Nature prevails above all on this epic adventure around Iceland’s impossibly rugged west coast. Watch scalding water bubble out of Europe’s largest, most powerful hot spring. Stand in awe as Iceland’s widest waterfall streams over an immense lava field. See spouting geysers, explore a voluminous lava cave and unwind in two geothermally heated lagoons. The UNESCO World Heritage site Pingvellir National Park impresses for its geological phenomena and as the setting for the world’s oldest parliament. An enlightening tour of Reykjavík eases you back to civilization.
DAY 1
After flying into Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik, you will proceed to the baggage claim area, and through customs after which you will be met by your driver. Transfer to the Hotel Borg or similar for check-in. Once you settle in, you will enjoy the remainder of the day as you please.
Relax and unwind from your flight in your room, enjoy the hotel’s amenities or head out to explore Reykjavik at your leisure.
Your hotel overlooks the beautiful square of Austurvöllur, in the heart of Reykjavík, across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral. The Borg, which has become one of Reykjavik’s landmarks, is conveniently located within walking distance of variety of restaurants, businesses, souvenir shops, art galleries and specialty shops.
All meals are on your own today.
Check in time at the hotel is 3:00pm
DAY 2
Following breakfast and check out at the hotel, you will depart for a full day of touring on the magnificent west coast of Iceland.
Your first stop is at Deildartunguhver, Europe´s most powerful hot spring. It provides 180 l/sec of 100°C hot water.
Most of the water used for central heating in the towns of Borgarnes and Akranes is taken from Deildartunguhver. The hot water pipeline to Akranes is 64 km long, the longest in Iceland and the water is about 78 - 80°C when it reaches Akranes. If you take a shower anywhere within a 65 km radius of the spring, you have already bathed in the hot water from this powerful spring!
Next, get to know little bit about Iceland’s past heroes with a visit to Snorralaug (Snorri’s Sturluson bath) in the small town of Reykholt. Snorri was a poet, historian and politician born into a powerful chieftain family in the 13th century. Although you can no longer bathe here, you will learn how the thermal water from the hot spring Skrifla is led to the basin through a conduit.
Continue your drive to Hraunfossar Lava Falls, a beautiful and unusual natural phenomenal that has been protected since 1987. Clear, cold springs of subterranean water seep through the lava and run as tiny waterfalls and rapids into the Hvita River.
Next, stop at another waterfall, Barnafoss “Children´s Fall”, a magical site in and of itself, twisting, turning, foaming and churning as it races down a narrow valley, from which you can view it from above. Barnafoss has also been a protected site since 1987. You will then head to lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, another adventure awaits you at the largest of all caves in Iceland, Víðgelmir. It is the size of 148,000 cubic meters, and one of the largest lava caves in the world. It has beautiful ice formations and deep inside there are lava stalactites and stalagmites. Víðgelmir lava cave is considered by specialists to be one of the most remarkable caves on earth.
Finally, you will reach your accommodation for the evening - Hotel Húsafell or similar countryside hotel. A three-course dinner is included.
DAY 3
Following breakfast and check- out, you will depart for the Golden Circle tour ending in Reykjavík.
First stop is at the Secret Lagoon where guests can opt to take a dip in natural hot springs, located in the geothermal area near the village of Flúðir. The Secret Lagoon was made in 1891 and is one of the oldest swimming pools in Iceland. The pool’s natural surroundings and steam rising into the air give the place a magical feeling. Around the lagoon you will find several hot spots and a walking path so guests can have a closer look at the boiling hot springs.
NOTE: There are change facilities at the Secret Lagoon and towels will be provided
Followed by Secret Lagoon the group will enjoy a unique food experience at Friðheimar, a family-owned restaurant.
The next stop is Gullfoss Waterfall, which roars through a rugged canyon before plummeting more than one hundred feet down. The water from the White River falls in two stages, which adds even more drama to its descent. Gullfoss means Golden Waterfall in Icelandic because of the color of the water, which originates from a sediment-rich glacier.
Drive to Geysir, geothermal area where your will have the opportunity to see hot springs in abundances as well as the famous geyser "Strokkur" that spouts every few minutes, shooting column of piping hot water up to 20m (60 feet).
Drive towards Þingvellir National Park, a remarkable geological phenomenon and the most important historical site in Iceland. Þingvellir is situated by the biggest lake in Iceland called Þingvallavatn, the site of the world`s oldest democratic parliament founded in the year 930. The beautiful canyon running through the park is actually the meeting point of two of the earth`s tectonic plates and the area`s combination of natural phenomena and historical significance make it inseparable from the fabric of Icelandic national life. In 2004 the site of Þingvellir was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Your overnight is back at the Hotel Borg and dinner is on your own.
