Day 1 – Depart the U.S. for Reykjavík, Iceland

Day 2 – Reykjavík and Selfoss

Arrive in Keflavik in the early morning and transfer to Reykjavík, Iceland’s capital to meet your tour leaders and have breakfast at a local restaurant. Enjoy a scenic drive east, stopping to view the geothermal exhibit at the Hellisheidi Power Plant. After reaching your hotel mid-afternoon, enjoy time to relax before this evening’s briefing on the journey ahead followed by a welcome dinner. (B,D)

Day 3 – Selfoss and Vik

This morning, visit the new Lava Centre, a multi-media, interactive exploration of Iceland’s geological forces, from volcanic eruptions to earthquakes. Stop to see two stunning waterfalls: Seljalandfoss, which tumbles nearly 200 feet over a rock hollow, and the legend-infused Skogafoss. Continue to lovely Vik, Iceland’s southernmost town. Enjoy time to have lunch on your own and meander through the town, known for its locally produced wool products. Take a walk along the black-sand beach at Reynisfjara, where coastal caves are lined with basalt columns and craggy sea stacks lie just off shore. On the way back to the hotel, see Solheimajokull, a “sliding” glacier that advanced rapidly in the 1990s. (B)

Day 4 – Akureyri and Lake Myvatn

Return to the airport in Keflavik this morning for the one-hour flight to Akureyri, Iceland’s “northern capital.” Travel overland to Lake Myvatn, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape of lunar-like lava fields and volcanic craters. Learn about the area’s “pseudocraters,” and walk among boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles at Namaskard. Learn the folklore behind the otherworldly lava formations at Dimmuborgir, and see the lake within the explosion crater at Viti, part of the Krafla volcano system. (B,D)

Day 5 – Husavik and Vatnajokull National Park

This morning, travel to Husavik and depending on the season, embark on a bird-watching cruise to Puffin Island, home to puffins, black guillemots, fulmars, and Arctic terns for part of the years; or take a whale-watching cruise to look for minke, humpback, and blue whales. This afternoon, visit Vatnajoküll National Park, a recently established park that encompasses Europe’s largest ice cap. Venture into the impressive canyon of Asbyrgi to see a hoof-shaped rock called “The Island.” Then, traverse Hljodaklettar Echo Cliffs, a the labyrinth of unusual basalt formations with that create unique acoustics. End your tour at Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Akureyri and Siglufjordur

Admire the curved waterfall of Godafoss this morning. When Iceland became a Christian country 1,000 years ago, a priest threw idols of Norse gods into the falls, which were known as Godafoss, the “waterfall of the gods” thereafter. Return to Akureyri, and enjoy free time to explore and have lunch on your own. Continue to Siglufjordur for a visit to the unique Herring and Maritime Museum. Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner tonight. (B,D)

Day 7 – Northern Iceland and Húsafell

Travel southwest today, passing through more incredible natural scenery. Stop to visit Glaumbaer, a folk museum featuring authentic turf houses, and see the small and sturdy Iceland horses at a farm in Gauksmyri. Enjoy the scenic vista at Grabrok Crater, visit the thermal areas of Deildartunguhver, and view Hraunfossar Falls before checking in to your hotel. (B,D)

Day 8 – Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Discover the windswept beauty of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula today. Begin with a walk along the shell-sand beach at the abandoned fishing village of Budir, surrounded by a vast lava field. Watch for thousands of nesting seabirds on the cliffs, caves, and bizarre rock formations of Arnarstapi. After lunch at a rustic seaside restaurant, stroll the black-pebble beach at Djupalonssandur and see the haunting remains of a shipwreck still scattered along the coast. (B,L,D)

Day 9 – The Golden Circle and Reykjavík

Travel south to the sites of the famed Golden Circle. Visit Thingvellir National Park, important historically as the meeting place of the ancient parliament—founded here in A.D. 930—and geologically as it straddles the fissure between the North American and European tectonic plates. Next, witness the two-tiered, “golden” waterfall known as Gullfoss, and watch for the frequent eruptions of the Strokkur Geyser at Geyser. Continue to Reykjavík for a visit to the interactive glacier exhibit at Perlan, a state-of-the-art museum with an onsite ice cave. Meet with a local expert before dinner on your own tonight. (B,L)

Day 10 – Reykjavík

Set out on a morning tour of the highlights of the Icelandic capital. The remainder of today is yours to discover Reykjavík as you wish. You’ll have the opportunity to take an optional tour to the Blue Lagoon for a therapeutic soak. Tonight, celebrate your journey at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 11 – Depart for the U.S.

Depart for the airport in time for your flight home. (B)