Pankaj Patel's notes

TOUR OF ICELAND

e hotels are confirmed as below:

Date	City	Hotel	Status
Aug 24-25, 2017	Reykjavik	Hilton Reykjavik Nordica	Confirmed
Aug 25-26, 2017	Akureyri	Kjarnalundur	Confirmed
Aug 26-27,2017	Husavik	Fosshotel	Confirmed
Aug 27-28, 2017	Egilsstadir	Hildibrand	Confirmed
Aug 28-29, 2017	Hofn	Seljavellir	Confirmed
Aug 29-30, 2017	Vik	Katla	Confirmed
Aug 30-31, 2017	Reykjavik	Hilton Reykjavik Nordica	Confirmed

 

 

 

Departure: 8 days tour in month of July and/or August 2017

 

Day 1: Waterfalls, Geysers and the Golden Circle round trip Reykjavik

Arrive in Reykjavik in early morning from JFK. Today we visit to Gullfoss, surely the country's most famous waterfall, hike to the top of the falls for amazing view then we visit Haukadalur and Strokkur Geysers and Kerio Volcanic Crater, before driving to Thingvellir National Park. Thingvellir is also one of the geological wonders of the world and there you will see astonishing fissures and lava fields. After visiting this remarkable site, we continue to Reykjavik. Overnight in 4* hotel in Reykjavik. Driving distance approximately 150 km.

 

 

Day 2: Reykjavik to Akureyri the capital of the north.

After breakfast we start our round trip of Iceland by heading toward Borgarfjordur (Borgarnes). We visit Reykholt and the splendid waterfalls of Hraunfossar and Barnafoss. Then we stop at Deildartunguhver; Iceland's largest hot spring (in terms of water production per second). Visit inside Langjokull Glacier tunnel at Klaki Base. Then drive north of Iceland through the Skagafjordur region, an area known for horse breeding and many Icelandic horses can be seen grazing in the fields of the Skagafjorour valley. As we approach the village of Varmahiio we make a short detour and visit the Glaumbaer museum, which is one of the best preserved turf farmhouses in Iceland, located just north of Varmahlio. Then we continue until we reach Akureyri, the major town in north Iceland. We visit the town of Akureyri with its beautiful church and botanical gardens, including shoping at leisure. Overnight at 4* hotel in Akureyri. Driving distance approximately 420 km.

 

 

Day 3: Akureyri to Lake Myvatn and Husavik.

Heading for a day excursion to Myvatan, we stop en route at the Godafoss waterfall, the waterfall of the pagan gods. Then to the Myvatn area where we spend the day exploring the wonders all around the lake, which is one of Iceland's most interesting regions with fantastic volcanic formations, Hverir Geotermal field, geothermal activity and the lake itself, teeming with bird life, particularly ducks. We also visit Crater of Hverfjall, Dimmuborgir lava field,underground hot spring Grjotagja Cave, Skutustadir (pseudocraters), Leirhnjukur and Namaskard along the way. Overnight stay in Husavik at 4* hotel. Driving distance approximately 240 km.

 

 

Day 4: Husavik to Asbyrgi and Egilsstadir.

In the morning we drive to the charming fishing village of Husavik and from there we continue round the attractive stretch of coastline of Tjornes peninsular until we arrrive at Asbyrgi, a horse-shore-shaped gorge, reputed to the hoof print of Odin's eight-legged horse Sleipnir.Drive through Asbyrgi canyon, Visit Harfragilsfoss, Selfoss and Dettifoss Iceland's and Europe's most powerful waterfalls , which thunders 44 meters into a deep gorge.You will literally feel the earth tremble beneath you feet so be careful around the edges, as they may be slippery. Then we continue our trip through the desert highlands of Modrudalur to the village of Egilsstadir, on the banks of Lake Logurinn, in the center of eastern Iceland. Overnight in 4* hotel in Egilsstadir. Driving distance approximately 340 km.

 

 

Day 5: Egilsstadir The East Fjords to Hofn.

Today's journey takes us south through the sheltered East Fjords and their small fishing village. We visit and sightseeing (tour) the villages of Reydarfjordur and Faskrudsfjordur before we arrive in Stodvarfjordur where you visit Petra's famous stone collection (entrance included). Next we drive, visit and sightseeing tour of Breiddalsvik and Djupivogur, onwards to Iceland's southeast region to the village of Hofn. Overnight at 4* hotel in Hofn. Driving distance approximately 270 km.

 

 

Day 6: Hofn to Vik via Skatafell National Park, Waterfalls and Icebergs.

This is a day with views of some of the country's most spectacular landscapes. We start with a drive along the southern side of Vatnajokull, Europes largest ice-cap, to the glacial lagoon of Jokulsarlon, where we will sail out between the numerous icebergs that fill the lagoon (30-40 minute boat tour included). Next we explore Skatafell National Park, a breathtaking area right under Vatnajokull Glacier and known for its unique natural features. Many wild flower species thrive in the shelter of the birch forest found on the lower slopes of the mountains. Here you can choose between many different hiking trails through the park and visit beautiful waterfalls like Svartifoss (approximate 1.5 hour hike - 4 km round trip). From Skaftafell we continue over the Skeidararsandur black sand plains to Kirkjubaejarklaustur village and then on towards the village of Vik. In Kirkjubaejarklaustur we will stop at Dverghamrar, Dward Rocks, a peculiar and beautiful formations of columnar basalt thought to have been molded at the end of the Ice Age. Dverghamrar are a protected natural monument. When we reach Vik we can go for a stroll on the beach. The black sand beaches of the south coast are famous and you can take a walk on them in the little village of Vik and in Reynishverfi. We drive towards Dyrholaey, a 120 meter high bird cliff from which you can enjoy a unique view over Iceland's south coast. Dyrholaey is also one of Iceland's largest puffin colonies in the summer time. Overnight in 4* hotel in Vik. Driving distance approximately 280 km.

 

 

Day 7: Vik to Reykjavik via Landmannlaugar.

Today we start with a visit to the waterfalls Skogafoss, and pass through the Landmannlaugar Nature Preserve via route F208 and F225. Overnight in 4* hotel in Reykjavik. Driving distance approximately 150 km.

 

 

Day 8: Tour of Reykjavik and Depart for JFK.

Full day tour including city tour of Rekjavik and sightseeing visit to Prihnukagigur Volcano, Krisuvik Geothermal Area and Blue Lagoon, then onwards for evening overnight flight from Reykjavik with early morning arrival at JFK.

 

 

Tour pricing includes the following:

 

- International airfare from New York to Iceland round-trip in coach class as per the program.

- All PRIVATE ground transportation as per program.

- All transfers, sightseeing and excursion tours by private air-conditioned motor coach.

- Boat trip on Jokulsarlan Glacial Lagoon.

- Tour of Langjokull Glacier tunnel at Klaki Base.

- Private vehicle transportation to visit inside Landmannlaugar Nature Preserve.  

- All ice cave tour entrance fees.

- Comprehensive city tours as per program.

- Services of local English speaking guide.

- Entrance fees to all the places of visit.

- Deluxe / Superior First class 4 star hotel at all places.

- Buffet breakfast daily at the hotel.

- Daily three course dinner at hotel or restaurant.

- All meals vegetarian daily; (Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, or Mexican, where available).

- Two bottles of water per person per day in coach.

- All airport taxes and surcharges.