Alexander+Roberts
OFFER ID 1464605
The Grandeur of Iceland
In the congenial company of never more than 16 guests, our newest Iceland adventure is fully escorted by our experienced Trip Leader. In their engaging company, you'll explore Iceland's natural wonders, history and culture - from Reykjavik to the north coast and onward to the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula before ending our journey amidst the pristine volcanic and glacier landscapes of southern Iceland.
8 nights from $9,899 per person
Special Promotion: Book Now and Receive Up to $600 Off Per Person
Alexander+Roberts
The Grandeur of Iceland
Day 1: Arrive Reykjavik + Old Town
On arrival, you'll be met and escorted to the stylish Apotek Hotel for breakfast. Then join your engaging Icelandic Trip Leader for a guided walking tour. From the lively Old Harbor and the site of early Viking homesteads to the impressive outdoor sculptures of Einar Jónsson and iconic, strikingly modern Hallgrímskirkja Church, you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for Iceland's history and cultural heritage. Situated between the harbor and Lake Tjörnin, Reykjavik's Old Town is an inviting city district graced by brightly painted homes and historic buildings that date to the wool-producing workshops of the 18th century. Today, it's a wonderful place to experience the city's vibrant food scene. Enriched by insights into history and culture, your frequent stops will provide savory tastes that reveal Iceland's culinary heritage - from traditions brought by the Vikings to the latest farm-to-table dining trends. Meals B+D
Day 2: Akureyri + Whale Watching
After breakfast, a short and easy transfer brings you to the city's regional airport for your included flight to Akureyri. Set between mountains and sea on the picturesque north coast of Iceland, Akureyri boasts charming architecture and a thriving cultural scene of galleries, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. On arrival, set out with our Trip Leader for a guided tour of this beguiling and uncrowded town. Later this afternoon, a scenic drive through the rugged northern landscapes brings you to Húsavík, a thriving port and gateway to some of the best whale-watching in the Atlantic. Here in the wild and pristine waters of Skjálfandi Bay, our guided marine expedition offers a chance to observe minke and humpback whales. Huge blue and sperm whales and pods of dolphins are also known to feed in the Bay. This guided adventure is also a must for birdwatchers as puffins, gannets and other Arctic birds often congregate around the feeding whales. Then return to Akureyri for two nights at our city-center hotel. Meals B+D
Day 3: Waterfall of the Gods + Lake Myvatn
After breakfast, the day's sightseeing begins with the spectacular Godafoss Waterfall! Behold this thundering cascade that plunges 40 feet across a chasm that stretches nearly 100 feet across, and hear the colorful tale of how it got its name... In the year 1000 after Christianity was declared the official religion, statues of Norse Gods were hurled into the Falls - earning these cascades its name as the "Waterfall of the Gods." Then discover the unusual lava pillars and other striking volcanic formations of the aptly named "Dark Castles." Continue to the steaming fumaroles of Hverir and a warm, startlingly clear underground river at the Grjotagja Rift. Enjoy lunch at a farm owned for generations by the same family with spectacular views overlooking Lake Myvatn. Your sightseeing ends at the Myvatn Natural Baths where you can unwind in steaming geothermal pools surrounded by lava fields. Back in Akureyri, your evening is free to dine and enjoy as you wish. Meals B+L
Day 4: Westward to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Departing Akureyri after breakfast, today's overland journey takes you westward through some of Iceland's most dramatic landscapes. Your first stop will be at the Glaumbær Farm & Museum, set on a site that was first settled and farmed in the 10th century. Today, you'll find an ensemble of traditional farmhouses built of stone, timber and turf. The newest buildings were erected more than 140 years ago, and some of the remaining structures date to the mid 18th century. Continuing your westward journey, you'll also visit Eiriksstadir - an evocative and faithful reimagining of the 10th-century farmstead of Erik the Red, the Norse explorer who founded the first settlement on Greenland. This is also the birthplace of his son Leif who some contend was the first European to set foot on the North American continent - nearly four centuries before Christopher Columbus. Throughout the day, your sharp-eyed guide will be on the lookout for the many bird species that inhabit the wild regions of the peninsula; northern fulmar, black-legged kittiwake, puffins and the common murre are among the many species that nest along the rock stacks and cliff faces of the area. Your day ends at our charming hotel in the highlands near the Langjokull Glacier. Meals B+L+D
