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The magnetic appeal of the west coast
and the majestic
northern fjords and volcanic landscapes
are combined on this superb week of nature,
scenery, life and legend. During the week
expect to see thousands of seabirds,
experience life in a fishing village and
travel around an ice-crowned volcano.
Day 1 - Sunday: Arrival We travel amidst splendid scenery to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Grundarfjordur, an attractive fishing village overlooking the North coast of Snæfellsnes is our base for the next two nights. (D)
Day 2 - Monday: Journey Round the Centre of the Earth - Snaefellsnes A day on Snæfellsnes first exploring the sheltered fjords of the northern shore. We see whooper swans and colonies of arctic terns nesting at the foot of ice-scoured mountains. Travelling around the base of Snaefellsjokul icecap (where Jules Verne's heroes started their journey to the centre of the earth) we reach the wild and windswept south coast. At Arnarstapi we walk among amazing basalt formations, where kittiwakes and other seabirds nest. Our return to Grundarfjordur is over a mountain pass, steeped in legend and folklore. There is an evening talk on Iceland and its people (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Tuesday: Seabirds and Sharks - Breidafjordur In the morning, you visit a farm that cures hakarl (an Icelandic shark delicacy). Later in the company of seabirds, you enjoy a boat trip amongst the Breidafjordur Isles (optional, cost around $79). It seems almost possible (on departure until mid-August) to 'shake hands' with shags and puffins! Later, we travel north to Eyjafjordur, our base for the next four nights. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Wednesday: Myvatn's Natural Wonders - Lake Myvatn A full day exploring the natural wonders of Lake Myvatn: the lava formations of Dimmuborgir, pseudo craters, as well as the lake with its prolific wildlife. You also visit Krafla, with lava from the 1975-84 eruptions and nearby Namaskard where there are colourful boiling mud pools and steam vents. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Thursday: Waterfalls and Gorges - Dettifoss and Asbyrgi We visit the fishing town of Husavik and the chance to visit its excellent whale centre (optional, cost around $10), before following the coast to Asbyrgi, a curious and beautiful horseshoe-shaped gorge. Travelling along the Jokulsa river canyon we reach Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Iceland. Optional evening horse riding (around $79). (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Friday: Iceland's Second City - Eyjafjordur and Akureyri and the Chance to See Whales We visit Akureyri with the chance to take a whale-watching boat trip in Eyjafjordur which includes a visit to the island of Hrisey (optional, cost around $69). The afternoon is spent sightseeing and shopping in the town of Akureryi. On our return to the guesthouse we explore more of the scenic Eyjafjordur area. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Saturday: Iceland's Rugged Interior An adventurous day's travel returning to the capital across the dramatic interior of Iceland via the Kjolur mountain route. transfer to hotel in Reykjavik for final night in Iceland. (B,L)
Day 8: - Sunday: Departure Depart Reykjavik via Blue Lagoon en route to the airport. The Blue Lagoon is a unique wonder of nature - a pool of pure, mineral-rich geothermal seawater in the middle of a lava field. (B) |
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