Nature prevails on this epic adventure in southern Iceland, where you will view the most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The sights include roaring waterfalls, rugged volcanically formed landscapes and ancient blue-tinted glaciers, one of which you will drive across in a monster truck. A soothing dip in a geothermally heated lagoon will offer an experience of an entirely different sort. Geological phenomena also dominate the landscape of Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site even better known as the setting for the world’s oldest parliament.
DAY 1
Today is devoted to an enlightening exploration of the south coast of Iceland. Be awed by the power of nature at a lava show, watch the pounding sea that has carved stunning rock formations at Black Beach and witness the majestic beauty of the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. You will also browse exhibits showcasing 19th-century rural life, culture and architecture at Skogar Folk Museum.
Later, you will enjoy a group dinner and spend a delightful evening in the Hotel Lóa in Hvolsvöllur.
Overnight at the Hotel Lóa or similar hotel.
DAY 2
Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will depart the south coast and travel inland to the Golden Circle, a spectacularly scenic route that loops from one natural wonder to another. As you drive through the countryside, you will visit the Geysir geothermal area – where the Strokkur geyser erupts every few minutes – ride a monster truck across Langjökull Glacier and behold the glacial golden waters of the Gullfoss cascade. You can also ease into the geothermally heated waters of the Laugarás Lagoon before continuing on to Thingvellir National Park, home to Iceland’s largest natural lake, Thingvallavatn.
Later, you will check in at the Hilton Nordica hotel in Reykjavik and spend the evening at your leisure.
Overnight at the Hilton Nordica Hotel or similar hotel.
DAY 3
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will head toward the rugged Reykjanes Peninsula, first stopping at Lake Kleifarvatn, renowned for its beauty and geological activity. Close by is the Seltún geothermal area with boiling mud pools and steaming hot springs.
At the Blue Lagoon, you will enjoy a unique bathing experience and lunch at the Lava restaurant.
The lava-scarred Reykjanes peninsula lies on one of the world’s major tectonic-plate boundaries, the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The Bridge Between Continents is a small footbridge over a major fissure that provides clear evidence of the presence of the diverging plate margin. The bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America.
The picturesque Gardskagaviti lighthouse sits on the tip of the peninsula. The Danish built the beacon in 1897, although it has since been replaced by another lighthouse close by.
You will also stop at the Viking World Museum, which houses an authentic 9th-century Viking ship and features all sorts of exhibitions about the Viking Age.
After visiting, you will check into the Park Inn by Radisson in Reykjanesbær and spend the evening.
The hospitality desk will be available for an hour after check-in to advise on private transfers to the airport.
Overnight at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel or similar hotel.
DAY 4
After breakfast and check-out at the hotel, a private transfer will take you to the Keflavik International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.
Land Program Step by Step
The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
DAY 1
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
8:00am Disembark the ship, locate luggage and meet guide in front of the terminal
9:00am Drive towards Seljalandsfoss waterfall
10:30am Comfort stop in the town of Hella
11:20am View Seljalandsfoss waterfall
12:00pm Drive to the town of Vík
12:50pm Lunch at Súpufélagið
2:00pm Lava show in Vík
3:00pm Drive to Reynisfjara, The Black Beach
3:15pm Visit the Black Beach
4:00pm Drive to Skogar Folk Museum
4:30pm Browse Skogar Folk Museum
6:00pm View Skogafoss waterfall
6:30pm Depart for the Hotel Lóa in Hvolsvöllur
7:15pm Arrive at the Hotel Lóa
8:00pm Group dinner at the Hotel Lóa
Overnight at the Hotel Lóa or similar hotel
DAY 2
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel and check-out
9:00am Depart for the Geysir geothermal area
10:15am Visit the Geysir geothermal area
10:45am Lunch buffet at the Geysir Glíma restaurant
11:45am Drive toward Gullfoss waterfall
12:00pm Sleipnir Glacial Monster Truck tour
3:00pm Gullfoss waterfall viewing
3:30pm Drive to Laugarás Lagoon
4:10pm Visit Laugarás Lagoon
