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Join Winnipeg Free Press writer,
Paul Pihichyn, on a unique adventure
around Iceland. In the company of a
specialist guide you will explore hot
springs, geysers, lava fields and craters,
waterfalls and spectacular coastal scenery.
Iceland's cultural heritage is not forgotten
with visits to museums and other historical
sites. This program offers a lovely
introduction to the rugged natural beauty of
Iceland. Day 1:
Departure Winnipeg
Join your fellow travellers this morning on
a coach transfer from Winnipeg to
Minneapolis, where we will connect to the
Icelandair flight to Reykjavik.
Day 2: Arrival
Iceland – South Coast
Early morning arrival at Keflavik airport.
Here we will meet our local guide and begin
this fascinating journey around the island
nation. Travel along the south shore and
stop to admire the waterfalls Seljalandsfoss
and Skógafoss before continuing to Dyrhólaey
nature reserve. Afternoon arrival in the Vik
area for overnight.
Day 3:
Skaftafell – Glacial Lagoon - Hofn
Passing through the small village
Kirkjubæjarklaustur, a former site of a
12th-century Catholic convent, the tour
continues to Skaftafell National Park. The
rugged landscape, mountains and glaciers as
well as the flora and the fauna make this a
wonderful stop for visitors. There are no
roads in the park; a network of trails
offers the opportunity for a short hike or
an easy walk in the park. We will continue
to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. This receding
glacier has formed a huge lagoon where
icebergs lie adrift. Embark on a 30-40
minute cruise of the lagoon. Overnight in
Höfn area.
Day 4: East
Fjords - Egilsstadir
From Höfn, we will travel through the East
Fjords, stopping to admire the majestic
coastline and the view of the towering
mountains plunging vertically into the sea
that form the magnificent fjords. Linger
over the renowned Petra's stone collection.
Overnight in Egilsstadir region.
Day 5: Dettifoss
- Myvatn
Travel to Myvatn via Dettifoss, Europe´s
most powerful waterfall. At 44m high and
100m wide, up to 1500 tons of water, mud and
sand rumble into Jökulsárgljúfur, the
greatest and the most spectacular canyon in
the country. Myvatn is known for its beauty
and geological wonders. A visit to Námaskarð
Pass is included, featuring boiling mud
pools and vibrant colours. Two nights spent
in Myvatn.
Day 6: Myvatn
Explore the natural beauty of the Lake
Mývatn area, including the peculiar lava
formations at Dimmuborgir and the pseudo
craters at Skútustaðir.
Day 7: Akureyri
- Snaefellsnes
Today we head towards the bustling northern
port of Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest
town, with a stop at the magnificent
Goðafoss waterfall. Travel on to the
Snæfellsnes peninsula via the majestic
mountains and narrow passes of Skagafjörður.
Two night spent at Snaefellsnes.
Day 8:
Snaefellsnes
Explore the natural beauty of the
Snaefellsnes peninsula including the Eldborg
crater, the columnar basalt cliffs of
Arnarstapi and the mysterious cone-shaped
volcano and glacier which give the peninsula
its name.
Day 9:
Borgarfjordur - Reykjavik
We travel through Borgarfjörður in the
beautiful Borgarnes area, en route to
Reykjavik, Iceland’s cosmopolitan capital
city. A half day of city sightseeing is
planned, including a visit to
Hallgrimskirkja church that towers over the
city. Take a great photo of Reykjavik from
the top of the church tower or from the
observation deck at the Perlan. Three nights
spent in Reykjavik. Enjoy dinner on your own
at one of the many restaurants in the city
centre and take in the famous nightlife.
Day 10: Golden
Circle
Today’s excursion is to a trio of natural
wonders known as the “Golden Circle”. Sights
include Gullfoss waterfall, the Geysir hot
spring area featuring the famous Geysir and
Strokkur, as well as numerous other hot
springs and boiling mud pools, and finally
to Thingvellir National Park, the ancient
site of the first parliament.
Day 11: Reykjavik
Today is free to explore the capital.
Meander through its museums and galleries,
shop Laugavegur Street, and sample local
cuisine. Join the group for a farewell
dinner this evening.
Day 12: Blue
Lagoon - Departure
We will visit the geothermal waters of the
Blue Lagoon en route to Keflavik airport. A
perfect finale on your last day in Reykjavik
and a wonderful way to relax and revitalize!
With your baggage safely stored on the
coach, enjoy a soak in the lagoon or treat
yourself to a massage. Transfer from the
lagoon to the airport and return to
Minneapolis with Icelandair. Our coach will
be waiting to transfer us to Albertsville
for a final overnight.
Day 13:
Albertsville - Winnipeg
This morning is free to shop at the various
outlets stores. We will depart early
afternoon for Winnipeg. |
