Escorted Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice
Experience the highlights of Iceland with Direct Travel Cambridge on this escorted Collette tour.
ICELAND: LAND OF FIRE & ICE
Escorted by Andrea Heagney
Departure: September 11, 2024
10 days Roundtrip Reykjavík | 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 5 Dinners
Tour Rates including roundtrip air from Toronto
Double: CA $6,099 per person
Triple: CA $6,049 per person
Solo Traveller: CA $7499
BONUS SAVINGS! Book now for an additional savings of $200 per person
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.
Must-See Inclusions:
- Gain a local's perspective of Reykjavík on a walking tour.
- Travel to the Golden Circle, one of many of Iceland's natural wonders.
- Journey to the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall.
- Learn about Iceland’s geology during a visit to the Lava Exhibition Centre.
Cultural Experiences:
- Learn about the 400-year-old tradition of catching and preserving the Greenland shark.
- Explore Icelandic life at the Skógar Museum.
- Glide past icebergs on a cruise of the ice-strewn Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon.
- Straddle two continents while exploring Thingvellir’s rugged rift valley.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
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.
Begin in the capital city of Reykjavík. Get to know your fellow travellers during an Icelandic lunch at a popular local restaurant before checking into your hotel in the late afternoon. Then, join a local expert for a walking tour of The Old City featuring the city hall, the harbour, the Parliament building, and the nearby cathedral, dating from 1796.
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 during a light lunch. Your day ends with a visit to Friðheimar’s stud farm and greenhouse cultivation centre. 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.
Explore the western side of Iceland’s coastline and visit Akranes, an old fishing town at the base of Akrafjall Mountain. Capture a photo of one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the world. You’ll have an opportunity to climb up the stairs and enjoy the stunning views this lighthouse has to offer and hear some of the mysterious stories about this place, or perhaps you will want to take a walk along the historical harbour. Continue to Delidartunguhver, the highest-flowing hot spring in Europe. Enjoy a walk on a number of wooden walkways and observation points to explore the hot spring safely. Listen to local stories and legends while visiting Barnafoss, which translates to “the Children’s Falls,” before you wrap your day in Reykholt, located in the valley of the River Reykkladalsa.
Begin your day with stunning views on your way to Stykkishólmur, located in the northern part of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Search for marine birds 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 at the shoreline. After, enjoy lunch on your own in this picturesque fishing town dotted with traditional wooden houses Before continuing your journey on to Grudarfjörður. Take in views of Mount Kirkjufell with its iconic shape and freestanding form; this is one of the most photographed landscapes in Iceland. Witness Kirkjufellsfoss, a beautiful series of waterfalls, before returning to Reykholt for an evening at leisure.
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 Centre and delve into Iceland’s past and present volcanic eruptions. Afterward, witness Seljalandsfoss, a rushing waterfall where you may walk behind the water for unique views from the inside out. Arrive in Vík, Iceland's southernmost village, and one of the most remarkable spots in Iceland.
Drive along the scenic south shore to the Skógar Museum. Discover its turf-built houses and its collection of farm and domestic artifacts. Nearby, find the impressive Skógafoss waterfall, one of the tallest in Iceland. Behold 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.
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.
Today, make your way back to Reykjavik, taking in the incredible backdrops that make this journey picturesque. In the afternoon, it’s your choice! You may choose to visit the Blue Lagoon and soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, located in the heart of a dramatic lava field, -OR- visit the Perlan Centre to explore the wonders of Iceland through interactive exhibits such as the Ice Cave, the Planetarium, the virtual aquarium and more. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on your adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice.
Depart for home with memories of your Icelandic adventure.
Explore Iceland with Us
Every moment matters to Collette because they know it matters to you. Collette hires people who are passionate about sharing their own love of travel and uncovering mysteries. Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level. Their inclusive tours provide you more value for your money and more of what makes travel special.
Terms & Conditions
*The northern lights are in the Northern Hemisphere from September through April and are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. As this tour is weather dependent, sightings of the northern lights are not guaranteed. Pricing is in Canadian Dollars, per person, land only, and includes taxes and fees. Fare does not include flights. Any price differentials due to a change of date would be the responsibility of the guest. Offers can expire earlier due to space or inventory availability. Space is on a first come, first served basis. Offers are not valid on group or existing bookings. Offers are combinable with member benefits only and are not combinable with any other offers. Discount level and availability varies by destination and month of travel. Other restrictions may apply. **Visit collette.com/travelprotection for full details of insurance policy and benefits. †If you choose to cancel your tour, a refund will be issued in the original form of payment, minus the cost of the Travel Protection Plan. Other restrictions may apply.