Odysseys Unlimited - Issue 3, 2018

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland Day 2: Arrive Reykjavik/Borgarbyggo Upon our early morning arrival in Iceland’s capital, we meet our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director and enjoy a scenic drive north, stopping for breakfast along the way.

Then we take an excursion to the thermal areas of Deildartunguhver and Hraunfossar Falls; and visit the Settlement Center, an interactive museum detailing the story of Iceland’s earliest settlers, including that of famed 10th-century Viking Egil Skallagrimsson. After reaching our hotel mid-afternoon, we have time to relax before this evening's briefing on the journey ahead followed by a welcome dinner. B,D

Day 3: Borgarbyggo/Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Today we encounter the stupendous scenery of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We begin with a walk along the shell sand beach at the abandoned fishing village of Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. We also explore the caves and bizarre rock formations along the rugged shore at Arnarstapi, site of thousands of nesting cliff birds. After stopping for lunch – a traditional fresh seafood soup – at a rustic oceanfront restaurant, we visit Djupalonssandur where we see the haunting remains of abandoned coastal farms. B,L,D

Day 4: Borgarbyggo/Akureyri We travel towards the northeast corner of Iceland today, and to the fjords of Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital. Along the way we stop at Grabrok Crater for scenic views, and at a Gauksmyri farm featuring famed Icelandic horses – small, hardy, and with long manes. We also tour Glaumbaer, a folk museum featuring authentic turf houses. Upon arrival in Akureyri, we take a guided coach and walking tour of this urban gem before checking in at our hotel. B,D

Day 5: Akureyri/Lake Myvatn Today we travel to beautiful Lake Myvatn. One of the world’s natural wonders, Lake Myvatn and its environs of bubbling mud flats, lava fields, and lunar-like volcanic craters comprise a stunningly beautiful national park. Our explorations begin with a walk up to the fascinating Hverfjall crater, a local landmark. Later we see the region’s unique “pseudo craters,” the boiling mud pots at Namaskard, the bizarre lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and the flat volcano system at Krafla.

Our last stop is the incredible Glacial River Canyon National Park, yet another of Iceland’s natural wonders, where we walk to jaw-dropping Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall and Iceland’s “Niagara.” After this day of stunning scenery, we return to our hotel in time for dinner on our own tonight. B,L

Your Small Group Tour Highlights

Accommodations in well-located, atmospheric small hotels • Stunning, unique natural scenery • Touring the beautiful Snaefellsnes Peninsula • Charming Akureyri • Godafoss, “waterfall of the gods” • Visit to Icelandic Breed horse farm • Lake Myvatn’s mud flats, lava fields, and volcanic craters • Dettifoss, Iceland’s “Niagara” • Glacial River Canyon National Park • Thingvellir National Park • Dramatic bird-watching coastal cruise • Popular Skogafoss waterfall • Sophisticated Reykjavik • Hellisheidi geothermal power plant

Day Itinerary Hotel Rating

1 Depart U.S. for Reykjavik

2-3 Borgarbyggo Hotel Husafell First Class 4-6 Akureyri Hotel Kea First Class 7-8 Selfoss Hotel Selfoss First Class 9-10 Reykjavik Hotel Reykjavik First Class Centrum 11 Depart Reykjavik for U.S.

Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference.

11 days from $4,797 total price
from Boston, New York, Wash, DC
($4,395 air & land inclusive plus $402
airline taxes and fees)
It’s a surprising, even astonishing land; one of massive glaciers and rumbling volcanoes,
bubbling mud holes and powerful waterfalls;
hugely abundant bird life and just 300,000
people; and where the sun never sets for six
splendid weeks. It’s also perfect for exploring
in a small group, as we discover traveling the
breadth of the country and getting an up-close
view of this natural "wonderland."
EXPLORING ICELAND