Expedition Overview
Expedition Overview
- Spot puffins and other seabirds in the Westfjords, and take a thrilling walk behind a waterfall.
- Go spelunking in a massive cave system, and hike to the top of a stunning waterfall.
- Set out on horseback and find out what makes Iceland's horses a unique and cherished breed.
- Hear riveting tales of elves, ghosts, and sea monsters from Iceland’s rich folklore tradition as you hike beneath a glacier-topped volcano.
Itinerary
Itinerary
With simmering volcanoes and spouting geysers, glaciers and icebergs, and deeply carved fjords, Iceland is a land where geology comes to life. Discover these extreme landscapes as a family, venturing into ancient caves, cruising to islands buzzing with birdlife, and taking a dip in burbling hot springs. Learn about pirates, sea monsters, and the island’s rich mythology, and enjoy time to get to know native Icelanders—from artisans and storytellers to local families and kids.
Arrive in Iceland early and stop for a dip in the Blue Lagoon, a perfect introduction to Iceland’s geothermal landscape. Explore the lagoon’s volcanic origins and learn about the curative powers of its naturally heated seawater. Check in to your Reykjavík hotel and enjoy lunch on your own. During an afternoon walking tour, photograph colorfully painted houses and the immense Hallgrímskirkja Church, or delve into Viking history at the Reykjavík City Museum's Settlement Exhibition. During our Kid to Kid Connection, young travelers will have the opportunity to make friends with local Icelandic children as they gather to explore the Whale Museum together, in addition to learning about one another's daily lives and cultures.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina
Travel to Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the rift valley between the Eurasian and the North American tectonic plates. Against a backdrop of mountains and a wildflower-dotted lava plain stands the ancient stone site of the Althing, the world’s oldest and still-governing legislative assembly. Savor lunch at a local farm, complete with homemade ice cream then continue to the geothermal wonderland of Geysir, where the Strokkur geyser shoots hot water 90 feet in the air. At Gullfoss, or “Golden Falls,” take a spectacular ridge-top hike to witness the powerful force of the Hvítá River as it drops nearly 100 feet in two voluminous cascades.
Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Marina
This morning, fly to the Westfjords Peninsula and discover a pristine landscape of fjords and fishing villages tucked into tiny harbors. Set off on a guided walk through Ísafjörður, meeting locals and learning about the history of the peninsula at the Westfjords Heritage Museum. After lunch at a traditional fish storehouse, take a boat trip to the island of Vigur, home to thousands of seabirds. Taste traditional treats with a local family at their 19th-century farmstead and return to Ísafjörður for dinner.
Hotel Horn
Travel deeper into the fjord-laced heart of this wild and beautiful peninsula to Arnarfjörður and visit the tiny village of Hrafnseyri, the birthplace of Iceland’s national hero Jón Sigurðsson. Hike to the top of some of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls for extraordinary views and slip behind Göngufoss falls for a watery perspective on the world. Continue to Patreksfjörður, and meet with the Blakkur Rescue Squad to learn about their invaluable work in this rugged land.
Fosshótel Westfjords or Hotel West
Early this morning, head to the soaring Látrabjarg cliffs, Europe’s westernmost point and home to one of the largest colonies of nesting seabirds in Europe. Photograph fearless puffins and learn to identify kittiwakes, northern fulmars, Arctic terns, guillemots, auks, razorbills, and many more as the waves crash far below. Hop on a ferry at noon and arrive in Stykkishólmur on the Snæfellsjökull peninsula, and explore the world of volcanoes during a private tour of Stykkishólmur’s Eldfjallasafn Volcano Museum.
Hotel Egilsen
This afternoon, board a fishing boat to explore a few of the 2,500 rocky islets just off the coast and enjoy a sushi buffet straight from the sea. Or visit a traditional dairy farm and learn how the Icelandic yogurt, skyr, is made. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening.
Hotel Egilsen
Head into Snæfellsjökull National Park and listen to local folktales as we hike the Arnarstapi-Hellnar Trail, with striking views of unusual lava formations. Go spelunking in a lava-formed cave system to find a huge, secret cavern deep within the Earth. This afternoon, we make our way back to Rekyjavik and enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
This morning, saddle up for a ride on an Icelandic horse—a smaller, pony-sized species known for its smooth-as-silk gait—or relax in the nearby village of Hveragerði, with its bubbling and hissing geothermal site located in the center of town. Then transfer to the airport for your flight home.