Iceland | Volcanoes, Hot Springs, Gardens, Waterfalls and Puffins: Iceland`s Finest

Depart in the evening from the U.S. toward Reykjavík, Iceland.

Please note this program runs June - August only.

Upon arrival at the Keflavík International Airport outside of Reykjavík, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, meet your local guide and driver and travel to the hotel. Early arrivals will be accommodated upon check-in. Have the remainder of the day for exploration on your own. This evening, meet up with your fellow travelers and your naturalist guide for an orientation and welcome dinner. Accommodations in Standard rooms.

Spend today exploring Reykjavík, the northernmost capital in the world. As you visit the city's main landmarks and attractions, along with several of its public parks and gardens, you'll learn about the rich history and culture that has shaped this fascinating country. Begin at Fógetagarðurinn in the downtown area. This historical public park features a Swedish whitebeam (Sorbus intermedia) that was planted in 1884, making it the city's oldest planted tree. Nearby is the site of Reykjavík's first cemetery, which dates back to the time of Iceland's settlement and is believed to contain the remains of 30 generations of Icelanders. Your next stop is at Alþingishúsgarðurinn, located behind the Icelandic parliament house and one of the country's first botanical gardens. The last visit will be to Hallargarðurinn, which was originally a private garden. In 1955, it became the first large recreation area in Iceland to be specifically designed by a landscape architect. The house in the park was built by famed entrepreneur Thor Jensen and is considered to be among the most beautiful buildings in the city. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. After returning to your hotel, the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Begin the morning with a visit to Reykjavík Botanical Garden. This outdoor collection of living plants was founded in 1961 and is run by the city. The garden's main role is to conserve plants for education, research, and delight. Featuring some 3,000 plant species, its eight plant collections give an idea of the enormous diversity of vegetation in the northern temperate zone. There are rose, rhododendron, and perennial collections, as well as alpine and woodland gardens. The arboretum is the largest collection, as the trees and shrubs are located throughout the garden. Learn about the vegetables, herbs, and medicinal plants grown here. Of particular interest is the Icelandic flora collection, which contains around 300 of the approximately 485 species of flowering plants and ferns that comprise the Icelandic flora. Within the collection, some of the natural habitats of the plants are recreated, such as wetlands and geothermal areas. Have lunch in the outdoor bistro café, surrounded by the beauty of the day. A special treat tops off your day. In the middle of Reykjavík, the hidden gem of Elliðaárdalur Valley is a peaceful recreation area known for its beautiful Elliðaá River. Numerous little paths lead through the area so you can explore the forest and wildflowers, enjoy the river and its waterfalls, or just relax on one of the benches, surrounded by the natural beauty. After your time in the valley, return to your hotel and have the remainder of the late afternoon and evening at leisure.

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey into the Icelandic countryside. The first stop will be at Kleifarvatn Lake on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The lake is one of the country's deepest, and interestingly is not fed by any rivers; all the water seeps into the lake through the porous volcanic rock on the bottom, and the water level changes with the groundwater. In fact, after a large earthquake in 2000, the lake decreased in size by 20 percent. Continue the journey with a visit to the geothermal area of Krýsuvík, whose main areas include Seltún, Hverahvammur, and Hverahlid. Krýsuvík is located in the middle of the fissure on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, in the south of Reykjanes. It is a remarkable solfatara (sulfuric fumarole) field with steaming volcanic vents, mud pots, and boiling hot springs, dramatically framed by a range of multicolored hills. After your time at Krýsuvík, continue your journey with a two-hour ride to your hotel outside the small town of Hella. You will have the remainder of the late afternoon and evening at leisure. Accommodations in Standard rooms.

Start today traveling south to see Seljalandsfoss, a graceful, ribbon-like waterfall that drops from an overhanging lava cliff. It is possible to walk behind it, but do not expect to stay dry! Continue on to view the majestic Skógafoss Waterfall, which drops over 203 feet and is said to be among the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. The next stop is on the Atlantic Coast at Reynisfjara, a black-sand beach. As you hike along the beach between the ocean and the formidable cliffs, admire the interesting caves and rock formations, including the impressive basalt columns. The last visit of the day will be in the town of Vík at the Icelandic Lava Show, the only place in the world where you can safely experience hot molten lava in close proximity. The show recreates a volcanic eruption, similar to what Eyjafjallajökull and Katla Volcano are famous for, by pouring molten lava (2000 °F) into the showroom and over ice. It is an epic battle between the elements and a unique opportunity to get close to red-hot lava, see it flowing, hear it sizzling, and feel the intense heat that radiates from it. Return to your hotel for dinner.