Day 5: Exploring the Snaefellsness Peninsula
Comprised of friendly coastal villages, spectacular mountains, remote beaches, rushing streams and miles of untouched, wildly beautiful scenery, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is one of the island's most captivating regions. In the company of our engaging Trip Leader, you'll spend the day exploring the Peninsula's diverse wonders. Once a busy trading post, the tiny village of Arnarstapi overlooks a natural harbor that is protected by unusual basalt columns and surrounded by deep ravines and grottoes. Along the coast, you'll find amazing rock formations, dramatic cliffs and small hidden bays full of sea birds. Crossing to the northside of the Peninsula, you'll see the lone mountain peak of Kirkjufell. Soaring 1,500 feet above the surrounding countryside and almost perfectly symmetrical, with the rushing Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall in the foreground, this is said to be one of the most photographed sites in all of Iceland. Just east of Kirkjufell, you'll visit the charming fishing port of Stykkishólmur, known for its beautiful views over Breidafjordur Bay and traditional, colorfully painted homes. On a family-run horse farm, you see and learn about the history and importance of Iceland's diminutive but sturdy horses. Meals B+D
Day 6: Golden Circle Tour
After breakfast, you'll leave the Snæfellsnes Peninsula behind and journey southward for our Private Golden Circle Tour - starting in Thingvellir National Park, a unique geological site where two tectonic plates meet - and the only place where you can see the Mid-Atlantic Rift above sea level. As you descend into the valley, the steep cliffs that you'll see are quite literally the edge of North America; as you continue to the other side of the Park, you'll be ascending onto the Eurasian Continent! Reaching the tranquil shores of Lake Thingvallavatn, you'll see the world's oldest democratic Parliament, founded more than 1,000 years ago! Then thrill to one of Iceland's most famous geological wonders - the Strokkur Geyser that regularly erupts 100 feet into the air. At the Golden Waterfall, you'll behold a thunderous cascade of icy water that plunges into a deep gorge. Then visit Fridheimar Farm where you'll see firsthand how sustainable greenhouse horticulture allows for the year-round production of tomatoes and other vegetables in this northerly climate. This day ends at the inviting Hotel Skakalot. If the skies are clear tonight, you can join a local astronomer at our hotel's onsite observatory. Far from city lights, southern Iceland is famed for its stargazing. Meals B+D
Day 7: Ice Caves, Beaches and Waterfalls
Southern Iceland is home to some of the country's most spectacular natural wonders - which you'll discover today with our experienced Trip Leader. First up this morning is an exciting journey by Super Jeep. With their sturdy frames, oversized tires and enhanced suspension, these vehicles are capable of navigating the rockiest and most rugged of Iceland's terrain. Your destination is one of southern Iceland's many glaciers - where an expert ice guide will join our group for an exciting adventure that will take you onto the glacier and into an ice cave. There will be ample time to explore, take photographs and learn about the formation of these natural wonders. This excursion is appropriate for travelers of all ages and, of course, we provide all the gear including helmets, headlamps and crampons. After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll head to the coast to explore along a pristine black sand beach. Then discover two dramatic waterfalls including Skógafoss - one of Iceland's largest with a drop of more than 200 feet and a span of 82 feet. At Seljalandsfoss, you can even venture into a small cavern that takes you behind the cascading waters; it's an unforgettable experience but be prepared to get wet from the mist and spray! We'll have you back to the hotel with plenty of daylight hours left to enjoy its extraordinarily beautiful, wilderness setting. If the skies are clear after this evening's congenial Farewell Dinner, you can join our local astronomer for some stargazing at the observatory. Meals B+L+D
Day 8: The Blue Lagoon
