Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice

Iceland: Land of Fire & Ice

Sunday, August 11 – Tuesday, August 20, 2024

 

Set out on a journey full of dramatic contrasts. Come to know Iceland; a place where steaming lava fields reflect a volcanic nature and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving behind thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. An island of dramatic contrasts, uncover Iceland’s natural beauty through a land forged by ice and fire. Travel the “Golden Circle” – an epicenter of natural scenic wonders. Stay overnight in a local fishing community and enjoy a picturesque cruise of the bay. Join an explorative coastline walk and visit a maritime museum that illustrates the work of Icelandic fishermen through the centuries. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon. Discover otherworldly wonders and captivating cultures on a fascinating Icelandic journey.

DAY 1 – Take an overnight flight from Boston to Reykjavik.

DAY 2 - Begin in the capital city of Reykjavík. Join a local expert for a walking tour of the city’s old section featuring the city hall, the harbor, the Parliament building and the nearby cathedral, dating from 1796. Then, get to know your fellow travelers during an Icelandic lunch at a popular local restaurant before checking into your hotel in the later afternoon. (L)

DAY 3 - Travel the Golden Circle and experience renowned natural wonders, including the double-cascade Gullfoss waterfall, the explosive Geysir thermal area, and the famous Thingvellir National Park, where you’ll stand upon the crest of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Along the way, stop at a family-run dairy farm to enjoy various cheeses and their famous ice cream. Your day ends with a visit to Friðheimar’s stud farm and greenhouse cultivation center. Discover how pesticide-free produce is grown with the aid of geothermal energy and then learn about the tradition of breeding Icelandic show horses before returning to Reykjavík. (B)

DAY 4 - Explore the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and take in black sand beaches, volcanic craters and the Snæfellsjökull glacier. Put your camera to work snapping photos of this dramatic landscape during a walk along the coastline. Connect with the local culture during a visit to a maritime museum illustrating fishing techniques, such as the century-old tradition of catching and preserving the Greenland shark; you’ll also taste hákarl – cured shark meat. (B,D)

DAY 5 - Begin your day with a walk on Súgandisey Island, searching for marine birds and taking in the views of Stykkishólmur before joining a nature cruise of Breiðafjördur Bay. As you drift across the water, sample fresh scallops and sea urchin roe straight from the ocean. You might spot puffins,* cormorants, and the white-tailed eagle soaring as you look out to the shoreline. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Follow local tradition and take a hike up Helgafell Mountain, known as the Sacred Hill, with your Tour Manager -OR- spend some time on your own at Stykkisholmur Swimming Pool, a facility with both outdoor and indoor swimming pools and thermal pools to soak in.

DAY 6 - Learn about geothermal renewable energy on a visit to Hellisheiðavirkjun, the largest power station in Iceland, and the second largest geothermal power station in the world. Visit the Lava Exhibition Center and delve into Iceland’s past and present volcanic eruptions. Arrive in Vík, Iceland's southernmost village, and one of the most remarkable spots in Iceland.(B,D)

DAY 7 - Drive along the scenic south shore to the Skógar Museum. Discover its turf-built houses and its collection of farm and domestic artifacts. Nearby is the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, one of the tallest in Iceland. View Reynisfjara, a black volcanic sand beach scattered with caves and surrounded by basalt columns and cliffs. The beach is rich with bird life, such as the fulmar, black guillemot, razorbill, and gannet. You might also spot some nesting puffins* along the unique natural rock formations at Dyrhólaey, a volcanic peninsula towering over the ocean. Cap off your day with a visit to Sólheimajökull Glacier, part of Iceland’s fourth largest ice cap. Take in its dramatic, blue-white ice, rugged crevasses, and stunning views. (B,D)

DAY 8 - Journey to Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest National Park and home to the country’s highest mountains. Marvel at the vistas and snowy mountain peaks while you set sail** along the huge icebergs of the Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon. Keep your eyes peeled for possible seal sightings and get to taste the 1,000-year-old ice that surrounds you. (B,D)

DAY 9 - Make a picture stop at Seljalandsfoss, where you’ll walk behind a waterfall for views from the inside-out. In the afternoon, visit the Blue Lagoon and soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, located in the heart of a dramatic lava field, before returning to Reykjavik. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a local dining experience and share stories of your days in Iceland. (B,D)

DAY 10 - Depart for home with memories of your Icelandic adventure. (B)

 

To Sign Up - Call or Email our office to get a sign up form or visit HERE to sign up and get additional information

 

A Valid Passport and Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination are required to travel

 

$ 4,949 per person Double, $ 5,949 Single, $ 4,899 per person Triple

INCLUDES Roundtrip airfare from Boston

 

Sign up before February 12, 2024 and save an additional $200 per person!

 

Package Includes:

 

• Roundtrip Airfare, air taxes and fees/surcharges

• Transfers to/from the airport in Iceland & Boston

• Three nights at the Centerhotel Plaza  in Reykjavik

• Two nights at the Fosshotel in Reykholt

• Two nights at the Hotel Dyrholael in Vik

• Eight breakfasts

• Two lunches

• Five dinners

• All attractions as noted on itinerary

 

Please Note:  Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis! 

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - Book before February 12 and take $ 200 per person off of the price listed below! 

 

$ 4,949 per person Double, $ 5,949 Single, $ 4,899 per person Triple

 

Payment & Cancellation Policies:

A deposit of $698 per person is due upon reservation

Reservations made after February 12, 2024 are based upon availability

 

Final payment due by June 2, 2024

 

Cancellation Schedule:               Cancellation Fee:

Through February 11, 2024          No Penalty

February 12 - June 10, 2024        Deposit is non-refundable

June 11 - July 26, 2024              40% of total price

July 27 - August 10, 2024           75% of total price

August 11  and beyond              100% of total price

 

Airfare is 100% non-refundable once paid in full

 

Insurance:

Cancel For Any Reason Insurance is available through Collette Tours for $449 per person and must be purchased up front with your deposit.

 

Collette Sign up & Additional Information Reykjavik Thingvellir National Park Gullfoss Waterfall Snæfellsjökull National Park Eyjafjallajökull Visitor Center Skogar Museum Dyrhólaey Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Vatnajökull National Park Blue Lagoon