Fire and Ice

Volcanos and glaciers, geothermal hot springs and waterfalls, Geri and me ... Iceland !

Some wise Icelandic proverbs -

Kemst þó hægt fari.
 You will reach your destination even though you travel slowly.

Af góðu upphafi vonast góður endir.
A good beginning makes a good ending.

Allir vilja herrann vera, en enginn sekkinn bera.
Everyone wants to be lord, but no one wants to carry the bag.

Ef ábóti teninga a sér ber, oss munkum leyft ao tefla er.
The friar preached against stealing and had a goose in his sleeve.

Eftir því sem gamlir fuglar sungu, kvökuðu þeir ungu.
As the old birds sing, so do the young ones tweet.

We're too old to tweet, so you'll have to follow us on this blog.

Itinerary

Visual Itinerary

Day 1 — Depart U.S. for Reykjavik, Iceland

Day 2 — Reykjavik and Borgarbyggo

Arriving early morning in Iceland’s capital, meet your Tour Director, and enjoy a scenic drive, stopping for breakfast along the way. After some free time to rest, take an afternoon excursion to the thermal areas of Deildartunguhver and also to Hraunfossar Falls. Visit the Reyholt Cultural Centre, a historic site based on the life and residence of saga writer Snorri Sturluson who lived here between 1206 and 1241. Tonight gather at the hotel for a briefing on the journey ahead followed by a welcome dinner. (B,D)

 Hotel Husafell

Day 3 — Borgarbyggo and Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Encounter the stupendous scenery of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Begin with a walk along the shell sand beach at the abandoned fishing village of Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. Explore the caves and bizarre rock formations along the rugged shore at Arnarstapi, site of thousands of nesting cliff birds. After stopping for lunch at a rustic oceanfront restaurant, we visit Djupalonssandur where we see the haunting remains of abandoned coastal farms. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Akureyri

Travel towards the northeast corner of Iceland today and to the fjords of Akureyri, Iceland’s northern capital. Along the way visit Grasbrok Crater for scenic views. Call on a Gauksmyri farm featuring famed Icelandic horses. In Akureyri, enjoy free time for lunch on your own then take a guided coach and walking tour of this urban gem before checking in at the hotel. (B,D)

 Hotel Kea

Day 5 — Akureyri and Lake Myvatn

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. Walk up to the fascinating Hverfjall crater, a local landmark. Later 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. The last stop is the incredible Glacial River Canyon National Park, which includes a walk to jaw-dropping Dettifoss, Europe's most powerful waterfall and Iceland's "Niagara." Return to the hotel in time for dinner on your own tonight. (B,L)

Day 6 — Akureyri and Jökulsárgljúfur National Park

This morning traverse Hljodaklettar, the labyrinth of “echoing rocks” created by the spiral basalt formations of arches and canyons here. Continue to Asbyrgi, a huge canyon enveloped by towering walls, wherein the middle of the partially wooded canyon sits a huge hoof-shaped rock called “The Island.” At Husavik, embark on a bird-watching cruise to Puffin Island to see thousands of seabirds (based on seasonality), including puffins, black guillemots, fulmars, and Arctic terns. Then en route back to Akureyri, we stop at Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods,” named for the carvings of Norse gods discarded here when the country was declared Christian a thousand years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Selfoss

This morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Reykjavik. Upon arrival drive to Thingvellir National Park, known both for its historic importance and as the place where the fissure between the geological plates of North America and Europe is most evident. Learn about the historic parliament founded here in A.D. 930, and walk along a gorge into the rift valley itself. After a lunch of wild freshwater trout at a lakeside hotel, depart for Great Geysir, the most famous of Iceland's geysers, and Gullfoss, Iceland’s immensely popular “golden” waterfall. Drive down to the country’s southern coast to the beautiful agricultural area of Selfoss, one of three main regional centers in South Iceland. (B,L,D)

 Hotel Selfoss

Day 8 — Selfoss and Vik

Take a walk along the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, lined with columnar basalt-filled caves. Visit picturesque Seljalandsfoss waterfall, followed by a stop at the Skogar Folk Museum, which depicts traditional life in Iceland. Walk to nearby Skogafoss waterfall, known for its rainbows on sunny days. Continue to lovely Vik, Iceland's southernmost town, and explore the town or shop for items of locally produced wool. Dine at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Day 9 — Reykjavik

Traveling back to Reykjavik through “saga” country, the setting of one of the country’s famous medieval stories. Upon arrival in Reykjavik, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then embark on a city tour of the Icelandic capital, home to more than half of Iceland’s population. Meet with a local expert to learn about the 2008 bank crisis and its effects throughout Iceland. Dinner tonight is on your own. (B,L)

 Hotel Reykjavik Centrum

Day 10 — Reykjavik

Today is at leisure to explore and enjoy Reykjavik as you please; those who wish can join in an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon for a soothing bath in geothermal waters rich with silica, sulfur, and other minerals. Tonight celebrate over a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 11 — Depart for U.S.

This morning is at leisure, perhaps for some last-minute shopping for such local specialties as handicrafts, woolens, and gourmet foods. Early this afternoon depart for the airport and your return flights to the U.S. (B)