5:40pm Drive to Þingvellir National Park
6:30pm Exlore Þingvellir National Park
5:45pm Departing for the hotel
7:30pm Arrival at the Hilton Nordica Hotel in Reykjavik
Overnight at the Hilton Nordica Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
7:00am Breakfast and hotel check-out
9:00am Depart for the Reykjanes Peninsula
10:00am Photo stop at Lake Kleifarvatn
10:25am Seltún geothermal area
11:25am Blue Lagoon experience
1:25pm Lunch at Lava restaurant
2:55pm Continue driving the Reykjanes Peninsula
3:25pm Visit the Bridge Between Continents
3:45pm Drive to Garðskagaviti Lighthouse
4:00pm Photo stop at Garðskagaviti Lighthouse
4:15pm Drive to Viking World Museum
4:45pm Visit Viking World Museum
5:45pm Drive to the Park Inn Hotel
6:05pm Check in at the hotel
Overnight at the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
Timing Itinerary & Points of Interest
AM Breakfast is available between 7:00am and 10:00am
11:00am Hotel check out
TBA Departure transfers to Keflavik airport 2.5 hours prior to your flight
*For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at the hotel
General Information
Electricity:
European standard 220 volts. Bring your own travel adaptor for electric devices.
Expected Weather:
The weather can be extremely unpredictable. June, July and August are summer months when it is bright almost all day and night. The longest days of the year are in June, during which the sun doesn’t set for weeks.
The average temperature in June is 48°F / 9°C
The average temperature in July is 51°F / 10.7°C
The average temperature in August is 56°F / 13°C
What to Bring:
Warm layered clothing such as thermals, fleece jackets and sturdy shoes.
Currency:
The currency is the Icelandic Krona. However, many businesses accept EUR, GBP and USD bills only. No coins or change are given back in ISK.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A valid passport with six months remaining until the expiration date is required for entry. Please check with your local embassy for any entry requirements for your nationality.
Vaccination & Health Regulations:
Guests are responsible for confirming up-to-date vaccination requirements directly with their local embassy or health authority. Please note that visa and vaccination costs are not included in the price of this program.
Hotel Address & Contact:
Hotel Lóa
Austurvegur,19, Hvolsvollur, Southern Region 860
Telephone: +354 547 1400
Hilton Nordica by Berjaya Hotels
Sudurlandsbraut 2, Reykjavík 108
Telephone: +354 444 5000
Park Inn Hotel by Radisson
Hafnargata 57, Keflavik, Southern Peninsula 230
Telephone: +354 421 5222
Please Note: In the event of unforeseen circumstances, an alternative hotel may be arranged. Any substitute accommodation will match the original in both rating and quality. You will be informed of any changes prior to your departure. If no such notification is provided, your stay will proceed at the hotel specified in this program.
Program Includes:
?1 night at the Hotel Lóa or similar hotel – Standard room including breakfast
?1 night at the Hilton Nordica or similar hotel - Standard room including breakfast
?1 night at the Park Inn or similar hotel - Standard room including breakfast
?Three lunches with one drink
?1 dinner with one drink
?Touring and entrance fees per itinerary
Program Excludes:
?Meals or beverages not listed above
?Personal expenses
?Gratuities for drivers and guides
?Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. This program is not recommended for guests who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooters. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to carefully assess their personal physical capabilities and stamina. Participants must be able to independently board and disembark from transportation, including motor coaches, and should be accompanied by an able-bodied companion if assistance is needed. Guests who choose to use independent transportation or wheelchair services provided by third-party companies may do so at their own risk and responsibility. We encourage guests to contact the cruise line in advance to discuss any specific mobility-related questions or concerns before booking this program. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Booking, Pricing & Cancelation:
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. No refunds or partial refunds will be issued for any unused portion of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, missed transfers, accommodations, guided tours, meals, or activities. All venues, hotel stays, tour guides, and logistical services are secured and pre-paid well in advance to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.
