Day 1: July 1, Friday

Thursday arrive Keflavik at 9:40pm (FI #634) Upon arrival, there will be time for duty-free shopping before exiting the airport. (Alcohol in Iceland is expensive. The duty-free shop offers significant savings.) Meet our local guide and transfer to the Center Hotel Grandi for 3 nights. Enjoy an included light dinner at the hotel. (D)

 

Day 2: July 2, Saturday

Golden Circle Tour: Join our guide and head to the Golden Circle region. Begin with a visit to Þingvellir National Park, the site of the world´s oldest democratic parliament, founded in 930 AD. Every year Vikings across the land met here to discuss laws. Musical and artistic performances were also part of this event. Þingvellir is the site where the North American and European tectonic plates meet at the dramatic Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Explore Gullfoss, the "Golden Waterfall,” and the nearby Geysir area to see the famous erupting Strokkur Hot Spring, as well as numerous other hot springs and boiling mud pools. A stop will be included at Friðheimar Farm for an included lunch of tomato soup with freshly baked bread. Tour the Greenhouse where vegetables are grown with the help of geothermal heat. You’ll also have a chance to meet the farm’s Icelandic horses. Evening: Walk to one of Reykjavik’s most famous landmarks, Harpa Concert Hall, for the attendance of the Nordklang Choral Festival. Organized every three years, the event attracts choirs and vocal ensembles from all over the Nordic region. (B, L)

 

Day 3: July 3, Sunday

Leisure time in Reykjavik: (You will be provided a city map, as well as attractions and restaurant information.) There are countless activity options in Reykjavik’s compact downtown area, with shops, eateries and attractions. Explore the waterfront and view the “Sun Voyager” Sculpture. Visit Hallgrimskirkja Church on the hill and take the elevator to the tower for a great panorama of the area. Spend some time learning about Iceland’s history at the Settlement Exhibition or the National Museum of Iceland. Snack on a world famous hot dog at Baejarins Beztu Pysur or hop between cafes. Late Afternoon – Rehearsal Evening: Collaborative Concert (B, Pre-Concert Light D)

 

Day 4: July 4, Monday

Travel to Akureyri: With our Icelandic guide, we drive northwards via the tunnel of Hvalfjördur to the small village of Borgarnes, and then onwards to Skagafjördur fjord, known for its population of Icelandic horse and the only county in Iceland where horses outnumber people. Continue over the highland plateau of Öxnadalsheidi to Akureyri, the capital of north Iceland. Stops along the way include lunch, visits to the Icelandic Seal and Icelandic Wool Centres in Hvammstangi and the Flu gumýri Horse Farm. Arrive at the KEA Hotel in Akureyri. (3 nights) Evening: Enjoy the atmosphere of this charming town. (B, L)

 

Day 5: July 5, Tuesday

Diamond Circle Part #1: The Diamond Circle in the Northeast of Iceland, includes some of the most stunning spots for unearthly landscapes. We begin with a stop at Goðafoss, the ‘Waterfall of the Gods’, on our way to Lake Mývatn Nature Reserve. Lake Mývatn is a shallow eutrophic lake in a dramatic landscape dominated by volcanic landforms such as the pseudocraters at Skútustadir and the lava pillars of Dimmuborgir. The area around the lake is a geothermal area with high activity and a place where all your senses will be called upon. Visit the Námaskarð geothermal field to view boiling fumaroles and violently bubbling pools of mud. Our final stop on today’s tour is Dettifoss, one of Europe’s biggest waterfalls. Evening: Concert at Akureyri Church (B, L)

 

Day 6: July 6, Wednesday

Diamond Circle Part #2 & Whale Watching Cruise: Today, we head to Húsavík, the oldest settlement in Iceland. Here, board our boat in search of the “Gentle Giants” during a 3-hour cruise. Húsavík, is often referred to as the Whale Capital of Iceland. Up to 23 species of whale, including the Blue Whale, as well as dolphin, seals and sea birds, can be found in, or around, the bay. After an included lunch in Húsavík, we’ll drive to Ásbyrgi, which is one of the wonders of nature, a well forested horse-shoe shaped canyon, within the Vatnajökull National Park. Late Afternoon: Informal Concert TBA. (B, L)

 

Day 7: July, 7, Thursday

Tröllaskagi & Siglufjörður: The Troll Peninsula is one of the most extraordinary mountain scenarios in Iceland. It lies in north Iceland between the fjord of Skagafjörður and the fjord of Eyjafjorður. The peninsula is mountainous with several peaks reaching over 4,000 feet above sea level, with the tallest, at 5,000 feet. Upon arrival in Siglufjörður, visit the Herring Museum and enjoy this quaint town. Lunch is on your own. Later, rehearse for tonight’s concert and check into the Sigló Hôtel. Early evening: Church Concert Following the concert: Join us for the Farewell Group Dinner at the hotel, with beautiful views of the Fisherman’s Marina. (B, D)

 

Day 8: July 8, Friday

Main Group - Travel to Reykjavik: En route, stops will be made for breaks, lunch and to view some additional sites. Overnight at the Grand Hotel or similar. Your last evening in Reykjavik is at leisure. (B, L)

 

Day 9: July 09, Saturday

(Main Group) Mid-morning visit to Blue Lagoon and lunch on own at its café. 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 Keflavik for 5:15pm departure (Fl #631).