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Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1557167
Iceland: Reykjavik to the Golden Circle
Take in this stunning island nation on an unforgettable journey that spans volcanic landscapes, thermal swimming pools and glacial rivers, ancient Viking sites and cosmopolitan Reykjavik, the world’s most northerly capital.
6 nights from $11,995 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Iceland: Reykjavik to the Golden Circle
DAY 1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Arrive in Reykjavik and transfer to your modern hotel in thecity center. Tonight, join fellow guests for a welcome dinner.
Spend the day exploring both the contemporary andtraditional sides of this cultured coastal capital. Start with avisit to the National Museum of Iceland, which tells the storyof Iceland’s founding through some 2,000 objects, includinga medieval ship of the type used to settle the island. Youthen visit Hallgrimskirkja Church, the city’s most prominentlandmark. Pause to take in the exterior of the Harpa, a cutting-edgeperformance center built in 2011. This award-winningstructure features a striking colored-glass façade designed toevoke Iceland’s basalt landscape. This afternoon, embark ona thrilling whale-watching boat ride. About 20 species, suchas blue whales, fin whales, minkes and humpbacks, each withits own characteristics and behaviors, visit Icelandic watersthroughout the year. Marvel as these magnificent giantssurface, sometimes within a few yards of your vessel, affordingyou an unforgettable, up-close wildlife encounter.
Thingvellir National Park is that rare locale that is significantboth as a scenic wonder and a cultural treasure: a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site where the Vikings established theworld’s first democratic parliament more than 1,000 yearsago. It’s also one of the few places you can straddle twocontinents at once, as the conjunction of the North Americanand Eurasian tectonic plates is exposed here. Next, visit theregularly erupting Strokkur Geyser and stunning Gullfoss,where milky green glacial water plummets down Iceland’smost famous waterfall. Tonight, check in to your luxuryretreat nestled in the wild Icelandic countryside, and raise atoast to the spectacular icy landscapes around you with anexhilarating Scenic Sundowner.
After breakfast, embark on a Super Jeep tour throughThorsmork (Valley of Thor), a vast nature reserve of snowypeaks, jade-green slopes and glacial rivers trickling throughdark volcanic earth. In a land already known for scenicbeauty, Thorsmork is a gem among gems, a paradise fortrekkers and photographers. Explore today with a skilleddriver-guide, who leads you along the trails and rivers whilediscussing the reserve’s history, geology and wildlife. Afterworking up an appetite in the great outdoors, stop in themidst of the wild for an al fresco barbecue lunch, takingin the fresh air and striking beauty of this rugged naturalsetting. Tonight, indulge in a Chef’s Table experience at yourhotel.
Today, witness majestic works of unchecked naturalpower, starting with the Urridafoss, the most voluminouswaterfall in Iceland, watching as it plummets down to thesprawling Thjorsarhraun lava field. Then, visit Selfoss,where the past intertwines seamlessly with the present, as35 meticulously restored historic buildings have over timetransformed into a bustling cultural hub. Inaugurated in2021, this center fuses avant-garde architecture with therich tapestry of Iceland’s heritage. Stop at the Old DairySelfoss food hall to savor contemporary Icelandic flavorsfor a delightful introduction to the nation’s evolving foodculture. Continue to the Skyrland exhibition to sample skyr,Iceland’s distinct superfood, and take in a multi-sensoryjourney encompassing visuals, aromas, and flavors related tothis Viking dairy delicacy. Afterward, view Kerid, a volcaniccrater lake. Its caldera is still intact and the lake never drainsout because it is at the level of the groundwater. Then, visitgreenhouse farmers at Fridheimar to learn how they growtomatoes year round using geothermal energy. Tonight,experience the diversity of Icelandic food as you enjoydinner in the greenhouse.
Return to Reykjavik and enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Embark on a Walking Foodie Tour of local markets and culinary hotspots to sample the best of Icelandic cuisine.
Thrill to the Icelandic Lava Show with VIP admission to safely view red-hot flowing lava up close.
Immerse Yourself in Geothermal Warmth as you sink into a natural hot tub in Sky Lagoon, overlooking the ocean.
Afterward, return to your hotel. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Enjoy breakfast before privately transferring to the airportfor your departing flight.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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