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast, check out and depart for a drive through the rugged lava fields of the Reykjanes peninsula en route to Iceland´s most popular attraction - the incomparable Blue Lagoon. The Lagoon’s aquamarine coloured water, the steam and the lava landscape surrounding it succeed in creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. Here you will have the option to enjoy a unique bathing experience in the lagoon. Towels will be provided and changerooms are available.
Returning to the city’s hustle and bustle you’ll drive through the seaside town of Hafnarfjörður on your way to rural Álftanes, where the President of Iceland resides at Bessastaðir for a short photostop before making your way to Perlan or The Pearl, one of the Reykjavik’s landmark buildings, where you will find a viewing deck that offers great panoramic views over Reykjavik as well as the world’s first indoor ice cave, learn about the forces of nature and witness how Iceland was formed.
Next drive through the older parts of the city, dominated by the imposing Hallgrímskirkja Church whose tall tower is one of Reykjavík’s most recognized landmarks. Moving closer to the city centre, drive past the City Hall, Lækjartorg square and Harpa Conference & Concert Hall, past the famous sculpture the Sun Voyager and finally end at the port for embarkation.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at Keflavík Airport
You are met outside customs and transferred to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure. Meals are on your own.
Check-in time at your hotel is 3:00pm.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed. Should you have an early arriving flight you may wish to book an extra night.
Overnight at Hotel Borg or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Departure for west coast tour
10:30am Arrive at Deildartunguhver
11:00am Drive from Deildatunguhver to Reykholt
11:10am Stop at Snorralaug Bath in Reykholt
11:40am Drive from Reykholt to Hraunfossar Waterfalls
12:00pm Viewing of Hraunfossar/Barnafossar Waterfalls
12:40pm Lunch at a Hraunfossar Café
1:40pm Drive to Víðgelmir Cave
2:00pm Visit Víðgelmir Cave
4:00pm Drive to your hotel for check in
7:00pm Dinner at your hotel
Overnight at Hotel Húsafell or similar hotel
DAY 3
From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
7:30am Depart for Golden Circle Tour
10:00am Arrive at Secret Lagoon for optional bathing opportunity
11:45am Departure from Secret Lagoon
12:00pm Lunch at Friðheimar restaurant
1:00pm Depart from Friðheimar
1:30pm Arrive at Gullfoss Waterfall
2:15pm Depart from Gullfoss
2:30pm Arrive at Geysir geothermal area
3:15pm Depart from Geysir
4:15pm Arrive at Þingvellir national park
5:00pm Depart from Þingvellir
5:45pm Arrival at hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at Hotel Borg or similar hotel
DAY 4
From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel
8:45am Drive to Blue Lagoon
9:30am Blue Lagoon Bathing (optional but included)
11:30am Sightseeing drive to Perlan through Hafnarfjordur with photostop at Bessastaðir
1:00pm Perlan Wonders of Iceland, Aurora Exhibition and Viewing Platform
2:30pm Drive to the pier past Höfði
3:00pm Arrive at the port for embarkation
The weather in Iceland can be extremely unpredictable however June, July and August are the official summer months. Also note that it’s bright all day and night in the summer months. In June, Iceland celebrates their longest days of the year. And literally, for a few weeks – the sun simply doesn’t set at all.
The average temperature in June is 48°F / 9°C
The average temperature in July is 51°F / 10.7°C
The average temperature in August is 56°F / 13°C
What to Bring:
Warm layered clothing such as thermals, fleece and a good jacket, good sturdy shoes, cameras, medicines.
Local Currency:
Local currency is Icelandic Krona. However, many companies accept EUR, GBP and USD bills only, no coins and change is given back in ISK.
Electricity:
European standard 220 Volts. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Luggage:
Guests will be able to leave excess luggage at the Borg Hotel. Although staying in the best hotels in the area, porterage service is not a standard service in Icelandic hotels. Very few hotels in Iceland have porterage staff full time and if they do it is normally 1 porter. As a result, you could experience a delay in receiving your luggage to your room depending on the size of the group. You may prefer to take your suitcase with you to your rooms.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport is required. Please check with your local Embassy for any entry requirements for your nationality.
Hotels
Hotel Borg - Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavík
Hotel Húsafell – Stórarjóður, Húsafell
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights at the Borg Hotel or similar hotel – Superior room including breakfast
•1 night at the Hotel Húsafell or similar hotel - Standard room including breakfast
•Two lunches (1 drink included)
•1 dinner (no drinks included)
•Touring and entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Includes for guests:
•2 nights at the Borg – Superior room including breakfast
•1 night at the Hotel Húsafell - Standard room including breakfast
•Two lunches (1 drink included)
•1 dinner (no drinks included)
•Touring and entrance fees per the itinerary
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Meals or beverages not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.