We head back to Reykjavik and stop to we'll take you to one of Iceland's most famous natural wonders. The geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon originate more than 6,000 feet below ground and reach the Earth's surface at temperatures that usually range from 98 º to 104º. On its way to the surface, these waters absorb silica and other minerals that give the Lagoon its distinctive and captivating blue color. Enjoy a relaxing soak and a silica mud mask followed by coffee and pastry before returning to your hotel. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner. Meals B+D
Day 9: Depart Iceland
After breakfast, we'll take you back to Keflavik Airport in Reykjavik for your departure flight. Meals B
Akureyri - Lake Mývatn classic - Nature Baths- FD Tour
The tour starts by driving along the coast of Iceland’s longest fjord, Eyjafjordur, from where you will get an excellent view of Akureyri and its surrounding mountains. After crossing Víkurskard-pass, view the Fnjoskadalur valley, where clear geological remains from glacial and post glacial times can be seen. The first stop is by Godafoss falls - one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland; the water of the river Skjalfandafljot falls from a height of 12 m over a width of 30 m. In 1000 A.D., at the meeting of the Althing, the Icelanders voted to adopt Christianity. The wooden idols of the Norse mythology were thrown into the falls in a symbolic gesture that swept away the old religion. Thus the Godafoss literally means the "Waterfall of the Gods”. From there you will drive directly to the Lake Myvatn area, stopping by the unique craters at Skutustadir before having lunch. After lunch you will visit the Dimmuborgir lava labyrinth, a paradise of towering lava castles, natural arches and countless unexplored grottos.
Next is a visit to the Myvatn Nature Baths. The Nature Baths offer bathers a completely natural experience - a relaxing dip amidst clouds of steam and a luxurious swim in a pool of geothermal water drawn from depths of up to 2.500 meters. The baths contain a unique blend of minerals, silicates and geothermal micro-organisms. The warm, soothing waters are beneficial to skin and spirit alike, creating a sense of wellbeing and creating a lasting memory of your visit. Facilities include a reception area and cafeteria, changing rooms and showers for up to 120 guests, three natural steam baths accommodating up to 50 bathers at a time, and a 5000m2 outdoor geothermal bathing pool maintained at a constant temperature of 38-40ºC.
Due to its chemical composition, undesired bacteria and vegetation do not thrive in the lagoon making chlorine or any other disinfectant redundant. Following a relaxing bathe, you will then continue to the gurgling purple and yellow sulphur cauldrons at the high temperature thermal field of Namaskard, which are so hot that they actually boil. Following a short walk at Namaskard, enjoy a relaxed return drive to Akureyri.
Akureyri - Godafoss Waterfall & Laufas Turf Farm - HD Tour
Reykjavik - The Golden Circle - FD Tour
Capture the ‘The Big Three’ on this classic excursion to Gullfoss Waterfall, Geysir Strokkur and Thingvellir National Park.
Reykjavik - Bathing in the Blue Lagoon - HD Tour
Here guests can enjoy a relaxing bathe in the surreal milky waters of Iceland’s most famous of geothermal Spas – The Blue Lagoon. So what exactly IS the Blue Lagoon? Well, it is Iceland's most unique and popular attraction. Guests will enjoy bathing and relaxing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater, known for its positive effects on the skin. A visit to the spa promotes harmony between body, mind and spirit, and enables one to soak away the stresses of modern life. The spa's guests rekindle their relationship with nature, soak up the scenic beauty and enjoy breathing the clean, fresh air. In addition to bathing in the lagoon guests have access to a sauna with a view of the lagoon, a sauna with white walls that resemble silica mud and a cozy steam bath carved into a lava cave. Of course, guests bathing in the milky waters of the lagoon have easy access to the famous white silica mud, an essential part of this ultimate in spa experiences.
Tour Duration: 3-4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activy Level: Easy
Included: Private car with driver-guide, Blue Lagoon Comfort Experience (entrance fee, towel rental, Silica Mud Mask, choice of one drink at the Lagoon.) Pick up/drop off at the port.
Not Included: Meals
Reykjavik - Langjökull Glacier & the Ice Tunnel
Reykjavik Highlights - HD Tour
Reykjavik Blue Lagoon experience with transfers – 4 Hours
In the southwest corner of Iceland is the Reykjanes peninsula, less than 1-hour drive from the capital or 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport.
