating 17th-century Vidimyri church, an old chieftain’s residence constructed of sod. Next we visit the Gauksmyri horse farm. In Akureyri, we have free time for lunch on our own then take a guided coach and walking tour of this urban gem before checking in at our hotel. Dinner tonight is on our own. B

Day 5: Akureyri/Lake Myvatn Today 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 stunningly beautiful national park.  Our explorations begin with a 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.  We con­tinue with a walk up to the fascinating Hverfjall crater, a local landmark. Later we see the region’s unique “pseudo craters,” the boiling mud pots at Namaskard, the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir, the explosive crater at Viti, and the flat volcano system at Krafla. We return to our hotel ­in time for dinner on our own tonight. B,L

Day 6: Akureyri/Jökulságljúfur National Park Today we visit the incredible “Glacial River Canyon” National Park, yet another of Iceland’s natural wonders, where we walk to jaw-dropping Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland’s “Niagara.” We walk around Hljodaklettar, the labyrinth of “echoing rocks” created by the spiral basalt formations of arches and ­canyons here. Then we continue on to Asbyrgi, a huge canyon en­­veloped by towering walls; in the middle of the par­tially wood­ed canyon sits a huge hoof-shaped rock called “The Is­land.” Returning to Akureyri after this scenic over­load, we visit the picturesque fishing village of Husavik. B

Day 7: Akureyri/Reykjavik/Hella This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Reykjavik. Upon arrival we drive to 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 snow-capped mountains. We learn about the historic parliament founded here in AD 930, and walk along a gorge into the rift valley itself. After a lunch of wild freshwater trout at a lakeside hotel, we depart for Great Geysir, the most famous of the geysers here; and Gullfoss, Iceland’s immensely popular “golden” waterfall. From Thingvellir we drive down to the country’s southern coast to the beautiful agricultural area of Hella, one of three main regional centers in South Iceland. B,L,D

Day 8: Hella/Vik From the black-sand beach at Reynifsfjara this morning, we take a boat ride for a better view of the rich bird life on the striking ocean cliffs. Among the summer residents of the head­land, also a thriving bird refuge:  puffins, guillemots, and fulmars. We continue on to the lovely town of Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village. There’s time here for lunch on our own and to shop for items of locally produced wool before we drive to stunning ­Solheimajokull glacier. Then we return to Skogar for a visit to the country museum, followed by a brief walk to the nearby Skogafoss waterfall. We dine tonight at our hotel. B,D

Day 9: Hella/Reykjavik Traveling back to Reykjavik today we visit Seljalandsfoss, Iceland’s most photo­graphed waterfall, then continue through “saga” country, the setting of one of the country’s famous medieval stories. After a lunch of lobster soup at a seaside restaurant we arrive in Reykjavik and embark on a city tour of the Icelandic capital. Later, we check in at our well-located hotel in the city center, then the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Dinner tonight is on our own in this stylish capital city that is home to more than two-thirds of Iceland's population. B,L

Day 10: Reykjavik 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 for a soothing bath in geothermal waters rich with silica, sulfur, and other minerals. The city is a sophisticated European urban center with museums and galleries; theater, symphony, and dance; boutiques and restaurants. Tonight we celebrate our adventure over a farewell dinner. B,D

Day 11: Depart for U.S. This morning is at leisure, perhaps for some last-minute shopping for such local specialties as handicrafts, woolens, and gourmet foods. Early this afternoon we depart for the airport and our return flights to the U.S. B

Included

Tour Price Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; flight within itinerary
• 9 nights' accommodations in First Class and unrated hotels
• 19 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 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 three tours)

Dates and Prices

2010 Tour Dates & Prices

	Sep 4	Aug 14
Boston, New York	$3,195	$3,795
Minneapolis, Orlando	$3,395	$3,995
Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, Phil, Seattle, Tampa, Wash, DC	$3,495	$4,095
Atlanta, Charlotte, Cinc, Cleve, Detroit	$3,595	$4,195
Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Ang, Phoenix, Portland (OR), San Francisco	$3,695	$4,295

 

Please call if your city is not listed or for land only prices.  Prices are per person based on double occu­pancy. Single travelers please add $595 May, Sep; $895 all other dates. Your $375 deposit is fully re­fundable up to 95 days before departure. All 2010 tour prices above are guaranteed.

Business Class upgrade on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight:  $1,895 from Boston, New York, Minneapolis

Airline taxes and departure fees of $249 per person ($354 with Oslo extension) are subject to change and will be listed separately on your invoice.

Hotels

Hotels & Ratings

Day Itinerary Hotel Rating 1 Depart U.S. for Reykjavik 2-3 Borgarnes Hotel Hamar Not rated 4-6 Akureyri Hotel Kea First Class 7-8 Hella Hotel Ranga First Class 9-10 Reykjavik Hotel Centrum Reykjavik First Class 11 Depart for Reykjavik for U.S.

Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference. Unrated hotels may be too small, too new, or too remote to be listed.