Iceland Oct 2023
Join us for an amazing trip to the land of Fire and Ice!
November 1-8, 2023
This date will give us the chance to see the Northern Lights, I don't know about you but that is a bucket list for me! We will have an added excursion to where our guide feels we have the best chance to see the lights. If we do not see lights on that excursion then we will have one other guided opportunity to see them. **Please note that sightings are not guaranteed.
Day 1 Depart the USA- Today depart the USA on your overnight flight to Keflavik, Iceland.
Day 2 Kaflavik, Iceland- Iceland is a stunning mix of green plains, wild volcanic scenery, beautiful coasts and lakes, spouting geysers, hot springs, mud pools and sophisticated cities. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel in the town of Hveragerdi or Selfoss. Rooms will be available for check-in upon arrival. All flights should arrive by 3:30 p.m. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. Meal: D
Day 3 Iceland's South Shore- After breakfast, your adventure to the South Shore begins with a journey through small villages and farmlands to the majestic mountains with views including Mt. Hekla, the most active volcano in Iceland, and the towering, ice-capped strato volcano Eyjafjallajokull, which last erupted in 2010.
Iceland is also famous for its waterfalls and you’ll see two of the most magnificent—the Seljalandsfoss which tumbles over high rock escarpments allowing you to walk behind the waterfall, and Skogafoss. Learn about the preservation of the Southern Iceland cultural heritage on the visit to Skogar Folk Museum.
Exploration continues to Dyrholaey, a magnificent rocky headland with sheer cliffs, en route to the village of Vik. Head to the seashore, flanked by steep bird cliffs rising high above the beautiful black sand beach. In the sea, just outside of Vik, see the Reynisdrangar Rocks which stand 216 feet above sea level at their highest point. Meal: B
Day 4 Reykjanes Peninsula & the Blue Lagoon- This morning, head for the rough tracks of Reykjanes, one of the most active volcanic areas in Iceland. Visit the geothermal area of Krysuvik and Lake Kleifarvatn with its hot springs and solfatares.
A remarkable life enriching experience is a visit to the Blue Lagoon – a lake of warm, mineral-rich geothermal water, internationally renowned for its healing prowess. Located in the middle of a lava field in the pure and beautiful Icelandic wilderness, water is heated by underground volcanic activity at a depth of 5,400 feet and is pumped to the surface to form this man-made wonder. The Blue Lagoon is known for its special properties and its beneficial effect on the skin. You’ll have an opportunity to soak in the pleasantly warm mineral-rich water. Meal: B
Day 5 Reykjavik- Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital city of 100,000 people, is unique in many ways. This capital is a modern city with a variety of restaurants, museums, galleries and theaters. Heated entirely by geothermal water, it is home to the “smoking bay”, so named for the rising steam that greeted the city’s Viking founder, Angolfr Arnarsson, as he sailed into the bay here in 874 AD.
The city center is the heart of Reykjavik and home to many charming historic buildings of stone and timber contrasting with imaginative modern architecture. It has the features of a modern society complemented by a close connection to natural wonders right on the city’s doorstep. On the included panoramic city tour of the world’s most northerly capital, see the old town center, Parliament, cathedral, harbor, National Museum, ‘Pearl’ and Hofoi House (site of the Iceland summit of 1986), and Hallgrímskirkja Church whose steeple is a landmark of the city.
Enjoy free time for lunch on your own and shopping, then prepare to ‘take off’ as you visit 'Fly Over Iceland'. During this virtual flight, experience waterfalls, geysers, scenic landscapes, and the spectacular natural wonders of Iceland like never before! Return to the hotel late afternoon for an evening at leisure. Meal: B
Day 6 The Golden Circle- On the full-day tour of the Golden Circle, enjoy scenic drives along with the geological and historic sites of the island. Your excursion includes a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Thingvellir National Park. A remarkable geological site, it is one of the few spots in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is seen above water. The amazing canyon that runs through the park is a meeting point of two of the earth’s tectonic plates. The park is situated by Lake Thingvallavatn, the largest lake on the island. The park is also the most historic site on the island as the world’s oldest democratic parliament was founded here in 930 AD.
You’ll see outstanding natural wonders when you visit Geysir, Iceland’s most famous area for thermal activity. View ‘Strokkur’, one of the most active geysers, and ‘Gullfoss’ (Golden Waterfall), Iceland’s most famous waterfall.
Before returning to the hotel, a visit to a local farm gives you the chance to meet some of the native Icelandic horses, as well as learn about the growing of healthy tomatoes using green energy, pure water and organic pest controls. This evening, join your travel companions for the farewell dinner. Meals: B, D
Day 7 Return to the USA - Following breakfast, transfer to Keflavik Airport and bid a fond farewell to amazing Iceland, as you return home with memorable life enriching experiences to cherish. Meal: B
SOLO TRAVELERS
The tour company has a roommate guarantee. If you are traveling solo and would like a roommate the tour company will guarantee that you will have a roommate of the same sex. If they do not have one for you, then you do not have to pay the single supplment.
Per Person Pricing
| Double Occupancy, $3199 | Single occupancy +549 |
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Flights
FREE air if booked by October 31, 2022. AFTER October 31, 2022 flights will be $1400 per person!
Travel insurance is highly recommended for this trip. Insurance through the tour company is $299 for land and air. Third-party insurance can also be quoted.
A deposit of $250 per person is due at time of booking. If you are purchasing insurance with the tour that will also be due at the time of deposit. Final payment is due July 20, 2023. The deposit is non-refundable.
Please sign up here to be updated on this trip. I will NOT send you emails unrelated to this trip.