There the Mid-Atlantic Ridge comes ashore. The nature is magnificent. Various volcanic formations are found on Reykjanes Peninsula, such as mountains and hills chiefly made of volcanic tuff, large and small lava flows plus different types of volcanoes and volcanic edifices. The Reykjanes peninsula volcanic zone is a direct continuance of the North Atlantic Ridge that surfaces from the ocean at Reykjanes, and it is home to many important geological formations, some of which are utterly unique, including numerous types of volcanoes, naturally carved pools, craters, and geothermal pools.
Few things are cozier than relaxing in a hot pool in the middle of nature. Iceland has an abundance of easily accessible natural pools, but it is perhaps the Blue Lagoon the most spectacular of them all.
The Blue Lagoon was founded in 1992. Its specialty is the geothermal sea, which is two thirds of salt water and one third of fresh water. It is found at a depth of up to 2000 meters and is led by a pipe from the source to the lagoon where guests can enjoy it and relax. It is rich in minerals, silica, and algae, which is the basis of all skin products in the Blue Lagoon.
National Geographic has chosen the Blue Lagoon as one of the 25 wonders of the world. The Blue Lagoon has developed into an experience company based on spas, research and development, skin care, hotels, and restaurants
Treat yourself and experience it during your stay in Reykjavik. Alternatively, this is the ultimate way to unwind and chill after or prior a long-haul flight when you arrive of depart to / from Iceland.
What to expect: Landmarks of natural wonders of the country, insight into geology, relaxation.
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End: City center Hotel or address or Keflavik International Airport.
Duration: 4 hours.
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Comfort entrance to Blue Lagoon with use of the towel, mud mask and first drink at your choice.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Reykjavik Blue Lagoon & Reykjanes Peninsula – 8 Hours
In the southwest corner of Iceland is the Reykjanes peninsula, less than 1-hour drive from the capital or 20-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport.
Explore the Reykjanes peninsula and visit the Blue Lagoon. This geothermal area includes solfataras, fumaroles, mud pots and hot springs and sulphur was mined there early in the 18th century and then again in the 19th century. Gunnuhver is the largest mud geyser in Iceland, about 20 metres wide. Grindavik, the small fishing village with about 3000 inhabitants, has a long history, including when pirates from Morocco and Algeria arrived in the 17th century and took fifteen residents to sell as slaves. Additionally, we will take in the magnificent coastline and dramatic breaking waves by the Reykjanes lighthouse and “The Bridge Between the Continents” which connects the American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Few things are cozier than relaxing in a hot pool in the middle of nature. Iceland has an abundance of easily accessible natural pools, but it is perhaps the Blue Lagoon the most spectacular of them all.
Treat yourself and experience it during your stay in Reykjavik. Alternatively, this is the ultimate way to unwind and chill after or prior a long-haul flight when you arrive of depart to / from Iceland.
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What to expect: Landmarks of natural wonders of the country, insight into local history and geology, relaxation. Coastal villages.
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End: City center Hotel or address or Keflavik International Airport.
Duration: 8 hours.
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Comfort entrance to Blue Lagoon with use of the towel, mud mask and first drink at your choice.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Reykjavik Golden Circle Classic – 8 Hours
Iceland’s main attraction is the Golden Circle, it combines most of what Iceland has to offer, beautiful landscape, powerful geysers and the most magnificent waterfall. The highlights of the tour are Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir area and the Gullfoss waterfall.
This tour is designed to let you explore the highlights of Golden Circle route. We will show you sights that are not marked on a map, and only the locals know about. We will start the tour by heading to Þingvellir, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thingvellir, 50 km (31 miles) to the east of Reykjavík, is the national shrine of Iceland and its most historic site, and one of its most beautiful places. The oldest existing parliament in the world first met here in AD930. It has always been the focal point for the country, and whenever a major event is to be celebrated, thousands of people come here.
We continue the Golden Circle by heading to the famous Geysir geothermal area which is home to The Great Geysir and its active sidekick Strokkur! Although the original Geysir is not predictably active, its neighbour, Strokkur, will erupt every 5-7 minutes - so have your camera ready.
We then drive a few minutes down the road to the most famous part of the Golden Circle: Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls “. To stand at Gullfoss and bask in the beauty and the wonder of nature is an uplifting experience. One certainly feels energized after this tour and contact with stunning nature.
