Saturday, March 21 – Reykjavik, Iceland – Tour Begins
Discover Iceland, a land and culture forged by fire and ice. Steaming lava fields and massive glaciers sculpt mountains and valleys, leaving thundering waterfalls and plunging fjords. In this land of many natural wonders, enjoy the rare opportunity to see the aurora borealis — one of nature’s most dazzling light displays, also known as the northern lights.* Get acquainted with old town Reykjavik on a walking tour featuring Hallgrimskirkja Church, City Hall, the harbor and the Parliament Building. Tonight, we’ll gather together with our fellow travelers at a popular restaurant for dinner featuring Icelandic cuisine. Then, take an exhilarating northern lights cruise.** Leave behind the bright city lights and sail into the darkness of Faxaflói Bay in search of the aurora borealis – or northern lights – one of nature’s wonders. When revealed, you will be dazzled by the flickering display of light bursting with color that unfolds before your eyes*. (D)
Sunday, March 22 – Reykjavik – Golden Circle – Lava Exploration Center – Vik
Travel the incredible Golden Circle, a route that encompasses many of Iceland’s most renowned natural wonders. Journey to Thingvellir National Park, the nation’s most historic area. Icelanders gathered here in A.D. 930 and established what is considered one of the world’s first parliaments. Find yourself standing upon one of the globe’s most geologically significant landscapes – Thingvellir’s rugged Rift Valley – a UNESCO World Heritage site marking the point where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Experience the eruptive energy of the Icelandic landscape with a stop at the geothermal fields of Geysir and Strokkur. Then, marvel at the beauty of the Gullfoss (Golden Falls) Waterfall, a stunning 100-foot double cascade. Next, stop at the Lava Explorations Center to learn about Iceland’s historic eruptions and current lava flows that make the island a showcase of volcanism. Continue southeast to Vik, the southernmost village in Iceland, surrounded by beautiful valleys, beaches, cliffs and mountains. For each of our three nights in Vik, amidst the peace and stillness of rural Iceland, we’ll go in search for the aurora borealis – the elusive northern lights.* Weather permitting, on foot or with the assistance of our motor coach and driver, you’ll venture out away from the light pollution to where the views of the sky are ideal. Three nights of searching means three times the likelihood that you’ll find this incredible natural light show. (B, D)
Monday, March 23 – Seljalandsfoss Waterfall – Skogar Museum – Vik
Journey to the mesmerizing Seljalandsfoss, one of Iceland’s most famous and picturesque waterfalls with a walkway behind it. Visit Skogar Folk Museum which contains an outstanding collection covering all aspects of Icelandic life including farm and domestic artifacts, as well as turf-built homes. Nearby is the impressive Skógafoss Waterfall, one of the largest in Iceland. Later, view Reynisfjara, a black volcanic sand beach surrounded by basalt formations, cliffs scattered with caves and rich bird life including the Fulmar, Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Gannet and various types of seagulls. See the unique natural rock formations at Dyrhólaey. Later this afternoon, sample the traditional Icelandic schnapps, Brennivin. After dinner, gaze at the sky in search of the northern lights,* a truly spectacular sight. (B, D)
Tuesday, March 24 – Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon – Skaftafell National Park – Vik
Travel to Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, filled with floating icebergs. Explore this extraordinary landscape and perhaps see some seals swimming in Arctic waters. Travel to Skaftafell, gateway to Vatnajökull National Park. The largest national park in Europe, Vatnajökull is known for having Iceland’s highest mountains; an Alpine environment; and the Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest. After dinner, continue searching for the shimmering northern lights dancing across the night sky.* (B, D)
Wednesday, March 25 – Vik – Blue Lagoon – Reykjavik
Drive along the south shore towards the Reykjanes Peninsula. Known for its rugged landscape, lava fields and numerous hot springs, the peninsula is home of the Blue Lagoon. Take a dip in the pleasantly warm, mineral-rich waters of the geothermal pool, located in the middle of a dramatic lava field. Return to Reykjavik for our Amazing Journeys Farewell dinner and overnight stay. (B, D)
Thursday, March 26 – Reykjavik – Tour Ends
Depart for home with many incredible memories of an Amazing Journey. (B)
Our Hotels
Night 1 Center Hotel Amarhvoll, Reykjavik
Night 2-4 Hotel Katla by Kea, Vik
Night 5 Center Hotel Amarhvoll, Reykjavik
Please note:
Alternate hotels may be used
Because the northern lights are a cold-weather event, you will be walking and waiting outdoors while looking for them. It is recommended that you wear sturdy non-slip snow footwear and warm clothing including thermals, hat, scarf and gloves.
*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.
**The northern lights cruise is weather dependent and may be cancelled in the event of serious weather.
Rates (thru 12/1/19) |
Double |
Single |
|
$2599 |
$3399 |
After December 1, 2019, rates increase $100. A deposit of $350 is due with your reservation. Full payment is due January 13, 2020.
Roommate matching available.
Rates are subject to change based on availability.
Pre- and Post-Night Stays (March 20 or 26):
We have a limited number of rooms for pre- and post-tour stays in Reykjavik. Please note – there will be no Amazing Journeys staff present nor will there be programming on these days. We are not able to match roommates for extra night stays. Rates include taxes and breakfast.
Double Occupancy: $135 per person
Single Occupancy: $270
Our tour rates are based on an all-inclusive, custom-designed package that differs from offerings seen in public advertising. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.
All rooms are non-smoking where we match roommates. Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website.
Cancellation Policy: From the time of initial deposit until December 1, 2019, there is a $75 per person penalty for cancellation. From December 2, 2019 – January 13, 2020, the cancellation penalty is $350. From January 14 – February 20, 2020, the cancellation penalty is 50%. Cancellations made on February 21, 2020 and “no-shows” will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation after the start of the journey.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: International airfare has not been included in the tour rate. Roundtrip airport transfers have not been included in the tour rates. Information on transfers will be given closer to the tour date. This tour begins and ends in Reykjavik. It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys which will contain specific flight parameters.
Taxes and Gratuities: All taxes, service charges and government fees have been included in the rate. Taxes, service charges and government fees are subject to change. All gratuities have been included for the tour guide, driver, hotel staff, baggage handlers and meals that are included on the itinerary.
Passport Requirements: A Passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. One blank page must be available in your passport. At this time, no visas are necessary to enter Iceland for those from the US, Canada or UK. If you are a citizen of another country, please check the website for the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration to see if a visa is necessary.
This tour is operated by Collette