Day 8: July 8, Friday

Sigló –Möðrudalur - Stuðlagil Canyon Viewing Platform & Overnight in Egilsstaðir As we depart Siglufjörður, we drive towards the inlands of the North and then to east Iceland. On our way, lunch will be at the island’s highest farm, located in Mörðudalur and described as an “oasis” after driving through the rugged wilderness of Iceland. After lunch, we head to Studlagil where the glacial river Jökulsá á Brú roars by its canyon, displaying one of Iceland’s largest collections of basalt columns. Until recently, Studlagil Canyon was unknown to most visitors and locals alike. The Canyon had been submerged under the river. A few years ago, the river fell and revealed all its glory! We overnight at Egilsstadir a town in East Iceland on the banks of Lagarfljót River. Waterfalls, rivers, lava caves, mountains and hiking trails are to be found in this region. For many, it is a highlight in Iceland. (B, L)

​

Day 9: July 9, Saturday

Egilsstaðir, Borgarfjörður Eystri, Puffin Colony, explore East Fjords, Overnight in Egilsstaðir Today, we start with a visit to Borgarfjörður Eystri, a natural paradise in the East. The area remains almost untouched and looks like a scene out of “Lord of the Rings”. The area’s landscape is considered quite magical, as many believe the area to be home to elves. It is also a home to a large puffin colony. Here, and in Hafnarhólma Harbour, boardwalks and platforms allow for up-close viewing. There are upwards of 10,000 puffin nests in this region from mid-April through mid-August. We will also explore additional Fjords in the east and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery. Return to Egilsstadir for overnight. (B, L)

 

Day 10: July 10, Sunday

Fáskrúðsfjörður - Petra - Gleðivik (Djúpivogur) & Overnight at Smyrlabjörg Departing Egilsstaðir, we head to the south of Iceland. We view Fáskrúðsfjörður, a coastal village built on a steep hilly site. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was one of the main Icelandic fishing stations for the French. The French heritage remains in its buildings, street signs and village traditions. We will take a walk in a remarkable garden in Iceland to view Petra´s stone collection in Stöðvarfjörður. After this short stop, we continue to Gleðivík in Djúpivogur, a cultural hub in East Iceland. In Gleðivík (or Merry Bay), see the outdoor works by Sigurður Guðmundsson, one of Iceland’s leading artists. There are 34 larger-then-life granite replicas of the eggs from birds that nest in the area. The town also boasts an old lighthouse and a handicraft center; and is the only “Cittaslow” settlement in the country, meaning it embraces a relaxed, slow-paced way of life. We continue our tour and head towards our country hotel at Smyrlabjörg, which is still a working farm with around 350 sheep, ducks, hens and 2 dogs. (B, L, D)

 

Day 11, July 11: Monday

Jökulsárlón – Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Vík – Skogafoss & Overnight in Selfoss Our first stop today is Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon bordering Vatnajökull National Park. Its still blue waters are dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breiðamerkursandur glacier. The lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of ice on a black sand beach. We will continue along the South Coast to Kirkjubæjarklaustur, an area rich in breath-taking natural attractions. See the “church floor”, an amazing basalt columns rock formation, as well as two beautiful waterfalls in the village. Nearby, we will discover the fairy tale-like Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon with its steep walls on both sides, believed to be 2 million years old. We then travel across the enormous Eldhraun lava field and the breath-taking black sand beaches of Vik and arrive in Skogar. Here we will view the stunning waterfall Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most photographed sites. A stop will also be included at Seljalandsfoss, a ribbon-shaped waterfall we can walk behind if weather and trail conditions are right. Tonight, an overnight in Selfoss, on the banks of the Olfusa river. (B, L)

 

Day 12: July 12, Tuesday

Selfoss - Blue Lagoon & Airport Transfer Today, we as head towards the airport, we drive the Suðurstrandarveg, a road by the sea, and later through a moonlike landscape of the Reykjanes peninsula, an active volcanic area. On our way to the Blue Lagoon, we will pass the area of Geldingardalur where a volcanic eruption started in March 2021. The Lagoon is a geothermal wonder of nature, with pleasantly warm mineral rich seawater in the middle of a lava field. The high natural levels of silica, minerals and algae give the Lagoon its rich blue color. After approximately two hours at the lagoon, the coach will continue to the airport. (B) TOUR INCLUSIONS: Private vehicle and driver English speaking guide Plymouth Travel/NHFC Representative 4 nights accommodations incl. breakfast each morning 4 lunches 1 dinner at Smyrlabjorg Entrance to Petra Stone Museum Blue Lagoon Parking fees VAT Optional Activities Vik Baths $46.00 Glacier Lagoon Boat Tour $46.00