Your travels today take you further inland to the beautiful Haukadalur Valley. En route, stop at Friðheimar Farm, home to agronomist Knútur Rafn Ármann, horticulturist Helena Hermundardóttir, and their five children. Since 1995, the family has renovated and expanded the property, and today the farm's geothermal greenhouses grow roughly 10,000 plants, primarily tomatoes and cucumbers. You'll have an opportunity to visit the greenhouses, enjoy some delicious, farm-fresh tomato soup and baked bread, and then take in their entertaining and informative horse show. The Icelandic horse is a small, sturdy breed, famed for its five gaits: in addition to the walk, trot and gallop, Icelandic horses may have the tölt (a smooth run) and skeið (flying pace). The show provides insight into the story of this remarkable breed, which was brought to Iceland by the first settlers from Scandinavia around 900 AD. The display is followed by a visit to the stable, where visitors can enjoy a hot drink, meet the riders and their steeds, and take photographs. Next, continue to the active geothermal area of Haukadalur, which contains the spouting hot springs Geysir (from which the English word "geyser" derives) and Strokkur. Most active nowadays is Strokkur, which erupts hot water and steam to an elevation of 82 feet every 5-7 minutes. Your hotel, the aptly named Hotel Geysir, is not far from this area. Settle in and enjoy dinner at this luxurious property. Accommodations in Deluxe rooms.

The pace today will be slow and fairly "on your own" to experience the lovely trails within the Haukadalur Forest. This is the largest national forest in south Iceland and is great for hiking in a beautiful environment with marked hiking paths. A large number of streams originate in this forest. Take snacks with you and enjoy the natural beauty of the area at your own pace. Meet back up with the group (at a given time) and travel next to see the mighty Gullfoss, one of the country's best-known waterfalls. Here the glacial river of Hvítá ("white river") tumbles 105 feet in a double cascade. On a sunny day, a rainbow is very likely in the massive spray. Return to your hotel by mid-afternoon and have the remainder of your day and evening at leisure.

Your travels today take you north to Húsafell, which is nestled between a glacier and a lava field and is known for its otherworldly landscapes. Your first stop en route is at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the original site of the Alþingi, the oldest existing national parliament in the world. Þingvellir is a spectacular geological vista, set on a vast plain flanked by large fissures, right by Iceland's largest lake, Þingvallavatn. The Mid-Atlantic rift is clearly visible; here the North American and the Eurasian continental plates drift apart by three-quarters of an inch per year. Continue your journey taking the Kaldidalur Road, Iceland's second highest pass. The road takes you through the Kaldidalur Valley, located between Langjökull glacier and the large Ok shield volcano. Ok recently lost its position as a glacier due to the glacier shrinkage. In August 2019, the glacier was memorialized with a plaque on site. The English text reads: "A letter to the future: Ok is the first Icelandic glacier to lose its status as a glacier. In the next 200 years all our glaciers are expected to follow the same path. This monument is to acknowledge that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it." Not far from your hotel is Hraunfossar, a series of beautiful waterfalls formed by rivulets of subterranean water streaming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field and peacefully running down the cliffs as tiny waterfalls and rapids into the Hvítá River. The nearby Barnafoss is a magical site in and of itself, with falls that twist, turn, foam, and churn as they race down a narrow valley. It is even more fantastical, however, due to its contrast with Hraunfossar. After arrival at your hotel, you will have the remainder of the late afternoon and evening at leisure. Accommodations in Standard rooms.

Your last full day begins in true Icelandic style - with a visit to the Krauma Baths. Krauma is one of the country's newest geothermal spas, with steam rooms and natural baths fed by Europe's most powerful hot spring, Deildartunguhver. Most of the water used for central heating in the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes is taken from Deildartunguhver. After your time at the baths, begin your trek back to Reykjavík. Another treat for the day is a boat tour to look for the iconic Atlantic Puffin! Sail out from the old harbor in Reykjavík and after only 15 minutes you will reach the island of Akurey. On the journey, you can view Reykjavík from the seaside; your guide will share information about the buildings and islands that can be spotted along the way. The islands visited are covered with small hills and slopes, and both are well-known for their colorful bird life. Learn from the "puffin experts" who will tell you all the facts and fun stories about the cute puffins and other wildlife that might be seen on the tour. Return to Reykjavík and Hotel Borg for check-in, relaxation, maybe some city exploration, and then meet back with your group for a delicious farewell dinner.

This morning, at the appropriate time in conjunction with your departure, you will be transferred to the Keflavík International Airport for your flight(s) home.