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Iceland Sample Itinerary (TCA-ID1)
(12 days/11 nights)

Remember: this is a sample itinerary based on our recommended highlights for a trip of this length. We have years of experience sending people to Iceland and so should you have differing interests or more time we are ready and able to create your own tailored itinerary.

• Dramatic scenery: Fjords, glaciers & craters!
• Whales & Birds
• Viking Heritage
• Freedom & Flexibility

Day 1 - REYKJAVIK: On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to the capital city of Reykjavik. Gather supplemental information from our local representative. Afternoon at leisure. Explore this manageable city on foot and dine at one of many excellent restaurants.

Day 2 (~200km) - THE GOLDEN CIRCLE (B): Get your car this morning (3 levels of car type to choose from; see pricing on P. 2). Over the next 10 days you’ll circumnavigate Iceland, averaging just over 200km each day. You should have lots of time to take in the natural splendour of your surroundings.

Drive to the Hvolsvollur area. See some of the Iceland’s best-known natural phenomena: Pingvellir National Park (where parliament was founded in 930AD), Gullfoss waterfall (the Golden Waterfall, 32m drop into a narrow canyon) the great Geysir, and Kerio, a 55m deep volcanic crater that formed over 3000 years ago.

Day 3 (~180km) - ROCKS, WATERFALLS, and a BLACK BEACH (B): Drive to the town of Kirkjubaejarklaustur. See waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss), the rock formations of Dyrholaey (a rock arch jutting into the sea and home to a huge bird colony), the sea stacks called Reynisdrangar (where you may see puffins), and the black sand beach south of Vik, Iceland’s southernmost village.

Day 4 (~200km) - THE GREAT GLACIER (B): Start the day at Skaftafell National Park (interesting hiking trails, including a short hike to the beautiful Svartifoss waterfall). Continue to the glacial lagoon Jokulsarlon, where you can take a thrilling boat ride between the bergs formed by the calving glacier (payable locally). End your day at the tiny fishing village of Hofn.

Day 5 (~250km) - FJORDS (B): Traverse the eastern fjords to Egilssatoir area. On the way, stop at Lake Lagerfljot, said to be home to a lake monster!

Day 6 (~166km) - LAKE MYVATN (B): Drive to one of Iceland’s largest lakes in an area of staggering scenery, including views from the 410m high Namaskard pass, volcanic craters, lava fields and bubbling mud flats. Enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs at Myvatn Natur Bath (admission included).

Day 7 (~185km) - LAKE MYVATN & AREA (B): Explore Asbyrgi Canyon, an enormous horseshoe shaped depression flanked by 100m high cliffs. Nearby is Dettifoss, the most powerful waterfall in Europe with a drop of some 44m into a canyon. Return to the Myvatn area for the overnight stay.

Day 8 (~103km) - WATERFALL OF THE GODS (B): Drive to Akureyri, known as the ‘capital of the north’. On the way, stop at Godafoss - the waterfall of the Gods. The drive is very short today, so you can relax in Akureyri, a town of 17,000+ people.

Day 9 (~391km) - GEOLOGICAL MYSTERIES (B): Drive past the peculiar hill formations of Vatnsdalholar, the canyon waterfall of Kilugljufur, and visit the Glaumbaer folk museum, where you can learn about local culture. You’ll stay in the Stykkisholmur area on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

Day 10 (~190km) - OCEAN VIEWS (B): Experience the unique Snaefellsjokull Glacier (believed by many to have healing powers) and its surrounding National Park. Guided walks and snowmobile tours are available. Marine wildlife lovers may go whale watching from Olafsvik. (Note: whale watching is also possible from Reykjavik. Season April-October. “Best time”: June-August. Fee: ISK5500).

Day 11 (~275km) - to REYKJAVIK (B):Visit the largest hot spring in Europe in the Borgarfjorur valley, drive inland to look at one of Iceland’s largest lava tube caves (Surtshellir), and as you approach Reykjavik you’ll see Hvalfjordur fjord.

Day 12 - HOMEWARD (B): Take the FlyBus transfer service to the airport.

starting/ending Reykjavik; adult, per person sharing

*In an effort to avoid currency fluctuations, prices are in US Dollars. Valid as of Feb. 25, 2010 and subject to change.

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