Country Life in Iceland

This round-the-island tour shows you the ever-

changing scenery of the Icelandic countryside,

through mountains and valleys, with volcanoes,

glaciers, rivers, hot springs and waterfalls.

This is an ideal tour for those who want to experience the very best of the variety of Icelandic landscape, culture and history in one week. You will visit two of Iceland’s three National Parks and there are opportunities to do some walking in the beautiful countryside most days during the tour. Accommodations are in country hotels, simple and clean, and all rooms are with private facilities.

Day 1 - Arrival Reykjavik

Arrive Keflavik Airport by air from the UK. Transfer by airport bus to your hotel.

1 night REYKJAVIK - Hotel Björk

Day 2 - Land of Sagas (170km/105mls)

After a Reykjavík city tour head north from Iceland’s capital to West Iceland where we are introduced to the Icelandic sagas in the settlement center in Borgarnes. The afternoon is filled with impressive natural spots: Deildartunguhver, one of the most voluminous hot springs in Europe and Hraunfossar, the unique waterfall that drains from under vast lava fields into the river Hvítá. End the day with Icelandic history at the cultural site at Reykholt. Overnight is in West Iceland.

Day 3 - From West to North (445km/276mls)

The day starts with climbing a volcano crater within an old lava field in West Iceland. Afterwards we will travel through the fertile farmlands and fjord landscapes of Northwest Iceland, with a visit to the beautiful town of Akureyri, Iceland’s second largest city. Then stop at Goðafoss, “the waterfall of the Gods,” before reaching our accommodation in Northeast Iceland where we stay for the next two nights.

Day 4 - Whale Watching, Geological Wonders & Nature Baths (150km/93mls)

The day begins out to sea with a 3 hour whale watching cruise from Húsavík (weather permitting). We’ll tour the Lake Mývatn area, considered one of the most fertile areas in the world so close to the Arctic Circle. The lake’s unique features are shaped by nature - strange lava formations, pseudo craters, attractive bays filled with thousands of birds. There will be a stroll through the lava field of Dimmuborgir and soak at the Mývatn Nature Baths.

Day 5 - From North to East

We start today by exploring the geothermal area of Námaskarð and seeing the impacts of volcanic activity at Krafla. Then we travel to Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall in the northern part of Vatnajökull National Park. From there we head through the uninhabited highlands to East Iceland, where the night is spent.

Day 6 - Fjords, Glaciers and Ice

It’s a day to admire the dramatic fjord landscape and its tiny fishing villages at the end of twisty roads in the East Fjords. Soon we’ll see Vatnajökull - Europe’s biggest glacier that is visible all over Southeast Iceland. Past the town of Höfn, we’ll stop for a boat ride amongst the floating icebergs on the glacial lagoon at Jökulsárlón. The night will be spent near Skaftafell on the southern part of Vatnajökull National Park.

Day 7 - Vatnajökull National Park and the South

Visit Skaftafell at the Vatnajökull National Park, covered by ice and nestled below Iceland’s highest mountain, the 2110 meter Hvannadalshnjúkur. Then cross the sandy desert of the south coast, overlooked by mountainous cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls. We stroll along the black lava beach and bird cliffs near the village of Vík. Iceland’s past comes alive at the Skógar Folk museum with its turf houses. Overnight in South Iceland.

Day 8 - Ring the Golden Circle to Reykjavík

We will see classics today. Start with a horse show that introduces the unique qualities of Iceland’s special breed. Follow this with Golden Circle sights: Gullfoss the beautiful double “Golden Falls”; the active geothermal area of Geysir, where we can see Strokkur “the churn” spout up to 25 meters (70 feet) every five to seven minutes. A visit to ancient Viking Parliament area of Þingvellir National Park tops it off before returning to Reykjavík.

1 night REYKJAVIK - Hotel Björk

Day 9 - Departure

Transfer by airport bus to Keflavik Airport for return flight to the UK.

Departure Day: Saturdays by air from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates: 8 & 22 June 2013: 6 & 20 July 2013; 3 & 17 August 2013;
7 September 2013
Duration: 8 nights

NB. Departures from Manchester and Glasgow are also possible, however, extra nights in Reykjavik may be required in order to fit in with flight schedules. Please telephone 01274 875199 for details.

Tour Type: A compact circle tour of Iceland with hotel accommodation, ideal for nature and culture exploring

Pick up for tour: At your hotel in Reykjavik between 0815 and 0845.

Language: English only

Group size: Maximum 28 passengers. Once a booking is confirmed - the departure is guaranteed.

Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in simple but clean hotels with private facilities. Most of our groups will stay at the following hotels (subject to change):

* Fosshotel Reykholt, West Iceland
* Fosshotel Húsavík, Northeast Iceland
* Hotel Hallormsstaður, East Iceland
* Fosshotel Skaftafell or Islandia Hotel Núpar, Southeast Iceland
* Hotel Örk, Hveragerði, South Iceland

Meals: In Reykjavik only breakfast is included giving you the freedom to explore the city centre and choose from Reykjavik's many excellent restaurants. During the tour a 3-course or buffet dinner and breakfast are included. Lunch stops will be made at restaurants or café-shops en route.

Walking: There is an average of 1-2 hours walking each day and it is an easy tour in which nearly everyone can take part. Good walking boots are needed on all our tours, as well as waterproof clothing.

New service: VIP seating: Supplement for guaranteed window seat on our fully escorted coach tours which includes a window seat and next seat remaining empty (passenger gets actually two seats) as well as a pillow and blanket for upgraded comfort. Seats will be reserved in the front rows of the bus, first comes, first get.