During the tour, a delicious lunch will be offered at the local geothermal tomato farm, a unique venue for a special lunch.
,What to expect: Stunning scenery, landmarks of the natural wonders of the country, insight into local history.
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End: City center Hotel or address.
Duration: 8 hours.
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.
Entrances: Greenhouse visit.
Meals: Lunch at Geothermal farm.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: no
Tour can operate: morning and afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Reykjavik South Shore Adventure – 10 Hours
We take you along the south coast of Iceland, one of the country’s most scenic regions, as far as Vík, a charming village surrounded by high beautiful bird cliffs.
Among the stops on this tour are at the gorgeous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Reynisfjara black sand beach, Dyrhólaey and Vik..
Driving through Vatnajökull National Park, established in 2008 covers 14,1% of Iceland and ranks as Europe's second largest. The unique qualities of Vatnajökull National Park are primarily its great variety of landscape features, created by the combined forces of rivers, glacial ice, and volcanic and geothermal activity. Vatnajökull is Europe's largest glacier.
The south side of Vatnajökull is characterized by many high, majestic mountain ridges, with outlet glaciers descending between them onto the lowlands. Sheltered by the high ice, the vegetated oasis of Skaftafell overlooks the black sands deposited to its west by the river Skeiðará.
Dyrhólaey is a 120-metre high promontory, not far from Vík. The place got its name from the massive arch that the sea has eroded from the headland. (The name literally means "door-hole"). There are also amazing rock formations all along the Birdlife here is abundant, with puffins and eider ducks being the most common species in the area. The lighthouse on the top of the cliff stands impressive and stoic in this often very windy area.
What to expect: Stunning scenery, landmarks of the natural wonders of the country, insight into local history and geology. Coastal villages.
Basis: Private tour.
Start / End: City center Hotel or address.
Duration: 10 hours.
Vehicle: 01st Class.
Guide: English-speaking driver guide. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: no
Tour can operate: morning and afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
Experience the foodie side of the Icelandic capital!
On this food walking tour you will try the truly authentic food from Iceland and also get a nice orientation of Reykjavik city.
Some of the highlights of this tour are the visit of Reykjavik’s oldest restaurant, a stop at a gastropub, and of course, the possibility of trying a variety of local dishes. Among the specialties included in this tour, we can mention the special Lamb soup, the Unique Icelandic Lamb Hot dog, Lobster soup, and a Skyr Dessert.
You also get tips on what to eat, drink and where to have fun for the rest of your stay in Reykjavik.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3 hours walking tour.
Start / End: Ingólfur Square/City Center.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: Tastings. Icelandic Traditional food is based on meat, fish and dairy, but other options may be available.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes. This tour is not offered on public holidays.
Reykjavik Walking tour – 3,5 hours
Reykjavík is a city of bold contrasts. The capital of Iceland is small but cosmopolitan and small-town; vibrant and sophisticated; young-at-heart and yet full of history. In this tour you will walk around the city and discover the main sights.
Together with your local guide, you will pass by the Hallgímskirkja church, the highest and probably most iconic building in town, as well as the Dome Church, which is Reykjavik’s Lutheran Cathedral and the bishop’s place in Iceland. The Dome Church is located downtown, next to the Alþingi, house of parliament.
You will see other emblematic sites like the “Sun Voyager” sculpture created by Icelandic sculptor Jon Gunnar Arnason. This gleaming steel sculpture is located on Reykjavik’s splendid waterfront and resembles a Viking long-ship, the ‘Solfar’ or ‘Sun Voyager.’ You will also see the modern building Harpa, a cultural and social centre in the heart of the city, and the Old Harbour.
Basis: Private tour.
Duration: 3,5 hours walking tour.
Start / End: City.
Vehicle: None.
Guide: English-speaking. Other languages on request.
Entrances: None.
Meals: None.
Physical activity level: Grade Easy. Walking required over uneven surfaces.
Wheelchair accessible: NO
Tour operates: morning, afternoon.
Notes: Tour program may be reversed for logistic / planning purposes.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.