Iceland | Discovering Iceland in Hella and Reykjavík

Depart the U.S. for your overnight flight to Iceland.

Upon arrival into Reykjavík, you will be met at the airport by your guide. After breakfast and a program orientation at Viking World, learn about Iceland's early settlers as you explore the museum with your guide. Next, drive to the southernmost tip of the Reykjanes Peninsula to visit Iceland's oldest lighthouse and the Gunnuhver geothermal mud pools before continuing to the Bridge Between Continents. The Reykjanes Peninsula is an area of volcanic rock and lava with numerous clefts and gorges. It lies on the margin of the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates and is directly connected to the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Along the shore, low cliffs alternate with sandy beaches where ocean waves sweep unhindered onto the coast. Stop at the Krýsuvík Geothermal Area to witness raw natural power in a moonscape of bubbling sulfuric mud pools and steam vents, then drive along the shores of Lake Kleifarvatn, which is reputedly home to a monster recorded in folk tales throughout the centuries. This evening, enjoy a reading of traditional Icelandic folklore and a short talk on Iceland's unique geology and environments. If booking individual air, please make sure to book flight arriving prior to 7 am. Later arrival may result in missed activities and additonal transfer costs.

Today explore what is known as the Golden Circle, starting with a visit to Gullfoss. Translated as Golden Falls, it is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe, with thousands of tons of icy water thundering majestically into a deep canyon. Complete your Golden Circle exploration with visits to the Geysir area, with its numerous hot springs, fumaroles and geysers, and Þingvellir, site of the world's oldest democratic parliament and the dividing fault line between two of the earth's tectonic plates. Here is one of the few places on earth where you may physically witness a plate tectonic boundary showcasing the separation of plates. During your explorations, visit Friðheimar farm, where you will learn how geothermal energy is used for greenhouse heating, while enjoying an amazing lunch. Throughout the day, enjoy field talks on the unique phenomena of this region of Iceland.

Head east and start the day with an adventurous glacier walk on the Sólheimajökull Glacier with professional guides to discuss the glacial ice and peer into a world not often seen. (All gear is provided.) During this easy to moderate glacier walk, you will explore the wonderland of ice sculptures, water cauldrons, ridges, and deep crevasses. Next visit the Dyrhólaey Reserve for a hike with views of the black sand beaches, basalt needles, and hexagonal basalt columns. If weather permits, continue down to Reynisfjara Beach for a closer look. Your next stop is at Skógafoss Waterfall, one of the country's largest waterfalls. Your last stop for the day will be at the new Lava Centre in Hvolsvöllur to explore the largest interactive and high tech educational exhibition of volcanic activity in Europe. This is an impressive center offering ample opportunities to delve into a variety of volcanic topics and interpretation.

Depart Hella to Hveragerdi and visit the Hveragarðurinn Geothermal Park. If weather permits, enjoy a morning hike from the outskirts of Hveragerdi to the Reykjadalur Valley, taking in the ethereal surroundings dotted with hot springs and bubbling mud pools. The hike continues down through Reykjadalur, whose name means Steam Valley, where you can enjoy a natural bath in a warm river. In the afternoon, stop at the Hellisheidi Power Plant (as a capstone to the importance of renewable energy), where you will get information on how Icelanders use their geothermal energy by producing hot water for central heating, swimming pools, and electricity. Continue to Reykjavík.

After breakfast, discuss the global importance of Iceland with a lecture on climate change by a local scientist from the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Have lunch, then visit the Blue Lagoon for an afternoon of relaxation. The lagoon is man-made and uses heated water that is fed in by the Svartsengi Power Plant. After spending time enjoying the thermal waters, return to Reykjavík. Visit the Árbær Open Air Museum for a glimpse into Reykjavík's past, and stop to see Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík's famous church, whose architecture was inspired by the fascinating shapes and forms created when lava cools into basalt rock. This evening, celebrate your last night with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Group transfer from Reykjavik to airport for your flight home. Additional transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.